Advance in the role of chemokines/chemokine receptors in carcinogenesis: Focus on pancreatic cancer

CCL20-CCR6 signaling in tumor microenvironment: Functional roles, mechanisms, and immunotherapy targeting

Chemokine CC motif ligand 20 (CCL20) is a molecule with immunomodulatory properties that is involved in the regulation of diseases such as chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. It operates by binding to its specific receptor, CC chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6), and activating a complex intracellular signaling network. Building on its established role in inflammatory diseases, recent research has expanded our understanding of CCL20 to encompass its critical contributions to the tumor microenvironment (TME), highlighting its significance in cancer progression. Numerous studies have emphasized its prominent role in regulating immune responses. Consequently, Monoclonal antibodies against CCL20 and inhibitors of CCR6 have been successfully developed to block downstream signaling, making the CCL20-CCR6 axis a promising and critical target in the TME. This offers potential immunotherapeutic strategies for cancers. In this review, we summarize the biological consequences of CCL20-CCR6 mediated signaling, its role and mechanisms in the TME, and its potential applications. We suggest that the CCL20-CCR6 axis may be a novel biomarker for tumor diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a therapeutic target in various cancers.

STING-activable immunomodulatory bio-glue for multiple postsurgical management

In addition to the robust adhesive properties, there is a pressing demand for ideal adhesives in tumor surgery that possess anti-tumor therapeutic effects. In this study, we introduce BSA-MnO2-GP@Ca-Y (BMGY) bio-glue by integrating bovine serum albumin (BSA)-MnO2, genipin (GP), and Ca-Y zeolite. Ca-Y zeolite exhibits the thrombin activity for hemostasis, while the cross-linking of BSA, GP, and skin tissue induces wound adherence upon laser irradiation for normalized skin structure within nine days. The heat generated during the "photothermal suture" process ablates residual tumor cells and produces antigen fragments, which are internalized by antigen presenting cells. The released Mn ions subsequently activate the cGAS-STING pathway, enhancing immunogenicity. Consequently, tumor-infiltrating p-TBK1 and interferon-β levels are significantly increased, ensuring robust anti-tumor immunity following BMGY treatment. Thus, BMGY bio-glue achieves hemostasis, wound bonding, ablation of residual tumor cells, and tumor recurrence inhibition, simultaneously. Beyond Ca-Y zeolite, BSA-MnO2-GP serves as a versatile platform for loading other drugs or active species to boost therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we present a successful bio-glue paradigm with significant translational potential for various postsurgical management applications.

Regulation mechanism of chemokine CXCL3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a malignancy arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosal epithelium, remains poorly understood at molecular level. This study identifies CXCL3, a chemokine, as a critical oncogenic driver in NPC through multi-dataset transcriptomic analysis (GSE12452, GSE53819 and GSE61218). CXCL3 was identified to be upregulated in NPC tissues and correlated with tumor progression (P = 0.022) and poor prognosis. Immune infiltration analysis revealed its association with mast cell accumulation and immunosuppressive checkpoints (CD200, CD44 and CD70). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) linked CXCL3 to ECM-receptor-interaction, JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways. Functional assays demonstrated that CXCL3 silencing suppressed the SUNE-1 cells proliferation (P < 0.01), migration, and invasion abilities (P < 0.05), induced G2/M-phase arrest and reduced S-phase populations via MAPK/ERK pathway inhibition (p-ERK1/2, p-P38 and p-STAT3 down-regulated). Immunohistochemistry confirmed elevated CXCL3 expression in NPC tissues (approximately 80 % positivity) versus normal controls (100 % negative). Notably, CXCL3 knockdown impaired tubule formation in vitro, implicating its role in vascular remodeling. These findings establish CXCL3 as a multifaceted regulator of NPC progression through immune microenvironment modulation, MAPK/ERK signaling, and angiogenesis, nominating it as a potential therapeutic target in NPC.

Active Substances from the Micro-Immunotherapy Medicine 2LC1® Show In Vitro Anti-Cancer Properties in Colon, Prostate, and Breast Cancer Models and Immune-Enhancing Capabilities in Human Macrophages

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role in cancer regulation by influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and the immune microenvironment. By providing low doses and ultra-low doses (ULD) of immune regulators to the organism, micro-immunotherapy (MI) medicines (MIM) could be seen as valuable adjuvant drugs in the context of a wide range of pathological conditions, including cancers. Thus, these MIM could target TAMs, affecting their phenotype and activities. In this study, the anti-tumor and the immune-stimulatory effects of four capsules out of the ten composing the Labo'life's MIM 2LC1® (2LC1-1, 2LC1-6, 2LC1-7, and 2LC1-8), as well as the specific nucleic acid (SNA®) sequence SNA-MYC present at ULD in this medicine have been evaluated in vitro, in several cancer models, and in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Our results showed that the tested MI formulations increased the tumor cell death of spheroids from HCT-116 colon cancer cells, while reducing the spheroid volume. Moreover, the treatments impaired the clonogenic capabilities of two cancer cell lines from epithelial origin, the LNCaP prostate cancer and the MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Interestingly, ULD of the SNA-MYC shared similar anti-cancer capabilities in those models, and it led to a significant reduction in the expression of C-MYC when evaluated in a model of human M2 macrophages. In the same model, the MI formulations also increased the expression of CD86 and HLA-DR, two markers of M1 anti-tumor macrophages. In addition, the tested items modulated the secretion of a panel of chemokines related to macrophage activity and immune cell recruitment. Finally, our results showed that 2LC1-8 increased the phagocytosis capabilities of human monocyte-derived macrophages, thus possibly contributing to sustaining the immune functions of M1, which are crucial in the context of cancer. Even if more research is needed to uncover their exact mechanism of action, these results suggest that the tested capsules of 2LC1 as well as ULD of SNA-MYC display both anti-tumor and immune-enhancing effects.

CXCL Gene Clusters Regulated by Enhancer-Mediated DNA Looping Alteration in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. Chemokines affect the progression of pancreatic cancer through various mechanisms. Most of the CXC chemokine genes, CC chemokine genes and CX3C chemokine genes are clustered together within a very short region of chromatin. Transcription activity of gene clusters is usually influenced by the chromatin architecture and spatial organisation. Nevertheless, the chromatin-mediated regulatory mechanism on transcription of chemokine gene clusters has never been studied in pancreatic cancer. Herein, we determined that the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), CXCL6, CXCL4L1, CXCL1, CXCL4, CXCL7, CXCL5, CXCL3 and CXCL2 was up-regulated, whereas CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 were down-regulated in pancreatic cancer cells compared with normal duct epithelial cells and further uncovered that four enhancer elements showed robust interaction to form DNA looping containing the up-regulated eight CXCL genes, whereas the other enhancer controlled CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 to form another DNA loop. Furthermore, after these enhancers were respectively destroyed by CRISPR-Cas9, we observed that the interaction with other enhancers was weakened as well as the expression of CXCL gene clusters and the tumour malignancy of pancreatic cancer cells was significantly changed. Taken together, our research exhibits the regulatory mechanism on transcription of CXCL gene clusters via enhance-dependent DNA looping alteration in pancreatic cancer cells.

Exploring the association between 91 circulating inflammatory proteins and the risk of carcinoid syndrome: a Mendelian randomization analysis

This study aims to explore the potential correlation between circulating inflammatory proteins and carcinoid syndrome (CS). Using summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with two samples, treating 91 circulating inflammatory proteins as exposure factors and CS as the outcome. Based on genetic loci closely associated with circulating inflammatory proteins selected as instrumental variables, we primarily employed the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method for analysis, combined with the weighted median method (WM), simple median method (SM), weighted mode estimation (WME), and MR-Egger regression for comprehensive analysis. Initial IVW results revealed significant causal effects of six circulating inflammatory proteins on CS. Specifically, Interleukin-17C levels were negatively correlated with CS risk, indicating a protective effect; whereas beta-nerve growth factor, C-C motif chemokine 20, Natural killer cell receptor 2B4, C-X-C motif chemokine 5, and Leukemia inhibitory factor levels were positively correlated with CS risk, suggesting detrimental effects. In heterogeneity tests, the selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) did not show heterogeneity, and analysis using Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO test did not detect pleiotropy of SNPs, thus validating the reliability of the study. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method further confirmed the robustness of the results. In summary, this study identified significant causal relationships between six inflammatory proteins-Interleukin-17C, beta-nerve growth factor, C-C motif chemokine 20, Natural killer cell receptor 2B4, C-X-C motif chemokine 5, and Leukemia inhibitory factor-and CS risk through MR analysis. This finding not only emphasizes the important role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of CS but also suggests the potential value of inflammatory proteins as targets for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

Inflammation, microbiota, and pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignancy of gastrointestinal tract threatening the life of people around the world. In spite of the advances in the treatment of PC, the overall survival of this disease in advanced stage is less than 12%. Moreover, PC cells have aggressive behaviour in proliferation and metastasis as well as capable of developing therapy resistance. Therefore, highlighting the underlying molecular mechanisms in PC pathogenesis can provide new insights for its treatment. In the present review, inflammation and related pathways as well as role of gut microbiome in the regulation of PC pathogenesis are highlighted. The various kinds of interleukins and chemokines are able to regulate angiogenesis, metastasis, proliferation, inflammation and therapy resistance in PC cells. Furthermore, a number of molecular pathways including NF-κB, TLRs and TGF-β demonstrate dysregulation in PC aggravating inflammation and tumorigenesis. Therapeutic regulation of these pathways can reverse inflammation and progression of PC. Both chronic and acute pancreatitis have been shown to be risk factors in the development of PC, further highlighting the role of inflammation. Finally, the composition of gut microbiota can be a risk factor for PC development through affecting pathways such as NF-κB to mediate inflammation.

Targeting Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive tumor with dismal prognosis. Neural invasion is one of the pathological hallmarks of pancreatic cancer. Peripheral nerves can modulate the phenotype and behavior of the malignant cells, as well as of different components of the tumor microenvironment, and thus affect tumor growth and metastasis. From a clinical point of view, neural invasion is translated into intractable pain and represents a predictor of tumor recurrence and poor prognosis. Several molecules are implicated in neural invasion and pain onset in PDAC, including neutrophins (e.g., NGF), chemokines, adhesion factors, axon-guidance molecules, different proteins, and neurotransmitters. In this review, we discuss the role of nerves within the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, highlighting how infiltrating nerve fibers promote tumor progression and metastasis, while tumor cells, in turn, drive nerve outgrowth in a reciprocal interaction that fuels tumor advancement. We outline key molecules involved in neural invasion in pancreatic cancer and, finally, explore potential therapeutic strategies to target neural invasion, aiming to both inhibit cancer progression and alleviate cancer-associated pain.

Deciphering Regulatory T-Cell Dynamics in Cancer Immunotherapy: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Innovations

This Review explores how tumor-associated regulatory cells (Tregs) affect cancer immunotherapy. It shows how Tregs play a role in keeping the immune system in check, how cancers grow, and how well immunotherapy work. Tregs use many ways to suppress the immune system, and these ways are affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME). New approaches to cancer therapy are showing promise, such as targeting Treg checkpoint receptors precisely and using Fc-engineered antibodies. It is important to tailor treatments to each patient's TME in order to provide personalized care. Understanding Treg biology is essential for creating effective cancer treatments and improving the long-term outcomes of immunotherapy.

CXCL5 impedes CD8+ T cell immunity by upregulating PD-L1 expression in lung cancer via PXN/AKT signaling phosphorylation and neutrophil chemotaxis

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Upregulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) may represent a key mechanism for evading immune surveillance. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) antibodies against PD-1 or PD-L1 are therefore widely used to treat patients with lung cancer. However, the mechanisms by which lung cancer and neutrophils in the microenvironment sustain PD-L1 expression and impart stronger inhibition of CD8+ T cell function remain unclear.

METHODS

We investigated the role and underlying mechanism by which PD-L1+ lung cancer and PD-L1+ neutrophils impede the function of CD8+ T cells through magnetic bead cell sorting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, confocal immunofluorescence, gene silencing, flow cytometry, etc. In vivo efficacy and safety studies were conducted using (Non-obeseDiabetes/severe combined immune deficiency) SCID/NOD mice. Additionally, we collected clinical and prognostic data from 208 patients who underwent curative lung cancer resection between 2017 and 2018.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) is markedly overexpressed in lung cancer cells and is positively correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with lung cancer. Mechanistically, CXCL5 activates the phosphorylation of the Paxillin/AKT signaling cascade, leading to upregulation of PD-L1 expression and the formation of a positive feedback loop. Moreover, CXCL5 attracts neutrophils, compromising CD8+ T cell-dependent antitumor immunity. These PD-L1+ neutrophils aggravate CD8+ T cell exhaustion following lung cancer domestication. Combined treatment with anti-CXCL5 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies significantly inhibits tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings collectively demonstrate that CXCL5 promotes immune escape through PD-L1 upregulation in lung cancer and neutrophils chemotaxis through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. CXCL5 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in synergy with ICBs in lung cancer immunotherapy.

Employing antagonistic C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 antagonistic peptide functionalized NaGdF4 nanodots for magnetic resonance imaging-guided biotherapy of breast cancer

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a promising therapeutic target of breast cancer because it is overexpressed on cell surface of all molecular subtypes of breast cancer including triplenegative breast cancer (TNBC). Herein, CXCR4 antagonistic peptide-NaGdF4 nanodot conjugates (termed as anti-CXCR4-NaGdF4 NDs) have been constructed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided biotherapy of TNBC through conjugation of the C-X-C Motif Chemokine 12 (CXCL12)-derived cyclic peptide with tryptone coated NaGdF4 nanodots (5 ± 0.5 nm in diameter, termed as Try-NaGdF4 NDs). The as-prepared anti-CXCR4-NaGdF4 NDs exhibits high longitudinal relaxivity (r1) value (21.87 mM-1S-1), reasonable biocompatibility and good tumor accumulation ability. The features of anti-CXCR4-NaGdF4 NDs improve the tumor-MRI sensitivity and facilitate tumor biotherapy after injection in mouse-bearing MDA-MB-231 tumor model in vivo. MRI-guided biotherapy using anti-CXCR4-NaGdF4 NDs enables to suppress 46% tumor growth. In addition, about 47% injection dose of anti-CXCR4-NaGdF4 NDs is found in the mouse urine at 24 h post-injection. These findings demonstrate that anti-CXCR4-NaGdF4 NDs enable to be used as renal clearable nanomedicine for biotherapy and MRI of breast cancer.

Characterization of the malignant cells and microenvironment of infantile fibrosarcoma via single-cell RNA sequencing

BACKGROUND

Infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) is the most prevalent soft tissue sarcoma in children under 1 year old and is known for its rapid growth. The tumor lacks specific immunohistochemical tumor marker and a general view of tumor microenvironment (TME). Its primary therapeutic intervention places patients at a risk of disability or mutilation. This study aimed to elucidate the universal transcriptional characteristics of IFS and explore novel targets for diagnosis and therapy using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).

METHODS

Fresh tissue samples of IFS for scRNA-seq were collected from four patients before other treatments were administered. We conducted cell clustering, inferring copy number variation from scRNA-seq (InferCNV) analysis, gene differential expression analysis, cell function evaluation, Pearson correlation analysis, and cell-cell and ligand-receptor interaction analysis to investigate the distinct ecosystem of IFS.

RESULTS

According to the single-cell resolution data, we depicted the cell atlas of IFS, which comprised 14 cell populations. Through comparison with normal cells, the malignant cells were distinguished, and potential novel markers (POSTN, IGFBP2 and CTHRC1) were identified. We also found four various functional malignant cell subtypes, three of which exhibited cancer stem cells (CSCs) phenotypes, and investigated the interplay between these subtypes and nonmalignant cells in the TME of IFS. Endothelial cells and macrophages were found to dominate the cell-cell communication landscape within the microenvironment, promoting tumorigenesis via multiple receptor-ligand interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the tumor transcriptome and TME of IFS at the cellular level, offering valuable insights for clinically significant advancements in the immunohistochemical diagnosis and treatment of IFS.