Interleukin-1 in tumor progression, therapy, and prevention

Potential therapeutic targets in myeloid cell therapy for overcoming chemoresistance and immune suppression in gastrointestinal tumors

In the tumor microenvironment (TME), myeloid cells play a pivotal role. Myeloid-derived immunosuppressive cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are central components in shaping the immunosuppressive milieu of the tumor. Within the TME, a majority of TAMs assume an M2 phenotype, characterized by their pro-tumoral activity. These cells promote tumor cell growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. In contrast, M1 macrophages, under appropriate activation conditions, exhibit cytotoxic capabilities against cancer cells. However, an excessive M1 response may lead to pro-tumoral inflammation. As a result, myeloid cells have emerged as crucial targets in cancer therapy. This review concentrates on gastrointestinal tumors, detailing methods for targeting macrophages to enhance tumor radiotherapy and immunotherapy sensitivity. We specifically delve into monocytes and tumor-associated macrophages' various functions, establishing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, promoting tumorigenic inflammation, and fostering neovascularization and stromal remodeling. Additionally, we examine combination therapeutic strategies.

A temporal perspective for tumor-associated macrophage identities and functions

Cancer is a progressive disease that can develop and evolve over decades, with inflammation playing a central role at each of its stages, from tumor initiation to metastasis. In this context, macrophages represent well-established bridges reciprocally linking inflammation and cancer via an array of diverse functions that have spurred efforts to classify them into subtypes. Here, we discuss the intertwines between macrophages, inflammation, and cancer with an emphasis on temporal dynamics of macrophage diversity and functions in pre-malignancy and cancer. By instilling temporal dynamism into the more static classic view of tumor-associated macrophage biology, we propose a new framework to better contextualize their significance in the inflammatory processes that precede and result from the onset of cancer and shape its evolution.

IL-1α facilitates GSH synthesis to counteract oxidative stress in oral squamous cell carcinoma under glucose-deprivation

Understanding the intrinsic mechanisms underpinning cancer metabolism and therapeutic resistance is of central importance for effective nutrition-starvation therapies. Here, we report that Interleukin 1A (IL1A) mRNA and IL-1α protein facilitate glutathione (GSH) synthesis to counteract oxidative stress and resistance against nutrition-starvation therapy in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The expression of IL1A mRNA was elevated in the case of OSCC associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Both IL1A mRNA and IL-1α protein expression were increased under glucose-deprivation in vitro and in vivo. The transcription of IL1A mRNA was regulated in an NRF2-dependent manner in OSCC cell lines under glucose-deprivation. Moreover, the IL-1α conferred resistance to oxidative stress via GSH synthesis in OSCC cell lines. The intratumoral administration of siRNAs against IL1A mRNA markedly reversed GSH production and sensitized OSCC cells to Anlotinib in HN6 xenograft models. Overall, the current study demonstrates novel evidence that the autocrine IL-1α favors endogenous anti-oxidative process and confers therapeutic resistance to nutrition-starvation in OSCCs.

Exploring the multifaceted effects of Interleukin-1 in lung cancer: From tumor development to immune modulation

Lung cancer, acknowledged as one of the most fatal cancers globally, faces limited treatment options on an international scale. The success of clinical treatment is impeded by challenges such as late diagnosis, restricted treatment alternatives, relapse, and the emergence of drug resistance. This predicament has led to a saturation point in lung cancer treatment, prompting a rapid shift in focus towards the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a pivotal area in cancer research. Within the TME, Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is abundantly present, originating from immune cells, tissue stromal cells, and tumor cells. IL-1's induction of pro-inflammatory mediators and chemokines establishes an inflammatory milieu influencing tumor occurrence, development, and the interaction between tumors and the host immune system. Notably, IL-1 expression in the TME exhibits characteristics such as staging, tissue specificity, and functional pluripotency. This comprehensive review aims to delve into the impact of IL-1 on lung cancer, encompassing aspects of occurrence, invasion, metastasis, immunosuppression, and immune surveillance. The ultimate goal is to propose a novel treatment approach, considering the intricate dynamics of IL-1 within the TME.

Identification of a novel inflammatory-related gene signature to evaluate the prognosis of gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a heterogeneous nature, which makes prognosis prediction and treatment determination difficult. Inflammation is now recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer and plays an important role in the aetiology and continued growth of tumours. Inflammation also affects the prognosis of GC patients. Recent reports suggest that a number of inflammatory-related biomarkers are useful for predicting tumour prognosis. However, the importance of inflammatory-related biomarkers in predicting the prognosis of GC patients is still unclear.

AIM

To investigate inflammatory-related biomarkers in predicting the prognosis of GC patients.

METHODS

In this study, the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of GC patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE66229). An inflammatory-related gene prognostic signature model was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model based on the GEO database. GC patients from the GSE26253 cohort were used for validation. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to determine the independent prognostic factors, and a prognostic nomogram was established. The calibration curve and the area under the curve based on receiver operating characteristic analysis were utilized to evaluate the predictive value of the nomogram. The decision curve analysis results were plotted to quantify and assess the clinical value of the nomogram. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to explore the potential regulatory pathways involved. The relationship between tumour immune infiltration status and risk score was analysed via Tumour Immune Estimation Resource and CIBERSORT. Finally, we analysed the association between risk score and patient sensitivity to commonly used chemotherapy and targeted therapy agents.

RESULTS

A prognostic model consisting of three inflammatory-related genes (MRPS17, GUF1, and PDK4) was constructed. Independent prognostic analysis revealed that the risk score was a separate prognostic factor in GC patients. According to the risk score, GC patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups, and patients in the high-risk group had significantly worse prognoses according to age, sex, TNM stage and Lauren type. Consensus clustering identified three subtypes of inflammation that could predict GC prognosis more accurately than traditional grading and staging. Finally, the study revealed that patients in the low-risk group were more sensitive to certain drugs than were those in the high-risk group, indicating a link between inflammation-related genes and drug sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we established a novel three-gene prognostic signature that may be useful for predicting the prognosis and personalizing treatment decisions of GC patients.

Screening the critical protein subnetwork to delineate potential mechanisms and protective agents associated with arsenic-induced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A toxicogenomic study

Recent studies show that complex mechanisms are involved in arsenic-induced malignant transformation of cells. This study aimed to decipher molecular mechanisms associated with arsenic-induced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and suggest potential protective factors. RNA-seq-based differentially expressed genes between arsenic-exposed human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and controls were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and discover critical subnetwork-based mechanisms. Protective compounds against arsenic toxicity were determined and their target interactions in the core sub-network were identified by the comparative toxicogenomic database (CTD). The binding affinity between the effective factor and target was calculated by molecular docking. A total of 15 key proteins were screened out as critical arsenic-responsive subnetwork (FN1, IL-1A, CCN2, PECAM1, FGF5, EDN1, FGF1, PXDN, DNAJB9, XBP1, ERN1, PDIA4, DNAJB11, FOS, PDIA6) and 7 effective protective agents were identified (folic acid, quercetin, zinc, acetylcysteine, methionine, catechin, selenium). The GeneMANIA predicted detailed interactions of the subnetwork and revealed terms related to unfolded protein response as the main processes. FN1, IL1A and CCN2, as top significant genes, had good docking affinity with folic acid and quercetin, as selected key compounds. Integration of gene expression and protein-protein interaction related to arsenic exposure in cSCC explored the potential mechanisms and protective agents.

IL-1 Family Members in Bone Sarcomas

IL-1 family members have multiple pleiotropic functions affecting various tissues and cells, including the regulation of the immune response, hematopoietic homeostasis, bone remodeling, neuronal physiology, and synaptic plasticity. Many of these activities are involved in various pathological processes and immunological disorders, including tumor initiation and progression. Indeed, IL-1 family members have been described to contribute to shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME), determining immune evasion and drug resistance, and to sustain tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. This review addresses the role of IL-1 family members in bone sarcomas, particularly the highly metastatic osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing sarcoma (EWS), and discusses the IL-1-family-related mechanisms that play a role in bone metastasis development. We also consider the therapeutic implications of targeting IL-1 family members, which have been proposed as (i) relevant targets for anti-tumor and anti-metastatic drugs; (ii) immune checkpoints for immune suppression; and (iii) potential antigens for immunotherapy.

ANGPTL3 negatively regulates IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation by inhibiting the IL1R1-associated signaling complex assembly

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced signaling is one of the most important pathways in regulating inflammation and immunity. The assembly of the receptor complex, consisting of the ligand IL-1β, the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) type 1 (IL1R1), and the IL-1R accessory protein (IL1RAP), initiates this signaling. However, how the IL1R1-associated complex is regulated remains elusive. Angiopoietin like 3 (ANGPTL3), a key inhibitor of plasma triglyceride clearance, is mainly expressed in the liver and exists in both intracellular and extracellular secreted forms. Currently, ANGPTL3 has emerged as a highly promising drug target for hypertriglyceridemia and associated cardiovascular diseases. However, most studies have focused on the secreted form of ANGPTL3, while its intracellular role is still largely unknown. Here, we report that intracellular ANGPTL3 acts as a negative regulator of IL-1β-triggered signaling. Overexpression of ANGPTL3 inhibited IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation and the transcription of inflammatory genes in HepG2, THP1, and HEK293T cells, while knockdown or knockout of ANGPTL3 resulted in opposite effects. Mechanistically, ANGPTL3 interacted with IL1R1 and IL1RAP through its intracellular C-terminal fibrinogen-like domain and disrupted the assembly of the IL1R1-associated complex. Taken together, our study reveals a novel role for ANGPTL3 in inflammation, whereby it inhibits the physiological interaction between IL1R1 and IL1RAP to maintain immune tolerance and homeostasis in the liver.

Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP): A magic bullet candidate for immunotherapy of human malignancies

IL-1, plays a role in some pathological inflammatory conditions. This pro-inflammatory cytokine also has a crucial role in tumorigenesis and immune responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME). IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP), combined with IL-1 receptor-1, provides a functional complex for binding and signaling. In addition to the direct role of IL-1, some studies demonstrated that IL1-RAP has essential roles in the progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis of solid tumors such as gastrointestinal tumors, lung carcinoma, glioma, breast and cervical cancers. This molecule also interacts with FLT-3 and c-Kit tyrosine kinases and is involved in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid lymphoma. Additionally, IL-1RAP interacts with solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) and thereby increasing the resistance to anoikis and metastasis in Ewing sarcoma. This review summarizes the role of IL-1RAP in different types of cancers and discusses its targeting as a novel therapeutic approach for malignancies.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist: An alternative therapy for cancer treatment

The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine and a naturally occurring antagonist of the IL-1 receptor. It effectively counteracts the IL-1 signaling pathway mediated by IL-1α/β. Over the past few decades, accumulating evidence has suggested that IL-1 signaling plays an essential role in tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. Significantly, anakinra, the first United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved IL-1Ra drug, has demonstrated promising antitumor effects in animal studies. Numerous clinical trials have subsequently incorporated anakinra into their cancer treatment protocols. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the research progress on the role of IL-1 in tumors and summarize the significant contribution of IL-1Ra (anakinra) to tumor immunity. Additionally, we analyze the potential value of IL-1Ra as a biomarker from a clinical perspective. This review is aimed to highlight the important link between inflammation and cancer and provide potential drug targets for future cancer therapy.

Cancer incidence in Familial Mediterranean Fever: A retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is the most common hereditary monogenic fever syndrome that is characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and polyserositis. Anti-inflammatory drugs, with colchicine being the first-line therapy, have been used in the management of FMF. This study aims to evaluate the risk of cancer in Turkish FMF patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively screened the cancer-related outcomes of our study group which consisted of Turkish FMF patients registered at our division. Cancer estimates of the Turkish population were published by the Turkish Ministry of Health in the Turkey Cancer Statistics Report 2018. Standardized incidence rates (SIR) were calculated to compare the cancer incidence observed in our study group with the expected cancer incidence of the Turkish population. Subgroup analyses were conducted on the subgroups, based on gender and usage of biological agents.

RESULTS

Our study included 1734 FMF patients, 1054 (60.8 %) of whom were females. The total follow-up was 68,784 person-years. Cancer was observed in 35 (2 %) of these patients. Turkish FMF patients had a significantly lower incidence of cancer, compared with the overall Turkish population [SIR 0.64 (95 % CI 0.46-0.89), p < 0.01]. No significant association was found between cancer and biological agent therapies in FMF patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from our study indicate that the risk of cancer was decreased by 36 % in Turkish patients with FMF, compared with the outcomes of the overall Turkish population. Life-long exposure to anti-inflammatory drugs, primarily colchicine, may be the underlying reason for this outcome. Further studies are needed for the confirmation and explanation of this association.

Correlation of the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, Inflammatory Markers, and Tumor Markers with the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most important global health problems, being in the top 3 neoplasms in terms of the number of cases worldwide. Although CRC develops predominantly from the adenoma-adenocarcinoma sequence through APC gene mutations, in recent years, studies have demonstrated the role of chronic inflammation in this neoplasia pathogenesis. Cytokines are important components of chronic inflammation, being some of the host regulators in response to inflammation. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α are involved in tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis and seem to strengthen each other's mode of action, these being stimulated by the same mediators. In our study, we collected data on 68 patients with CRC and 20 healthy patients from the Gastroenterology Department of Craiova County Emergency Clinical Hospital, who were assessed between January 2022 and February 2023. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between increased plasma levels of the cytokines and the extent of the tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis-(TNM stage), as well as the patients' prognoses. We also compared the plasma levels of cytokines and acute inflammatory markers, namely, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen, along with the tumor markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA 19.9), in CRC patients. We showed that all the pro-inflammatory cytokines studied had higher levels in patients with CRC in comparison with the control group. We also showed that the acute inflammatory markers of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen, and the tumor markers of CEA and CA 19.9 can be useful in diagnosis and prognosis in patients with CRC. Considering the association between pro-inflammatory cytokines and CRC, the development of new targeted therapies against IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α can improve patient care and the CRC survival rate.

Breaking the feed forward inflammatory cytokine loop in the tumor microenvironment of PDGFB-driven glioblastomas

Glioblastoma (GBM) tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) provide a major immune cell population contributing to growth and immunosuppression via the production of proinflammatory factors, including IL-1. In this issue of the JCI, Chen, Giotti, and colleagues investigated loss of ll1b in the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) in GBM models driven by PDGFB expression and Nf1 knockdown. Survival was only improved in PDGFB-driven GBM models, suggesting that tumor cell genotype influenced the immune TME. IL-1β in the TME increased PDGFB-driven GBM growth by increasing tumor-derived NF-κB, expression of monocyte chemoattractants, and increased infiltration of bone marrow-derived myeloid cells (BMDMs). In contrast, no requirement for IL-1β was evident in Nf1-silenced tumors due to high basal levels of NF-κB and monocyte chemoattractants and increased infiltration of BMDM and TAMs. Notably, treatment of mice bearing PDGFB-driven GBM with anti-IL-1β or an IL1R1 antagonist extended survival. These findings suggest that effective clinical immunotherapy may require differential targeting strategies.

IL-1β+ macrophages fuel pathogenic inflammation in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with high resistance to therapies1. Inflammatory and immunomodulatory signals co-exist in the pancreatic tumour microenvironment, leading to dysregulated repair and cytotoxic responses. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) have key roles in PDAC2, but their diversity has prevented therapeutic exploitation. Here we combined single-cell and spatial genomics with functional experiments to unravel macrophage functions in pancreatic cancer. We uncovered an inflammatory loop between tumour cells and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-expressing TAMs, a subset of macrophages elicited by a local synergy between prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Physical proximity with IL-1β+ TAMs was associated with inflammatory reprogramming and acquisition of pathogenic properties by a subset of PDAC cells. This occurrence was an early event in pancreatic tumorigenesis and led to persistent transcriptional changes associated with disease progression and poor outcomes for patients. Blocking PGE2 or IL-1β activity elicited TAM reprogramming and antagonized tumour cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic inflammation, leading to PDAC control in vivo. Targeting the PGE2-IL-1β axis may enable preventive or therapeutic strategies for reprogramming of immune dynamics in pancreatic cancer.

Stromal BMP signaling regulates mucin production in the large intestine via interleukin-1/17

Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling is critical for intestinal development, homeostasis, and function performance. Although the function of BMP signaling in the intestinal epithelium is well appreciated, the direct effect of BMP on intestinal stromal cells is poorly understood. Here, we show that disruption of BMP signaling by genetic ablation of Alk3 or Smad4 expands the stromal cell pool, the mucosa tumefaction, and colonic polyposis in the large intestine. Interleukin (IL) secretion by stromal cells is notably increased, including IL-1, IL-11, and IL-17. Specifically, IL-1 and IL-17a hyperactivate the mucin production by goblet cells through nuclear factor κB signaling, and abnormal mucin accumulation results in the morphological changes, epithelial barrier destruction, and polyposis development. Together, our results provide an insight into the role of BMP signaling in intestinal stromal cells to regulate epithelium function. This study further highlights the role of mucin-producing goblet cells in intestinal homeostasis and colitis development.

Divergent Actions of Renal Tubular and Endothelial Type 1 IL-1 Receptor Signaling in Toxin-Induced AKI

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Activation of the type 1 IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1) triggers a critical innate immune signaling cascade that contributes to the pathogenesis of AKI. However, blockade of IL-1 signaling in AKI has not consistently demonstrated kidney protection. The current murine experiments show that IL-1R1 activation in the proximal tubule exacerbates toxin-induced AKI and cell death through local suppression of apolipoprotein M. By contrast, IL-1R1 activation in endothelial cells ameliorates AKI by restoring VEGFA-dependent endothelial cell viability. Using this information, future delivery strategies can maximize the protective effects of blocking IL-1R1 while mitigating unwanted actions of IL-1R1 manipulation.

BACKGROUND

Activation of the type 1 IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1) triggers a critical innate immune signaling cascade that contributes to the pathogenesis of AKI. IL-1R1 is expressed on some myeloid cell populations and on multiple kidney cell lineages, including tubular and endothelial cells. Pharmacological inhibition of the IL-1R1 does not consistently protect the kidney from injury, suggesting there may be complex, cell-specific effects of IL-1R1 stimulation in AKI.

METHODS

To examine expression of IL-1 and IL-1R1 in intrinsic renal versus infiltrating immune cell populations during AKI, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from kidney tissues of humans with AKI and mice with acute aristolochic acid exposure. We then investigated cell-specific contributions of renal IL-1R1 signaling to AKI using scRNA-seq, RNA microarray, and pharmacological interventions in mice with IL-1R1 deletion restricted to the proximal tubule or endothelium.

RESULTS

scRNA-seq analyses demonstrated robust IL-1 expression in myeloid cell populations and low-level IL-1R1 expression in kidney parenchymal cells during toxin-induced AKI. Our genetic studies showed that IL-1R1 activation in the proximal tubule exacerbated toxin-induced AKI and cell death through local suppression of apolipoprotein M. By contrast, IL-1R1 activation in endothelial cells ameliorated aristolochic acid-induced AKI by restoring VEGFA-dependent endothelial cell viability and density.

CONCLUSIONS

These data highlight opposing cell-specific effects of IL-1 receptor signaling on AKI after toxin exposure. Disrupting pathways activated by IL-1R1 in the tubule, while preserving those triggered by IL-1R1 activation on endothelial cells, may afford renoprotection exceeding that of global IL-1R1 inhibition while mitigating unwanted actions of IL-1R1 blockade.

First-in-human clinical trial of personalized neoantigen vaccines as early intervention in untreated patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is an incurable low-grade B-cell lymphoma of the bone marrow. Despite a cumulative risk of progression, there is no approved therapy for patients in the asymptomatic phase. We conducted a first-in-human clinical trial of a novel therapeutic DNA idiotype neoantigen vaccine in nine patients with asymptomatic LPL. Treatment was well tolerated with no dose limiting toxicities. One patient achieved a minor response, and all remaining patients experienced stable disease, with median time to disease progression of 61+ months. Direct interrogation of the tumor microenvironment by single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed an unexpected dichotomous antitumor response, with significantly reduced numbers of clonal tumor mature B-cells, tracked by their unique BCR, and downregulation of genes involved in signaling pathways critical for B-cell survival post-vaccine, but no change in clonal plasma cell subpopulations. Downregulation of HLA class II molecule expression suggested intrinsic resistance by tumor plasma cell subpopulations and cell-cell interaction analyses predicted paradoxical upregulation of IGF signaling post vaccine by plasma cell, but not mature B-cell subpopulations, suggesting a potential mechanism of acquired resistance. Vaccine therapy induced dynamic changes in bone marrow T-cells, including upregulation of signaling pathways involved in T-cell activation, expansion of T-cell clonotypes, increased T-cell clonal diversity, and functional tumor antigen-specific cytokine production, with little change in co-inhibitory pathways or Treg. Vaccine therapy also globally altered cell-cell communication networks across various bone marrow cell types and was associated with reduction of protumoral signaling by myeloid cells, principally non-classical monocytes. These results suggest that this prototype neoantigen vaccine favorably perturbed the tumor immune microenvironment, resulting in reduction of clonal tumor mature B-cell, but not plasma cell subpopulations. Future strategies to improve clinical efficacy may require combinations of neoantigen vaccines with agents which specifically target LPL plasma cell subpopulations, or enable blockade of IGF-1 signaling or myeloid cell checkpoints.

Differences in serum cytokine levels distinguish between clinically noninvasive lung adenocarcinoma and invasive lung adenocarcinoma: A cross-sectional study

Background

Lung cancer incidence and mortality remain high and are now the leading cause of cancer-related death. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the main histological subtypes of lung cancer. Previous studies have shown the role of inflammation in the development of lung cancer, but the relationship between cytokines and LUAD is still unclear. To further differentiate and explore the association of cytokines with the risk of non-invasive and invasive LUAD, we studied and assessed serum cytokine levels in patients with two types of LUAD.

Methods

A cohort study of 90 non-invasive LUAD and 90 invasive LUAD was retrospectively included, and the clinical characteristics were recorded in detail. The differences in the levels of 12 serum cytokines (IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12P70, IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) between the two groups of patients with LUAD were analyzed and evaluated. And we evaluated the clinical value of cytokine differential diagnosis of invasive LUAD based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 56.6 years, and the proportions of males and females were 38.9% and 61.1%, respectively. IFN-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-8 were significantly increased in patients with invasive LUAD compared with the non-invasive LUAD group. Further research found that smoking is an important factor, with changes in the four cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α being significantly higher in the smoking group of patients with invasive LUAD. It can be seen from the area under the curve that IL-1β and IL-2 have a significant differential diagnosis.

Conclusions

We observed differences in preoperative serum cytokine levels between patients with invasive and non-invasive LUAD, which may serve as potential serum biomarkers for clinical differential diagnosis and disease progression assessment.

Effects of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and their treatment on antitumor immune responses

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are potentially life-saving cancer therapies that can trigger immune-related adverse events (irAEs). irAEs can impact any organ and range in their presentation from mild side effects to life-threatening complications. The relationship between irAEs and antitumor immune responses is nuanced and may depend on the irAE organ, the tumor histology, and the patient. While some irAEs likely represent an immune response against antigens shared between tumor cells and healthy tissues, other irAEs may be entirely unrelated to antitumor immune responses. Clinical observations suggest that low-grade irAEs have a positive association with responses to ICIs, but the correlation between severe irAEs and clinical benefit is less clear. Currently, severe irAEs are typically treated by interrupting or permanently discontinuing ICI treatment and administering empirically selected systemic immunosuppressive agents. However, these interventions could potentially diminish the antitumor effects of ICIs. Efforts to understand the mechanistic relationship between irAEs and the tumor microenvironment have yielded meaningful insights and nominated therapeutic targets for irAE management that may preserve or even boost ICI efficacy. We explore the clinical and molecular relationship between irAEs and antitumor immunity as well as the role that irAE treatments may play in shaping antitumor immune responses.

Schwann cells regulate tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment

Neuropathy is a feature more frequently observed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) than other tumors. Schwann cells, the most prevalent cell type in peripheral nerves, migrate toward tumor cells and associate with poor prognosis in PDAC. To unveil the effects of Schwann cells on the neuro-stroma niche, here we perform single-cell RNA-sequencing and microarray-based spatial transcriptome analysis of PDAC tissues. Results suggest that Schwann cells may drive tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to more malignant subtypes: basal-like and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), respectively. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrate that Schwann cells enhance the proliferation and migration of PDAC cells via Midkine signaling and promote the switch of CAFs to iCAFs via interleukin-1α. Culture of tumor cells and CAFs with Schwann cells conditioned medium accelerates PDAC progression. Thus, we reveal that Schwann cells induce malignant subtypes of tumor cells and CAFs in the PDAC milieu.

Pulmonary interleukin 1 beta/serum amyloid A3 axis promotes lung metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by facilitating the pre-metastatic niche formation

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence suggests a vital role of the pre-metastatic niche in the formation of distant metastasis of many cancers. However, how the pre-metastatic niche is formed and promotes pulmonary metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown.

METHODS

Orthotopic liver tumor models and RNA-Seq were used to identify dysregulated genes in the pre-metastatic lung. Il1b knockout (Il1b^-/-) mice and lentivirus-mediated gene knockdown/overexpression were utilized to demonstrate the role of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β)/serum amyloid A3 (SAA3) in the pre-metastatic niche formation and pulmonary metastasis. The potential molecular mechanisms were investigated by RNA-Seq, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, luciferase reporter assay, double immunofluorescent staining and H&E staining.

RESULTS

Accumulation of myeloid cells and upregulation of IL-1β were observed in the pre-metastatic lung of orthotopic liver tumor models. Myeloid cells accumulation and pulmonary metastasis were suppressed in Il1b^-/- mice and Il1r1-silencing mice. Mechanistically, SAA3 and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were identified as potential downstream targets of IL-1β. Overexpression of SAA3 in the lungs of Il1b^-/- mice restored myeloid cells accumulation and pulmonary metastasis of the orthotopic HCC xenografts. Moreover, alveolar macrophages-derived IL-1β dramatically enhanced SAA3 expression in alveolar epithelial cells in an NF-κB dependent manner and increased MMP9 levels in an autocrine manner. Furthermore, SAA3 recruited myeloid cells to the lung without affecting the expression of MMP9 in myeloid cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests a key role of pulmonary IL-1β and SAA3 in creating a permissive lung pre-metastatic niche by enhancing MMP9 expression and recruiting myeloid cells, respectively, thus promoting pulmonary metastasis of HCC.

Splicing Factor SRSF1 Promotes Pancreatitis and KRASG12D-Mediated Pancreatic Cancer

Inflammation is strongly associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly lethal malignancy. Dysregulated RNA splicing factors have been widely reported in tumorigenesis, but their involvement in pancreatitis and PDAC is not well understood. Here, we report that the splicing factor SRSF1 is highly expressed in pancreatitis, PDAC precursor lesions, and tumors. Increased SRSF1 is sufficient to induce pancreatitis and accelerate KRASG12D-mediated PDAC. Mechanistically, SRSF1 activates MAPK signaling-partly by upregulating interleukin 1 receptor type 1 (IL1R1) through alternative-splicing-regulated mRNA stability. Additionally, SRSF1 protein is destabilized through a negative feedback mechanism in phenotypically normal epithelial cells expressing KRASG12D in mouse pancreas and in pancreas organoids acutely expressing KRASG12D, buffering MAPK signaling and maintaining pancreas cell homeostasis. This negative feedback regulation of SRSF1 is overcome by hyperactive MYC, facilitating PDAC tumorigenesis. Our findings implicate SRSF1 in the etiology of pancreatitis and PDAC, and point to SRSF1-misregulated alternative splicing as a potential therapeutic target.

SIGNIFICANCE

We describe the regulation of splicing factor SRSF1 expression in the context of pancreas cell identity, plasticity, and inflammation. SRSF1 protein downregulation is involved in a negative feedback cellular response to KRASG12D expression, contributing to pancreas cell homeostasis. Conversely, upregulated SRSF1 promotes pancreatitis and accelerates KRASG12D-mediated tumorigenesis through enhanced IL1 and MAPK signaling. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1501.

The "sweet" path to cancer: focus on cellular glucose metabolism

The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a key player in the adaptive regulation of energy metabolism, and the M2 isoform of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PKM2), a critical regulator of glucose consumption, are the main drivers of the metabolic rewiring in cancer cells. The use of glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation, even in the presence of oxygen (i.e., Warburg effect or aerobic glycolysis), is a major metabolic hallmark of cancer. Aerobic glycolysis is also important for the immune system, which is involved in both metabolic disorders development and tumorigenesis. More recently, metabolic changes resembling the Warburg effect have been described in diabetes mellitus (DM). Scientists from different disciplines are looking for ways to interfere with these cellular metabolic rearrangements and reverse the pathological processes underlying their disease of interest. As cancer is overtaking cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of excess death in DM, and biological links between DM and cancer are incompletely understood, cellular glucose metabolism may be a promising field to explore in search of connections between cardiometabolic and cancer diseases. In this mini-review, we present the state-of-the-art on the role of the Warburg effect, HIF-1α, and PKM2 in cancer, inflammation, and DM to encourage multidisciplinary research to advance fundamental understanding in biology and pathways implicated in the link between DM and cancer.

IL-1β-associated NNT acetylation orchestrates iron-sulfur cluster maintenance and cancer immunotherapy resistance

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a key protein in inflammation and contributes to tumor progression. However, the role of IL-1β in cancer is ambiguous or even contradictory. Here, we found that upon IL-1β stimulation, nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) in cancer cells is acetylated at lysine (K) 1042 (NNT K1042ac) and thereby induces the mitochondrial translocation of p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF). This acetylation enhances NNT activity by increasing the binding affinity of NNT for NADP⁺ and therefore boosts NADPH production, which subsequently sustains sufficient iron-sulfur cluster maintenance and protects tumor cells from ferroptosis. Abrogating NNT K1042ac dramatically attenuates IL-1β-promoted tumor immune evasion and synergizes with PD-1 blockade. In addition, NNT K1042ac is associated with IL-1β expression and the prognosis of human gastric cancer. Our findings demonstrate a mechanism of IL-1β-promoted tumor immune evasion, implicating the therapeutic potential of disrupting the link between IL-1β and tumor cells by inhibiting NNT acetylation.

Inhibition of autophagy in macrophage promotes IL-1β-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma progression via inflammasome accumulation and self-recruitment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a complex and changeable tumor microenvironment. Despite emerging evidence focusing on autophagy process within immune cells, the function and regulatory mechanism of macrophage autophagy in tumor progression remains unclear. Our results of multiplex-immunohistochemistry and RNA-sequencing identified the reduced levels of autophagy in tumor macrophages in the HCC microenvironment, associated with a poor prognosis and increased microvascular metastasis in HCC patients. Specifically, HCC suppressed the macrophage autophagy initiation through the up-regulation of mTOR and ULK1 phosphorylation at Ser757. Knockdown of autophagy-related proteins to further inhibit autophagy significantly boosted the metastatic potential of HCC. Mechanistically, the accumulation of NLRP3 inflammasome mediated by autophagy inhibition promoted the cleavage, maturation, and release of IL-1β, which facilitated the HCC progression, eventually accelerating HCC metastasis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Autophagy inhibition provoked macrophage self-recruitment through the CCL20-CCR6 signaling was also a crucial account of HCC progression. Recruited macrophages mediated the cascade amplification of IL-1β and CCL20 to form a novel pro-metastatic positive feedback loop through promoting HCC metastasis and increased macrophage recruitment, respectively. Notably, targeting IL-1β/IL-1 receptor signaling impaired lung metastasis induced by macrophage autophagy inhibition in a mice HCC lung metastasis model. In summary, this study highlighted that inhibition of tumor macrophage autophagy facilitated HCC progression by increasing IL-1β secretion via NLRP3 inflammasome accumulation and by macrophage self-recruitment through the CCL20 signaling pathway. Interruption of this metastasis-promoting loop by IL-1β blockade may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC patients.

Aspirin-Loaded Cross-Linked Lipoic Acid Nanodrug Prevents Postoperative Tumor Recurrence by Residual Cancer Cell Killing and Inflammatory Microenvironment Improvement

In addition to residual cancer cells, the surgery resection-induced hyperinflammatory microenvironment is a key factor that leads to postsurgical cancer recurrence. Herein, we developed a dual-functional nanodrug Asp@cLANVs for postsurgical recurrence inhibition by loading the classical anti-inflammatory drug aspirin (Asp) into cross-linked lipoic acid nanovesicles (cLANVs). The Asp@cLANVs can not only kill residual cancer cells at the doses comparable to common cytotoxic drugs by synergistic interaction between Asp and cLANVs, but also improve the postsurgical inflammatory microenvironment by their strongly synergistic anti-inflammation activity between Asp and cLANVs. Using mice bearing partially removed NCI-H460 tumors, we found that Asp@cLANVs gave a much lower recurrence rate (33.3%) compared with the first-line cytotoxic drug cisplatin (100%), and no mice died for at least 60 days after Asp@cLANV treatment while no mouse survived beyond day 43 in the cisplatin group. This dual-functional nanodrug constructs the first example that combines residual cancer cell killing and postoperative inflammation microenvironment improvement to suppress postsurgical cancer recurrence.

Interleukin-1β and plasminogen activating system members in endometriotic stromal cell migration/invasion

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of interleukin (IL)-1β and the plasminogen activating (PA) system members in endometriotic stromal cell (ESC) migration/invasion.

DESIGN

Primary cultures of ESCs.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center for endometriosis and pelvic pain.

PATIENT(S)

Patients with surgically excised endometriosis.

INTERVENTION(S)

Interleukin-1β stimulation of primary cultures of ESCs and knockdown of the PA system members urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), uPA receptor, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Invasion/migration assays.

RESULT(S)

In primary cultures, IL-1β-stimulated ESC production of the PA system members uPA, uPA receptor, and PAI-1. Interleukin-1β also enhanced ESC migration and invasion, and these effects were inhibited by the IL-1 receptor-1 antagonist anakinra. Knockdown of each of the 3 PA system members also inhibited ESC migration and invasion. Knockdown of these PA system members further attenuated the impact of IL-1β on migration and invasion, suggesting that they mediated the promigration and proinvasion effects of IL-1β. To supplement the cell culture work, immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue sections of endometriotic epithelium/stroma: uPA, PAI-1, and IL-1β histoscores were not found to be correlated with each other.

CONCLUSION(S)

In primary cultures of ESCs, IL-1β induces migration and invasion, which is mediated by PA system members and inhibited by the drug anakinra. However, the immunohistochemistry expression of IL-1β, urokinase plasminogen inhibitor-1, and PAI-1 were not correlated, suggesting other regulatory mechanisms for PA system members. Inhibition of IL-1β (e.g., with anakinra) may have potential as a novel treatment approach for the migration/invasion of endometriosis.

Meta-hallmarks of aging and cancer

Both aging and cancer are characterized by a series of partially overlapping "hallmarks" that we subject here to a meta-analysis. Several hallmarks of aging (i.e., genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis) are very similar to specific cancer hallmarks and hence constitute common "meta-hallmarks," while other features of aging (i.e., telomere attrition and stem cell exhaustion) act likely to suppress oncogenesis and hence can be viewed as preponderantly "antagonistic hallmarks." Disabled macroautophagy and cellular senescence are two hallmarks of aging that exert context-dependent oncosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic effects. Similarly, the equivalence or antagonism between aging-associated deregulated nutrient-sensing and cancer-relevant alterations of cellular metabolism is complex. The agonistic and antagonistic relationship between the processes that drive aging and cancer has bearings for the age-related increase and oldest age-related decrease of cancer morbidity and mortality, as well as for the therapeutic management of malignant disease in the elderly.

The Cytokine Network in Colorectal Cancer: Implications for New Treatment Strategies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent tumor entities worldwide with only limited therapeutic options. CRC is not only a genetic disease with several mutations in specific oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes such as APC, KRAS, PIC3CA, BRAF, SMAD4 or TP53 but also a multifactorial disease including environmental factors. Cancer cells communicate with their environment mostly via soluble factors such as cytokines, chemokines or growth factors to generate a favorable tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME, a heterogeneous population of differentiated and progenitor cells, plays a critical role in regulating tumor development, growth, invasion, metastasis and therapy resistance. In this context, cytokines from cancer cells and cells of the TME influence each other, eliciting an inflammatory milieu that can either enhance or suppress tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, several lines of evidence exist that the composition of the microbiota regulates inflammatory processes, controlled by cytokine secretion, that play a role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In this review, we discuss the cytokine networks between cancer cells and the TME and microbiome in colorectal cancer and the related treatment strategies, with the goal to discuss cytokine-mediated strategies that could overcome the common therapeutic resistance of CRC tumors.

Progress of Research into the Interleukin-1 Family in Cardiovascular Disease

Inflammatory factors, such as the IL-1 family, are generally acknowledged to be involved in systemic diseases and IL-1α and IL-1β, in particular, have been linked to cardiovascular disease with IL-18, IL-33, IL-36, IL-37 and IL-38 yet to be explored. The current review aims to summarize mechanisms of IL-18, IL-33, IL-36, IL-37 and IL-38 in myocardial infarction, hypertension, arrhythmia, valvular disease and aneurysm and to explore the potential for cardiovascular disease treatment strategies and discuss future directions for prevention and treatment.

Small molecule inhibitors targeting the cancers

Compared with traditional therapies, targeted therapy has merits in selectivity, efficacy, and tolerability. Small molecule inhibitors are one of the primary targeted therapies for cancer. Due to their advantages in a wide range of targets, convenient medication, and the ability to penetrate into the central nervous system, many efforts have been devoted to developing more small molecule inhibitors. To date, 88 small molecule inhibitors have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat cancers. Despite remarkable progress, small molecule inhibitors in cancer treatment still face many obstacles, such as low response rate, short duration of response, toxicity, biomarkers, and resistance. To better promote the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting cancers, we comprehensively reviewed small molecule inhibitors involved in all the approved agents and pivotal drug candidates in clinical trials arranged by the signaling pathways and the classification of small molecule inhibitors. We discussed lessons learned from the development of these agents, the proper strategies to overcome resistance arising from different mechanisms, and combination therapies concerned with small molecule inhibitors. Through our review, we hoped to provide insights and perspectives for the research and development of small molecule inhibitors in cancer treatment.

IL1R2 promotes tumor progression via JAK2/STAT3 pathway in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is known as the most aggressive subtype of genitourinary cancers. The lack of effective therapies has prompted us to further explore the complex network of genes involved in ccRCC tumor progression and metastasis and to seek new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes. Interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2), a decoy receptor of IL-1, is found to be differentially expressed in various tumors types recently. However, the role of IL1R2 in ccRCC has not been documented. Herein, we found that the expression of IL1R2 in ccRCC tissues was significantly increased as the tumor's Furman pathological grade was elevated. Compared to lower IL1R2 expression, ccRCC patients with high IL1R2 expression had a significantly worse OS rate. IL1R2 could serve as an independent prognostic predictor for ccRCC patients. Depletion of IL1R2 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, while overexpression of IL1R2 could reverse this effect. Moreover, depletion of IL1R2 led to changes and enrichment of several signaling pathways, as shown by RNA sequencing. We subsequently verified that Janus kinase 2 / signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway was involved in the IL1R2 mediated regulation of cellular functions of ccRCC cells and these functions were acted by the intracellular domain of IL1R2, not the extracellular domain. Our findings suggested that IL1R2 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC progression and metastasis via its regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Somatic variation in normal tissues: friend or foe of cancer early detection?

BACKGROUND

Seemingly normal tissues progressively become populated by mutant clones over time. Most of these clones bear mutations in well-known cancer genes but only rarely do they transform into cancer. This poses questions on what triggers cancer initiation and what implications somatic variation has for cancer early detection.

DESIGN

We analysed recent mutational screens of healthy and cancer-free diseased tissues to compare somatic drivers and the causes of somatic variation across tissues. We then reviewed the mechanisms of clonal expansion and their relationships with age and diseases other than cancer. We finally discussed the relevance of somatic variation for cancer initiation and how it can help or hinder cancer detection and prevention.

RESULTS

The extent of somatic variation is highly variable across tissues and depends on intrinsic features, such as tissue architecture and turnover, as well as the exposure to endogenous and exogenous insults. Most somatic mutations driving clonal expansion are tissue-specific and inactivate tumor suppressor genes involved in chromatin modification and cell growth signaling. Some of these genes are more frequently mutated in normal tissues than cancer, indicating a context-dependent cancer promoting or protective role. Mutant clones can persist over a long time or disappear rapidly, suggesting that their fitness depends on the dynamic equilibrium with the environment. The disruption of this equilibrium is likely responsible for their transformation into malignant clones and knowing what triggers this process is key for cancer prevention and early detection. Somatic variation should be considered in liquid biopsy, where it may contribute cancer-independent mutations, and in the identification of cancer drivers, since not all mutated genes favoring clonal expansion also drive tumorigenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Somatic variation and the factors governing homeostasis of normal tissues should be taken into account when devising strategies for cancer prevention and early detection.

Cancer genome and tumor microenvironment: Reciprocal crosstalk shapes lung cancer plasticity

Lung cancer classification and treatment has been revolutionized by improving our understanding of driver mutations and the introduction of tumor microenvironment (TME)-associated immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite the significant improvement of lung cancer patient survival in response to either oncogene-targeted therapy or anticancer immunotherapy, many patients show initial or acquired resistance to these new therapies. Recent advances in genome sequencing reveal that specific driver mutations favor the development of an immunosuppressive TME phenotype, which may result in unfavorable outcomes in lung cancer patients receiving immunotherapies. Clinical studies with follow-up after immunotherapy, assessing oncogenic driver mutations and the TME immune profile, not only reveal the underlying potential molecular mechanisms in the resistant lung cancer patients but also hold the key to better treatment choices and the future of personalized medicine. In this review, we discuss the crosstalk between cancer cell genomic features and the TME to reveal the impact of genetic alterations on the TME phenotype. We also provide insights into the regulatory role of cellular TME components in defining the genetic landscape of cancer cells during tumor development.

Macrophages as tools and targets in cancer therapy

Tumour-associated macrophages are an essential component of the tumour microenvironment and have a role in the orchestration of angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodelling, cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and immunosuppression, as well as in resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Conversely, when appropriately activated, macrophages can mediate phagocytosis of cancer cells and cytotoxic tumour killing, and engage in effective bidirectional interactions with components of the innate and adaptive immune system. Therefore, they have emerged as therapeutic targets in cancer therapy. Macrophage-targeting strategies include inhibitors of cytokines and chemokines involved in the recruitment and polarization of tumour-promoting myeloid cells as well as activators of their antitumorigenic and immunostimulating functions. Early clinical trials suggest that targeting negative regulators (checkpoints) of myeloid cell function indeed has antitumor potential. Finally, given the continuous recruitment of myelomonocytic cells into tumour tissues, macrophages are candidates for cell therapy with the development of chimeric antigen receptor effector cells. Macrophage-centred therapeutic strategies have the potential to complement, and synergize with, currently available tools in the oncology armamentarium.

Macrophages can promote tumorigenesis and enhance the antitumour response. This Review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying the reprogramming of macrophages in the tumour microenvironment and provides an overview of macrophage-targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer.

3D Models as a Tool to Assess the Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Therapeutic Antibodies: Advantages and Limitations

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an emerging and very active frontier in clinical oncology, with hundred molecules currently in use or being tested. These treatments have already revolutionized clinical outcomes in both solid and hematological malignancies. However, identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from mAbs treatment is currently challenging and limiting the impact of such therapies. To overcome this issue, and to fulfill the expectations of mAbs therapies, it is urgently required to develop proper culture models capable of faithfully reproducing the interactions between tumor and its surrounding native microenvironment (TME). Three-dimensional (3D) models which allow the assessment of the impact of drugs on tumors within its TME in a patient-specific context are promising avenues to progressively fill the gap between conventional 2D cultures and animal models, substantially contributing to the achievement of personalized medicine. This review aims to give a brief overview of the currently available 3D models, together with their specific exploitation for therapeutic mAbs testing, underlying advantages and current limitations to a broader use in preclinical oncology.

Targeting interleukin-17 enhances tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have gained much attention in managing cancer, only a minority of patients, especially those with tumors that have been classified as immunologically "cold" such as microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancers (CRC), experience clinical benefit from ICIs. Surprisingly, interleukin-17 (IL-17) and its primary source Th17 are enriched in CRC and inversely associated with patient outcome. Our previous study revealed that IL-17A could upregulate programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and impede the efficacy of immunotherapy. IL-17, therefore, can be a possible target to sensitize tumor cells to ICIs. The detailed clinical results from our trial, which is the first to show the benefits of the combination of anti-PD-1 with anti-IL-17 therapy for MSS CRC, have also been presented. In this review, we highlight the role of IL-17 in ICIs resistance and summarize the current clinical evidence for the use of combination therapy. Directions for future strategies to warm up immunologically "cold" MSS CRCs have also been proposed.

Context-dependent functions of pattern recognition receptors in cancer

The immune system plays a critical role in shaping all facets of cancer, from the early initiation stage through to metastatic disease and resistance to therapy. Our understanding of the importance of the adaptive arm of the immune system in antitumour immunity has led to the implementation of immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in numerous cancers, albeit with differing efficacy. By contrast, the clinical utility of innate immunity in cancer has not been exploited, despite dysregulated innate immunity being a feature of at least one-third of all cancers associated with tumour-promoting chronic inflammation. The past two decades have seen innate immune pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) emerge as critical regulators of the immune response to microbial infection and host tissue damage. More recently, it has become apparent that in many cancer types, PRRs play a central role in modulating a vast array of tumour-inhibiting and tumour-promoting cellular responses both in immune cells within the tumour microenvironment and directly in cancer cells. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the fast-evolving field of PRRs in cancer, and discuss the potential to target PRRs for drug development and biomarker discovery in a wide range of oncology settings.

Repositioning canakinumab for non-small cell lung cancer-important lessons for drug repurposing in oncology

Canakinumab is an anti-interleukin-1β monoclonal antibody approved for use in a range of immune-related disorders. During the clinical investigation (CANTOS trial) for prevention of cardiovascular complications, therapy was linked to a reduction in both the occurrence and mortality of lung cancer. This unexpected observation fuelled the rapid initiation of four large clinical trials to evaluate potential anticancer efficacy (in combination with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy), before fully validating these observations in a dedicated study. The first two trials (CANOPY-1 and 2) have now been reported and have both have failed to meet their primary efficacy endpoints. In this article, we explore the scientific and clinical rationale behind the development of canakinumab in oncology, the repurposing approach utilised and implications this may have for the wider drug repurposing field in the development of new cancer medicines.

Secretion of IL1 by Dedifferentiated Melanoma Cells Inhibits JAK1-STAT3-Driven Actomyosin Contractility of Lymph Node Fibroblastic Reticular Cells

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) are immunologically specialized myofibroblasts that control the elasticity of the lymph node, in part through their contractile properties. Swelling of tumor-draining lymph nodes is a hallmark of lymphophilic cancers such as cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma displays high intratumoral heterogeneity with the coexistence of melanoma cells with variable differentiation phenotypes from melanocytic to dedifferentiated states. Factors secreted by melanoma cells promote premetastatic lymph node reprograming and tumor spreading. Elucidating the impact of the melanoma secretome on FRC could help identify approaches to prevent metastasis. Here we show that melanocytic and dedifferentiated melanoma cells differentially impact the FRC contractile phenotype. Factors secreted by dedifferentiated cells, but not by melanocytic cells, strongly inhibited actomyosin-dependent contractile forces of FRC by decreasing the activity of the RHOA-RHO-kinase (ROCK) pathway and the mechano-responsive transcriptional coactivator Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP). Transcriptional profiling and biochemical analyses indicated that actomyosin cytoskeleton relaxation in FRC is driven by inhibition of the JAK1-STAT3 pathway. This FRC relaxation was associated with increased FRC proliferation and activation and with elevated tumor invasion in vitro. The secretome of dedifferentiated melanoma cells also modulated the biomechanical properties of distant lymph node in premetastatic mouse models. Finally, IL1 produced by dedifferentiated cells was involved in the inhibition of FRC contractility. These data highlight the role of the JAK1-STAT3 and YAP pathways in spontaneous contractility of resting FRC. They also suggest that dedifferentiated melanoma cells specifically target FRC biomechanical properties to favor tumor spreading in the premetastatic lymph node niche. Targeting this remote communication could be an effective strategy to prevent metastatic spread of the disease.

SIGNIFICANCE

Communication between dedifferentiated melanoma cells and lymph node fibroblasts reprograms the biomechanical properties of the premetastatic lymph node niche to promote tumor invasion. See related commentary by Lund, p. 1692.

Targeting IL-1β as an immune preventive and therapeutic modality for K-ras mutant lung cancer

K-ras–mutant lung adenocarcinoma (KM-LUAD) is associated with abysmal prognosis and is tightly linked to tumor-promoting inflammation. A human mAb, canakinumab, targeting the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, significantly decreased the risk of lung cancer in the Canakinumab Anti-inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study. Interestingly, we found high levels of IL-1β in the lungs of mice with K-ras^G12D–mutant tumors (CC-LR mice). Here, we blocked IL-1β using an anti–IL-1β mAb in cohorts of 6- or 14-week-old CC-LR mice to explore its preventive and therapeutic effect, respectively. IL-1β blockade significantly reduced lung tumor burden, which was associated with reprogramming of the lung microenvironment toward an antitumor phenotype characterized by increased infiltration of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells (with high IFN-γ and granzyme B expression but low programmed cell death 1 [PD-1] expression) while suppressing neutrophils and polymorphonuclear (PMN) myeloid-derived suppressor cells. When querying the Cancer Genome Atlas data set, we found positive correlations between IL1B expression and infiltration of immunosuppressive PMNs and expression of their chemoattractant, CXCL1, and PDCD1 expressions in patients with KM-LUAD. Our data provide evidence that IL-1β blockade may be a preventive strategy for high-risk individuals and an alternative therapeutic approach in combination with currently available treatments for KM-LUAD.

Local Release of TGF-β Inhibitor Modulates Tumor-Associated Neutrophils and Enhances Pancreatic Cancer Response to Combined Irreversible Electroporation and Immunotherapy

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with little response to standard therapies. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) has emerged as a novel ablative technique for the clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer. Combinations of IRE and immunotherapies, including anti-programmed death 1 (αPD1) immune checkpoint blockade, have shown promising efficacy in both preclinical and clinical studies. However, tumor recurrence remains an obstacle that needs to be overcome. It herein is shown that IRE induces a substantial infiltration of neutrophils into pancreatic tumors. These neutrophils are then polarized into a protumor phenotype by immunosuppressive cues, in particular transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Using glutathione-responsive degradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with SB525334, an inhibitor of TGF-β1 receptor, it is demonstrated that local inhibition of TGF-β within the tumor microenvironment promotes neutrophil polarization into an antitumor phenotype, enhances pancreatic cancer response to combined IRE and αPD1 therapy, and induces long-term antitumor memory. The therapeutic efficacy is also attributed to tumor infiltration by CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells, depletion of regulatory T cells, and maturation of antigen-presenting dendritic cells. Thus, modulating neutrophil polarization with nanomedicine is a promising strategy for treating pancreatic cancer.

Negative Regulation of the IL-1 System by IL-1R2 and IL-1R8: Relevance in Pathophysiology and Disease

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a primary cytokine of innate immunity and inflammation. IL-1 belongs to a complex family including ligands with agonist activity, receptor antagonists, and an anti-inflammatory cytokine. The receptors for these ligands, the IL-1 Receptor (IL-1R) family, include signaling receptor complexes, decoy receptors, and negative regulators. Agonists and regulatory molecules co-evolved, suggesting the evolutionary relevance of a tight control of inflammatory responses, which ensures a balance between amplification of innate immunity and uncontrolled inflammation. IL-1 family members interact with innate immunity cells promoting innate immunity, as well as with innate and adaptive lymphoid cells, contributing to their differentiation and functional polarization and plasticity. Here we will review the properties of two key regulatory receptors of the IL-1 system, IL-1R2, the first decoy receptor identified, and IL-1R8, a pleiotropic regulator of different IL-1 family members and co-receptor for IL-37, the anti-inflammatory member of the IL-1 family. Their complex impact in pathology, ranging from infections and inflammatory responses, to cancer and neurologic disorders, as well as clinical implications and potential therapeutic exploitation will be presented.

Complement activation in cancer: Effects on tumor-associated myeloid cells and immunosuppression

Cancer-related inflammation plays a central role in the establishment of tumor-promoting mechanisms. Tumor-associated myeloid cells, which engage in complex interactions with cancer cells, as well as stromal and tumor immune infiltrating cells, promote cancer cell proliferation and survival, angiogenesis, and the generation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The complement system is one of the inflammatory mechanisms activated in the tumor microenvironment. Beside exerting anti-tumor mechanisms such as complement-dependent cytotoxicity and phagocytosis induced by therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, the complement system may promote immunosuppression and tumor growth and invasiveness, in particular, through the anaphylatoxins which target both leukocytes and cancer cells. In this review, we will discuss complement-mediated mechanisms acting on leukocytes, in particular on cells of the myelomonocytic cell lineage (macrophages, neutrophils, myeloid derived suppressor cells), which promote myeloid cell recruitment and functional skewing, leading to immunosuppression and resistance to tumor-specific immunity. Pre-clinical studies, which have elucidated the role of complement in activating pro-tumor mechanisms in myeloid cells, showing the relevance of these mechanisms in human, and therapeutic approaches based on complement targeting support the hypothesis that complement directly and indirectly interferes with many of the effector pathways associated with the cancer-immunity cycle, suggesting the relevance of complement targeting to improve responses to immunotherapeutic approaches.

Intratumoral IL-1R1 expression delineates a distinctive molecular subset with therapeutic resistance in patients with gastric cancer

Background

With the essential role of interleukin-1 signaling in cancer-related inflammation, IL-1R1, the main receptor for both IL-1α and IL-1β, demonstrated therapeutic potential in several types of cancer, which has been put into clinical trials. However, the expression profile and critical role of IL-1R1 in gastric cancer (GC) remain obscure. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of IL-1R1 expression and its predictive value for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in GC.

Methods

The study enrolled three cohorts, consisting of 409 tumor microarray specimens of GC patients from Zhongshan Hospital, 341 transcriptional data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and 45 transcriptional data from patients treated with pembrolizumab. IL-1R1 mRNA expression was directly acquired from public datasets, and we also detected IL-1R1 protein expression on tumor microarray by immunohistochemistry. Finally, the associations of IL-1R1 expression with clinical outcomes, immune contexture, and genomic features were analyzed.

Results

High IL-1R1 expression predicted poor prognosis and inferior responsiveness to both 5-fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). IL-1R1 fostered an immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by upregulated M2 macrophages and exhausted CD8⁺ T cells infiltration. Moreover, the expression of IL-1R1 was intrinsically linked to genomic alterations associated with targeted therapies in GC.

Conclusions

IL-1R1 served as an independent prognosticator and predictive biomarker for ACT and ICB in GC. Furthermore, IL-1R1 antagonists could be a novel agent alone or combined with current therapeutic strategies in GC.