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Zhang K, Zhang Y, Xiang P, Wang Y, Li Y, Jiang S, Zhang Y, Chen M, Su W, Li X, Li S. Advances in T Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy: From Fundamental Mechanisms to Clinical Prospects. Mol Pharm 2025. [PMID: 40359327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c01502] [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: 05/15/2025]
Abstract
T cells and their T cell receptors (TCRs) play crucial roles in the adaptive immune system's response against pathogens and tumors. However, immunosenescence, characterized by declining T cell function and quantity with age, significantly impairs antitumor immunity. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in T cell-based cancer treatments, driven by a deeper understanding of T cell biology and innovative screening technologies. This review comprehensively examines T cell maturation mechanisms, T cell-mediated antitumor responses, and the implications of thymic involution on T cell diversity and cancer prognosis. We discuss recent advances in adoptive T cell therapies, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, engineered T cell receptor (TCR-T) therapy, and chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. Notably, we highlight emerging DNA-encoded library technologies in mammalian cells for high-throughput screening of TCR-antigen interactions, which are revolutionizing the discovery of novel tumor antigens and optimization of TCR affinity. The review also explores strategies to overcome challenges in the solid tumor microenvironment and emerging approaches to enhance the efficacy of T cell therapy. As our understanding of T cell biology deepens and screening technologies advances, T cell-based immunotherapies show increasing promise for delivering durable clinical benefits to a broader patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Pan Xiang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Shuze Jiang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Weijun Su
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Cell Biotechnology Laboratory, Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300090, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
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Hanitrarimalala V, Prgomet Z, Hedhammar M, Tassidis H, Wingren AG. In vitro 3D modeling of colorectal cancer: the pivotal role of the extracellular matrix, stroma and immune modulation. Front Genet 2025; 16:1545017. [PMID: 40376304 PMCID: PMC12078225 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1545017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 05/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading global cancer with high mortality, especially in metastatic cases, with limited therapeutic options. The tumor microenvironment (TME), a network comprising various immune cells, stromal cells and extracellular (ECM) components plays a crucial role in influencing tumor progression and therapy outcome. The genetic heterogeneity of CRC and the complex TME complicates the development of effective, personalized treatment strategies. The prognosis has slowly improved during the past decades, but metastatic CRC (mCRC) is common among patients and is still associated with low survival. The therapeutic options for CRC differ from those for mCRC and include surgery (mostly for CRC), chemotherapy, growth factor receptor signaling pathway targeting, as well as immunotherapy. Malignant CRC cells are established in the TME, which varies depending on the primary or metastatic site. Herein, we review the role and interactions of several ECM components in 3D models of CRC and mCRC tumor cells, with an emphasis on how the TME affects tumor growth and treatment. This comprehensive summary provides support for the development of 3D models that mimic the interactions within the TME, which will be essential for the development of novel anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veroniaina Hanitrarimalala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
- Biofilms-Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Zdenka Prgomet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
- Biofilms-Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - My Hedhammar
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Division of Protein Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Tassidis
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Anette Gjörloff Wingren
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
- Biofilms-Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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Ebrahim NAA, Soliman SMA, Othman MO, Tahoun NS. Molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of perineural invasion in malignancies: the pivotal role of tumor-associated Schwann cells in cancer progression and metastasis. Med Oncol 2025; 42:171. [DOI: ebrahim, n.a.a., soliman, s.m.a., othman, m.o.et al.molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of perineural invasion in malignancies: the pivotal role of tumor-associated schwann cells in cancer progression and metastasis.med oncol 42, 171 (2025).https:/doi.org/10.1007/s12032-025-02729-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2025] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/23/2025]
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Ebrahim NAA, Soliman SMA, Othman MO, Tahoun NS. Molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of perineural invasion in malignancies: the pivotal role of tumor-associated Schwann cells in cancer progression and metastasis. Med Oncol 2025; 42:171. [PMID: 40259163 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-025-02729-x] [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: 02/06/2025] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/23/2025]
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is a pathological process wherein cancer cells invade and spread along peripheral nerves, contributing to tumor aggressiveness and poor clinical outcomes, including increased recurrence, metastasis, and reduced survival. Tumor-associated Schwann cells (SCs) play a pivotal role in facilitating PNI by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and immune modulation. These cells actively support tumor progression through neurotrophin, cytokine, chemokine, and neurotransmitter signaling, enhancing cancer cell migration along neural pathways. Recent advances in imaging techniques, single-cell transcriptomics, and molecular profiling have provided deeper insights into the tumor microenvironment's role in PNI. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting neurotrophin-mediated signaling and SC-tumor interactions have shown promise in preclinical models. However, significant research gaps remain, particularly in understanding the heterogeneity of SCs and their molecular subtypes in PNI across different malignancies. This review highlights the clinical significance, molecular mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets associated with PNI. A comprehensive understanding of tumor-SC interactions is essential for developing targeted interventions to mitigate PNI-driven malignancies. Future research should focus on integrating multi-omics approaches and novel therapeutics to improve early detection and treatment, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura A A Ebrahim
- Oncologic Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | | | - Moamen O Othman
- Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Neveen S Tahoun
- Oncologic Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Ebrahim NAA, Soliman SMA, Othman MO, Tahoun NS. Molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of perineural invasion in malignancies: the pivotal role of tumor-associated Schwann cells in cancer progression and metastasis. Med Oncol 2025; 42:171. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1007/s12032-025-02729-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2025] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/23/2025]
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