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Li T, Xu X, Guo M, Guo J, Nakayama K, Ren Z, Zhang L. Identification of a Macrophage marker gene signature to evaluate immune infiltration and therapeutic response in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31881. [PMID: 38845876 PMCID: PMC11154631 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Only a minority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients can benefit from systemic regimens. Macrophages, which abundantly infiltrate in HCC, could mediate tumour microenvironment remodelling and immune escape, proving to be powerful weapons in combating HCC. Thus, a deeper understanding of macrophages is necessary for improving existing antitumour treatments. Methods With a series of bioinformatic approaches, we comprehensively explored the role of macrophage-related genes in human HCCs from multiple single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing datasets. Unsupervised clustering was performed to cluster the macrophage marker genes (MMGs). GSVA and functional enrichment analysis were used to elucidate the functional differences among the MMG-associated clusters. Subsequently, a component analysis algorithm was used to construct a Macrosig score, and the prognosis, biological characteristics, mutation profile, TME cell infiltration status and drug response of patients with different Macrosig scores were further analysed. Results We identified 13 MMGs in 574 HCC samples, based on which three MMG-associated clusters were defined. Overall survival time, clinicopathological features and immune infiltration scores differed among the different clusters. On this basis, 12 hub genes were identified among these clusters; subsequently, a scoring system was constructed to determine the Macrosig score. Importantly, patients with low-Macrosig scores, characterized by increased immune infiltration, increased mutation frequency and increased immune checkpoint expression, including CTLA-4, LAG3, PDCD1 and TIGIT, exhibited enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy when validated in an external database. Moreover, a low-Macrosig score indicates increased sensitivity to AZD.2281, A.443654, ABT.263, ABT.888, AG.014699 and ATRA, while a high Macrosig score indicates increased sensitivity to AZD6482, AKT inhibitor VIII, AS601245, AZ628, AZD.0530 and AZD6244. Conclusions A novel scoring system was constructed to guide more effective prognostic evaluation and tailoring therapeutic regimens for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Xuhui Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengzhou Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Xuhui Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kiyoko Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Ali E, Červenková L, Pálek R, Ambrozkiewicz F, Hošek P, Daum O, Liška V, Hemminki K, Trailin A. Prognostic role of macrophages and mast cells in the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma after resection. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:142. [PMID: 38287290 PMCID: PMC10823625 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11904-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic significance of mast cells and different phenotypes of macrophages in the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following resection is unclear. We aimed in this study to assess the local distribution of infiltrating macrophages and mast cells of specific phenotypes in tissues of HCC and to evaluate their prognostic values for survival of post-surgical patients. METHODS The clinicopathological and follow-up data of 70 patients with HCC, who underwent curative resection of tumor from 1997 to 2019, were collected. The infiltration of CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages and CD117+ mast cells was assessed immunohistochemically in representative resected specimens of HCC and adjacent tissues. The area fraction (AF) of positively stained cells was estimated automatically using QuPath image analysis software in several regions, such as tumor center (TC), inner margin (IM), outer margin (OM), and peritumor (PT) area. The prognostic significance of immune cells, individually and in associations, for time to recurrence (TTR), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS High AF of CD68+ macrophages in TC and IM and high AF of mast cells in IM and PT area were associated with a longer DFS. High AF of CD163+ macrophages in PT area correlated with a shorter DFS. Patients from CD163TChigh & CD68TClow group had a shorter DFS compared to all the rest of the groups, and cases with CD163IMlow & CD68IMhigh demonstrated significantly longer DFS compared to low AF of both markers. Patients from CD68IMhigh & CD163PTlow group, CD117IMhigh & CD163PTlow group, and CD117PThigh & CD163PTlow group had a significantly longer DFS compared to all other combinations of respective cells. CONCLUSIONS The individual prognostic impact of CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages and mast cells in the microenvironment of HCC after resection depends on their abundance and location, whereas the cumulative impact is built upon combination of different cell phenotypes within and between regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa Ali
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Červenková
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Prague, 10000, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Pálek
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 80, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Ambrozkiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Hošek
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Daum
- Sikl's Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Teaching Hospital in Plzen, Charles University, Edvarda Beneše 13, Pilsen, 30599, Czech Republic
- Bioptická Laboratoř s.r.o, Mikulášské Nám. 4, Pilsen, 32600, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Liška
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 80, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andriy Trailin
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic.
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Zhang X, Yu C, Zhao S, Wang M, Shang L, Zhou J, Ma Y. The role of tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma progression: A narrative review. Cancer Med 2023; 12:22109-22129. [PMID: 38098217 PMCID: PMC10757104 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6717] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, with complex etiology and mechanism, and a high mortality rate. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important part of the HCC tumor microenvironment. Studies in recent years have shown that TAMs are involved in multiple stages of HCC and are related to treatment and prognosis in HCC. The specific mechanisms between TAMs and HCC are gradually being revealed. This paper reviews recent advances in the mechanisms associated with TAMs in HCC, concentrating on an overview of effects of TAMs on drug resistance in HCC and the signaling pathways linked with HCC, providing clues for the treatment and prognosis determination of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Siqi Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Min Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Longcheng Shang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yong Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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Huang J, Wu Q, Geller DA, Yan Y. Macrophage metabolism, phenotype, function, and therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). J Transl Med 2023; 21:815. [PMID: 37968714 PMCID: PMC10652641 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pivotal role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the initiation and advancement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is widely acknowledged, as it fosters the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. Within the intricate TME of HCC, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent a significant constituent of non-malignant cells. TAMs engage in direct communication with cancer cells in HCC, while also exerting influence on other immune cells to adopt a tumor-supportive phenotype that facilitates tumor progression. Among the multifaceted mechanisms at play, the metabolic reprogramming of both tumor cells and macrophages leads to phenotypic alterations and functional modifications in macrophages. This comprehensive review elucidates the intricate interplay between cellular metabolism and macrophage phenotype/polarization, while also providing an overview of the associated signaling molecules and potential therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingquan Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiulin Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - David A Geller
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Yihe Yan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
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Zhang Q, Liu J, Lin H, Lin B, Zhu M, Li M. Glucose metabolism reprogramming promotes immune escape of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:519-536. [PMID: 37455832 PMCID: PMC10344893 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex process that plays an important role in its progression. Abnormal glucose metabolism in HCC cells can meet the nutrients required for the occurrence and development of liver cancer, better adapt to changes in the surrounding microenvironment, and escape the attack of the immune system on the tumor. There is a close relationship between reprogramming of glucose metabolism and immune escape. This article reviews the current status and progress of glucose metabolism reprogramming in promoting immune escape in liver cancer, aiming to provide new strategies for clinical immunotherapy of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jinchen Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570216, Hainan Province, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570216, Hainan Province, China
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570102, Hainan Province, China
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Charles J, Vrionis A, Mansur A, Mathias T, Shaikh J, Ciner A, Jiang Y, Nezami N. Potential Immunotherapy Targets for Liver-Directed Therapies, and the Current Scope of Immunotherapeutics for Liver-Related Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092624. [PMID: 37174089 PMCID: PMC10177356 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, is increasing in incidence and mortality across the globe. An improved understanding of the complex tumor microenvironment has opened many therapeutic doors and led to the development of novel pharmaceuticals targeting cellular signaling pathways or immune checkpoints. These interventions have significantly improved tumor control rates and patient outcomes, both in clinical trials and in real-world practice. Interventional radiologists play an important role in the multidisciplinary team given their expertise in minimally invasive locoregional therapy, as the bulk of these tumors are usually in the liver. The aim of this review is to highlight the immunological therapeutic targets for primary liver cancers, the available immune-based approaches, and the contributions that interventional radiology can provide in the care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Charles
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Andrea Vrionis
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Arian Mansur
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Trevor Mathias
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jamil Shaikh
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
- Department of Radiology, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida Health, Tampa General Cir, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
| | - Aaron Ciner
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nariman Nezami
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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7
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Yao M, Liang S, Cheng B. Role of exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma and the regulation of traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1110922. [PMID: 36733504 PMCID: PMC9886889 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1110922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually occurs on the basis of chronic liver inflammatory diseases and cirrhosis. The liver microenvironment plays a vital role in the tumor initiation and progression. Exosomes, which are nanometer-sized membrane vesicles are secreted by a number of cell types. Exosomes carry multiple proteins, DNAs and various forms of RNA, and are mediators of cell-cell communication and regulate the tumor microenvironment. In the recent decade, many studies have demonstrated that exosomes are involved in the communication between HCC cells and the stromal cells, including endothelial cells, macrophages, hepatic stellate cells and the immune cells, and serve as a regulator in the tumor proliferation and metastasis, immune evasion and immunotherapy. In addition, exosomes can also be used for the diagnosis and treatment HCC. They can potentially serve as specific biomarkers for early diagnosis and drug delivery vehicles of HCC. Chinese herbal medicine, which is widely used in the prevention and treatment of HCC in China, may regulate the release of exosomes and exosomes-mediated intercellular communication. In this review, we summarized the latest progresses on the role of the exosomes in the initiation, progression and treatment of HCC and the potential value of Traditional Chinese medicine in exosomes-mediated biological behaviors of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Yao
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University (The Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University (The Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University (The Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China,Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University (The Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Binbin Cheng,
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Zheng SS, Wu YF, Zhang BH, Huang C, Xue TC. A novel myeloid cell marker genes related signature can indicate immune infiltration and predict prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: Integrated analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1118377. [PMID: 36959981 PMCID: PMC10027926 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1118377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells are physiologically related to innate immunity and inflammation. Tumor-associated myeloid cells gained increasing interest because of their critical roles in tumor progression and anticancer immune responses in human malignancies. However, the associations between tumor-associated myeloid cell-related genes and hepatocellular carcinoma have yet to be revealed. Here, through the integrating analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing of public HCC samples, we developed a gene signature to investigate the role of HCC-specific myeloid signature genes in HCC patients. We firstly defined 317 myeloid cell marker genes through analyzing scRNA data of HCC from the GEO dataset. After selecting the differentially expressed genes, eleven genes were also proved prognostic. Then we built a gene signature from the TCGA cohort and verified further with the ICGC dataset by applying the LASSO Cox method. An eight genes signature (FABP5, C15orf48, PABPC1, TUBA1B, AKR1C3, NQO1, AKR1B10, SPP1) was achieved finally. Patients in the high risk group correlated with higher tumor stages and poor survival than those in the low-risk group. The risk score was proved to be an independent risk factor for prognosis. The high risk group had higher infiltrations of dendritic cells, macrophages and Tregs. And the APC co-inhibition, T cell co-inhibition pathways were also activated. Besides, the risk score positively correlated with multidrug resistance proteins. In conclusion, our myeloid cell marker genes related signature can predict patients' survival and may also indicate the levels of immune infiltration and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Su Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Cancer Therapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Xiamen Branch), Xiamen, China
| | - Yan-Fang Wu
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Cancer Therapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Xiamen Branch), Xiamen, China
| | - Bo-Heng Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Cancer Therapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Xiamen Branch), Xiamen, China
- The Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, The Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Center for Evidence-based Medicine, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Huang, ; Tong-Chun Xue,
| | - Tong-Chun Xue
- The Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, The Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Huang, ; Tong-Chun Xue,
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Huang J, Xu S, Yu Z, Zheng Y, Yang B, Ou Q. ATP13A2 is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlates with Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 27:56-66. [PMID: 36127552 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-021-05099-7] [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: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the expression and role of ATPase cation transporting 13A2 (ATP13A2) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and prognosis. METHODS The level of ATP13A2 in 63 HCC tissues was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Then, the prognostic value of ATP13A2 for HCC was explored. GO and KEGG pathway enrichments were performed to predict ATP13A2-mediated biological functions. Besides, the correlations between ATP13A2 and key regulators involved in cell cycle and metastasis, the status of different tumor-infiltrating immune cells was investigated. RESULTS ATP13A2 was frequently upregulated in 63 HCC tissues relatively to matched non-tumor tissues. The level of ATP13A2 significantly correlated with tumor stage and tumor grade. HCC patients with higher levels of ATP13A2 had a worse prognosis. Moreover, multivariate survival analysis supported ATP13A2 to be an independent prognostic factor for HCC. GO and KEGG analysis indicated a potential role of ATP13A2 on regulating cell cycle, metastasis, and immune infiltrates. Especially, the level of ATP13A2 was positively correlated with CCNB1, CCND3, CDC25B, CDK4, Vimentin, MMP9, MMP14, and LMNB2. A positive correlation was noticed between ATP13A2 and infiltration levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, monocytes, M2 macrophages, and exhausted T cells in HCC. CONCLUSION Upregulation of ATP13A2 is a common feature as well as an independent prognostic biomarker for HCC. ATP13A2 are associated with key regulators involved in cell cycle, metastasis, and immune infiltrates in HCC, and may act as a potential immunotherapy target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlan Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Gene Diagnosis Research Center, Fujian medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
| | - Siyi Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Gene Diagnosis Research Center, Fujian medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yansong Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Gene Diagnosis Research Center, Fujian medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qishui Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China.
- Gene Diagnosis Research Center, Fujian medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, China.
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10
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Zhang M, Liu K, Zhang Q, Xu J, Liu J, Lin H, Lin B, Zhu M, Li M. Alpha fetoprotein promotes polarization of macrophages towards M2-like phenotype and inhibits macrophages to phagocytize hepatoma cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1081572. [PMID: 36911723 PMCID: PMC9995430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1081572] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) is a cancer biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC); however, its role in macrophage polarization and phagocytosis remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the correlation between AFP regulation of macrophage function and the possible regulatory mechanisms. Human mononuclear leukemia cells (THP-1) and monocytes from healthy donors were used to analyze the effect of AFP on the macrophages' phenotype and phagocytosis. THP-1 cells and healthy human donor-derived monocytes were polarized into M0 macrophages induced by phorbol ester (PMA), and M0 macrophages were polarized into M1 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). Interleukin-4(IL-4) and interleukin-13(IL-13) were used to induce M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages. Tumor-derived AFP(tAFP) stimulated M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibited M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells. The role of AFP in promoting macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibiting the M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells may be involved in activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. AFP could also enhanced the migration ability of macrophages and inhibited the apoptosis of HCC cells when co-cultured with M1-like macrophages. AFP is a pivotal cytokine that inhibits macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minni Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Junnv Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jinchen Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China.,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
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11
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Su Q, Li L, Li X, Li W, Zhang X, Dong Y, Han L, Wang D, Ran J. CD97 serves as a novel biomarker of immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:382. [PMID: 36464675 PMCID: PMC9721038 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02829-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD97 is the most widely expressed G protein-coupled receptor in the epidermal growth factor seven-span transmembrane family. It plays a vital role in cell adhesion, migration, and cell connection regulation. We explored the role of CD97 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We evaluated CD97 mRNA expression in HCC using TNMplot and the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The clinical prognostic significance of CD97 in HCC patients was evaluated by gene expression profiling interactive analysis, the Kaplan-Meier plotter, and the UALCAN database. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and CIBERSORT databases were used to analyze the relationships among CD97, genes positively related with CD97, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. RESULTS CD97 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and was associated with an adverse prognosis. CD97 and genes positively related with CD97 were positively correlated with the abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and strongly correlated with tumor-infiltrating macrophages (all r ≥ 0.513, P < 0.001). CD97 was positively correlated with M2 macrophage and tumor-associated macrophage markers (both r ≥ 0.464, P < 0.001). CD97 was found to be an immune-related gene in HCC and positively correlated with the TOX, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA4, and PD-1 immune checkpoint genes. CD97 copy number alterations affect the level of immune cell infiltration and mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS CD97 can be used as a potential molecular marker of prognosis in HCC, which is associated with immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuming Su
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Lu Li
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Xiaokai Li
- grid.414902.a0000 0004 1771 3912Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunnan Province China
| | - Wang Li
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Xibing Zhang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Yun Dong
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Lei Han
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Duo Wang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Jianghua Ran
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
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12
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Li T, Lin X, Shen B, Zhang W, Liu Y, Liu H, Wang Y, Zheng L, Zhi F. Akkermansia muciniphila suppressing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis associated tumorigenesis through CXCR6 + natural killer T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1047570. [PMID: 36531991 PMCID: PMC9755844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1047570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Akkermansia muciniphila was reported to inhibit inflammation-associated cancer in the intestine. The anti-NASH ability of A. muciniphila has recently been found. Thus, we were to investigate whether supplementation of A. muciniphila could prevent NASH-associated HCC. Methods In a model we called STAM, male C57BL/6J mice were subcutaneously injected with 200 µg streptozotocin at 4 days after birth, and fed with high-fat diet at 4 weeks of age to induce NASH-associated HCC. Faeces from mice and patients with NASH-related HCC were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing. STAM mice were orally administered either saline or A. muciniphila twice a day starting at 4 or 10 weeks of age. The effects of A. muciniphila on the immune responses were also evaluated. Results Patients and mice with NASH-related HCC showed significantly reduced gut A. muciniphila in comparison to healthy controls. Administration of breast milk-isolated A. muciniphila (AM06) but not feces-isolated A. muciniphila (AM02) could improve NASH severity. Interestingly, breast milk-isolated A. muciniphila treatment suppressed the progression of NASH to HCC, accompanied with an increased hepatic CXCR6+ natural killer T (NKT) cell and decreased macrophage infiltration. The antitumor ability of A. muciniphila was not evident in NKT cell-deficient mice (CD1d-/- and CXCR6-/-). In vitro, A. muciniphila promoted the killing of hepG2 cells by NKT cells. Discussion Our study will provide the rationale for the application of A. muciniphila to treat NASH and for the prevention of its progression to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinlong Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binhai Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wujian Zhang
- Department of General Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Guangzhou ZhiYi Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Guangzhou ZhiYi Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijun Zheng
- Guangzhou ZhiYi Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Fachao Zhi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Huang H, Jiang J, Chen R, Lin Y, Chen H, Ling Q. The role of macrophage TAM receptor family in the acute-to-chronic progression of liver disease: From friend to foe? Liver Int 2022; 42:2620-2631. [PMID: 35900248 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic macrophages, the key cellular components of the liver, emerge as essential players in liver inflammation, tissue repair and subsequent fibrosis, as well as tumorigenesis. Recently, the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family, consisting of Tyro3, Axl and MerTK, was found to be a pivotal modulator of macrophages. Activation of macrophage TAM receptor signalling promotes the efferocytosis of apoptotic cells and skews the polarization of macrophages. After briefly reviewing the mechanisms of TAM receptor signalling in macrophage polarization, we focus on their role in liver diseases from acute injury to chronic inflammation, fibrosis and then to tumorigenesis. Notably, macrophage TAM receptor signalling seems to be a two-edged sword for liver diseases. On one hand, the activation of TAM receptor signalling inhibits inflammation and facilitates tissue repair during acute liver injury. On the other hand, continuous activation of the signalling contributes to the process of chronic inflammation into fibrosis and tumorigenesis by evoking hepatic stellate cells and inhibiting anti-tumour immunity. Therefore, targeting macrophage TAM receptors and clarifying its downstream pathways will be exciting prospects for the precaution and treatment of liver diseases, particularly at different stages or statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Huang
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Jiang
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruihan Chen
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yimou Lin
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Ling
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou, China
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14
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Harkus U, Wankell M, Palamuthusingam P, McFarlane C, Hebbard L. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in HCC: Cellular, molecular and systemic data. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:799-815. [PMID: 35065242 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in the world, and for patients with advanced disease there are few therapeutic options available. The complex immunological microenvironment of HCC and the success of immunotherapy in several types of tumours, has raised the prospect of potential benefit for immune based therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in HCC. This has led to significant breakthrough research, numerous clinical trials and the rapid approval of multiple systemic drugs for HCC by regulatory bodies worldwide. Although some patients responded well to ICIs, many have failed to achieve significant benefit, while others showed unexpected and paradoxical deterioration. The aim of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of HCC, the tumour microenvironment, key clinical trials evaluating ICIs in HCC, various resistance mechanisms to ICIs, and possible ways to overcome these impediments to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uasim Harkus
- Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Miriam Wankell
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine and Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Pranavan Palamuthusingam
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Mater Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Craig McFarlane
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine and Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Lionel Hebbard
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine and Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2145, Australia.
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15
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Wang Y, Peng B, Ning C, He S, Yang H, Mao Y, Sun L. Characterization of immune features and immunotherapy response in subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma based on mitophagy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:966167. [PMID: 36304466 PMCID: PMC9592915 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.966167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitophagy is suggested to be involved in tumor initiation and development; however, mitophagy heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its association with immune status and prognosis remain unclear. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using expression profiles acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Mitophagy-related subtypes were identified using the ConsensusClusterPlus software. The differences in prognosis, clinical characteristics, and immune status, including immune cell infiltration, immune function, immune-checkpoint gene expression, and response to immunotherapy, were compared between subtypes. A mitophagy-related gene signature was constructed by applying least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to the TCGA cohort. The International Cancer Genome Consortium cohort and the cohort from Peking Union Medical College Hospital were utilized for validation. Carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone was used to induce mitophagy in HCC cell lines to obtain our own mitophagy signature. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for the experimental validation of the expression of model genes. Two mitophagy-related subtypes with distinct prognoses, clinical characteristics, immune states, and biological function patterns were identified based on the mitophagy-related DEGs. The subtype that showed higher mitophagy-related DEG expression had worse survival outcomes, suppressed immune function, higher immune-checkpoint gene expression, and a better response to immunotherapy, indicating that this subpopulation in HCC may benefit from immune-checkpoint blockade therapy and other immunotherapies. A risk model consisting of nine mitophagy-related genes was constructed and its performance was confirmed in two validation cohorts. The risk score was an independent risk factor even when age, sex, and tumor stage were considered. Our study identified two distinct mitophagy subtypes and built a mitophagy signature, uncovering mitophagy heterogeneity in HCC and its association with immune status and prognosis. These findings shed light on the treatment of HCC, especially with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lejia Sun, ; Yanan Wang,
| | - Boshizhang Peng
- Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Ning
- Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuya He
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huayu Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yilei Mao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lejia Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Lejia Sun, ; Yanan Wang,
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16
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Transcriptome Reveals the Effects of Early Weaning on Lipid Metabolism and Liver Health of Yangtze Sturgeon ( Acipenser dabryanus). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810866. [PMID: 36142779 PMCID: PMC9504784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) has recently been declared extinct in the wild, and artificial breeding is the only means to protect its germplasm resources, but it has difficulty in weaning (from live prey to artificial food). In this study, we first performed a histological observation, enzyme-activity determination, and transcriptome sequencing on the livers of juvenile Yangtze sturgeons, and we then cloned five critical genes of lipid metabolism according to the transcriptome-sequencing results. We designed a weaning experiment to analyze their expression levels during weaning. The results showed that the density of hepatocytes and the transaminase activity of the juveniles failed to wean. The differentially expressed genes were enriched significantly in the pathways involving steroid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and pancreatic secretion. It was found that the mRNA level of the fatty acid-synthesis gene decreased, and the mRNA level of the lipolysis gene increased significantly during weaning. The results of this research indicated that weaning could affect the liver health of Yangtze sturgeon, and it could affect the liver lipid metabolism by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis and promoting lipolysis. This study enhances our understanding of the impact of weaning on the lipid metabolism in fish.
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17
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Wang PW, Lin TY, Yang PM, Yeh CT, Pan TL. Hepatic Stellate Cell Modulates the Immune Microenvironment in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810777. [PMID: 36142683 PMCID: PMC9503407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of increases in the mortality rate due to cancer that usually develops in patients with liver fibrosis and impaired hepatic immunity. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) may directly or indirectly crosstalk with various hepatic cells and subsequently modulate extracellular remodeling, cell invasion, macrophage conversion, and cancer deterioration. In this regard, the tumor microenvironment created by activated HSC plays a critical role in mediating pathogenesis and immune escape during HCC progression. Herein, intermediately differentiated human liver cancer cell line (J5) cells were co-cultured with HSC-conditioned medium (HSC-CM); changes in cell phenotype and cytokine profiles were analyzed to assess the impact of HSCs on the development of hepatoma. The stage of liver fibrosis correlated significantly with tumor grade, and the administration of conditioned medium secreted by activated HSC (aHSC-CM) could induce the expression of N-cadherin, cell migration, and invasive potential, as well as the activity of matrix metalloproteinases in J5 cells, implying that aHSC-CM could trigger the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Next, the HSC-CM was further investigated and network analysis indicated that specific cytokines and soluble proteins, such as activin A, released from activated HSCs could remarkably affect the tumor-associated immune microenvironment involved in macrophage polarization, which would, in turn, diminish a host’s immune surveillance and drive hepatoma cells into a more malignant phenotype. Together, our findings provide a novel insight into the integral roles of HSCs to enhance hepatocarcinogenesis through their immune-modulatory properties and suggest that HSC may serve as a potent target for the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Wen Wang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yi Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ming Yang
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33375, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Long Pan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33375, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-211-8800 (ext. 5105); Fax: +886-3-211-8700
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18
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Hu J, Yang L, Peng X, Mao M, Liu X, Song J, Li H, Chen F. METTL3 promotes m6A hypermethylation of RBM14 via YTHDF1 leading to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1838-1855. [PMID: 36087219 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00769-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Liver is a well-known immunological organ with unique microenvironment. In normal conditions, the rich immune-infiltrating cells cooperate with non-parenchymal cells, such as Kupffer cells (KCs). The presence of liver immunosuppressive microenvironment underlines the importance to dissect this interaction to understand how this cross-talk promotes tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the aim of the study here was to probe the role of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in the HCC progression and its effect on the polarization of KCs. KCs showed M2 polarization, and METTL3 was overexpressed in our collected HCC tissues relative to adjacent tissues. METTL3 depletion inhibited the M2 polarization of KCs, thereby reverting the malignant phenotype of HCC cells in vitro and growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, YTH domain-containing family protein 1 (YTHDF1) bound to RNA-binding protein 14 (RBM14), whereas METTL3 knockdown in KCs cells suppressed RBM14 expression by decreasing N-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation. Overexpression of RBM14 mitigated the anti-tumor effects of sh-METTL3 in vitro and in vivo. It is suggested that the mechanism of sh-METTL3 suppressing the polarization of KCs and the progression of HCC is to regulate the RBM14 expression via YTHDF1-dependent m6A modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Hu
- The Seventh Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 4, Donggu Road, Chonggu District, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Yang
- The Third Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- The Third Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghuan Mao
- Department of Urology Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- The Fifth Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Song
- Interventional Department, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Hangyu Li
- The Third Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fu Chen
- The Seventh Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 4, Donggu Road, Chonggu District, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Wang T, Dai L, Shen S, Yang Y, Yang M, Yang X, Qiu Y, Wang W. Comprehensive Molecular Analyses of a Macrophage-Related Gene Signature With Regard to Prognosis, Immune Features, and Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on WGCNA and the LASSO Algorithm. Front Immunol 2022; 13:843408. [PMID: 35693827 PMCID: PMC9186446 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages have been reported to exert a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to explore the macrophage-related genes and establish a macrophage-related signature (MRS) model to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with HCC based on these genes’ expression. We screened the macrophage-related gene module by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was utilized for further selection, and the selected genes were entered into stepwise regression to develop the MRS model, which was further validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets. We analyzed the biological phenotypes associated with macrophages in terms of functional enrichment, tumor immune signature, and tumor mutational signature. The patient’s response to immunotherapy was inferred by the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score, the immunophenotype score (IPS), and the IMvigor210 dataset. A novel MRS model was established based on the LASSO regression coefficients of the genes PON1, IL15RA, NEIL3, HILPDA, PFN2, HAVCR1, ANXA10, CDCA8, EPO, S100A9, TTK, KLRB1, SPP1, STC2, CYP26B1, GPC1, G6PD, and CBX2. In either dataset, MRS was identified as an independent risk factor for OS in HCC patients. Additionally, our research indicated that a high-risk score in the MRS model was significantly correlated with tumor staging, pathological grade, tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage, and survival. Several genes of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) family and immune checkpoints were highly expressed in the high-risk group. In addition, the frequency of tumor mutations was also higher in the high-risk group. According to our analyses, a higher risk score in the MRS model may predict a better response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liqun Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu Shen
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianwei Yang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiwen Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wentao Wang,
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20
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Millian DE, Saldarriaga OA, Wanninger T, Burks JK, Rafati YN, Gosnell J, Stevenson HL. Cutting-Edge Platforms for Analysis of Immune Cells in the Hepatic Microenvironment-Focus on Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1861. [PMID: 35454766 PMCID: PMC9026790 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. Most studies rely on platforms that remove intrahepatic macrophages from the microenvironment prior to evaluation. Cell isolation causes activation and phenotypic changes that may not represent their actual biology and function in situ. State-of-the-art methods provides new strategies to study TAMs without losing the context of tissue architecture and spatial relationship with neighboring cells. These technologies, such as multispectral imaging (e.g., Vectra Polaris), mass cytometry by time-of-flight (e.g., Fluidigm CyTOF), cycling of fluorochromes (e.g., Akoya Biosciences CODEX/PhenoCycler-Fusion, Bruker Canopy, Lunaphore Comet, and CyCIF) and digital spatial profiling or transcriptomics (e.g., GeoMx or Visium, Vizgen Merscope) are being utilized to accurately assess the complex cellular network within the tissue microenvironment. In cancer research, these platforms enable characterization of immune cell phenotypes and expression of potential therapeutic targets, such as PDL-1 and CTLA-4. Newer spatial profiling platforms allow for detection of numerous protein targets, in combination with whole transcriptome analysis, in a single liver biopsy tissue section. Macrophages can also be specifically targeted and analyzed, enabling quantification of both protein and gene expression within specific cell phenotypes, including TAMs. This review describes the workflow of each platform, summarizes recent research using these approaches, and explains the advantages and limitations of each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Millian
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (D.E.M.); (O.A.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Omar A. Saldarriaga
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (D.E.M.); (O.A.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Timothy Wanninger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Jared K. Burks
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Yousef N. Rafati
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Joseph Gosnell
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (D.E.M.); (O.A.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Heather L. Stevenson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (D.E.M.); (O.A.S.); (J.G.)
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21
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Chan LL, Chan SL. Novel Perspectives in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and the Management of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061526. [PMID: 35326677 PMCID: PMC8946632 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionised the systemic treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Although phase III trials, testing single agent nivolumab and pembrolizumab, failed to meet their primary endpoints, the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has demonstrated a remarkable objective response and unprecedented survival benefits, replacing sorafenib as the standard first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite these successes observed in immune checkpoint inhibitors in the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, not all patients responded to treatment, which has led to the search of risk factors and biomarkers that could predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Recent translational studies have begun to shed light on the impact of an underlying liver disease, namely NASH, which might affect the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In addition, antidrug-antibody and gene expression assays have demonstrated promises in predicting the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this article, we will provide an overview of the use of ICI in the management of advanced HCC, review the evidence that surrounds the recent controversy regarding NASH-HCC, and discuss potential biomarkers that predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon L. Chan
- Department of Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Stephen L. Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3505-2166
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22
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Aoki T, Nishida N, Kudo M. Current Perspectives on the Immunosuppressive Niche and Role of Fibrosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Development of Antitumor Immunity. J Histochem Cytochem 2022; 70:53-81. [PMID: 34751050 PMCID: PMC8721576 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211056853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become the mainstay of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, they are ineffective in some cases. Previous studies have reported that genetic alterations in oncogenic pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin are the important triggers in HCC for primary refractoriness. T-cell exhaustion has been reported in various tumors and is likely to play a prominent role in the emergence of HCC due to chronic inflammation and cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction. Immunosuppressive cells including regulatory T-cells and tumor-associated macrophages infiltrating the tumor are associated with hyperprogressive disease in the early stages of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. In addition, stellate cells and tumor-associated fibroblasts create an abundant desmoplastic environment by producing extracellular matrix. This strongly contributes to epithelial to mesenchymal transition via signaling activities including transforming growth factor beta, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hippo pathway. The abundant desmoplastic environment has been demonstrated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma to suppress cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, PD-L1 expression, and neoantigen expression, resulting in a highly immunosuppressive niche. It is possible that a similar immunosuppressive environment is created in HCC with advanced fibrosis in the background liver. Although sufficient understanding is required for the establishment of immune therapies of HCC, further investigations are still required in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Aoki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Naoshi Nishida
- Naoshi Nishida, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohno-higashi, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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23
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Wang C, Ma C, Gong L, Guo Y, Fu K, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Li Y. Macrophage Polarization and Its Role in Liver Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 12:803037. [PMID: 34970275 PMCID: PMC8712501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.803037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are important immune cells in innate immunity, and have remarkable heterogeneity and polarization. Under pathological conditions, in addition to the resident macrophages, other macrophages are also recruited to the diseased tissues, and polarize to various phenotypes (mainly M1 and M2) under the stimulation of various factors in the microenvironment, thus playing different roles and functions. Liver diseases are hepatic pathological changes caused by a variety of pathogenic factors (viruses, alcohol, drugs, etc.), including acute liver injury, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent studies have shown that macrophage polarization plays an important role in the initiation and development of liver diseases. However, because both macrophage polarization and the pathogenesis of liver diseases are complex, the role and mechanism of macrophage polarization in liver diseases need to be further clarified. Therefore, the origin of hepatic macrophages, and the phenotypes and mechanisms of macrophage polarization are reviewed first in this paper. It is found that macrophage polarization involves several molecular mechanisms, mainly including TLR4/NF-κB, JAK/STATs, TGF-β/Smads, PPARγ, Notch, and miRNA signaling pathways. In addition, this paper also expounds the role and mechanism of macrophage polarization in various liver diseases, which aims to provide references for further research of macrophage polarization in liver diseases, contributing to the therapeutic strategy of ameliorating liver diseases by modulating macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lihong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Honglin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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24
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Zheng S, Xie X, Guo X, Wu Y, Chen G, Chen X, Wang M, Xue T, Zhang B. Identification of a Pyroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Overall Survival and Response to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:789296. [PMID: 34925465 PMCID: PMC8678488 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.789296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a novel kind of cellular necrosis and shown to be involved in cancer progression. However, the diverse expression, prognosis and associations with immune status of pyroptosis-related genes in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have yet to be analyzed. Herein, the expression profiles and corresponding clinical characteristics of HCC samples were collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Then a pyroptosis-related gene signature was built by applying the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model from the TCGA cohort, while the GEO datasets were applied for verification. Twenty-four pyroptosis-related genes were found to be differentially expressed between HCC and normal samples. A five pyroptosis-related gene signature (GSDME, CASP8, SCAF11, NOD2, CASP6) was constructed according to LASSO Cox regression model. Patients in the low-risk group had better survival rates than those in the high-risk group. The risk score was proved to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS). The risk score correlated with immune infiltrations and immunotherapy responses. GSEA indicated that endocytosis, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis and regulation of autophagy were enriched in the high-risk group, while drug metabolism cytochrome P450 and tryptophan metabolism were enriched in the low-risk group. In conclusion, our pyroptosis-related gene signature can be used for survival prediction and may also predict the response of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susu Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China.,Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, The Chinese Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Medical School, The Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Xie
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China.,Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, The Chinese Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Medical School, The Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinkun Guo
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanfang Wu
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guobin Chen
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Meixia Wang
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tongchun Xue
- Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, The Chinese Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Medical School, The Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Boheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China.,Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, The Chinese Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Medical School, The Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Center for Evidence-based Medicine, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Xing R, Gao J, Cui Q, Wang Q. Strategies to Improve the Antitumor Effect of Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:783236. [PMID: 34899747 PMCID: PMC8660685 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.783236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most fatal malignancies in the world, is usually diagnosed in advanced stages due to late symptom manifestation with very limited therapeutic options, which leads to ineffective intervention and dismal prognosis. For a decade, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have offered an overall survival (OS) benefit when used in a first-line (sorafenib and lenvatinib) and second-line setting (regorafenib and cabozantinib) in advanced HCC, while long-term response remains unsatisfactory due to the onset of primary or acquired resistance. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapy in the treatment of several solid tumors, such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Moreover, as the occurrence of HCC is associated with immune tolerance and immunosurveillance escape, there is a potent rationale for employing immunotherapy in HCC. However, immunotherapy monotherapy, mainly including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that target checkpoints programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), has a relatively low response rate. Thus, the multi-ICIs or the combination of immunotherapy with other therapies, like antiangiogenic drugs and locoregional therapies, has become a novel strategy to treat HCC. Combining different ICIs may have a synergistical effect attributed to the complementary effects of the two immune checkpoint pathways (CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways). The incorporation of antiangiogenic drugs in ICIs can enhance antitumor immune responses via synergistically regulating the vasculature and the immune microenvironment of tumor. In addition, locoregional treatments can improve antitumor immunity by releasing the neoplasm antigens from killed tumor cells; in turn, this antitumor immune response can be intensified by immunotherapy. Therefore, the combination of locoregional treatments and immunotherapy may achieve greater efficacy through further synergistic effects for advanced HCC. This review aims to summarize the currently reported results and ongoing trials of the ICIs-based combination therapies for HCC to explore the rational combination strategies and further improve the survival of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xing
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinping Gao
- Department of Oncology, North War Zone General Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Cui
- Department of Cold Environmental Medicine, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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