Colorectal cancer cell-derived exosomal miRNA-372-5p induces immune escape from colorectal cancer via PTEN/AKT/NF-κB/PD-L1 pathway

The crosstalk between lung adenocarcinoma cells and M2 macrophages promotes cancer cell development via the SFRS1/miR-708-5p/PD-L1 axis

This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms regarding microRNA-708-5p (miR-708-5p) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, the co-culture system of LUAD cells and macrophages, as well as a xenograft mouse model, were established. High levels of miR-708-5p were observed in LUAD. Exosomal miR-708-5p facilitated M2-like phenotype polarization, whereas miR-708-5p inhibition blocked the polarization. Exosomal miR-708-5p was identified as a pivotal signaling molecule for macrophages to mediate tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration and IFN-γ production in T cells. In addition, miR708-5p was observed to induce PD-L1 expression, and PD-L1 silencing inhibited macrophage-induced tumor cell growth behavior and regulated CD8 T cell activity. In xenograft models, miR-708-5p inhibition and PD-L1 silencing attenuated macrophage-induced tumor growth, induced IFN-γ secretion and CD8 expression, and modulated the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. In LUAD patients, there was an upregulation of both miR-708-5p and PD-L1 expression, accompanied by the activation of PTEN/AKT/mTOR. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the induction of M2 macrophage polarization and PD-L1 expression by exosomal miR-708-5p. We observed that exosomal miR-708-5p mediated the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway, diminished CD8 T cell activity and accelerated LUAD progression. The inhibition of specific exosomal miRNA secretion and anti-PD-L1 in the LUAD microenvironment may represent a promising avenue for LUAD immunotherapy.

Baicalin Alleviates Piglet Immunosuppression Induced by Glaesserella parasuis via Promoting CD163/Tumor Necrosis Factor-like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis-Mediated Autophagy

Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) causes vascular inflammation in piglets, resulting in vascular damage. However, the mechanism causing vascular inflammation remains unclear. Baicalin possesses an anti-inflammatory function. Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) has been implicated in immunosuppression. CD163, a scavenger receptor expressed on macrophages that acts as a decoy receptor for TWEAK, plays a crucial role in the regulation of autophagy and inflammation. This research investigated the efficacy of baicalin in reducing immunosuppression elicited by G. parasuis through the regulation of CD163/TWEAK-mediated autophagy. The data demonstrated that G. parasuis altered routine blood indicators and biochemical parameters, increased cytokine production, and induced blood vessel tissue damage. G. parasuis reduced the CD3+ T cell proportion, CD3+CD4+ T cell proportion, and CD3+CD8+ T cell proportion in piglet blood. The proteomic analysis revealed that CD163 was differentially expressed in the blood vessels of challenged piglets. Baicalin was found to regulate CD163/TWEAK axis expression, inhibit Notch/Wnt signaling pathway activation, promote autophagy, and reduce NLRP3/Caspase 1 signaling pathway activation. Baicalin also decreased cytokine production and alleviated pathological tissue damage in the blood vessels of G. parasuis-challenged piglets. Taken together, this study indicates that baicalin alleviates G. parasuis-induced immunosuppression and might promote CD163/TWEAK-mediated autophagy. This finding suggests that baicalin could serve as a potential therapeutic agent to control G. parasuis infection and related vascular inflammation.

Exosome-based immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern and ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality. Systemic therapy faces the emergence of resistance, which hinders the clinical benefits. Recent evidence suggests that exosomes, measuring between 30 and 150 nm in size, which impact the antitumor immune responses, making them a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy. Owing to their unique physical and chemical characteristics, exosomes can be tailored and engineered for a range of therapeutic objectives. In the present review, we outline the immunomodulatory functions of exosomes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC, aiming to decipher the underlying mechanisms of exosomes in remodeling suppressive TME. Moreover, we provide detailed and intuitive resource for leveraging the potential of exosomes in immunotherapy, presenting valuable strategies to improve and optimize HCC treatment. Despite the huge therapeutic potential of exosomes, significant challenges persist, including the need for standardization in exosome production, optimization of cargo loading techniques, and the assurance of safety and effectiveness in clinical applications. Addressing these challenges may pave the way for exosome-based immunotherapy for HCC patients.

LINC01559: roles, mechanisms, and clinical implications in human cancers

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1559 (LINC01559), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on chromosome 12p13.1, plays a critical role in the progression of various cancers. The aberrant expression of LINC01559 significantly impacts multiple biological processes in tumor cells, including cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and cellular stemness. Notably, the expression levels of LINC01559 correlate with the pathological features and prognosis of several cancers, such as pancreatic, breast, and gastric cancers, and it may serve as a diagnostic marker for non-small cell lung cancer. Moreover, the expression of LINC01559 is regulated by various mechanisms and can influence cancer initiation and progression through a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, where it interacts with a cohort of eight different microRNAs (miRNAs). Additionally, LINC01559 may directly interact with downstream proteins, thereby promoting their functions or enhancing their stability. LINC01559 is also implicated in key signaling pathways associated with cancer development, including the PI3 K/AKT, RAS, and autophagy signaling pathways. Furthermore, it has been linked to drug resistance in breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the clinical implications of dysregulated LINC01559 expression across various cancer types, highlighting its crucial functions and underlying molecular mechanisms in tumorigenesis. Additionally, we present in-depth discussions and propose hypotheses regarding the functional roles of LINC01559 in cancer pathogenesis, while outlining potential research avenues for future exploration of this molecular target.

Liquid Biopsies in the Early Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Tailored Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Liquid biopsies provide a less-invasive option to tissue biopsies for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and tailored therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is a major cause of cancer-related death, and early identification is essential for improving patient outcomes.

REVIEW

Conventional diagnostic techniques, including colonoscopy and tissue biopsy, may be enhanced by liquid biopsies that examine circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and other indicators present in body fluids. These markers provide significant insights into tumor biology, heterogeneity, and therapeutic response. CTCs detected in early-stage CRC have prognostic significance for disease recurrence and survival, while ctDNA investigation may uncover genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, and tumor development. The identification of ctDNA in minimal residual disease (MRD) postsurgery correlates with an elevated risk of recurrence and unfavorable prognosis, underscoring its use in assessing treatment effectiveness. Furthermore, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) contained inside EVs provide potential prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets, facilitating diagnosis and treatment assessment. Notwithstanding the potential of liquid biopsies, obstacles persist in assay standardization, sensitivity enhancement, and the management of tumor heterogeneity. Additional extensive research is required to determine their function in clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

Overall, liquid biopsies serve as a potential instrument for real-time monitoring, evaluating therapy responses, and directing individualized therapeutic strategies in CRC patients.