1
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Santiago-Sánchez GS, Fabian KP, Hodge JW. A landscape of checkpoint blockade resistance in cancer: underlying mechanisms and current strategies to overcome resistance. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2308097. [PMID: 38306161 PMCID: PMC10841019 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2308097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints and the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved a durable response in advanced-stage cancer patients. However, there is still a high proportion of patients who do not benefit from ICI therapy due to a lack of response when first treated (primary resistance) or detection of disease progression months after objective response is observed (acquired resistance). Here, we review the current FDA-approved ICI for the treatment of certain solid malignancies, evaluate the contrasting responses to checkpoint blockade in different cancer types, explore the known mechanisms associated with checkpoint blockade resistance (CBR), and assess current strategies in the field that seek to overcome these mechanisms. In order to improve current therapies and develop new ones, the immunotherapy field still has an unmet need in identifying other molecules that act as immune checkpoints, and uncovering other mechanisms that promote CBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginette S. Santiago-Sánchez
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kellsye P. Fabian
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W. Hodge
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Pan B, Shen S, Zhao J, Zhang Z, Ye D, Zhang X, Yao Y, Luo Y, Wang X, Tang N. LAIR1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell metastasis and induces M2-macrophage infiltration through activating AKT-IKKβ-p65 axis. Mol Carcinog 2024. [PMID: 39016636 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
LAIR1, a receptor found on immune cells, is capable of binding to collagen and is involved in immune-related diseases. However, the precise contribution of LAIR1 expressed on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to tumor microenvironment is still unclear. In our study, bioinformatics analysis and immunofluorescence were employed to study the correlation between LAIR1 levels and clinical indicators. Transwell and scratch tests were used to evaluate how LAIR1 affected the migration and invasion of HCC cells. The chemotactic capacity and alternative activation of macrophages were investigated using RT-qPCR, transwell, and immunofluorescence. To investigate the molecular mechanisms, transcriptome sequencing analysis, Western blot, nucleus/cytoplasm fractionation, ELISA, and cytokine microarray were employed. We revealed a significant correlation between the presence of LAIR1 and an unfavorable outcome in HCC. We indicated that LAIR1 promoted migration and invasion of HCC cells through the AKT-IKKβ-p65 axis. Additionally, the alternative activation and infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages induced by LAIR1 were reliant on the upregulation of IL6 and CCL5 within this axis, respectively. In conclusion, blocking LAIR1 was found to be an effective approach in combating the cancerous advancement of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banglun Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuling Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dongjie Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Nanhong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Technology for Precision Medicine (Fujian Medical University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
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3
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Cao Y, Yi W, Zhu Q. Glycosylation in the tumor immune response: the bitter side of sweetness. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024. [PMID: 38946426 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation is the most structurally diverse form of post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins that affects a myriad of cellular processes. As a pivotal regulator of protein homeostasis, glycosylation notably impacts the function of proteins, spanning from protein localization and stability to protein-protein interactions. Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer, and extensive studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of glycosylation in tumor growth, migration, invasion and immune escape Over the past decade, glycosylation has emerged as an immune regulator in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we summarize the intricate interplay between glycosylation and the immune system documented in recent literature, which orchestrates the regulation of the tumor immune response through endogenous lectins, immune checkpoints and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the TME. In addition, we discuss the latest progress in glycan-based cancer immunotherapy. This review provides a basic understanding of glycosylation in the tumor immune response and a theoretical framework for tumor immunotherapy.
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4
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Dorando HK, Mutic EC, Tomaszewski KL, Tian L, Stefanov MK, Quinn CC, Veis DJ, Wardenburg JB, Musiek AC, Mehta-Shah N, Payton JE. LAIR1 prevents excess inflammatory tissue damage in S. aureus skin infection and Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.13.598864. [PMID: 38915487 PMCID: PMC11195265 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) experience high morbidity and mortality due to S. aureus skin infections and sepsis, but the causative immune defect is unclear. We previously identified high levels of LAIR2, a decoy protein for the inhibitory receptor LAIR1, in advanced CTCL. Mice do not have a LAIR2 homolog, so we used Lair1 knock-out (KO) mice to model LAIR2 overexpression. In a model of subcutaneous S. aureus skin infection, Lair1 KO mice had significantly larger abscesses and areas of dermonecrosis compared to WT. Lair1 KO exhibited a pattern of increased inflammatory responses in infection and sterile immune stimulation, including increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and myeloid chemokines, neutrophil ROS, and collagen/ECM remodeling pathways. Notably, Lair1 KO infected skin had a similar bacterial burden and neutrophils and monocytes had equivalent S. aureus phagocytosis compared to WT. These findings support a model in which lack of LAIR1 signaling causes an excessive inflammatory response that does not improve infection control. CTCL skin lesions harbored similar patterns of increased expression in cytokine and collagen/ECM remodeling pathways, suggesting that high levels of LAIR2 in CTCL recapitulates Lair1 KO, causing inflammatory tissue damage and compromising host defense against S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K. Dorando
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology
| | - Evan C. Mutic
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology
| | | | - Ling Tian
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology
| | - Mellisa K. Stefanov
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology
| | - Chaz C. Quinn
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology
| | - Deborah J. Veis
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Amy C. Musiek
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Neha Mehta-Shah
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Jacqueline E. Payton
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology
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5
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Konen JM, Wu H, Gibbons DL. Immune checkpoint blockade resistance in lung cancer: emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:520-536. [PMID: 38744552 PMCID: PMC11189143 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.006] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy works by inhibiting suppressive checkpoints that become upregulated after T cell activation, like PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. While the initial FDA approvals of ICB have revolutionized cancer therapies and fueled a burgeoning immuno-oncology field, more recent clinical development of new agents has been slow. Here, focusing on lung cancer, we review the latest research uncovering tumor cell intrinsic and extrinsic ICB resistance mechanisms as major hurdles to treatment efficacy and clinical progress. These include genomic and non-genomic tumor cell alterations, along with host and microenvironmental factors like the microbiome, metabolite accumulation, and hypoxia. Together, these factors can cooperate to promote immunosuppression and ICB resistance. Opportunities to prevent resistance are constantly evolving in this rapidly expanding field, with the goal of moving toward personalized immunotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Konen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Haoyi Wu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Don L Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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6
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Su H, Karin M. Multifaceted collagen-DDR1 signaling in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:406-415. [PMID: 37709651 PMCID: PMC10927612 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.08.003] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In addition to immune cells and fibroblasts, the tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises an extracellular matrix (ECM) which contains collagens (COLs) whose architecture and remodeling dictate cancer development and progression. COL receptors expressed by cancer cells sense signals generated by microenvironmental alterations in COL state to regulate cell behavior and metabolism. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a key sensor of COL fiber state and composition that controls tumor cell metabolism and growth, response to therapy, and patient survival. This review focuses on DDR1 to NRF2 signaling, its modulation of autophagy and macropinocytosis (MP), and its role in cancer and other diseases. Elucidating the regulation of DDR1 activity and expression under different pathophysiological conditions will facilitate the discovery of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Su
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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7
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Borst R, Meyaard L, Pascoal Ramos MI. Understanding the matrix: collagen modifications in tumors and their implications for immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:382. [PMID: 38659022 PMCID: PMC11040975 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors are highly complex and heterogenous ecosystems where malignant cells interact with healthy cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Solid tumors contain large ECM deposits that can constitute up to 60% of the tumor mass. This supports the survival and growth of cancerous cells and plays a critical role in the response to immune therapy. There is untapped potential in targeting the ECM and cell-ECM interactions to improve existing immune therapy and explore novel therapeutic strategies. The most abundant proteins in the ECM are the collagen family. There are 28 different collagen subtypes that can undergo several post-translational modifications (PTMs), which alter both their structure and functionality. Here, we review current knowledge on tumor collagen composition and the consequences of collagen PTMs affecting receptor binding, cell migration and tumor stiffness. Furthermore, we discuss how these alterations impact tumor immune responses and how collagen could be targeted to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowie Borst
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Linde Meyaard
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Ines Pascoal Ramos
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.
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8
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Tiberio L, Laffranchi M, Zucchi G, Salvi V, Schioppa T, Sozzani S, Del Prete A, Bosisio D. Inhibitory receptors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells as possible targets for checkpoint blockade in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360291. [PMID: 38504978 PMCID: PMC10948453 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the major producers of type I interferons (IFNs), which are essential to mount antiviral and antitumoral immune responses. To avoid exaggerated levels of type I IFNs, which pave the way to immune dysregulation and autoimmunity, pDC activation is strictly regulated by a variety of inhibitory receptors (IRs). In tumors, pDCs display an exhausted phenotype and correlate with an unfavorable prognosis, which largely depends on the accumulation of immunosuppressive cytokines and oncometabolites. This review explores the hypothesis that tumor microenvironment may reduce the release of type I IFNs also by a more pDC-specific mechanism, namely the engagement of IRs. Literature shows that many cancer types express de novo, or overexpress, IR ligands (such as BST2, PCNA, CAECAM-1 and modified surface carbohydrates) which often represent a strong predictor of poor outcome and metastasis. In line with this, tumor cells expressing ligands engaging IRs such as BDCA-2, ILT7, TIM3 and CD44 block pDC activation, while this blocking is prevented when IR engagement or signaling is inhibited. Based on this evidence, we propose that the regulation of IFN secretion by IRs may be regarded as an "innate checkpoint", reminiscent of the function of "classical" adaptive immune checkpoints, like PD1 expressed in CD8+ T cells, which restrain autoimmunity and immunopathology but favor chronic infections and tumors. However, we also point out that further work is needed to fully unravel the biology of tumor-associated pDCs, the neat contribution of pDC exhaustion in tumor growth following the engagement of IRs, especially those expressed also by other leukocytes, and their therapeutic potential as targets of combined immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tiberio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Laffranchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Schioppa
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano Sozzani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Annalisa Del Prete
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Bosisio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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9
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Huang R, Liu X, Kim J, Deng H, Deng M, Gui X, Chen H, Wu G, Xiong W, Xie J, Lewis C, Homsi J, Yang X, Zhang C, He Y, Lou Q, Smith C, John S, Zhang N, An Z, Zhang CC. LILRB3 Supports Immunosuppressive Activity of Myeloid Cells and Tumor Development. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:350-362. [PMID: 38113030 PMCID: PMC10932818 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0496] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The existing T cell-centered immune checkpoint blockade therapies have been successful in treating some but not all patients with cancer. Immunosuppressive myeloid cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), that inhibit antitumor immunity and support multiple steps of tumor development are recognized as one of the major obstacles in cancer treatment. Leukocyte Ig-like receptor subfamily B3 (LILRB3), an immune inhibitory receptor containing tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIM), is expressed solely on myeloid cells. However, it is unknown whether LILRB3 is a critical checkpoint receptor in regulating the activity of immunosuppressive myeloid cells, and whether LILRB3 signaling can be blocked to activate the immune system to treat solid tumors. Here, we report that galectin-4 and galectin-7 induce activation of LILRB3 and that LILRB3 is functionally expressed on immunosuppressive myeloid cells. In some samples from patients with solid cancers, blockade of LILRB3 signaling by an antagonistic antibody inhibited the activity of immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Anti-LILRB3 also impeded tumor development in myeloid-specific LILRB3 transgenic mice through a T cell-dependent manner. LILRB3 blockade may prove to be a novel approach for immunotherapy of solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Huang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Xiaoye Liu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Jaehyup Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hui Deng
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mi Deng
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xun Gui
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Heyu Chen
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Guojin Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jingjing Xie
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cheryl Lewis
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jade Homsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yubo He
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qi Lou
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Caroline Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Samuel John
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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10
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Chariou PL, Minnar CM, Tandon M, Guest MR, Chari R, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Generation of murine tumor models refractory to αPD-1/-L1 therapies due to defects in antigen processing/presentation or IFNγ signaling using CRISPR/Cas9. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0287733. [PMID: 38427670 PMCID: PMC10906908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) fails to provide clinical benefit for most cancer patients due to primary or acquired resistance. Drivers of ICB resistance include tumor antigen processing/presentation machinery (APM) and IFNγ signaling mutations. Thus, there is an unmet clinical need to develop alternative therapies for these patients. To this end, we have developed a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to generate murine tumor models refractory to PD-1/-L1 inhibition due to APM/IFNγ signaling mutations. Guide RNAs were employed to delete B2m, Jak1, or Psmb9 genes in ICB-responsive EMT6 murine tumor cells. B2m was deleted in ICB-responsive MC38 murine colon cancer cells. We report a detailed development and validation workflow including whole exome and Sanger sequencing, western blotting, and flow cytometry to assess target gene deletion. Tumor response to ICB and immune effects of gene deletion were assessed in syngeneic mice. This workflow can help accelerate the discovery and development of alternative therapies and a deeper understanding of the immune consequences of tumor mutations, with potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L. Chariou
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Christine M. Minnar
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Mayank Tandon
- National Cancer Institute, CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Mary R. Guest
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Raj Chari
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Sofia R. Gameiro
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
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11
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Pan B, Ke X, Qiu J, Ye D, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Luo Y, Yao Y, Wu X, Wang X, Tang N. LAIR1-mediated resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to T cells through a GSK-3β/β-catenin/MYC/PD-L1 pathway. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111039. [PMID: 38199599 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111039] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies have reported the involvement of oncogenes in the regulation of the immune system. LAIR1 is an immunosuppressive molecule and its role in immune-related diseases has been mainly reported. To date, it is unclear whether LAIR1 in tumor cells is involved in immune regulation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of LAIR1 in the immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to seek the novel therapeutic discoveries. METHODS Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion database was used to predict the response of LAIR1 expression to immune checkpoint blockade. CD8+ T cells were co-cultured with HCC cells, and the killing efficiency of leukocytes on HCC cells was detected by flow cytometry. Flow cytometry was also used to detect the expression of inhibitory receptors. In addition, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and nucleus/cytoplasm fractionation experiments were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms by which LAIR1 created a suppressive tumor microenvironment. RESULTS LAIR1 expression in HCC was associated with worse immune prognosis and T-cell dysfunction. HCC cells overexpressing LAIR1 co-cultured with CD8+ T cells induced exhaustion of latter. Mechanism studies indicated that LAIR1 in HCC cells up-regulated the phosphorylation of β-catenin by inducing the phosphorylation of GSK-3β, leading to the impairment of the expression and the nuclear localization signal of β-catenin. Low β-catenin expression and nuclear localization signal inhibited MYC-mediated PD-L1 expression. Therefore, PD-L1 up-regulated by LAIR1 caused the exhaustion of infiltrating CD8+ T cells in HCC, which aggravated the malignant progression of HCC. CONCLUSION LAIR1 increased PD-L1 expression through the GSK-3β/β-catenin/MYC/PD-L1 pathway and promoted immune evasion of HCC cells. Targeted inhibition of LAIR1 helped to enhance the immune killing effect of CD8+ T cells in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banglun Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Ke
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dongjie Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Nanhong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Technology for Precision Medicine (Fujian Medical University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China; Lead contact.
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12
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Singh A, Mommers-Elshof ETAM, Vijver SV, Jansen JHM, Gonder S, Lebbink RJ, Bihan D, Farndale RW, Boon L, Langermann S, Leusen JHW, Flies D, Meyaard L, Pascoal Ramos MI. Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 blockade in combination with programmed death-ligand 1 targeting therapy mediates increased tumour control in mice. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:16. [PMID: 38236251 PMCID: PMC10796629 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03600-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Collagen expression and structure in the tumour microenvironment are associated with tumour development and therapy response. Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) is a widely expressed inhibitory collagen receptor. LAIR-2 is a soluble homologue of LAIR-1 that competes for collagen binding. Multiple studies in mice implicate blockade of LAIR-1:collagen interaction in cancer as a promising therapeutic strategy. Here, we investigated the role of LAIR-1 in anti-tumour responses. We show that although LAIR-1 inhibits activation, proliferation, and cytokine production of mouse T cells in vitro, tumour outgrowth in LAIR-1-deficient mice did not differ from wild type mice in several in vivo tumour models. Furthermore, treatment with NC410, a LAIR-2-Fc fusion protein, did not result in increased tumour clearance in tested immunocompetent mice, which contrasts with previous data in humanized mouse models. This discrepancy may be explained by our finding that NC410 blocks human LAIR-1:collagen interaction more effectively than mouse LAIR-1:collagen interaction. Despite the lack of therapeutic impact of NC410 monotherapy, mice treated with a combination of NC410 and anti-programmed death-ligand 1 did show reduced tumour burden and increased survival. Using LAIR-1-deficient mice, we showed that this effect seemed to be dependent on the presence of LAIR-1. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the absence of LAIR-1 signalling alone is not sufficient to control tumour growth in multiple immunocompetent mouse models. However, combined targeting of LAIR-1 and PD-L1 results in increased tumour control. Thus, additional targeting of the LAIR-1:collagen pathway with NC410 is a promising approach to treating tumours where conventional immunotherapy is ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akashdip Singh
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eline T A M Mommers-Elshof
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia V Vijver
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J H Marco Jansen
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne Gonder
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Jan Lebbink
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique Bihan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Jeanette H W Leusen
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Linde Meyaard
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Ines Pascoal Ramos
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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13
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Cappelletto A, Alfì E, Volf N, Vu TVA, Bortolotti F, Ciucci G, Vodret S, Fantuz M, Perin M, Colliva A, Rozzi G, Rossi M, Ruozi G, Zentilin L, Vuerich R, Borin D, Lapasin R, Piazza S, Chiesa M, Lorizio D, Triboli L, Kumar S, Morello G, Tripodo C, Pinamonti M, Piperno GM, Benvenuti F, Rustighi A, Jo H, Piccolo S, Del Sal G, Carrer A, Giacca M, Zacchigna S. EMID2 is a novel biotherapeutic for aggressive cancers identified by in vivo screening. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:15. [PMID: 38195652 PMCID: PMC10777502 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02942-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New drugs to tackle the next pathway or mutation fueling cancer are constantly proposed, but 97% of them are doomed to fail in clinical trials, largely because they are identified by cellular or in silico screens that cannot predict their in vivo effect. METHODS We screened an Adeno-Associated Vector secretome library (> 1000 clones) directly in vivo in a mouse model of cancer and validated the therapeutic effect of the first hit, EMID2, in both orthotopic and genetic models of lung and pancreatic cancer. RESULTS EMID2 overexpression inhibited both tumor growth and metastatic dissemination, consistent with prolonged survival of patients with high levels of EMID2 expression in the most aggressive human cancers. Mechanistically, EMID2 inhibited TGFβ maturation and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, resulting in more elastic ECM and reduced levels of YAP in the nuclei of cancer cells. CONCLUSION This is the first in vivo screening, precisely designed to identify proteins able to interfere with cancer cell invasiveness. EMID2 was selected as the most potent protein, in line with the emerging relevance of the tumor extracellular matrix in controlling cancer cell invasiveness and dissemination, which kills most of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Cappelletto
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Edoardo Alfì
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nina Volf
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Thi Van Anh Vu
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Bortolotti
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulio Ciucci
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Vodret
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Fantuz
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Perin
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Colliva
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rozzi
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Matilde Rossi
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Ruozi
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Roman Vuerich
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Borin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Romano Lapasin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvano Piazza
- Bioinformatics, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- Bioinformatics Facility, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Triboli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Cancer Cell Signaling, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gaia Morello
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - 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, Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation (IFOM), ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pinamonti
- Pathology Department Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina and University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Piperno
- Cellular Immunology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Benvenuti
- Cellular Immunology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rustighi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Cancer Cell Signaling, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Giannino Del Sal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Cancer Cell Signaling, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Carrer
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- King's College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
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14
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Luo Y, Ye Y, Zhang Y, Chen L, Qu X, Yi N, Ran J, Chen Y. New insights into COL26A1 in thyroid carcinoma: prognostic prediction, functional characterization, immunological drug target and ceRNA network. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:3384-3408. [PMID: 38197076 PMCID: PMC10774062 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Thyroid carcinoma (THCA) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies. Collagen is the main component in extracellular matrix. Rising studies have determined the oncogenic effect of collagen in cancer progression, which is intriguing to be further explored. Collagen type XXVI alpha 1 chain (COL26A1) is a newly discovered collagen subtype, functions of which still remain poorly demonstrated in THCA. Methods Based on the transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other public databases, we conducted investigations of COL26A1 in THCA with respects to diagnostic/prognostic prediction, functional characterization, immune infiltration, chemical drug target and non-coding RNA regulatory network. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to verify the expression of COL26A1 in THCA. Results COL26A1 was significantly upregulated in THCA, and the high COL26A1 expression inferred poor prognosis [hazard ratio (HR) =4.76; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36-16.73; P=0.015]. The diagnostic area under the curve (AUC) of COL26A1 achieved 0.736 (95% CI: 0.669-0.802). COL26A1 was also identified as an independent prognostic predictor for THCA (HR =3.928; 95% CI: 3.716-4.151; P<0.001). Besides, logistic regression analysis indicated that age >45 years [odds ratio (OR) =1.532; 95% CI: 1.081-2.176; P=0.017], pathological stage III (OR =2.055; 95% CI: 1.314-3.184; P=0.001), tall cell subtype (OR =5.533; 95% CI: 2.420-14.957; P<0.001), residual tumor R1 (OR =1.844; 95% CI: 1.035-3.365; P=0.041) and extrathyroidal extension (OR =1.800; 95% CI: 1.225-1.660; P=0.003) were risk factors associated with high COL26A1 expression in THCA. Functional characterizations implied that COL26A1 was associated with immunological processes and oncogenic signaling pathways. High COL26A1 expression was accompanied by more abundant infiltration of immune cells and higher stromal/immune score. In addition, most immune checkpoints were significantly positively co-expressed with COL26A1, including PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA4. Drugs including trichloroethylene, acetamide and thioacetamide etc. that can decrease the expression of COL26A1 were also identified. The predicted long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-COL26A1 regulatory axes were successfully deciphered. qRT-PCR and western blot verified the upregulation of COL26A1 in THCA. Conclusions Our work has primarily appraised COL26A1 as a promising biomarker for diagnosis/prognosis and immuno/therapeutic target in THCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulou Luo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yinghui Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Chen
- The Second Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ximing Qu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Na Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jihua Ran
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostic Center, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, China
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15
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Papadas A, Huang Y, Cicala A, Dou Y, Fields M, Gibbons A, Hong D, Lagal DJ, Quintana V, Rizo A, Zomalan B, Asimakopoulos F. Emerging roles for tumor stroma in antigen presentation and anti-cancer immunity. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:2017-2028. [PMID: 38031753 PMCID: PMC10754280 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221083] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Advances in immunotherapy in the last decade have revolutionized treatment paradigms across multiple cancer diagnoses. However, only a minority of patients derive durable benefit and progress with traditional approaches, such as cancer vaccines, remains unsatisfactory. A key to overcoming these barriers resides with a deeper understanding of tumor antigen presentation and the complex and dynamic heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Reminiscent of the 'second touch' hypothesis proposed by Klaus Ley for CD4+ T cell differentiation, the acquisition of full effector potential by lymph node- primed CD8+ T cells requires a second round of co-stimulation at the site where the antigen originated, i.e. the tumor bed. The tumor stroma holds a prime role in this process by hosting specialized APC niches, apparently distinct from tertiary lymphoid structures, that support second antigenic touch encounters and CD8+ T cell effector proliferation and differentiation. We propose that APC within second-touch niches become licensed for co-stimulation through stromal-derived instructive signals emulating embryonic or wound-healing provisional matrix remodeling. These immunostimulatory roles of stroma contrast with its widely accepted view as a physical and functional 'immune barrier'. Stromal control of antigen presentation makes evolutionary sense as the host stroma-tumor interface constitutes the prime line of homeostatic 'defense' against the emerging tumor. In this review, we outline how stroma-derived signals and cells regulate tumor antigen presentation and T-cell effector differentiation in the tumor bed. The re-definition of tumor stroma as immune rheostat rather than as inflexible immune barrier harbors significant untapped therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Papadas
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Yun Huang
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Alexander Cicala
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Yaling Dou
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Matteo Fields
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alicia Gibbons
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Duncan Hong
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Daniel J. Lagal
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Victoria Quintana
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Alejandro Rizo
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Brolyn Zomalan
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Fotis Asimakopoulos
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
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16
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Wang P, Zhuang W, Zheng Z, Zhang L, Zhang X, Chen Q. Dissecting T-cell heterogeneity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma reveals the potential role of LAIR2 in antitumor immunity. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:36-49. [PMID: 37422711 PMCID: PMC10711353 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad073] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), one of the most commonly diagnosed and lethal malignant diseases, has a complex tumor ecosystem. An obvious requirement for T-cell-mediated tumor control is the infiltration of tumor-reactive T cells into the tumor. Here, we obtained detailed T-cell compositions in both ESCC tumors and matched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at single-cell resolution. We demonstrated that T cells in tumors and PBMCs had different compositions and functional states. ESCC tumors were rich in Treg and exhausted T cells but poor in cytotoxic and naïve T cells compared with PBMCs. The exhausted T cells showed higher exhausted signature in tumors than in PBMCs, while the cytotoxic T cells exhibited higher cytotoxic signature in PBMCs than in tumors. Our data indicated an immunosuppressive status and a defect at the level of T-cell priming in the tumor microenvironment. Leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor-2 (LAIR2), a soluble collagen receptor that prevents the binding of human leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor-1 (LAIR1) to collagens, was predominantly expressed in proliferating CD8+ T and Treg cells in tumors but in cytotoxic cells in PBMCs. LAIR2 could inhibit tumor metastasis, invasion, and collagen deposition via suppressing transforming growth factor-β signaling. These findings revealed differential T-cell populations in tumors and PBMCs and provided convincing evidence that LAIR2 acted as a tumor suppressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weitao Zhuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuojun Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liyun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingyun Chen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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17
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Wang Y, Meng B, Wang X, Wu A, Li X, Qian X, Wu J, Ying W, Xiao T, Rong W. Noninvasive urinary protein signatures combined clinical information associated with microvascular invasion risk in HCC patients. BMC Med 2023; 21:481. [PMID: 38049860 PMCID: PMC10696877 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03137-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microvascular invasion (MVI) is the main factor affecting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to identify accurate diagnostic biomarkers from urinary protein signatures for preoperative prediction. METHODS We conducted label-free quantitative proteomic studies on urine samples of 91 HCC patients and 22 healthy controls. We identified candidate biomarkers capable of predicting MVI status and combined them with patient clinical information to perform a preoperative nomogram for predicting MVI status in the training cohort. Then, the nomogram was validated in the testing cohort (n = 23). Expression levels of biomarkers were further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in an independent validation HCC cohort (n = 57). RESULTS Urinary proteomic features of healthy controls are mainly characterized by active metabolic processes. Cell adhesion and cell proliferation-related pathways were highly defined in the HCC group, such as extracellular matrix organization, cell-cell adhesion, and cell-cell junction organization, which confirms the malignant phenotype of HCC patients. Based on the expression levels of four proteins: CETP, HGFL, L1CAM, and LAIR2, combined with tumor diameter, serum AFP, and GGT concentrations to establish a preoperative MVI status prediction model for HCC patients. The nomogram achieved good concordance indexes of 0.809 and 0.783 in predicting MVI in the training and testing cohorts. CONCLUSIONS The four-protein-related nomogram in urine samples is a promising preoperative prediction model for the MVI status of HCC patients. Using the model, the risk for an individual patient to harbor MVI can be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Clinical Trial Research Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, China
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xijun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Anke Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, China
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Xiaohong Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, China
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Jianxiong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wantao Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, China.
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Ting Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Weiqi Rong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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18
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Small A, Lowe K, Wechalekar MD. Immune checkpoints in rheumatoid arthritis: progress and promise. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1285554. [PMID: 38077329 PMCID: PMC10704353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent autoimmune inflammatory conditions, and while the mechanisms driving pathogenesis are yet to be completely elucidated, self-reactive T cells and immune checkpoint pathways have a clear role. In this review, we provide an overview of the importance of checkpoint pathways in the T cell response and describe the involvement of these in RA development and progression. We discuss the relationship between immune checkpoint therapy in cancer and autoimmune adverse events, draw parallels with the involvement of immune checkpoints in RA pathobiology, summarise emerging research into some of the lesser-known pathways, and the potential of targeting checkpoint-related pathways in future treatment approaches to RA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Small
- Department of Rheumatology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katie Lowe
- Department of Rheumatology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mihir D Wechalekar
- Department of Rheumatology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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19
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Lovewell RR, Hong J, Kundu S, Fielder CM, Hu Q, Kim KW, Ramsey HE, Gorska AE, Fuller LS, Tian L, Kothari P, Paucarmayta A, Mason EF, Meza I, Manzanarez Y, Bosiacki J, Maloveste K, Mitchell N, Barbu EA, Morawski A, Maloveste S, Cusumano Z, Patel SJ, Savona MR, Langermann S, Myint H, Flies DB, Kim TK. LAIR-1 agonism as a therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e169519. [PMID: 37966113 PMCID: PMC10650974 DOI: 10.1172/jci169519] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective eradication of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) remains the greatest challenge in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The immune receptor LAIR-1 has been shown to regulate LSC survival; however, the therapeutic potential of this pathway remains unexplored. We developed a therapeutic LAIR-1 agonist antibody, NC525, that induced cell death of LSCs, but not healthy hematopoietic stem cells in vitro, and killed LSCs and AML blasts in both cell- and patient-derived xenograft models. We showed that LAIR-1 agonism drives a unique apoptotic signaling program in leukemic cells that was enhanced in the presence of collagen. NC525 also significantly improved the activity of azacitidine and venetoclax to establish LAIR-1 targeting as a therapeutic strategy for AML that may synergize with standard-of-care therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Junshik Hong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Seoul National University Hospital and
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Carly M. Fielder
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Qianni Hu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kwang Woon Kim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Haley E. Ramsey
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Agnieszka E. Gorska
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Londa S. Fuller
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | | | | | - Emily F. Mason
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael R. Savona
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Han Myint
- NextCure Inc., Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Tae Kon Kim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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20
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Zhang Q, An ZY, Jiang W, Jin WL, He XY. Collagen code in tumor microenvironment: Functions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115390. [PMID: 37660648 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115390] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial in cancer progression, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important TME component. Collagen is a major ECM component that contributes to tumor cell infiltration, expansion, and distant metastasis during cancer progression. Recent studies reported that collagen is deposited in the TME to form a collagen wall along which tumor cells can infiltrate and prevent drugs from working on the tumor cells. Collagen-tumor cell interaction is complex and requires the activation of multiple signaling pathways for biochemical and mechanical signaling interventions. In this review, we examine the effect of collagen deposition in the TME on tumor progression and discuss the interaction between collagen and tumor cells. This review aims to illustrate the functions and mechanisms of collagen in tumor progression in the TME and its role in tumor therapy. The findings indicated collagen in the TME appears to be a better target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, PR China
| | - Zi-Yi An
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, PR China; Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei 230001, PR China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
| | - Xin-Yang He
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, PR China; Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei 230001, PR China.
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21
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Lv Y, Hu J, Zheng W, Shan L, Bai B, Zhu H, Dai S. A WGCNA-based cancer-associated fibroblast risk signature in colorectal cancer for prognosis and immunotherapy response. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2256-2275. [PMID: 37859738 PMCID: PMC10583018 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are notably involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment failure. In this article, we report the in silico development of a CAF-related prognostic signature for CRC. Methods We separately downloaded CRC transcription data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Deconvolution algorithms, including Estimating the Proportions of Immune and Cancer Cells and the Microenvironment Cell Population-counter, were used to calculate CAF abundance, while the Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression algorithm was used to calculate the stromal score. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm were used to identify CAF-related genes and prognostic signatures. Results We identified a three-gene, prognostic, CAF-related signature and defined risk groups based on the Riskscores. Multidimensional validations were applied to evaluate the robustness of the signature and its correlation with clinical parameters. We utilized Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and oncoPredict algorithms to predict therapy responses and found that patients in low-risk groups are more sensitive to immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Finally, we used the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Human Protein Atlas databases to evaluate the mRNA and protein levels encoded by the signature genes. Conclusions This novel CAF-related three-gene signature is expected to become a potential prognostic biomarker in CRC and predict chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses. It may be of considerable value for studying the tumor microenvironment in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Lv
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Zheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Shan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingjun Bai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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22
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Caxali GH, Brugnerotto L, Aal MCE, Castro CFB, Delella FK. Identification of Biomarkers Related to the Efficacy of Radiotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:487-499. [PMID: 37643780 PMCID: PMC10464945 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Pancreatic cancer (PC) has one of the highest mortality rates, with an overall five-year survival rate of only 7%. When diagnosed, PC is limited to the pancreas in only 20% of patients, whereas in 50% it has already metastasized. This is due to its late diagnosis, which makes the treatments used, such as radiotherapy, difficult, and reduces survival rates. Therefore, the importance of this study in detecting genes that may become possible biomarkers for this type of tumor, especially regarding the human secretome, is highlighted. These genes participate in pathways that are responsible for tumor migration and resistance to therapies, along with other important factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS To achieve these goals, the following online tools and platforms have been expanded to discover and validate these biomarkers: The Human Protein Atlas database, the Xena Browser platform, Gene Expression Omnibus, the EnrichR platform and the Kaplan-Meier Plotter platform. RESULTS Our study adopted a methodology that allows the identification of potential biomarkers related to the effectiveness of radiotherapy in PC. Inflammatory pathways were predominantly enriched, related to the regulation of biological processes, primarily in cytokine-derived proteins, which are responsible for tumor progression and other processes that contribute to the development of the disease. CONCLUSION Radiotherapy treatment demonstrated greater efficacy when used in conjunction with other forms of therapy since it decreased the expression of essential genes involved in several inflammatory pathways linked to tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Henrique Caxali
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Laíza Brugnerotto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Mirian Carolini Esgoti Aal
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Camila Ferreira Bannwart Castro
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics Laboratory - Experimental Research Unit, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Flávia Karina Delella
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil;
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23
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Su H, Karin M. Collagen architecture and signaling orchestrate cancer development. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:764-773. [PMID: 37400314 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.002] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) controls tumor progression and maintenance. Accordingly, tumor-centric cancer treatment must adjust to being more holistic and TME-centric. Collagens are the most abundant TME proteins, and their dynamic remodeling profoundly affects both TME architecture and tumor development. Recent evidence shows that in addition to being structural elements, collagens are an important source of nutrients and decisive growth controlling and immunoregulatory signals. This review focuses on macropinocytosis-dependent collagen support of cancer cell metabolism and the role of collagen fiber remodeling and trimer heterogeneity in control of tumor bioenergetics, growth, progression, and response to therapy. If properly translated, these basic advances may alter the future of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Su
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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24
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Hasselbalch HC, Junker P, Skov V, Kjær L, Knudsen TA, Larsen MK, Holmström MO, Andersen MH, Jensen C, Karsdal MA, Willumsen N. Revisiting Circulating Extracellular Matrix Fragments as Disease Markers in Myelofibrosis and Related Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4323. [PMID: 37686599 PMCID: PMC10486581 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) arise due to acquired somatic driver mutations in stem cells and develop over 10-30 years from the earliest cancer stages (essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera) towards the advanced myelofibrosis stage with bone marrow failure. The JAK2V617F mutation is the most prevalent driver mutation. Chronic inflammation is considered to be a major pathogenetic player, both as a trigger of MPN development and as a driver of disease progression. Chronic inflammation in MPNs is characterized by persistent connective tissue remodeling, which leads to organ dysfunction and ultimately, organ failure, due to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Considering that MPNs are acquired clonal stem cell diseases developing in an inflammatory microenvironment in which the hematopoietic cell populations are progressively replaced by stromal proliferation-"a wound that never heals"-we herein aim to provide a comprehensive review of previous promising research in the field of circulating ECM fragments in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of MPNs. We address the rationales and highlight new perspectives for the use of circulating ECM protein fragments as biologically plausible, noninvasive disease markers in the management of MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Carl Hasselbalch
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Peter Junker
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Vibe Skov
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Lasse Kjær
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Trine A. Knudsen
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Morten Kranker Larsen
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.O.H.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.O.H.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Christina Jensen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (C.J.); (M.A.K.); (N.W.)
| | - Morten A. Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (C.J.); (M.A.K.); (N.W.)
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25
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Flies DB, Langermann S, Jensen C, Karsdal MA, Willumsen N. Regulation of tumor immunity and immunotherapy by the tumor collagen extracellular matrix. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1199513. [PMID: 37662958 PMCID: PMC10470046 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been known for decades that the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) is dysfunctional leading to loss of tissue architecture and promotion of tumor growth. The altered ECM and tumor fibrogenesis leads to tissue stiffness that act as a physical barrier to immune cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment (TME). It is becoming increasingly clear that the ECM plays important roles in tumor immune responses. A growing body of data now indicates that ECM components also play a more active role in immune regulation when dysregulated ECM components act as ligands to interact with receptors on immune cells to inhibit immune cell subpopulations in the TME. In addition, immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors that are approved to treat cancer are often hindered by ECM changes. In this review we highlight the ways by which ECM alterations affect and regulate immunity in cancer. More specifically, how collagens and major ECM components, suppress immunity in the complex TME. Finally, we will review how our increased understanding of immune and immunotherapy regulation by the ECM is leading towards novel disruptive strategies to overcome immune suppression.
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26
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Nabhan M, Egan D, Kreileder M, Zhernovkov V, Timosenko E, Slidel T, Dovedi S, Glennon K, Brennan D, Kolch W. Deciphering the tumour immune microenvironment cell by cell. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:100383. [PMID: 37234284 PMCID: PMC10206805 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2023.100383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have rejuvenated therapeutic approaches in oncology. Although responses tend to be durable, response rates vary in many cancer types. Thus, the identification and validation of predictive biomarkers is a key clinical priority, the answer to which is likely to lie in the tumour microenvironment (TME). A wealth of data demonstrates the huge impact of the TME on ICI response and resistance. However, these data also reveal the complexity of the TME composition including the spatiotemporal interactions between different cell types and their dynamic changes in response to ICIs. Here, we briefly review some of the modalities that sculpt the TME, in particular the metabolic milieu, hypoxia and the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts. We then discuss recent approaches to dissect the TME with a focus on single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics. We also discuss some of the clinically relevant findings these multi-modal analyses have yielded.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Nabhan
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - D. Egan
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - M. Kreileder
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - V. Zhernovkov
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - E. Timosenko
- ICC, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, , UK
| | - T. Slidel
- Oncology Data Science, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - S. Dovedi
- ICC, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, , UK
| | - K. Glennon
- UCD Gynaecological Oncology Group, UCD School of Medicine Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D. Brennan
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- UCD Gynaecological Oncology Group, UCD School of Medicine Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - W. Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
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27
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Shakiba D, Genin GM, Zustiak SP. Mechanobiology of cancer cell responsiveness to chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Mechanistic insights and biomaterial platforms. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114771. [PMID: 36889646 PMCID: PMC10133187 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114771] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are central to how cancer treatments such as chemotherapeutics and immunotherapies interact with cells and tissues. At the simplest level, electrostatic forces underlie the binding events that are critical to therapeutic function. However, a growing body of literature points to mechanical factors that also affect whether a drug or an immune cell can reach a target, and to interactions between a cell and its environment affecting therapeutic efficacy. These factors affect cell processes ranging from cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix remodeling to transduction of signals by the nucleus to metastasis of cells. This review presents and critiques the state of the art of our understanding of how mechanobiology impacts drug and immunotherapy resistance and responsiveness, and of the in vitro systems that have been of value in the discovery of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Shakiba
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Guy M Genin
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Silviya P Zustiak
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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28
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Diamond B. Not Dead Yet. Annu Rev Immunol 2023; 41:1-15. [PMID: 37126416 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-101721-065214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
I have been a scientific grasshopper throughout my career, moving from question to question within the domain of lupus. This has proven to be immensely gratifying. Scientific exploration is endlessly fascinating, and succeeding in studies you care about with colleagues and trainees leads to strong and lasting bonds. Science isn't easy; being a woman in science presents challenges, but the drive to understand a disease remains strong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Diamond
- Center of Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA;
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29
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Liu X, Zhang D, Hu J, Xu S, Xu C, Shen Y. Allograft inflammatory factor 1 is a potential diagnostic, immunological, and prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:2582-2609. [PMID: 37014322 PMCID: PMC10120906 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allograft Inflammatory Factor 1 (AIF-1) is a member of the allograft inflammatory factor gene family and plays an essential role in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. However, little is known about the expression pattern, predictive value, and biological function of AIF-1 across cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS We first analyzed AIF-1 expression across cancers based on data from public databases. Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to explore the predictive value of AIF-1 expression in various cancers. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to determine the cancer hallmarks associated with AIF-1 expression. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to investigate the association between AIF-1 expression and tumor microenvironment scores, immune cell infiltration, immune-related genes, TMB, MSI, and DNA methyltransferases. RESULTS AIF-1 expression was upregulated in most cancer types and exhibited prognosis-predictive ability. AIF-1 expression was positively correlated with immune infiltrating cells and immune checkpoint-related genes in most cancers. Additionally, the promoter methylation level of AIF-1 was different in distinct tumors. High methylation levels of AIF-1 were associated with a worse prognosis in UCEC and melanoma, whereas they were associated with a better prognosis in GBM, KIRC, OV, and UVM. Finally, we found that AIF-1 was significantly highly expressed in KIRC tissues. Functionally, silencing AIF-1 dramatically decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. CONCLUSION Our results reveal that AIF-1 acts as a robust tumor biomarker and is closely correlated with tumor immune infiltration. Furthermore, AIF-1 may function as an oncogene and promote tumor progression in KIRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jianping Hu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Sikai Xu
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chengyun Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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Aung TN, Gavrielatou N, Vathiotis IA, Fernandez AI, Shafi S, Yaghoobi V, Burela S, MacNeil T, Ahmed FS, Myint H, Flies DB, Langermann S, Rimm DL. Quantitative, Spatially Defined Expression of Leukocyte-associated Immunoglobulin-like Receptor in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:471-482. [PMID: 36960400 PMCID: PMC10029762 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the interaction of leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) and its ligands has been shown to reinstate antitumor immunity. In addition, the introduction of the LAIR-1 decoy protein, LAIR-2, sensitizes previously resistant lung tumors to programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade, indicating the potential of LAIR-1 as an alternative marker for anti-PD-1 resistance in lung cancer. Here, we assessed LAIR-1 as compared with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in various tumors, with a focus on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its histologic subtypes using multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence (mQIF) in 287 (discovery cohort) and 144 (validation cohort) patients with NSCLC. In addition, using multispectral imaging technology on mQIF images, we evaluated the localization of LAIR-1 on various cell types. We observed that CD14+, CD68+, and CD163+ monocytes and CK+ tumor cells predominantly expressed LAIR-1 more than other cell types. Furthermore, LAIR-1 expression in the tumor compartment was significantly higher in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) than those with lung squamous cell carcinoma subtype (**, P = 0.003). Our results indicated that high tumor LAIR-1 expression in patients with LUAD is negatively associated with OS (overall survival, HR = 2.4; *, P = 0.02) highlighting its prognostic value in LUAD but not in other subtypes. The Pearson correlation between LAIR-1 and PD-L1 is 0.31; however, mutual exclusive staining pattern (i.e., several cases were positive for LAIR-1 and negative for PD-L1) was observed. Altogether, our data suggest that the combination therapy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 with anti-LAIR-1 or the anti-LAIR-1 monotherapy alone may be promising cancer immunotherapeutic strategies. Significance The spatial, quantitative assessment of LAIR-1 in NSCLC shows positive association of OS with high LAIR-1+/CD68+ cell densities and negative association of OS with high LAIR-1 expression in LUAD tumor subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thazin N. Aung
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Niki Gavrielatou
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis A. Vathiotis
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aileen I. Fernandez
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Saba Shafi
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Vesal Yaghoobi
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sneha Burela
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Tyler MacNeil
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Fahad Shabbir Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | - Solomon Langermann
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David L. Rimm
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Choi JH, Lee BS, Jang JY, Lee YS, Kim HJ, Roh J, Shin YS, Woo HG, Kim CH. Single-cell transcriptome profiling of the stepwise progression of head and neck cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1055. [PMID: 36828832 PMCID: PMC9958029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36691-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) undergoes stepwise progression from normal tissues to precancerous leukoplakia, primary HNSCC, and metastasized tumors. To delineate the heterogeneity of tumor cells and their interactions during the progression of HNSCC, we employ single-cell RNA-seq profiling for normal to metastasized tumors. We can identify the carcinoma in situ cells in leukoplakia lesions that are not detected by pathological examination. In addition, we identify the cell type subsets of the Galectin 7B (LGALS7B)-expressing malignant cells and CXCL8-expressing fibroblasts, demonstrating that their abundance in tumor tissue is associated with unfavorable prognostic outcomes. We also demonstrate the interdependent ligand-receptor interaction of COL1A1 and CD44 between fibroblasts and malignant cells, facilitating HNSCC progression. Furthermore, we report that the regulatory T cells in leukoplakia and HNSCC tissues express LAIR2, providing a favorable environment for tumor growth. Taken together, our results update the pathobiological insights into cell-cell interactions during the stepwise progression of HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hye Choi
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bok-Soon Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeon Yeob Jang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sang Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Roh
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Seob Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Goo Woo
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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Van Laethem F, Donaty L, Tchernonog E, Lacheretz-Szablewski V, Russello J, Buthiau D, Almeras M, Moreaux J, Bret C. LAIR1, an ITIM-Containing Receptor Involved in Immune Disorders and in Hematological Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416136. [PMID: 36555775 PMCID: PMC9788452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin (Ig)-like receptor 1 (LAIR1, CD305) belongs to the family of immune-inhibitory receptors and is widely expressed on hematopoietic mature cells, particularly on immune cells. Four different types of ligands of LAIR1 have been described, including collagens, suggesting a potential immune-regulatory function on the extracellular matrix. By modulating cytokine secretion and cellular functions, LAIR1 displays distinct patterns of expression among NK cell and T/B lymphocyte subsets during their differentiation and cellular activation and plays a major negative immunoregulatory role. Beyond its implications in physiology, the activity of LAIR1 can be inappropriately involved in various autoimmune or inflammatory disorders and has been implicated in cancer physiopathology, including hematological neoplasms. Its action as an inhibitory receptor can result in the dysregulation of immune cellular responses and in immune escape within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, when expressed by tumor cells, LAIR1 can modulate their proliferation or invasion properties, with contradictory pro- or anti-tumoral effects depending on tumor type. In this review, we will focus on its role in normal physiological conditions, as well as during pathological situations, including hematological malignancies. We will also discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting LAIR1 for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases and cancer settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucie Donaty
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Vanessa Lacheretz-Szablewski
- Department of Biopathology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Jennifer Russello
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Jérôme Moreaux
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34396 Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Caroline Bret
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34396 Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-0467-337-031
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33
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Zhang CC. A perspective on LILRBs and LAIR1 as immune checkpoint targets for cancer treatment. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 633:64-67. [PMID: 36344166 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment inhibit anti-tumor immunity and support tumor development. The leukocyte Ig-like receptor subfamily B (LILRB) proteins and the related receptor LAIR1 are immune checkpoint receptors that support the immunosuppressive activity of myeloid cells. All LILRBs and LAIR1 have intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs in their signaling domains, but the individual proteins have different functions. The determinants of the distinct functions of these inhibitory receptors likely rest in their interactions with different ligands and other surface proteins, characteristic signaling domains, and expression dynamics in different cell types regulated by various extrinsic cues and transcription factors. Significant advancement of immuno-oncology therapeutic products based on targeting or reprogramming of LILRB- and LAIR1-mediated signaling is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States.
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CAF-immune cell crosstalk and its impact in immunotherapy. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 45:203-214. [PMID: 36480035 PMCID: PMC10121542 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00977-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Tumour cells do not exist as isolated entities. Instead, they are surrounded by a variety of cells and extracellular matrix, which form the tumour microenvironment (TME). The interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment is increasingly acknowledged as essential in dictating the outcome of the patients. The TME includes everything that surrounds tumour cells and is often highjacked by the latter to promote their growth, invasion, and immune escape. Immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are essential components of the TME, and there is increasing evidence that their interaction constitutes a major player not only for tumour progression but also for therapy response.Recent work in the field of immuno-oncology resulted in the development of novel therapies that aim at activating immune cells against cancer cells to eliminate them. Despite their unprecedented success, the lack of response from a large portion of patients highlights the need for further progress and improvement. To achieve its ultimate goal, the interaction between cancer cells and the TME needs to be studied in-depth to allow the targeting of mechanisms that are involved in resistance or refractoriness to therapy. Moreover, predictive and prognostic biomarkers for patient stratification are still missing. In this review, we focus on and highlight the complexity of CAFs within the TME and how their interaction, particularly with immune cells, can contribute to treatment failure. We further discuss how this crosstalk can be further dissected and which strategies are currently used to target them.
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Kirchhammer N, Trefny MP, Auf der Maur P, Läubli H, Zippelius A. Combination cancer immunotherapies: Emerging treatment strategies adapted to the tumor microenvironment. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabo3605. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo3605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, resistance to ICB occurs frequently due to tumor-intrinsic alterations or extrinsic factors in the tumor microenvironment. This Viewpoint aims to give an update on recent developments in immunotherapy for solid tumors and highlights progress in translational research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kirchhammer
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Marcel P. Trefny
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Priska Auf der Maur
- Tumor Heterogeneity, Metastasis and Resistance, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Läubli
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Zippelius
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
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36
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An HJ, Kim JH, Yoon S, Choi J, Koo J, Lee S. Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Genetic Variants Associated with Rotator Cuff Tear-A Pilot Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102497. [PMID: 36292186 PMCID: PMC9601242 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A rotator cuff is a muscle and tendon surrounding the shoulder joint, and a rotator cuff tear can be caused by overuse or injury, which leads to great pain in affected individuals. However, rotator cuff tear is a multifactorial process whose underlying mechanism is still unclear. Many previous studies have suggested an important role of genetic predisposition, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in explaining the genesis of tendinopathy. This study aimed to identify specific genes or genetic variants associated with rotator cuff tears by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using an independent case of rotator cuff tears. GWAS was performed using data from CHA Bundang Medical Center with 20 cases of rotator cuff tears, and 20 cases of healthy controls genotyped on the Illumina HiSeq 2500. Tests of association were performed using the Burrows−Wheeler Aligner (BWA) software at 284,246 SNPs. Data were filtered based on sequence ontology, minor allele frequency, and Hardy−Weinberg equilibrium values, and SNPs were considered significant if the p-value was <0.05. The tests of association revealed more than 20 significantly associated SNPs. SNPs showing the highest significance occurred in candidate genes, including LAIR2 (rs2287828, OR 9.116, p-value 5.49 × 10−4) on chromosome 19 and CRIPAK (rs9328733, OR 6, p-value 1.11 × 10−3) and REST (rs2228991, OR 8.222, p-value 1.20 × 10−3) on chromosome 4. This study attempted to identify genetic variants influencing rotator cuff tears through a genome-wide association study using a dense set of SNPs. More than 20 SNPs were significantly associated with rotator cuff tears. The major limitation of this study is that it was conducted on a small study group and requires further validation. Nevertheless, the identification of potential genetic variants related to rotator cuff injury would aid in the early detection of individuals at risk for the development of tendinopathy and will provide insight into future gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju An
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwa Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Siyeong Yoon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Junwon Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si 16499, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jeongmo Koo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Soonchul Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-780-5289; Fax: +82-31-881-7114
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Vyas M, Peigney D, Demehri S. Extracellular matrix-natural killer cell interactome: an uncharted territory in health and disease. Curr Opin Immunol 2022; 78:102246. [PMID: 36174410 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2022.102246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) constantly undergoes remodeling to maintain the tissue homeostasis and an impaired ECM remodeling is a hallmark of many diseases, including cancer, infections, and inflammatory disorders. ECM has recently become recognized to regulate the immune response in peripheral tissues. Most immune cells express a diverse array of ECM receptors that, upon engagement by their cognate ECM ligands, can regulate their movement and effector functions. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes capable of mounting a swift cytotoxic immunity against cancer and virally infected cells using germline-encoded activating and inhibitory receptors. Regulation of NK cell effector function by ECM proteins in peripheral tissues is an emerging field with major implications for maintaining tolerance in normal tissues and controlling solid cancers, viral infections, and inflammatory diseases. The development of novel therapeutics targeting ECM-NK cell interplay represents a promising strategy to promote health and combat many diseases affecting solid organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maulik Vyas
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Domitille Peigney
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shadmehr Demehri
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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38
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Xie J, Gui X, Deng M, Chen H, Chen Y, Liu X, Ku Z, Tan L, Huang R, He Y, Zhang B, Lewis C, Chen K, Xu L, Xu J, Huang T, Liao XC, Zhang N, An Z, Zhang CC. Blocking LAIR1 signaling in immune cells inhibits tumor development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:996026. [PMID: 36211388 PMCID: PMC9534319 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.996026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The current immune checkpoint blockade therapy has been successful in treating some cancers but not others. New molecular targets and therapeutic approaches of cancer immunology need to be identified. Leukocyte associated immunoglobulin like receptor 1 (LAIR1) is an immune inhibitory receptor expressing on most immune cell types. However, it remains a question whether we can specifically and actively block LAIR1 signaling to activate immune responses for cancer treatment. Here we report the development of specific antagonistic anti-LAIR1 monoclonal antibodies and studied the effects of LAIR1 blockade on the anti-tumor immune functions. The anti-LAIR1 antagonistic antibody stimulated the activities of T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in vitro. The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of intratumoral immune cells in syngeneic human LAIR1 transgenic mice treated with control or anti-LAIR1 antagonist antibodies indicates that LAIR1 signaling blockade increased the numbers of CD4 memory T cells and inflammatory macrophages, but decreased those of pro-tumor macrophages, regulatory T cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Importantly, the LAIR1 blockade by the antagonistic antibody inhibited the activity of immunosuppressive myeloid cells and reactivated T cells from cancer patients in vitro and impeded tumor metastasis in a humanized mouse model. Blocking LAIR1 signaling in immune cells represents a promising strategy for development of anti-cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Xie
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Xun Gui
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mi Deng
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Heyu Chen
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Yuanzhi Chen
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Xiaoye Liu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Zhiqiang Ku
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lingxiao Tan
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ryan Huang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Yubo He
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Bruce Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Cheryl Lewis
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Kenian Chen
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jian Xu
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Tao Huang
- Immune-Onc Therapeutics, Inc, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Zhiqiang An, ; Cheng Cheng Zhang,
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Zhiqiang An, ; Cheng Cheng Zhang,
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Son M. Understanding the contextual functions of C1q and LAIR-1 and their applications. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:567-572. [PMID: 35562585 PMCID: PMC9098383 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00774-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of the complement component C1q has been highlighted by its involvement in autoimmunity, infection, inflammatory diseases, and tumors. The unique tulip-like structure of C1q has both a collagen-like stalk (C1q tail) and heterotrimeric globular head (gC1q), each with different binding specificities, and the binding of these components to their respective receptors leads to functional complexities in the body and bridges innate and adaptive immunity. This review describes the fundamental roles of C1q in various microenvironments and focuses on the importance of the interactions of C1q and its receptors with the inhibitory receptor LAIR-1 in maintaining homeostasis. Current therapeutic opportunities modulating LAIR-1 are also discussed. Research into the activities of the protein C1q, involved in a cascade of molecular interactions of the immune response called complement activation, is revealing new details of the protein’s role and opening up possible new therapeutic opportunities. Myoungsun Son at Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, USA, reviews the involvement of C1q in infection, autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases and tumors. The interaction of C1q with a receptor protein called LAIR-1 seems to be particularly significant. LAIR-1 is present in the membrane of most blood-forming cells and is involved in maintaining the healthy balance of cellular activities referred to as homeostasis. Emerging research suggests that targeting the interactions between C1q and LAIR-1 could enable the development of new treatments for many diseases, including inflammatory diseases, the autoimmune condition lupus, a variety of cancers, and possibly Covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoungsun Son
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA.
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40
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Horn LA, Chariou PL, Gameiro SR, Qin H, Iida M, Fousek K, Meyer TJ, Cam M, Flies D, Langermann S, Schlom J, Palena C. Remodeling the tumor microenvironment via blockade of LAIR-1 and TGF-β signaling enables PD-L1-mediated tumor eradication. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:155148. [PMID: 35230974 PMCID: PMC9012291 DOI: 10.1172/jci155148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagens in the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide a physical barrier to tumor immune infiltration, while also acting as a ligand for immune inhibitory receptors. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a key contributor to shaping the ECM by stimulating the production and remodeling of collagens. TGF-β activation signatures and collagen-rich environments have both been associated with T cell exclusion and lack of responses to immunotherapy. Here, we describe the effect of targeting collagens that signal through the inhibitory leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) in combination with blockade of TGF-β and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). This approach remodeled the tumor collagenous matrix, enhanced tumor infiltration and activation of CD8+ T cells, and repolarized suppressive macrophage populations, resulting in high cure rates and long-term tumor-specific protection across murine models of colon and mammary carcinoma. The results highlight the advantage of direct targeting of ECM components in combination with immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Horn
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Paul L Chariou
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Masafumi Iida
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Kristen Fousek
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Thomas J Meyer
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Margaret Cam
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Dallas Flies
- Research, NextCure, Inc., Beltsville, United States of America
| | | | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
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41
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Rømer AMA, Thorseth ML, Madsen DH. Immune Modulatory Properties of Collagen in Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791453. [PMID: 34956223 PMCID: PMC8692250 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During tumor growth the extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes dramatic remodeling. The normal ECM is degraded and substituted with a tumor-specific ECM, which is often of higher collagen density and increased stiffness. The structure and collagen density of the tumor-specific ECM has been associated with poor prognosis in several types of cancer. However, the reason for this association is still largely unknown. Collagen can promote cancer cell growth and migration, but recent studies have shown that collagens can also affect the function and phenotype of various types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and T cells. This suggests that tumor-associated collagen could have important immune modulatory functions within the tumor microenvironment, affecting cancer progression as well as the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. The effects of tumor-associated collagen on immune cells could help explain why a high collagen density in tumors is often correlated with a poor prognosis. Knowledge about immune modulatory functions of collagen could potentially identify targets for improving current cancer therapies or for development of new treatments. In this review, the current knowledge about the ability of collagen to influence T cell activity will be summarized. This includes direct interactions with T cells as well as induction of immune suppressive activity in other immune cells such as macrophages. Additionally, the potential effects of collagen on the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Askehøj Rømer
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Marie-Louise Thorseth
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Hargbøl Madsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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42
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Vijver SV, Singh A, Mommers-Elshof ETAM, Meeldijk J, Copeland R, Boon L, Langermann S, Flies D, Meyaard L, Ramos MIP. Collagen Fragments Produced in Cancer Mediate T Cell Suppression Through Leukocyte-Associated Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor 1. Front Immunol 2021; 12:733561. [PMID: 34691040 PMCID: PMC8529287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.733561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex structure comprised of tumor, immune and stromal cells, vasculature, and extracellular matrix (ECM). During tumor development, ECM homeostasis is dysregulated. Collagen remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) generates specific collagen fragments, that can be detected in the circulation of cancer patients and correlate with poor disease outcome. Leukocyte-Associated Immunoglobulin-like Receptor-1 (LAIR-1) is an inhibitory collagen receptor expressed on immune cells in the TME and in the circulation. We hypothesized that in addition to ECM collagen, collagen fragments produced in cancer can mediate T cell immunosuppression through LAIR-1. Our analyses of TCGA datasets show that cancer patients with high tumor mRNA expression of MMPs, collagen I and LAIR-1 have worse overall survival. We show that in vitro generated MMP1 or MMP9 collagen I fragments bind to and trigger LAIR-1. Importantly, LAIR-1 triggering by collagen I fragments inhibits CD3 signaling and IFN-γ secretion in a T cell line. LAIR-2 is a soluble homologue of LAIR-1 with higher affinity for collagen and thereby acts as a decoy receptor. Fc fusion proteins of LAIR-2 have potential as cancer immunotherapeutic agents and are currently being tested in clinical trials. We demonstrate that collagen fragment-induced inhibition of T cell function could be reversed by LAIR-2 fusion proteins. Overall, we show that collagen fragments produced in cancer can mediate T cell suppression through LAIR-1, potentially contributing to systemic immune suppression. Blocking the interaction of LAIR-1 with collagen fragments could be an added benefit of LAIR-1-directed immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia V Vijver
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Akashdip Singh
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Eline T A M Mommers-Elshof
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Meeldijk
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Louis Boon
- Polpharma Biologics, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Linde Meyaard
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M Inês Pascoal Ramos
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
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43
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Jensen C, Nissen NI, Von Arenstorff CS, Karsdal MA, Willumsen N. Serological assessment of collagen fragments and tumor fibrosis may guide immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:326. [PMID: 34656158 PMCID: PMC8520279 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02133-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the overall clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for treating patients with solid tumors, a large number of patients do not benefit from this approach. Consequently, there is a need for predictive biomarkers. The most prevalent biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden (TMB) do not reliably predict response to ICIs across different solid tumor types suggesting that a broader view of regulating factors in the tumor microenvironment is needed. Emerging evidence indicates that one central common denominator of resistance to ICIs may be fibrotic activity characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen production by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). A fibroblast-and collagen-rich stroma attenuates immunotherapy response by contributing to inhibition and exclusion of T cells. Here we review opportunities and limitations in the utilization of the most prevalent biomarkers for ICIs and elaborate on the unique opportunities with biomarkers originating from the activated fibroblasts producing an impermeable ECM. We propose that ECM and collagen biomarkers measured non-invasively may be a novel and practical approach to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient selection for ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Jensen
- Biomarkers & Research, Nordic Bioscience, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.
| | - Neel I Nissen
- Biomarkers & Research, Nordic Bioscience, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
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44
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Karsdal MA, Genovese F, Rasmussen DGK, Bay-Jensen AC, Mortensen JH, Holm Nielsen S, Willumsen N, Jensen C, Manon-Jensen T, Jennings L, Reese-Petersen AL, Henriksen K, Sand JM, Bager C, Leeming DJ. Considerations for understanding protein measurements: Identification of formation, degradation and more pathological relevant epitopes. Clin Biochem 2021; 97:11-24. [PMID: 34453894 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is a need for precision medicine and an unspoken promise of an optimal approach for identification of the right patients for value-based medicine based on big data. However, there may be a misconception that measurement of proteins is more valuable than measurement of fewer selected biomarkers. In population-based research, variation may be somewhat eliminated by quantity. However, this fascination of numbers may limit the attention to and understanding of the single. This review highlights that protein measurements (with collagens as examples) may mean different things depending on the targeted epitope - formation or degradation of tissues, and even signaling potential of proteins. DESIGN AND METHODS PubMed was searched for collagen, neo-epitope, biomarkers. RESULTS Ample examples of assays with specific epitopes, either pathological such as HbA1c, or domain specific such as pro-peptides, which total protein arrays would not have identified were evident. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that big data may be considered as the funnel of data points, in which most important parameters will be selected. If the technical precision is low or the biological accuracy is limited, and we include suboptimal quality of biomarkers, disguised as big data, we may not be able to fulfill the promise of helping patients searching for the optimal treatment. Alternatively, if the technical precision of the total protein quantification is high, but we miss the functional domains with the most considerable biological meaning, we miss the most important and valuable information of a given protein. This review highlights that measurements of the same protein in different ways may provide completely different meanings. We need to understand the pathological importance of each epitope quantified to maximize protein measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark.
| | - F Genovese
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - D G K Rasmussen
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - A C Bay-Jensen
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - J H Mortensen
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - S Holm Nielsen
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - N Willumsen
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - C Jensen
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - T Manon-Jensen
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | | | - K Henriksen
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - J M Sand
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - C Bager
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - D J Leeming
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
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