Macrophage plasticity and interaction with lymphocyte subsets: cancer as a paradigm

Monocyte-macrophages modulate intestinal homeostasis in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Monocytes and macrophages play an indispensable role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and modulating mucosal immune responses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although numerous studies have described macrophage properties in IBD, the underlying mechanisms whereby the monocyte-macrophage lineage modulates intestinal homeostasis during gut inflammation remain elusive.

MAIN BODY

In this review, we decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the generation of intestinal mucosal macrophages and fill the knowledge gap in understanding the origin, maturation, classification, and functions of mucosal macrophages in intestinal niches, particularly the phagocytosis and bactericidal effects involved in the elimination of cell debris and pathogens. We delineate macrophage-mediated immunoregulation in the context of producing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, toxic mediators, and macrophage extracellular traps (METs), and participating in the modulation of epithelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis in the intestine and its accessory tissues. Moreover, we emphasize that the maturation of intestinal macrophages is arrested at immature stage during IBD, and the deficiency of MCPIP1 involves in the process via ATF3-AP1S2 signature. In addition, we confirmed the origin potential of IL-1B+ macrophages and defined C1QB+ macrophages as mature macrophages. The interaction crosstalk between the intestine and the mesentery has been described in this review, and the expression of mesentery-derived SAA2 is upregulated during IBD, which contributes to immunoregulation of macrophage. Moreover, we also highlight IBD-related susceptibility genes (e.g., RUNX3, IL21R, GTF2I, and LILRB3) associated with the maturation and functions of macrophage, which provide promising therapeutic opportunities for treating human IBD.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this review provides a comprehensive, comprehensive, in-depth and novel description of the characteristics and functions of macrophages in IBD, and highlights the important role of macrophages in the molecular and cellular process during IBD.

CASQ2 alleviates lung cancer by inhibiting M2 tumor-associated macrophage polarization and JAK/STAT pathway

Lung cancer (LC) is a major inducer of cancer-related death. We aim to reveal the effect of Calsequestrin2 (CASQ2) on macrophage polarization and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in LC. Hub genes were determined from protein-protein interaction networks based on GSE21933 and GSE1987 data sets using bioinformatic analysis. Expression of hub genes was verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, wound-healing, colony formation, and transwell assays were performed to assess the impact of CASQ2 on LC cells. A xenograft mouse model was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin, immunohistochemistry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining to investigate the effect of CASQ2 on LC. The role of CASQ2 in regulating macrophage polarization and JAK/STAT pathway was evaluated by western blot andRT-qPCR. We screened out 155 common differentially expressed genes in GSE21933 and GSE1987 data sets. Myomesin-2, tyrosine kinase, sex determining region Y-box 2, platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, matrix metallopeptidase 9, claudin-5, caveolin-1, CASQ2, recombinant ATPase, Ca++ transporting, cardiac muscle, slow twitch 2 (ATP2A2), and ankyrin repeat domain 1 were identified as the hub genes with high prediction value. CASQ2 was selected as a pivotal regulator of LC. In vitro experiments and xenograft models revealed that CASQ2 overexpression suppressed proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion of LC cells, and tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, overexpression of CASQ2 promoted the expression of M1 macrophage markers (cluster of differentiation 80 [CD80], interleukin [IL]-12, inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]), while decreasing the expression of M2 macrophage markers (CD163, IL-10, Arg1) in tumor-associated macrophages and xenograft tissues. Finally, we found that overexpression of CASQ2 inhibited JAK/STAT pathway. CASQ2 is a novel biomarker, which can alleviate LC via inhibiting M2 tumor-associated macrophage polarization and JAK/STAT pathway.

Mathematical modeling and analysis of cancer treatment with radiation and anti-PD-L1

In cancer treatment, radiation therapy (RT) induces direct tumor cell death due to DNA damage, but it also enhances the deaths of radiosensitive immune cells and is followed by local relapse and up-regulation of immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1. Since the binding between PD-1 and PD-L1 curtails anti-tumor immunities, combining RT and PD-L1 inhibitor, anti-PD-L1, is a potential method to improve the treatment efficacy by RT. Some experiments support this hypothesis by showing that the combination of ionizing irradiation (IR) and anti-PD-L1 improves tumor reduction comparing to the monotherapy of IR or anti-PD-L1. In this work, we create a simplified ODE model to study the order of tumor growths under treatments of IR and anti-PD-L1. Our synergy analysis indicates that both IR and anti-PD-L1 improve the tumor reduction of each other, when IR and anti-PD-L1 are given simultaneously. When giving IR and anti-PD-L1 separately, a high dosage of IR should be given first to efficiently reduce tumor load and then followed by anti-PD-L1 with strong efficacy to maintain the tumor reduction and slow down the relapse. Increasing the duration of anti-PD-L1 improves the tumor reduction, but it cannot prolong the duration that tumor relapses to the level of the control case. Under some simplification, we also prove that the model has an unstable tumor free equilibrium and a locally asymptotically stable tumor persistent equilibrium. Our bifurcation diagram reveals a transition from tumor elimination to tumor persistence, as the tumor growth rate increases. In the tumor persistent case, both anti-PD-L1 and IR can reduce tumor amount in the long term.

CD146, a therapeutic target involved in cell plasticity

Since its identification as a marker for advanced melanoma in the 1980s, CD146 has been found to have multiple functions in both physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration, tumor progression, fibrosis disease, and inflammations. Subsequent research has revealed that CD146 is involved in various signaling pathways as a receptor or co-receptor in these processes. This correlation between CD146 and multiple diseases has sparked interest in its potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. To better comprehend the versatile roles of CD146, we have summarized its research history and synthesized findings from numerous reports, proposing that cell plasticity serves as the underlying mechanism through which CD146 contributes to development, regeneration, and various diseases. Targeting CD146 would consequently halt cell state shifting during the onset and progression of these related diseases. Therefore, the development of therapy targeting CD146 holds significant practical value.

Enhanced angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells via THP-1-derived M2c-like macrophages and treatment with proteasome inhibitors 'bortezomib and ixazomib'

The leading cause of cancer-related death is lung cancer, with metastasis being the most common cause of death. To elucidate the role of macrophages in lung cancer and angiogenesis processes, we established an in vitro co-culture model of A549 or HUVEC with THP-1 cells that polarized to M2c macrophages with hydrocortisone. The proteasome inhibitors bortezomib and ixazomib were investigated for their effects on proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis pathways. The effects of bortezomib and ixazomib on gene expression in gene panels, including crucial genes related to angiogenesis and proteasomes, were investigated after the co-culture model to determine these effects at the molecular level. In conclusion, bortezomib and ixazomib showed antiproliferative effects in both cells, as well as in M2c macrophage co-culture. M2c macrophages also increased invasion in A549 cells and both invasion and migration in HUVEC. mRNA expression upregulation, specifically in the NFKB and VEGF genes, supported the metastatic and angiogenic effects found in A549 and HUVEC with M2c macrophage co-culture. Additionally, bortezomib inhibited the VEGFB pathway in HUVEC and NFKB1 in A549 cells. The significant findings obtained as a result of this study will provide information regarding angiogenesis induced by M2 macrophages.

PIM1/NF-κB/CCL2 blockade enhances anti-PD-1 therapy response by modulating macrophage infiltration and polarization in tumor microenvironment of NSCLC

Elevated infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) drives tumor progression and correlates with poor prognosis for various tumor types. Our research identifies that the ablation of the Pim-1 proto-oncogene (PIM1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) suppresses TAM infiltration and prevents them from polarizing toward the M2 phenotype, thereby reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). The predominant mechanism through which PIM1 exerts its impact on macrophage chemotaxis and polarization involves CC motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). The expression level of PIM1 is positively correlated with high CCL2 expression in NSCLC, conferring a worse overall patient survival. Mechanistically, PIM1 deficiency facilitates the reprogramming of TAMs by targeting nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) signaling and inhibits CCL2 transactivation by NSCLC cells. The decreased secretion of CCL2 impedes TAM accumulation and their polarization toward a pro-tumoral phenotype. Furthermore, Dual blockade of Pim1 and PD-1 collaboratively suppressed tumor growth, repolarized macrophages, and boosted the efficacy of anti-PD-1 antibody. Collectively, our findings elucidate the pivotal role of PIM1 in orchestrating TAMs within the TME of NSCLC and highlight the potential of PIM1 inhibition as a strategy for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

Design and fabrication of dual-layer PCL nanofibrous scaffolds with inductive influence on vascular cell responses

Confronted with the profound threat of cardiovascular diseases to health, vascular tissue engineering presents potential beyond the limitations of autologous and allogeneic grafts, offering a promising solution. This study undertakes an initial exploration into the impact of a natural active protein, elastin, on vascular cell behavior, by incorporating with polycaprolactone to prepare fibrous tissue engineering scaffold. The results reveal that elastin serves to foster endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation, suppress smooth muscle cell proliferation, and induce macrophage polarization. Furthermore, the incorporation of elastin contributes to heightened scaffold strength, compliance, and elongation, concomitantly lowering the elastic modulus. Subsequently, a bilayer oriented polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold infused with elastin is proposed. This design draws inspiration from the cellular arrangement of native blood vessels, leveraging oriented fibers to guide cell orientation. The resulting fiber scaffold exhibits commendable mechanical properties and cell infiltration capacity, imparting valuable insights for the rapid endothelialization of vascular scaffolds.

Imputing abundance of over 2500 surface proteins from single-cell transcriptomes with context-agnostic zero-shot deep ensembles

Cell surface proteins serve as primary drug targets and cell identity markers. The emergence of techniques like CITE-seq has enabled simultaneous quantification of surface protein abundance and transcript expression for multimodal data analysis within individual cells. The published data have been utilized to train machine learning models for predicting surface protein abundance based solely from transcript expression. However, the small scale of proteins predicted and the poor generalization ability for these computational approaches across diverse contexts, such as different tissues or disease states, impede their widespread adoption. Here we propose SPIDER (surface protein prediction using deep ensembles from single-cell RNA-seq), a context-agnostic zero-shot deep ensemble model, which enables the large-scale prediction of cell surface protein abundance and generalizes better to various contexts. Comprehensive benchmarking shows that SPIDER outperforms other state-of-the-art methods. Using the predicted surface abundance of >2500 proteins from single-cell transcriptomes, we demonstrate the broad applications of SPIDER including cell type annotation, biomarker/target identification, and cell-cell interaction analysis in hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer.

Lowering expression of Epsin-3 inhibits migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a genetic reprogramming that tumor cells utilize for metastasis. Epsin-3 (EPN3) is an endocytic adapter protein involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and had been previously linked to EMT in breast cancer and glioma metastasis. In this study, identified the role of epsin-3 in lung adenocarcinoma and metastasis and epsin-3 levels identified using an expression profile analysis of patient data indicated the protein was abnormally overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma patients and this was directly linked to disease severity. Gene knockdowns of EPN3 in human adenocarcinoma cell line A549 and the non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line H1299 decreased the levels of mesenchymal markers, including vimentin (VIM), N-cadherin (NCAD) and embryonic transcription factors like zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1(ZEB1), snail, and the key molecules of Wnt pathway such as β-catenin and resulted in increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (ECAD). Our data links EPN3 to the EMT process in lung cancer and inhibition of its expression reduced the metastatic and invasive ability of lung adenocarcinoma cells by inhibiting the EMT process.

High-dose methylprednisolone mediates YAP/TAZ-TEAD in vocal fold fibroblasts with macrophages

The pro-fibrotic effects of glucocorticoids may lead to a suboptimal therapeutic response for vocal fold (VF) pathology. Targeting macrophage-fibroblast interactions is an interesting therapeutic strategy; macrophages alter their phenotype to mediate both inflammation and fibrosis. In the current study, we investigated concentration-dependent effects of methylprednisolone on the fibrotic response, with an emphasis on YAP/TAZ-TEAD signaling, and inflammatory gene expression in VF fibroblasts in physical contact with macrophages. We sought to provide foundational data to optimize therapeutic strategies for millions of patients with voice/laryngeal disease-related disability. Following induction of inflammatory (M(IFN/LPS)) and fibrotic (M(TGF)) phenotypes, THP-1-derived macrophages were seeded onto HVOX vocal fold fibroblasts. Cells were co-cultured +/-0.3-3000nM methylprednisolone +/- 3μM verteporfin, a YAP/TAZ inhibitor. Inflammatory (CXCL10, TNF, PTGS2) and fibrotic genes (ACTA2, CCN2, COL1A1) in fibroblasts were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction after cell sorting. Ser211-phosphorylated glucocorticoid receptor (S211-pGR) was assessed by Western blotting. Nuclear localization of S211-pGR and YAP/TAZ was analyzed by immunocytochemistry. Methylprednisolone decreased TNF and PTGS2 in fibroblasts co-cultured with M(IFN/LPS) macrophages and increased ACTA2 and CCN2 in fibroblasts co-cultured with M(IFN/LPS) and M(TGF). Lower concentrations were required to decrease TNF and PTGS2 expression and to increase S211-pGR than to increase ACTA2 and CCN2 expression and nuclear localization of S211-pGR. Methylprednisolone also increased YAP/TAZ nuclear localization. Verteporfin attenuated upregulation of CCN2, but not PTGS2 downregulation. High concentration methylprednisolone induced nuclear localization of S211-pGR and upregulated fibrotic genes mediated by YAP/TAZ activation.

Harnessing natural killer cells for refractory/relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma: biological roles, clinical trials, and future prospective

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are heterogeneous and are among the most common hematological malignancies worldwide. Despite the advances in the treatment of patients with NHLs, relapse or resistance to treatment is anticipated in several patients. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Recently, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy alone or in combination with monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptors, or bispecific killer engagers have been applied in many investigations for NHL treatment. The functional defects of NK cells and the ability of cancerous cells to escape NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity within the tumor microenvironment of NHLs, as well as the beneficial results from previous studies in the context of NK cell-based immunotherapy in NHLs, direct our attention to this therapeutic strategy. This review aims to summarize clinical studies focusing on the applications of NK cells in the immunotherapy of patients with NHL.

Structural Elucidation and Anti-Tumor Activity of a Polysaccharide (CP2-S) from Cordyceps militaris Fruit Bodies

A polysaccharide (CP2-S), consisting of glucose with a weight average molecular weight of 5.9 × 106, was purified from the fruit bodies of Cordyceps militaris. In this work, the corresponding structure and anti-tumor activity in vivo were investigated. Methylation and NMR analysis revealed that CP2-S was composed of a →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ backbone with partial substitution occurring at O-6 by T-linked α-D-Glcp in every ten residues, which has not been reported in previous reports. In vivo anti-tumor experiments showed that CP2-S could inhibit the growth of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice. Tumor inhibition rates were 17.8%, 24.5%, and 29.5% at dosages of 12.5, 50, and 100 mg/kg/d, respectively. Compared with the cisplatin group, mice treated with CP2-S exhibited a significant increase in spleen index (increased 22.7-42.4%) and thymus index (increased 47.7-36.8%). Additionally, serum levels of IgM and IgG in tumor-bearing mice increased by approximately 6.11~10.75-folds and 1.31~1.38-folds, respectively. These findings prove that CP2-S significantly inhibited the growth of Lewis lung carcinoma through immune-enhancing activity in mice.

Pan-cell death-related signature reveals tumor immune microenvironment and optimizes personalized therapy alternations in lung adenocarcinoma

This study constructed a comprehensive analysis of cell death modules in eliminating aberrant cells and remodeling tumor microenvironment (TME). Consensus analysis was performed in 490 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients based on 4 types of cell death prognostic genes. Intersection method divided these LUAD samples into 5 cell death risk (CDR) clusters, and COX regression analysis were used to construct the CDR signature (CDRSig) with risk scores. Significant differences of TME phenotypes, clinical factors, genome variations, radiosensitivity and immunotherapy sensitivity were observed in different CDR clusters. Patients with higher risk scores in the CDRSig tended to be immune-excluded or immune-desert, and those with lower risk scores were more sensitive to radiotherapy and immunotherapy. The results from mouse model showed that intense expression of the high-risk gene PFKP was associated with low CD8+ T cell infiltration upon radiotherapy and anti-PD-L1 treatment. Deficient assays in vitro confirmed that PFKP downregulation enhanced cGAS/STING pathway activation and radiosensitivity in LUAD cells. In conclusion, our studies originally performed a comprehensive cell death analysis, suggesting the importance of CDR patterns in reprogramming TME and providing novel clues for LUAD personalized therapies.

The significance of lipid metabolism reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma

In the intricate landscape of the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) emerge as a ubiquitous cellular component that profoundly affects the oncogenic process. The microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a pronounced infiltration of TAMs, underscoring their pivotal role in modulating the trajectory of the disease. Amidst the evolving therapeutic paradigms for HCC, the strategic reprogramming of metabolic pathways presents a promising avenue for intervention, garnering escalating interest within the scientific community. Previous investigations have predominantly focused on elucidating the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells without paying sufficient attention to understanding how TAM metabolic reprogramming, particularly lipid metabolism, affects the progression of HCC. In this review article, we intend to elucidate how TAMs exert their regulatory effects via diverse pathways such as E2F1-E2F2-CPT2, LKB1-AMPK, and mTORC1-SREBP, and discuss correlations of TAMs with these processes and the characteristics of relevant pathways in HCC progression by consolidating various studies on TAM lipid uptake, storage, synthesis, and catabolism. It is our hope that our summary could delineate the impact of specific mechanisms underlying TAM lipid metabolic reprogramming on HCC progression and provide useful information for future research on HCC and the development of new treatment strategies.

A prognostic model for anoikis-related genes in pancreatic cancer

Anoikis, a distinct form of programmed cell death, is crucial for both organismal development and maintaining tissue equilibrium. Its role extends to the proliferation and progression of cancer cells. This study aimed to establish an anoikis-related prognostic model to predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. Gene expression data and patient clinical profiles were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-PAAD: Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC-PACA: Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma). Non-cancerous pancreatic tissue gene expression data were obtained from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. The R package was used to construct anoikis-related PC prognostic models, which were later validated with the ICGC-PACA database. Survival analyses demonstrated a poorer prognosis for patients in the high-risk group, consistent across both TCGA-PAAD and ICGC-PACA datasets. A nomogram was designed as a predictive tool to estimate patient mortality. The study also analyzed tumor mutations and immune infiltration across various risk groups, uncovering notable differences in tumor mutation patterns and immune landscapes between high- and low-risk groups. In conclusion, this research successfully developed a prognostic model centered on anoikis-related genes, offering a novel tool for predicting the clinical trajectory of PC patients.

Mammary tissue-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels reveal the role of irradiation in driving a pro-tumor and immunosuppressive microenvironment

Radiation therapy (RT) is essential for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. However, patients with TNBC continue to experience recurrence after RT. The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of irradiated breast tissue in tumor recurrence is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the structure, molecular composition, and mechanical properties of irradiated murine mammary fat pads (MFPs) and developed ECM hydrogels from decellularized tissues (dECM) to assess the effects of RT-induced ECM changes on breast cancer cell behavior. Irradiated MFPs were characterized by increased ECM deposition and fiber density compared to unirradiated controls, which may provide a platform for cell invasion and proliferation. ECM component changes in collagens I, IV, and VI, and fibronectin were observed following irradiation in both MFPs and dECM hydrogels. Encapsulated TNBC cell proliferation and invasive capacity was enhanced in irradiated dECM hydrogels. In addition, TNBC cells co-cultured with macrophages in irradiated dECM hydrogels induced M2 macrophage polarization and exhibited further increases in proliferation. Our study establishes that the ECM in radiation-damaged sites promotes TNBC invasion and proliferation as well as an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This work represents an important step toward elucidating how changes in the ECM after RT contribute to breast cancer recurrence.

The immune microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma featured with ground-glass nodules

Early-stage lung cancer is now more commonly identified in the form of ground-glass nodules (GGNs). Presently, the treatment of lung cancer with GGNs mainly depends on surgery; however, issues still exist such as overtreatment and delayed treatment due to the nonuniform standard of follow-up. Therefore, the discovery of a noninvasive treatment could expand the treatment repertoire of ground-glass nodular lung cancer and benefit the prognosis of patients. Immunotherapy has recently emerged as a new promising approach in the field of lung cancer treatment. Thus, this study presents a comprehensive review of the immune microenvironment of lung cancer with GGNs and describes the functions and characteristics of various immune cells involved, aiming to provide guidance for the clinical identification of novel immunotherapeutic targets.

Immune landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma: From dysregulation of the immune responses to the potential immunotherapies

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a considerable global health burden due to its late diagnosis and high morbidity. The liver's specific anatomical and physiological features expose it to various antigens, requiring precise immune regulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a comprehensive overview of the interactions between the immune system and gut microbiota in the development of HCC, as well as the relevant therapeutic approaches are discussed. Dysregulation of immune compartments within the liver microenvironment drives HCC pathogenesis, characterized by elevated regulatory cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and M2 macrophages as well as suppressive molecules, alongside reduced number of effector cells like T cells, natural killer cells, and M1 macrophages. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota also contributes to HCC by disrupting intestinal barrier integrity and triggering overactivated immune responses. Immunotherapy approaches, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, have exhibited promise in HCC management, yet adoptive cell therapy and cancer vaccination research are in the early steps with relatively less favorable outcomes. Further understanding of immune dysregulation, gut microbiota involvement, and therapeutic combination strategies are essential for advancing precision immunotherapy in HCC.

TLR2-dependent and independent pyroptosis in dTHP-1 cells induced by Actinomyces oris MG-1

In the immune system, the detection of pathogens through various mechanisms triggers immune responses. Several types of specific programmed cell deaths play a role in the inflammatory reaction. This study emphasizes the inflammatory response induced by Actinomycetes. Actinomyces spp. are resident bacteria in human oral plaque and often serve as a bridge for pathogenic bacteria, which lack affinity to the tooth surface, aiding their colonization of the plaque. We aim to investigate the potential role of Actinomyces oris in the early stages of oral diseases from a new perspective. Actinomyces oris MG-1 (A. oris) was chosen for this research. Differentiated THP-1 (dTHP-1) cells were transiently treated with A. oris to model the inflammatory reaction. Cell viability, as well as relative gene and protein expression levels of dTHP-1 cells, were assessed using CCK-8, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot assay. The treatment decreased cell viability and increased the expression of inflammatory genes such as IL-1R1 and NLRP3. It was also observed to significantly enhance the release of IL-1β/IL-18 into the supernatant. Immunoblot analysis revealed a notable increase in the expression of N-gasdermin D persisting up to 24 h. Conversely, in models pre-treated with TLR2 inhibitors, N-gasdermin D was detectable only 12 h post-treatment and absent at 24 h. These results suggest that Actinomyces oris MG-1 induces pyroptosis in dTHP-1 cells via TLR2, but the process is not solely dependent on TLR2.

The potential therapeutic targets of glutamine metabolism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Targeting metabolic reprogramming may be an effective strategy to enhance cancer treatment efficacy. Glutamine serves as a vital nutrient for cancer cells. Inhibiting glutamine metabolism has shown promise in preventing tumor growth both in vivo and in vitro through various mechanisms. Therefore, this review collates recent scientific literature concerning the correlation between glutamine metabolism and cancer treatment. Novel treatment modalities based on amino acid transporters, metabolites, and glutaminase are discussed. Moreover, we demonstrate the relationship between glutamine metabolism and tumor proliferation, drug resistance, and the tumor immune microenvironment, offering new perspectives for the clinical treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly for combined therapies. Identifying innovative approaches for enhancing the efficacy of glutamine-based metabolic therapy is crucial to improving HNSCC treatment.

Enzymatic depletion of circulating glutamine is immunosuppressive in cancers

Although glutamine addiction in cancer cells is extensively reported, there is controversy on the impact of glutamine metabolism on the immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). To address the role of extracellular glutamine, we enzymatically depleted circulating glutamine using PEGylated Helicobacter pylori gamma-glutamyl transferase (PEG-GGT) in syngeneic mouse models of breast and colon cancers. PEG-GGT treatment inhibits growth of cancer cells in vitro, but in vivo it increases myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and has no significant impact on tumor growth. By deriving a glutamine depletion signature, we analyze diverse human cancers within the TCGA and illustrate that glutamine depletion is not associated with favorable clinical outcomes and correlates with accumulation of MDSC. Broadly, our results help clarify the integrated impact of glutamine depletion within the TME and advance PEG-GGT as an enzymatic tool for the systemic and selective depletion (no asparaginase activity) of circulating glutamine in live animals.

Developing a Biomimetic 3D Neointimal Layer as a Prothrombotic Substrate for a Humanized In Vitro Model of Atherothrombosis

Acute cardiovascular events result from clots caused by the rupture and erosion of atherosclerotic plaques. This paper aimed to produce a functional biomimetic hydrogel of the neointimal layer of the atherosclerotic plaque that can support thrombogenesis upon exposure to human blood. A biomimetic hydrogel of the neointima was produced by culturing THP-1-derived foam cells within 3D collagen hydrogels in the presence or absence of atorvastatin. Prothrombin time and platelet aggregation onset were measured after exposure of the neointimal models to platelet-poor plasma and washed platelet suspensions prepared from blood of healthy, medication-free volunteers. Activity of the extrinsic coagulation pathway was measured using the fluorogenic substrate SN-17. Foam cell formation was observed following preincubation of the neointimal biomimetic hydrogels with oxidized LDL, and this was inhibited by pretreatment with atorvastatin. The neointimal biomimetic hydrogel was able to trigger platelet aggregation and blood coagulation upon exposure to human blood products. Atorvastatin pretreatment of the neointimal biomimetic layer significantly reduced its pro-aggregatory and pro-coagulant properties. In the future, this 3D neointimal biomimetic hydrogel can be incorporated as an additional layer within our current thrombus-on-a-chip model to permit the study of atherosclerosis development and the screening of anti-thrombotic drugs as an alternative to current animal models.

Engineering nanoparticles-enabled tumor-associated macrophages repolarization and phagocytosis restoration for enhanced cancer immunotherapy

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are pivotal within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and recently, have attracted intensive attention for cancer treatment. However, concurrently to promote TAMs repolarization and phagocytosis of cancer cells remains challenging. Here, a TAMs-targeted albumin nanoparticles-based delivery system (M@SINPs) was constructed for the co-delivery of photosensitizer IR820 and SHP2 inhibitor SHP099 to potentiate macrophage-mediated cancer immunotherapy. M@SINPs under laser irradiation can generate the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and facilitate M2-TAMs to an M1 phenotype. Meanwhile, inhibition of SHP2 could block the CD47-SIRPa pathway to restore M1 macrophage phagocytic activity. M@SINPs-mediated TAMs remodeling resulted in the immunostimulatory TME by repolarizing TAMs to an M1 phenotype, restoring its phagocytic function and facilitating intratumoral CTLs infiltration, which significantly inhibited tumor growth. Furthermore, M@SINPs in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody could also improve the treatment outcomes of PD-1 blockade and exert the synergistic anticancer effects. Thus, the macrophage repolarization/phagocytosis restoration combination through M@SINPs holds promise as a strategy to concurrently remodel TAMs in TME for improving the antitumor efficiency of immune checkpoint block and conventional therapy.

HDL-cholesterol confers sensitivity of immunotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via remodeling tumor-associated macrophages towards the M1 phenotype

BACKGROUND

The sustained effectiveness of anti-programmed cell death protein-1/programmed death-ligand 1 treatment is limited to a subgroup of patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and the specific biomarker determining the response to immunotherapy in NPC remains uncertain.

METHODS

We assessed the associations between pre-immunotherapy and post-immunotherapy serum lipoproteins and survival in a training cohort (N=160) and corroborated these findings in a validation cohort (N=100). Animal studies were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the relationship between high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and M1/M2-like macrophages, as well as activated CD8+T cells in tumor tissues from patients with NPC who received immunotherapy, was investigated.

RESULTS

The lipoproteins cholesterol, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B, were significantly altered after immunotherapy. Patients with higher baseline HDL-C or ApoA1, or those with increased HDL-C or ApoA1 after immunotherapy had longer progression-free survival, a finding verified in the validation cohort (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline HDL-C and elevated HDL-C post-immunotherapy were independent predictors of superior PFS (p<0.05). Furthermore, we discovered that L-4F, an ApoA1 mimetic, could inhibit tumor growth in NPC xenografts. This effect was associated with L-4F's ability to polarize M2-like macrophages towards an M1-like phenotype via the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, thereby alleviating immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Importantly, in patients with NPC with high plasma HDL-C levels, the number of M2-like macrophages was significantly decreased, while M1-like macrophages and activated CD8+T cells were notably increased in those with high HDL-C levels.

CONCLUSION

Higher baseline HDL-C levels or an increase in HDL-C post-immunotherapy can enhance immunotherapeutic responses in patients with NPC by reprogramming M2-like macrophages towards the M1 phenotype. This suggests a potential role for prospectively exploring ApoA1 mimetics as adjuvant agents in combination with immunotherapy.

Advances in Bacterial Lysate Immunotherapy for Infectious Diseases and Cancer

Antigenic cell fragments, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and other immunostimulants in bacterial lysates or extracts may induce local and systemic immune responses in specific and nonspecific paradigms. Based on current knowledge, this review aimed to determine whether bacterial lysate has comparable functions in infectious diseases and cancer treatment. In infectious diseases, including respiratory and urinary tract infections, immune system activation by bacterial lysate can identify and combat pathogens. Commercially available bacterial lysates, including OM-85, Ismigen, Lantigen B, and LW 50020, were effective in children and adults in treating respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinitis, and rhinosinusitis with varying degrees of success. Moreover, OM-89, Uromune, Urovac, Urivac, and ExPEC4V showed therapeutic benefits in controlling urinary tract infections in adults, especially women. Bacterial lysate-based therapeutics are safe, well-tolerated, and have few side effects, making them a good alternative for infectious disease management. Furthermore, a nonspecific immunomodulation by bacterial lysates may stimulate innate immunity, benefiting cancer treatment. "Coley's vaccine" has been used to treat sarcomas, carcinomas, lymphomas, melanomas, and myelomas with varying outcomes. Later, several similar bacterial lysate-based therapeutics have been developed to treat cancers, including bladder cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and myeloma; among them, BCG for in situ bladder cancer is well-known. Proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, may activate bacterial antigen-specific adaptive responses that could restore tumor antigen recognition and response by tumor-specific type 1 helper cells and cytotoxic T cells; therefore, bacterial lysates are worth investigating as a vaccination adjuvants or add-on therapies for several cancers.

LncRNAs act as modulators of macrophages within the tumor microenvironment

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been established as pivotal players in various cellular processes, encompassing the regulation of transcription, translation and post-translational modulation of proteins, thereby influencing cellular functions. Notably, lncRNAs exert a regulatory influence on diverse biological processes, particularly in the context of tumor development. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) exhibit the M2 phenotype, exerting significant impact on crucial processes such as tumor initiation, angiogenesis, metastasis and immune evasion. Elevated infiltration of TAMs into the tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely associated with a poor prognosis in various cancers. LncRNAs within TAMs play a direct role in regulating cellular processes. Functioning as integral components of tumor-derived exosomes, lncRNAs prompt the M2-like polarization of macrophages. Concurrently, reports indicate that lncRNAs in tumor cells contribute to the expression and release of molecules that modulate TAMs within the TME. These actions of lncRNAs induce the recruitment, infiltration and M2 polarization of TAMs, thereby providing critical support for tumor development. In this review, we survey recent studies elucidating the impact of lncRNAs on macrophage recruitment, polarization and function across different types of cancers.

Guardians and Mediators of Metastasis: Exploring T Lymphocytes, Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells, and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Breast Cancer Microenvironment

Breast cancers (BCs) are solid tumors composed of heterogeneous tissues consisting of cancer cells and an ever-changing tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME includes, among other non-cancer cell types, immune cells influencing the immune context of cancer tissues. In particular, the cross talk of immune cells and their interactions with cancer cells dramatically influence BC dissemination, immunoediting, and the outcomes of cancer therapies. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent prominent immune cell populations of breast TMEs, and they have important roles in cancer immunoescape and dissemination. Therefore, in this article we review the features of TILs, TAMs, and MDSCs in BCs. Moreover, we highlight the mechanisms by which these immune cells remodel the immune TME and lead to breast cancer metastasis.

Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment

Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.

SIRPG promotes lung squamous cell carcinoma pathogenesis via M1 macrophages: a multi-omics study integrating data and Mendelian randomization

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (LUSC) is a severe and highly lethal malignant tumor of the respiratory system, and its molecular mechanisms at the molecular level remain unc\lear.

Methods

We acquired RNA-seq data from 8 surgical samples obtained from early-stage LUSC and adjacent non-cancerous tissues from 3 different centers. Utilizing Deseq2, we identified 1088 differentially expressed genes with |LogFC| > 1 and a p-value < 0.05 threshold. Furthermore, through MR analysis of Exposure Data for 26,153 Genes and 63,053 LUSC Patients, incorporating 7,838,805 SNPs as endpoints, we identified 213 genes as potential exposure factors.

Results

After intersecting the results, we identified 5 differentially expressed genes, including GYPE, PODXL2, RNF182, SIRPG, and WNT7A. PODXL2 (OR 95% CI, 1.169 (1.040 to 1.313)) was identified as an exposed risk factor, with p-values less than 0.01 under the inverse variance weighted model. GO and KEGG analyses revealed enhanced ubiquitin-protein transferase activity and activation of pathways such as the mTOR signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway. Immune infiltration analysis showed downregulation of Plasma cells, T cells regulatory (Tregs), and Dendritic cells activated by the identified gene set, while an enhancement was observed in Macrophages M1. Furthermore, we externally validated the expression levels of these five genes using RNA-seq data from TCGA database and 11 GEO datasets of LUSC, and the results showed SIRPG could induce LUSC.

Conclusion

SIRPG emerged as a noteworthy exposure risk factor for LUSC. Immune infiltration analysis highlighted Macrophages M1 and mTOR signaling pathway play an important role in LUSC.

The effects of tumor-derived supernatants (TDS) on cancer cell progression: A review and update on carcinogenesis and immunotherapy

Tumors can produce bioactive substances called tumor-derived supernatants (TDS) that modify the immune response in the host body. This can result in immunosuppressive effects that promote the growth and spread of cancer. During tumorigenesis, the exudation of these substances can disrupt the function of immune sentinels in the host and reinforce the support for cancer cell growth. Tumor cells produce cytokines, growth factors, and proteins, which contribute to the progression of the tumor and the formation of premetastatic niches. By understanding how cancer cells influence the host immune system through the secretion of these factors, we can gain new insights into cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Nanomaterials modulate tumor-associated macrophages for the treatment of digestive system tumors

The treatment of digestive system tumors presents challenges, particularly in immunotherapy, owing to the advanced immune tolerance of the digestive system. Nanomaterials have emerged as a promising approach for addressing these challenges. They provide targeted drug delivery, enhanced permeability, high bioavailability, and low toxicity. Additionally, nanomaterials target immunosuppressive cells and reshape the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Among the various cells in the TIME, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant and play a crucial role in tumor progression. Therefore, investigating the modulation of TAMs by nanomaterials for the treatment of digestive system tumors is of great significance. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the utilization of nanomaterials to modulate TAMs for the treatment of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer. We also investigated the underlying mechanisms by which nanomaterials modulate TAMs to treat tumors in the digestive system. Furthermore, this review summarizes the role of macrophage-derived nanomaterials in the treatment of digestive system tumors. Overall, this research offers valuable insights into the development of nanomaterials tailored for the treatment of digestive system tumors.

Treatment strategies and molecular mechanism of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy in colorectal cancer

Radiotherapy (RT) remodels the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and modulates the immune response to indirectly destroy tumor cells, in addition to directly killing tumor cells. RT combined with immunotherapy may significantly enhance the efficacy of RT in colorectal cancer by modulating the microenvironment. However, the molecular mechanisms by which RT acts as an immunomodulator to modulate the immune microenvironment remain unclear. Further, the optimal modalities of RT combined with immunotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer, such as the time point of combining RT and immunization, the fractionation pattern and dosage of radiotherapy, and other methods to improve the efficacy, are also being explored parallelly. To address these aspects, in this review, we summarized the mechanisms by which RT modulates TIME and concluded the progress of RT combined with immunization in preclinical and clinical trials. Finally, we discussed heavy ion radiation therapy and the efficacy of prediction markers and other immune combination therapies. Overall, combining RT with immunotherapy to enhance antitumor effects will have a significant clinical implication and will help to facilitate individualized treatment modalities.

ADAR2 deficiency ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and muscle atrophy through modulating serum amyloid A1

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which is commonly associated with NAFLD. Adenosine-to-inosine editing, catalysed by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR), is an important post-transcriptional modification of genome-encoded RNA transcripts. Three ADAR gene family members, including ADAR1, ADAR2 and ADAR3, have been identified. However, the functional role of ADAR2 in obesity-associated NAFLD and sarcopenia remains unclear.

METHODS

ADAR2+/+/GluR-BR/R mice (wild type [WT]) and ADAR2-/-/GluR-BR/R mice (ADAR2 knockout [KO]) were subjected to feeding with standard chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks at the age of 5 weeks. The metabolic parameters, hepatic lipid droplet, grip strength test, rotarod test, muscle weight, fibre cross-sectional area (CSA), fibre types and protein associated with protein degradation were examined. Systemic and local tissues serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) were measured. The effects of SAA1 on C2C12 myotube atrophy were investigated.

RESULTS

ADAR2 KO mice fed with HFD exhibited lower body weight (-7.7%, P < 0.05), lower liver tissue weight (-20%, P < 0.05), reduced liver lipid droplets in concert with a decrease in hepatic triglyceride content (-24%, P < 0.001) and liver injury (P < 0.01). ADAR2 KO mice displayed protection against HFD-induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Skeletal muscle mass (P < 0.01), muscle strength (P < 0.05), muscle endurance (P < 0.001) and fibre size (CSA; P < 0.0001) were improved in ADAR2 KO mice fed with HFD compared with WT mice fed with HFD. Muscle atrophy-associated transcripts, such as forkhead box protein O1, muscle atrophy F-box/atrogin-1 and muscle RING finger 1/tripartite motif-containing 63, were decreased in ADAR2 KO mice fed with HFD compared with WT mice fed with HFD. ADAR2 deficiency attenuates HFD-induced local liver and skeletal muscle tissue inflammation. ADAR2 deficiency abolished HFD-induced systemic (P < 0.01), hepatic (P < 0.0001) and muscular (P < 0.001) SAA1 levels. C2C12 myotubes treated with recombinant SAA1 displayed a decrease in myotube length (-37%, P < 0.001), diameter (-20%, P < 0.01), number (-39%, P < 0.001) and fusion index (-46%, P < 0.01). Myogenic markers (myosin heavy chain and myogenin) were decreased in SAA1-treated myoblast C2C12 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide novel evidence that ADAR2 deficiency may be important in obesity-associated sarcopenia and NAFLD. Increased SAA1 might be involved as a regulatory factor in developing sarcopenia in NAFLD.

IL-4 regulates neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation in a mouse model of bronchial asthma

Neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation in asthmatics substantially exacerbates the severity of the disease leading to resistance to conventional corticosteroid therapy. Many studies established the involvement of Th1- and Th17-cells and cytokines produced by them (IFNg, IL-17A, IL-17F etc.) in neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation. Recent studies revealed that IL-4 - a Th2-cytokine regulates neutrophil effector functions and migration. It was showed that IL-4 substantially reduces neutrophilic inflammation of the skin in a mouse model of cutaneous bacterial infection and blood neutrophilia in a mouse model systemic bacterial infection. However, there are no data available regarding the influence of IL-4 on non-infectious pulmonary inflammation. In the current study we investigated the effects of IL-4 in a previously developed mouse model of neutrophilic bronchial asthma. We showed that systemic administration of IL-4 significantly restricts neutrophilic inflammation of the respiratory tract probably through the suppression of Th1-/Th17-immune responses and downregulation of CXCR2. Additionally, pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation could be alleviated by IL-4-dependant polarization of N2 neutrophils and M2 macrophages, expressing anti-inflammatory TGFβ. Considering these, IL-4 might be used for reduction of exaggerated pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation and overcoming corticosteroid insensitivity of asthma patients.

Havoc in harmony: Unravelling the intricacies of angiogenesis orchestrated by the tumor microenvironment

Cancer cells merely exist in isolation; rather, they exist in an intricate microenvironment composed of blood vessels, signalling molecules, immune cells, stroma, fibroblasts, and the ECM. The TME provides a setting that is favourable for the successful growth and survivance of tumors. Angiogenesis is a multifaceted process that is essential for the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. TME can be visualized as a "concert hall," where various cellular and non-cellular factors perform in a "symphony" to orchestrate tumor angiogenesis and create "Havoc" instead of "Harmony". In this review, we comprehensively summarized the involvement of TME in regulating tumor angiogenesis. Especially, we have focused on immune cells and their secreted factors, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and their role in altering the TME. We have also deciphered the crosstalk among various cell types that further aids the process of tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, we have highlighted the limitations of existing anti-angiogenic therapy and discussed various potential strategies that could be used to overcome these challenges and improve the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy.

Gelatin/heparin coated bio-inspired polyurethane composite fibers to construct small-caliber artificial blood vessel grafts

Long-term patency and ability for revascularization remain challenges for small-caliber blood vessel grafts to treat cardiovascular diseases clinically. Here, a gelatin/heparin coated bio-inspired polyurethane composite fibers-based artificial blood vessel with continuous release of NO and biopeptides to regulate vascular tissue repair and maintain long-term patency is fabricated. A biodegradable polyurethane elastomer that can catalyze S-nitrosothiols in the blood to release NO is synthesized (NPU). Then, the NPU core-shell structured nanofiber grafts with requisite mechanical properties and biopeptide release for inflammation manipulation are fabricated by electrospinning and lyophilization. Finally, the surface of tubular NPU nanofiber grafts is coated with heparin/gelatin and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to obtain small-caliber artificial blood vessels (ABVs) with the ability of vascular revascularization. We demonstrate that artificial blood vessel grafts promote the growth of endothelial cells but inhibit the growth of smooth muscle cells by the continuous release of NO; vascular grafts can regulate inflammatory balance for vascular tissue remodel without excessive collagen deposition through the release of biological peptides. Vascular grafts prevent thrombus and vascular stenosis to obtain long-term patency. Hence, our work paves a new way to develop small-caliber artificial blood vessel grafts that can maintain long-term patency in vivo and remodel vascular tissue successfully.

A novel immune‑related lncRNA as a prognostic biomarker in HER2+ breast cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ breast cancer is characterized by high malignancy and poor prognosis. Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are crucial in breast cancer progression and prognosis, especially in tumor-associated immune processes. The present study aimed to elucidate novel lncRNAs related to immune function that could serve as biomarkers for both diagnosis and prognosis of this cancer subtype. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and The Immunology Database and Analysis Portal, correlation analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and immune-related genes. Through receiver operating characteristic analysis, the diagnostic value of specific lncRNAs was identified and evaluated, with a focus on their capacity to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous states. The present research revealed 22 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 23 differentially expressed immune-related genes, with 19 immune-related lncRNAs. A total of 13 of these lncRNAs demonstrated diagnostic relevance. In particular, it was demonstrated that the expression of lncRNA CTC-537E7.2 was significantly correlated with patient survival, suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker. Additionally, the expression of lncRNA CTC-537E7.2 was significantly correlated with clinical parameters, such as hormone receptor status and patient demographics. Moreover, it exhibited associations with four distinct immune cell types and demonstrated involvement in the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. Further assessment by in situ hybridization confirmed the increased expression of lncRNA CTC-537E7.2 in samples from HER2+ patients, reinforcing its significance. In summary, the present study uncovered a novel prognostic biomarker for HER2+ breast cancer, thereby laying the groundwork for investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms driving the development of this subtype of breast cancer.

Recent advancements in nanomaterial-mediated ferroptosis-induced cancer therapy: Importance of molecular dynamics and novel strategies

Ferroptosis is a novel type of controlled cell death resulting from an imbalance between oxidative harm and protective mechanisms, demonstrating significant potential in combating cancer. It differs from other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis and necrosis. Molecular therapeutics have hard time playing the long-acting role of ferroptosis induction due to their limited water solubility, low cell targeting capacity, and quick metabolism in vivo. To this end, small molecule inducers based on biological factors have long been used as strategy to induce cell death. Research into ferroptosis and advancements in nanotechnology have led to the discovery that nanomaterials are superior to biological medications in triggering ferroptosis. Nanomaterials derived from iron can enhance ferroptosis induction by directly releasing large quantities of iron and increasing cell ROS levels. Moreover, utilizing nanomaterials to promote programmed cell death minimizes the probability of unfavorable effects induced by mutations in cancer-associated genes such as RAS and TP53. Taken together, this review summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in ferroptosis along with the classification of ferroptosis induction. It also emphasized the importance of cell organelles in the control of ferroptosis in cancer therapy. The nanomaterials that trigger ferroptosis are categorized and explained. Iron-based and noniron-based nanomaterials with their characterization at the molecular and cellular levels have been explored, which will be useful for inducing ferroptosis that leads to reduced tumor growth. Within this framework, we offer a synopsis, which traverses the well-established mechanism of ferroptosis and offers practical suggestions for the design and therapeutic use of nanomaterials.

Indoxyl Sulfate-Induced Macrophage Toxicity and Therapeutic Strategies in Uremic Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) frequently occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those undergoing dialysis. The mechanisms behind this may be related to traditional risk factors and CKD-specific factors that accelerate atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in CKD patients. The accumulation of uremic toxins is a significant factor in CKD-related systemic disorders. Basic research suggests that indoxyl sulfate (IS), a small protein-bound uremic toxin, is associated with macrophage dysfunctions, including increased oxidative stress, exacerbation of chronic inflammation, and abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Strategies to mitigate the toxicity of IS include optimizing gut microbiota, intervening against the abnormality of intracellular signal transduction, and using blood purification therapy with higher efficiency. Further research is needed to examine whether lowering protein-bound uremic toxins through intervention leads to a reduction in CVD in patients with CKD.

The function of CD36 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

CD36 is a scavenger receptor that has been reported to function as a signaling receptor that responds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and could integrate metabolic pathways and cell signaling through its dual functions. Thereby influencing activation to regulate the immune response and immune cell differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that CD36 plays critical roles in the process of lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and immune process caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This review will comprehensively investigate CD36's functions in lipid uptake and processing, inflammatory response, immune response and therapeutic targets and biomarkers in the infection process of M. tuberculosis. The study also raised outstanding issues in this field to designate future directions.

Non-targeted effects of radiation therapy for glioblastoma

Radiotherapy is recommended for the treatment of brain tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM) and brain metastases. Various curative and palliative scenarios suggest improved local-regional control. Although the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear, additional therapeutic effects have been described, including proximity and abscopal reactions at the treatment site. Clinical and preclinical data suggest that the immune system plays an essential role in regulating the non-targeted effects of radiotherapy for GBM. This article reviews current biological mechanisms for regulating the non-targeted effects caused by external and internal radiotherapy, and how they might be applied in a clinical context. Optimization of therapeutic regimens requires assessment of the complexity of the host immune system on the activity of immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory cells, such as glioma-associated macrophages and microglia. This article also discusses recent preclinical models adapted to post-radiotherapy responses. This narrative review explores and discusses the current status of immune responses both locally via the "bystander effect" and remotely via the "abscopal effect". Preclinical and clinical observations demonstrate that unirradiated cells, near or far from the irradiation site, can control the tumor response. Nevertheless, previous studies do not address the problem in its global context, and present gaps regarding the link between the role of the immune system in the control of non-targeted effects for different types of radiotherapy and different fractionation schemes applied to GBM. This narrative synthesis of the scientific literature should help to update and critique available preclinical and medical knowledge. Indirectly, it will help formulate new research projects based on the synthesis and interpretation of results from a non-systematic selection of published studies.

Multi-omics analysis of macrophage-associated receptor and ligand reveals a strong prognostic signature and subtypes in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. The interaction between receptors and ligands is the primary mode of intercellular signaling and plays a vital role in the progression of HCC. This study aimed to identify the macrophage-related receptor ligand marker genes associated with HCC and further explored the molecular immune mechanisms attributed to altered biomarkers. Single-cell RNA sequencing data containing primary and recurrent samples were downloaded from the China National GeneBank. Cell types were first identified to explore differences between immune cells from different sample sources. CellChat analysis was used to infer and analyze intercellular communication networks quantitatively. Three molecular subtypes were constructed based on the screened twenty macrophage-associated receptor ligand genes. Bulk RNA-Seq data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. After the screening, the minor absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was employed to identify key markers. After collecting peripheral blood and clinical information from patients, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the correlation between key markers and IL-10, one of the macrophage markers. After developing a new HCC risk adjustment model and conducting analysis, it was found that there were significant differences in immune status and gene mutations between the high-risk and low-risk groups of patients based on macrophage-associated receptor and ligand genes. This study identified SPP1, ANGPT2, and NCL as key biological targets for HCC. The drug-gene interaction network analysis identified wortmannin, ribavirin, and tarnafloxin as potential therapeutic drugs for the three key markers. In a clinical cohort study, patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) resistance had significantly higher expression levels of OPN, ANGPT2, NCL, and IL-10 than patients with ICI-responsiveness. These three key markers were positively correlated with the expression level of IL-10. The signature based on macrophage-associated receptor and ligand genes can accurately predict the prognosis of patients with HCC and the sensitivity to immunotherapy. These results may help guide the development of targeted prevention and personalized treatment of HCC.

C5aR1 inhibition reprograms tumor associated macrophages and reverses PARP inhibitor resistance in breast cancer

Although Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) have been approved in multiple diseases, including BRCA1/2 mutant breast cancer, responses are usually transient requiring the deployment of combination therapies for optimal efficacy. Here we thus explore mechanisms underlying sensitivity and resistance to PARPi using two intrinsically PARPi sensitive (T22) and resistant (T127) syngeneic murine breast cancer models in female mice. We demonstrate that tumor associated macrophages (TAM) potentially contribute to the differential sensitivity to PARPi. By single-cell RNA-sequencing, we identify a TAM_C3 cluster, expressing genes implicated in anti-inflammatory activity, that is enriched in PARPi resistant T127 tumors and markedly decreased by PARPi in T22 tumors. Rps19/C5aR1 signaling is selectively elevated in TAM_C3. C5aR1 inhibition or transferring C5aR1hi cells increases and decreases PARPi sensitivity, respectively. High C5aR1 levels in human breast cancers are associated with poor responses to immune checkpoint blockade. Thus, targeting C5aR1 may selectively deplete pro-tumoral macrophages and engender sensitivity to PARPi and potentially other therapies.

CLEC7A regulates M2 macrophages to suppress the immune microenvironment and implies poorer prognosis of glioma

Background

Gliomas constitute a category of malignant tumors originating from brain tissue, representing the majority of intracranial malignancies. Previous research has demonstrated the pivotal role of CLEC7A in the progression of various cancers, yet its specific implications within gliomas remain elusive. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance and immune therapeutic potential of CLEC7A in gliomas through the integration of bioinformatics and clinical pathological analyses.

Methods

This investigation involved examining and validating the relationship between CLEC7A and glioma using samples from Hospital, along with data from TCGA, GEO, GTEx, and CGGA datasets. Subsequently, we explored its prognostic value, biological functions, expression location, and impact on immune cells within gliomas. Finally, we investigated its potential impact on the chemotaxis and polarization of macrophages.

Results

The expression of CLEC7A is upregulated in gliomas, and its levels escalate with the malignancy of tumors, establishing it as an independent prognostic factor. Functional enrichment analysis revealed a significant correlation between CLEC7A and immune function. Subsequent examination of immune cell differential expression demonstrated a robust association between CLEC7A and M2 macrophages. This conclusion was further substantiated through single-cell analysis, immunofluorescence, and correlation studies. Finally, the knockout of CLEC7A in M2 macrophages resulted in a noteworthy reduction in macrophage chemotaxis and polarization factors.

Conclusion

CLEC7A expression is intricately linked to the pathology and molecular characteristics of gliomas, establishing its role as an independent prognostic factor for gliomas and influencing macrophage function. It could be a promising target for immunotherapy in gliomas.

Cigarette smoke sustains immunosuppressive microenvironment inducing M2 macrophage polarization and viability in lung cancer settings

BACKGROUND

It is amply demonstrated that cigarette smoke (CS) has a high impact on lung tumor progression worsening lung cancer patient prognosis and response to therapies. Alteration of immune cell types and functions in smokers' lungs have been strictly related with smoke detrimental effects. However, the role of CS in dictating an inflammatory or immunosuppressive lung microenvironment still needs to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the effect of in vitro exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) focusing on macrophages.

METHODS

Immortalized murine macrophages RAW 264.7 cells were cultured in the presence of CS extract and their polarization has been assessed by Real-time PCR and cytofluorimetric analysis, viability has been assessed by SRB assay and 3D-cultures and activation by exposure to Poly(I:C). Moreover, interaction with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) murine cell models in the presence of CS extract were analyzed by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Obtained results indicate that CS induces macrophages polarization towards the M2 phenotype and M2-phenotype macrophages are resistant to the CS toxic activity. Moreover, CS impairs TLR3-mediated M2-M1 phenotype shift thus contributing to the M2 enrichment in lung smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that, in lung cancer microenvironment of smokers, CS can contribute to the M2-phenotype macrophages prevalence by different mechanisms, ultimately, driving an anti-inflammatory, likely immunosuppressive, microenvironment in lung cancer smokers.

Profiling of Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells and Their Impact on Survival in Glioblastoma Patients Undergoing Immunotherapy with Dendritic Cells

Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most common primary malignant brain tumors, comprising 2% of all cancers in adults. Their location and cellular and molecular heterogeneity, along with their highly infiltrative nature, make their treatment challenging. Recently, our research group reported promising results from a prospective phase II clinical trial involving allogeneic vaccination with dendritic cells (DCs). To date, six out of the thirty-seven reported cases remain alive without tumor recurrence. In this study, we focused on the characterization of infiltrating immune cells observed at the time of surgical resection. An analytical model employing a neural network-based predictive algorithm was used to ascertain the potential prognostic implications of immunological variables on patients' overall survival. Counterintuitively, immune phenotyping of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has revealed the extracellular marker PD-L1 to be a positive predictor of overall survival. In contrast, the elevated expression of CD86 within this cellular subset emerged as a negative prognostic indicator. Fundamentally, the neural network algorithm outlined here allows a prediction of the responsiveness of patients undergoing dendritic cell vaccination in terms of overall survival based on clinical parameters and the profile of infiltrated TAMs observed at the time of tumor excision.

Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and mechanism of immunotherapy-based drug resistance in breast cancer

Breast cancer, the most frequent female malignancy, is often curable when detected at an early stage. The treatment of metastatic breast cancer is more challenging and may be unresponsive to conventional therapy. Immunotherapy is crucial for treating metastatic breast cancer, but its resistance is a major limitation. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is vital in modulating the immunotherapy response. Various tumor microenvironmental components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are involved in TME modulation to cause immunotherapy resistance. This review highlights the role of stromal cells in modulating the breast tumor microenvironment, including the involvement of CAF-TAM interaction, alteration of tumor metabolism leading to immunotherapy failure, and other latest strategies, including high throughput genomic screening, single-cell and spatial omics techniques for identifying tumor immune genes regulating immunotherapy response. This review emphasizes the therapeutic approach to overcome breast cancer immune resistance through CAF reprogramming, modulation of TAM polarization, tumor metabolism, and genomic alterations.

The role of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor immune evasion

BACKGROUND

Tumor growth is closely linked to the activities of various cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly immune cells. During tumor progression, circulating monocytes and macrophages are recruited, altering the TME and accelerating growth. These macrophages adjust their functions in response to signals from tumor and stromal cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), similar to M2 macrophages, are key regulators in the TME.

METHODS

We review the origins, characteristics, and functions of TAMs within the TME. This analysis includes the mechanisms through which TAMs facilitate immune evasion and promote tumor metastasis. Additionally, we explore potential therapeutic strategies that target TAMs.

RESULTS

TAMs are instrumental in mediating tumor immune evasion and malignant behaviors. They release cytokines that inhibit effector immune cells and attract additional immunosuppressive cells to the TME. TAMs primarily target effector T cells, inducing exhaustion directly, influencing activity indirectly through cellular interactions, or suppressing through immune checkpoints. Additionally, TAMs are directly involved in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Developing innovative tumor-targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies is currently a promising focus in oncology. Given the pivotal role of TAMs in immune evasion, several therapeutic approaches have been devised to target them. These include leveraging epigenetics, metabolic reprogramming, and cellular engineering to repolarize TAMs, inhibiting their recruitment and activity, and using TAMs as drug delivery vehicles. Although some of these strategies remain distant from clinical application, we believe that future therapies targeting TAMs will offer significant benefits to cancer patients.

Metabolic Adaptations and Functional Activity of Macrophages in Homeostasis and Inflammation

In recent years, the role of cellular metabolism in immunity has come into the focus of many studies. These processes form a basis for the maintenance of tissue integrity and homeostasis, as well as represent an integral part of the immune response, in particular, inflammation. Metabolic adaptations not only ensure energy supply for immune response, but also affect the functions of immune cells by controlling transcriptional and post-transcriptional programs. Studying the immune cell metabolism facilitates the search for new treatment approaches, especially for metabolic disorders. Macrophages, innate immune cells, are characterized by a high functional plasticity and play a key role in homeostasis and inflammation. Depending on the phenotype and origin, they can either perform various regulatory functions or promote inflammation state, thus exacerbating the pathological condition. Furthermore, their adaptations to the tissue-specific microenvironment influence the intensity and type of immune response. The review examines the effect of metabolic reprogramming in macrophages on the functional activity of these cells and their polarization. The role of immunometabolic adaptations of myeloid cells in tissue homeostasis and in various pathological processes in the context of inflammatory and metabolic diseases is specifically discussed. Finally, modulation of the macrophage metabolism-related mechanisms reviewed as a potential therapeutic approach.

Early Immune Remodeling Steers Clinical Response to First-Line Chemoimmunotherapy in Advanced Gastric Cancer

Adding anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/platinum improves survival in some advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas (GEA). To understand the effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, we conducted a phase II first-line trial (n = 47) sequentially adding pembrolizumab to 5-FU/platinum in advanced GEA. Using serial biopsy of the primary tumor at baseline, after one cycle of 5-FU/platinum, and after the addition of pembrolizumab, we transcriptionally profiled 358,067 single cells to identify evolving multicellular tumor microenvironment (TME) networks. Chemotherapy induced early on-treatment multicellular hubs with tumor-reactive T-cell and M1-like macrophage interactions in slow progressors. Faster progression featured increased MUC5A and MSLN containing treatment resistance programs in tumor cells and M2-like macrophages with immunosuppressive stromal interactions. After pembrolizumab, we observed increased CD8 T-cell infiltration and development of an immunity hub involving tumor-reactive CXCL13 T-cell program and epithelial interferon-stimulated gene programs. Strategies to drive increases in antitumor immune hub formation could expand the portion of patients benefiting from anti-PD-1 approaches.

SIGNIFICANCE

The benefit of 5-FU/platinum with anti-PD-1 in first-line advanced gastric cancer is limited to patient subgroups. Using a trial with sequential anti-PD-1, we show coordinated induction of multicellular TME hubs informs the ability of anti-PD-1 to potentiate T cell-driven responses. Differential TME hub development highlights features that underlie clinical outcomes. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 695.