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Rytkönen A, Eray M, Suominen A, Mäkitie A, Haglund C, Hagström J, Laine HK. Immunoexpression pattern of TLR3 and TLR7 in minor salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma and its role in prognosis. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2024; 40:100822. [PMID: 38810370 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary glands has poor long-term prognosis and a high metastatic rate. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), first-line immune activators, have been associated with both tumor progression and suppression. We aimed to study TLR3 and TLR7 behavior in ACC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied TLR3 and TLR7 immunoexpression of 46 minor salivary gland ACCs diagnosed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland over the period 1974-2012. The associations of TLR3 and TLR7 immunoexpression with clinicopathological factors were evaluated by χ2-test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS In the majority of samples, both TLR3 and TLR7 were immunoexpressed in cytoplasm. The immunoexpression was heterogeneous between individual tumors. Stronger TLR7 immunoexpression associated with recurrence rate and poorer disease-specific survival (DSS). TLR3 did not associate significantly with survival although we found an inverse correlation between TLR3 and TLR7 immunopositivity. Hence, when TLR3 immunoexpression was negative or mild, TLR7 immunoexpression was moderate to strong, and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS TLR3 and TLR7 are immunoexpressed in minor salivary gland ACC. TLR7 is potentially an independent prognostic marker for recurrence rate and DSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksi Rytkönen
- Department of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Mine Eray
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Auli Suominen
- Department of Community Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna K Laine
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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2
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Gu L, Kong X, Li M, Chen R, Xu K, Li G, Qin Y, Wu L. Molecule engineering strategy of toll-like receptor 7/8 agonists designed for potentiating immune stimuli activation. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:5474-5485. [PMID: 38712400 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc00792a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR-7/8) agonists serve as a promising class of pattern recognition receptors that effectively evoke the innate immune response, making them promising immunomodulatory agents for tumor immunotherapy. However, the uncontrollable administration of TLR-7/8 agonists frequently leads to the occurrence of severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Thus, it is imperative to strategically design tumor-microenvironment-associated biomarkers or exogenous stimuli responsive TLR-7/8 agonists in order to accurately evaluate and activate innate immune responses. No comprehensive elucidation has been documented thus far regarding TLR-7/8 immune agonists that are specifically engineered to enhance immune activation. In this feature article, we provide an overview of the advancements in TLR-7/8 agonists, aiming to enhance the comprehension of their mechanisms and promote the clinical progression through nanomedicine strategies. The current challenges and future directions of cancer immunotherapy are also discussed, with the hope that this work will inspire researchers to explore innovative applications for triggering immune responses through TLR-7/8 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuwei Gu
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaojie Kong
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
| | - Mengyan Li
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
| | - Rui Chen
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
| | - Ke Xu
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
| | - Guo Li
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
| | - Yulin Qin
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
| | - Li Wu
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
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Lin X, Kang K, Chen P, Zeng Z, Li G, Xiong W, Yi M, Xiang B. Regulatory mechanisms of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancers. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:108. [PMID: 38762484 PMCID: PMC11102195 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02023-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion contributes to cancer growth and progression. Cancer cells have the ability to activate different immune checkpoint pathways that harbor immunosuppressive functions. The programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligands (PD-Ls) are considered to be the major immune checkpoint molecules. The interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1 negatively regulates adaptive immune response mainly by inhibiting the activity of effector T cells while enhancing the function of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs), largely contributing to the maintenance of immune homeostasis that prevents dysregulated immunity and harmful immune responses. However, cancer cells exploit the PD-1/PD-L1 axis to cause immune escape in cancer development and progression. Blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 by neutralizing antibodies restores T cells activity and enhances anti-tumor immunity, achieving remarkable success in cancer therapy. Therefore, the regulatory mechanisms of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancers have attracted an increasing attention. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the roles of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in human autoimmune diseases and cancers. We summarize all aspects of regulatory mechanisms underlying the expression and activity of PD-1 and PD-L1 in cancers, including genetic, epigenetic, post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms. In addition, we further summarize the progress in clinical research on the antitumor effects of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies alone and in combination with other therapeutic approaches, providing new strategies for finding new tumor markers and developing combined therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Kuan Kang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Pan Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Yi
- Department of Dermotology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Bo Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Wang Y, Qiao SL, Wang J, Yu MZ, Wang NN, Mamuti M, An HW, Lin YX, Wang H. Engineered CpG-Loaded Nanorobots Drive Autophagy-Mediated Immunity for TLR9-Positive Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2306248. [PMID: 37897408 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202306248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Smart nanorobots have emerged as novel drug delivery platforms in nanomedicine, potentially improving anti-cancer efficacy and reducing side effects. In this study, an intelligent tumor microenvironment-responsive nanorobot is developed that effectively delivers CpG payloads to Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-positive tumors to induce autophagy-mediated cell death for immunotherapy. The nanorobots are fabricated by co-self-assembly of two amphiphilic triblock polymer peptides: one containing the matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2)-cleaved GPLGVRGS motif to control the mechanical opening of the nanorobots and provide targeting capability for TLR-9-positive tumors and the other consisting of an arginine-rich GRRRDRGRS sequence that can condense nuclear acid payloads through electrostatic interactions. Using multiple tumor-bearing mouse models, it is investigated whether the intravenous injection of CpG-loaded nanorobots could effectively deliver CpG payloads to TLR-9-positive tumors and elicit anti-tumor immunity through TLR9 signaling and autophagy. Therefore, besides being a commonly used adjuvant for tumor vaccination, CpG-loaded nanorobots can effectively reprogram the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and suppress tumor growth and recurrence. This nanorobot-based CpG immunotherapy can be considered a feasible approach to induce anti-tumor immunity, showing great therapeutic potential for the future treatment of TLR9-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100149, P. R. China
- Institute of Bioengineering and Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Sheng-Lin Qiao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Jie Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100149, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Zhen Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100149, P. R. China
| | - Nan-Nan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100149, P. R. China
| | - Muhetaerjiang Mamuti
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Wei An
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Yao-Xin Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100149, P. R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100149, P. R. China
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Li XQ, Yin SQ, Chen L, Tulamaiti A, Xiao SY, Zhang XL, Shi L, Miao XC, Yang Y, Xing X. Identification of a novel m6A-related lncRNAs signature and immunotherapeutic drug sensitivity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:116. [PMID: 38262966 PMCID: PMC10804632 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11885-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) ranks as the fourth leading cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related with poor prognosis and immunotherapeutic effect in PDAC. The aim of this study is to construct and validate a m6A-related lncRNAs signature and assess immunotherapeutic drug sensitivity in PDAC. METHODS RNA-seq data for 178 cases of PDAC patients and 167 cases of normal pancreatic tissue were obtained from TCGA and GTEx databases, respectively. A set of 21 m6A-related genes were downloaded based on the previous report. Co-expression network was conducted to identify m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC. Cox analyses and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression model were used to construct a risk prognosis model. The relationship between signature genes and immune function was explored by single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA). The tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score and tumor mutation burden (TMB) were utilized to evaluate the response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, the expression levels of 4 m6A-related lncRNAs on PDAC cell lines were measured by the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The drug sensitivity between the high- and low-risk groups was validated using PDAC cell lines by Cell-Counting Kit 8 (CCK8). RESULTS The risk prognosis model was successfully constructed based on 4 m6A-related lncRNAs, and PDAC patients were divided into the high- and low-risk groups. The overall survival (OS) of the high-risk groups was more unfavorable compared with the low-risk groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that the risk prognosis model reasonably predicted the 2-, 3- and 5-year OS of PDAC patients. qPCR analysis confirmed the decreased expression levels of 4 m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC cells compared to the normal pancreatic cells. Furthermore, CCK8 assay revealed that Phenformin exhibited higher sensitivity in the high-risk groups, while Pyrimethamine exhibited higher sensitivity in the low-risk groups. CONCLUSION The prognosis of patients with PDAC were well predicted in the risk prognosis model based on m6A-related lncRNAs, and selected immunotherapy drugs have potential values for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Qing Li
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Qi Yin
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, Shanghai, China
| | - Aziguli Tulamaiti
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Yu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Cao Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xin Xing
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, Shanghai, China.
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Ajith A, Mamouni K, Horuzsko DD, Musa A, Dzutsev AK, Fang JR, Chadli A, Zhu X, Lebedyeva I, Trinchieri G, Horuzsko A. Targeting TREM1 augments antitumor T cell immunity by inhibiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells and restraining anti-PD-1 resistance. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e167951. [PMID: 37651197 PMCID: PMC10617775 DOI: 10.1172/jci167951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 1 (TREM1) plays a critical role in development of chronic inflammatory disorders and the inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME) associated with most solid tumors. We examined whether loss of TREM1 signaling can abrogate the immunosuppressive TME and enhance cancer immunity. To investigate the therapeutic potential of TREM1 in cancer, we used mice deficient in Trem1 and developed a novel small molecule TREM1 inhibitor, VJDT. We demonstrated that genetic or pharmacological TREM1 silencing significantly delayed tumor growth in murine melanoma (B16F10) and fibrosarcoma (MCA205) models. Single-cell RNA-Seq combined with functional assays during TREM1 deficiency revealed decreased immunosuppressive capacity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accompanied by expansion in cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and increased PD-1 expression. Furthermore, TREM1 inhibition enhanced the antitumorigenic effect of anti-PD-1 treatment, in part, by limiting MDSC frequency and abrogating T cell exhaustion. In patient-derived melanoma xenograft tumors, treatment with VJDT downregulated key oncogenic signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, migration, and survival. Our work highlights the role of TREM1 in cancer progression, both intrinsically expressed in cancer cells and extrinsically in the TME. Thus, targeting TREM1 to modify an immunosuppressive TME and improve efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy represents what we believe to be a promising therapeutic approach to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Ajith
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kenza Mamouni
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel D. Horuzsko
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Abu Musa
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amiran K. Dzutsev
- Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Fang
- Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ahmed Chadli
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xingguo Zhu
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Iryna Lebedyeva
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Giorgio Trinchieri
- Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anatolij Horuzsko
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Mukherjee S, Patra R, Behzadi P, Masotti A, Paolini A, Sarshar M. Toll-like receptor-guided therapeutic intervention of human cancers: molecular and immunological perspectives. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1244345. [PMID: 37822929 PMCID: PMC10562563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1244345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) serve as the body's first line of defense, recognizing both pathogen-expressed molecules and host-derived molecules released from damaged or dying cells. The wide distribution of different cell types, ranging from epithelial to immune cells, highlights the crucial roles of TLRs in linking innate and adaptive immunity. Upon stimulation, TLRs binding mediates the expression of several adapter proteins and downstream kinases, that lead to the induction of several other signaling molecules such as key pro-inflammatory mediators. Indeed, extraordinary progress in immunobiological research has suggested that TLRs could represent promising targets for the therapeutic intervention of inflammation-associated diseases, autoimmune diseases, microbial infections as well as human cancers. So far, for the prevention and possible treatment of inflammatory diseases, various TLR antagonists/inhibitors have shown to be efficacious at several stages from pre-clinical evaluation to clinical trials. Therefore, the fascinating role of TLRs in modulating the human immune responses at innate as well as adaptive levels directed the scientists to opt for these immune sensor proteins as suitable targets for developing chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics against cancer. Hitherto, several TLR-targeting small molecules (e.g., Pam3CSK4, Poly (I:C), Poly (A:U)), chemical compounds, phytocompounds (e.g., Curcumin), peptides, and antibodies have been found to confer protection against several types of cancers. However, administration of inappropriate doses of such TLR-modulating therapeutics or a wrong infusion administration is reported to induce detrimental outcomes. This review summarizes the current findings on the molecular and structural biology of TLRs and gives an overview of the potency and promises of TLR-directed therapeutic strategies against cancers by discussing the findings from established and pipeline discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suprabhat Mukherjee
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal, India
| | - Ritwik Patra
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal, India
| | - Payam Behzadi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paolini
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Meysam Sarshar
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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8
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Guan H, Chen X, Liu J, Sun J, Guo H, Jiang Y, Zhang H, Zhang B, Lin J, Yuan Q. Molecular characteristics and therapeutic implications of Toll-like receptor signaling pathway in melanoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13788. [PMID: 37666853 PMCID: PMC10477197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38850-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes and is often considered immunogenic cancer. Toll-like receptor-related genes are expressed differently in most types of cancer, depending on the immune microenvironment inside cancer, and the key function of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) for melanoma has not been fully elucidated. Based on multi-omics data from TCGA and GEO databases, we first performed pan-cancer analysis on TLR, including CNV, SNV, and mRNA changes in TLR-related genes in multiple human cancers, as well as patient prognosis characterization. Then, we divided melanoma patients into three subgroups (clusters 1, 2, and 3) according to the expression of the TLR pathway, and explored the correlation between TLR pathway and melanoma prognosis, immune infiltration, metabolic reprogramming, and oncogene expression characteristics. Finally, through univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO algorithm, we selected six TLR-related genes to construct a survival prognostic model, divided melanoma patients into the training set, internal validation set 1, internal validation set 2, and external validation set for multiple validations, and discussed the correlation between model genes and clinical features of melanoma patients. In conclusion, we constructed a prognostic survival model based on TLR-related genes that precisely and independently demonstrated the potential to assess the prognosis and immune traits of melanoma patients, which is critical for patients' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hewen Guan
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jifeng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiaao Sun
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuankuan Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Jingrong Lin
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Qihang Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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9
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Zhang YY, Li J, Li F, Xue S, Xu QY, Zhang YQ, Feng L. Palmitic acid combined with γ-interferon inhibits gastric cancer progression by modulating tumor-associated macrophages' polarization via the TLR4 pathway. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7053-7067. [PMID: 36862159 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04655-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute the main infiltrating immune cells in the solid tumor microenvironment. Amounting studies have analyzed the antitumor effect on immune response induced by Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), γ-interferon (γ-IFN), and palmitic Acid (PA). However, their combined treatment for gastric cancer (GC) has not been illuminated. METHODS We investigated the relevance of macrophage polarization and the effect of PA and γ-IFN in GC in vitro and in vivo. M1 and M2 macrophage-associated markers were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and flow cytometry, and the activation level of the TLR4 signaling pathways was evaluated by western blot analysis. The effect of PA and γ-IFN on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells (GCCs) was evaluated by Cell-Counting Kit-8, transwell assays, and wound-healing assays. In vivo animal models were used to verify the effect of PA and γ-IFN on tumor progression, and the M1 and M2 macrophage markers, CD8 + T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (Treg) cells, and the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor tissues were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical (IHC). RESULTS The results showed that this combination strategy enhanced M1-like macrophages and diminished M2-like macrophages through the TLR4 signaling pathway in vitro. In addition, the combination strategy impairs the proliferative and migratory activity of GCC in vitro and in vivo. While, the antitumor effect was abolished using the TAK-424 (a specific TLR-4 signaling pathway inhibitor) in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The combined treatment of PA and γ-IFN inhibited GC progression by modulating macrophages polarization via the TLR4 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yan Zhang
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Jian Li
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Fan Li
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Shuai Xue
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Qing-Yu Xu
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Ya-Qiong Zhang
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Li Feng
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China.
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10
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Shen P, Serve S, Wu P, Liu X, Dai Y, Durán-Hernández N, Nguyen DTM, Fuchs M, Maleitzke T, Reisener MJ, Dzamukova M, Nussbaumer K, Brunner TM, Li Y, Holecska V, Heinz GA, Heinrich F, Durek P, Katsoula G, Gwinner C, Jung T, Zeggini E, Winkler T, Mashreghi MF, Pumberger M, Perka C, Löhning M. NOS inhibition reverses TLR2-induced chondrocyte dysfunction and attenuates age-related osteoarthritis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2207993120. [PMID: 37428931 PMCID: PMC10629581 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2207993120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease featuring cartilage breakdown and chronic pain. Although age and joint trauma are prominently associated with OA occurrence, the trigger and signaling pathways propagating their pathogenic aspects are ill defined. Following long-term catabolic activity and traumatic cartilage breakdown, debris accumulates and can trigger Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Here we show that TLR2 stimulation suppressed the expression of matrix proteins and induced an inflammatory phenotype in human chondrocytes. Further, TLR2 stimulation impaired chondrocyte mitochondrial function, resulting in severely reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that TLR2 stimulation upregulated nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) expression and downregulated mitochondria function-associated genes. NOS inhibition partially restored the expression of these genes, and rescued mitochondrial function and ATP production. Correspondingly, Nos2-/- mice were protected from age-related OA development. Taken together, the TLR2-NOS axis promotes human chondrocyte dysfunction and murine OA development, and targeted interventions may provide therapeutic and preventive approaches in OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Shen
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan Province, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003Xinxiang, China
| | - Sebastian Serve
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Peihua Wu
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Yujie Dai
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Nayar Durán-Hernández
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Dan Thi Mai Nguyen
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ulm, 89081Ulm, Germany
| | - Tazio Maleitzke
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health Charité Clinician Scientist Program, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin, 10178Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Jacqueline Reisener
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Dzamukova
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Nussbaumer
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias M. Brunner
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Yonghai Li
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan Province, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003Xinxiang, China
| | - Vivien Holecska
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Gitta A. Heinz
- Systems Rheumatology and Therapeutic Gene Regulation, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Frederik Heinrich
- Systems Rheumatology and Therapeutic Gene Regulation, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Pawel Durek
- Systems Rheumatology and Therapeutic Gene Regulation, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgia Katsoula
- Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Graduate School of Experimental Medicine, 81675Munich, Germany
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Gwinner
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Jung
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Eleftheria Zeggini
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764Neuherberg, Germany
- Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Winkler
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité ‒ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353Berlin, Germany
| | - Mir-Farzin Mashreghi
- Systems Rheumatology and Therapeutic Gene Regulation, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Pumberger
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Perka
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
| | - Max Löhning
- Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, 10117Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117Berlin, Germany
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Park SH, Eun R, Heo J, Lim YT. Nanoengineered drug delivery in cancer immunotherapy for overcoming immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2015-2031. [PMID: 36581707 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Almost like a living being in and of itself, tumors actively interact with and modify their environment to escape immune responses. Owing to the pre-formation of cancer-favorable microenvironment prior to anti-cancer treatment, the numerous attempts that followed propose limited efficacy in oncology. Immunogenicity by activation of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment or recruitment of immune cells from nearby lymph nodes is quickly offset as the immunosuppressive environment, rapidly converting immunogenic cells into immune suppressive cells, overriding the immune system. Tumor cells, as well as regulatory cells, namely M2 macrophages, Treg cells, and MDSCs, derived by the immunosuppressive environment, also cloak from potential anti-tumoral factors by directly or indirectly secreting cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β, related to immune regulation. Enzymes and other metabolic or angiogenetic constituents - VEGF, IDO1, and iNOS - are also employed directed for anti-cancer immune cell malfunctioning. Therefore, the conversion of "cold" immunosuppressive environment into "hot" immune responsive environment is of paramount importance, bestowing the advances in the field of cancer immunotherapy the opportunity to wholly fulfill its intended purpose. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which tumors wield to exercise immune suppression and the nanoengineered delivery strategies being developed to overcome this suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sei Hyun Park
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ryounho Eun
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Janghun Heo
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Taik Lim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Li H, Sun X, Zhao Y, Zhang C, Jiang K, Ren J, Xing L, He M. Pan-cancer analysis of TASL: a novel immune infiltration-related biomarker for tumor prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:528. [PMID: 37296415 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11015-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New immunotherapeutic strategies based on predictors are urgently needed. Toll-like receptor adaptor interacting with SLC15A4 on the lysosome (TASL) was recently confirmed to fulfill an important role in the innate immune response. However, whether TASL is involved in tumor development and immunotherapy response prediction has not been reported. METHODS TCGA and GTEx were used to yield transcriptional, genetic, and epigenetic levels of TASL in 33 cancer types. CIBERSORT was used to explore the correlation between TASL expression and multiple immune-related signatures and tumor-infiltrating immune cell content in different cancer types. The ability of TASL to predict tumor immunotherapy response was analyzed in seven datasets. Finally, we tested TASL expression in human glioma cell lines and tissue samples and analyzed its correlation with clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS TASL is widely heterogeneous at the transcriptional, genetic, and epigenetic levels. High TASL expression is an independent poor prognostic factor for immune "cold" tumor Low-Grade Glioma (LGG) but an opposite factor for "hot" tumors Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM). TASL may affect tumor immune infiltration by mediating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor-associated macrophages. It may differentially affect the prognosis of the three cancers by regulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in LGG and the immunostimulatory microenvironment in LUAD and SKCM. High TASL expression is a potential biomarker for the positive response to immunotherapy in cancers such as SKCM and was also experimentally confirmed to be positively associated with adverse clinicopathological features of gliomas. CONCLUSION TASL expression is an independent prognostic factor for LGG, LUAD, and SKCM. High TASL expression is a potential biomarker for the positive response to immunotherapy in certain cancer types such as SKCM. Further basic studies focusing on TASL expression and tumor immunotherapy are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanyu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yanyun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Changzhu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Lijuan Xing
- Precision Laboratory, Panjin Central Hospital, Panjin, 124000, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
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Žilienė E, Inčiūra A, Ugenskienė R, Juozaitytė E. Pathomorphological Manifestations and the Course of the Cervical Cancer Disease Determined by Variations in the TLR4 Gene. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1999. [PMID: 37370894 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13121999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Chronic inflammation has been described as one of the triggers of cancer. The immune system fights diseases, including cancer. The genetic polymorphism of pathogen recognition receptors potentially influences the infectious process, development, and disease progression. Many candidate genes SNPs have been contradictory demonstrated to be associated with cervical cancer by association studies, GWAS. TLR4 gene activation can promote antitumor immunity. It can also result in immunosuppression and tumor growth. Our study aimed to investigate eight selected polymorphisms of the TLR4 gene (rs10759932, rs1927906, rs11536898, rs11536865, rs10983755, rs4986790, rs4986791, rs11536897) and to determine the impact of polymorphisms in genotypes and alleles on the pathomorphological characteristics and progression in a group of 172 cervical cancer subjects with stage I-IV. Genotyping was performed by RT-PCR assay. We detected that the CA genotype and A allele of rs11536898 were significantly more frequent in patients with metastases (p = 0.026; p = 0.008). The multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed this link to be significant. The effect of rs10759932 and rs11536898 on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) has been identified as important. In univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, AA genotype of rs11536898 was a negative prognostic factor for PFS (p = 0.024; p = 0.057, respectively) and OS (p = 0.008; p = 0.042, respectively). Rs11536898 C allele predisposed for longer PFS (univariate and multivariate: p = 0.025; p = 0.048, respectively) and for better OS (univariate and multivariate: p = 0.010; p = 0.043). The worse prognostic factor of rs10759932 in a univariate and multivariate Cox analysis for survival was CC genotype: shorter PFS (p = 0.032) and increased risk of death (p = 0.048; p = 0.015, respectively). The T allele of rs10759932 increased longer PFS (univariate and multivariate: p = 0.048; p = 0.019, respectively) and longer OS (univariate and multivariate: p = 0.037; p = 0.009, respectively). Our study suggests that SNPs rs10759932 and rs11536898 may have the potential to be markers contributing to the assessment of the cervical cancer prognosis. Further studies, preferably with larger groups of different ethnic backgrounds, are needed to confirm the results of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eglė Žilienė
- Institute of Oncology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Arturas Inčiūra
- Institute of Oncology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Ugenskienė
- Institute of Oncology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Elona Juozaitytė
- Institute of Oncology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
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14
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Zhao X, Liu Z, Chen T. Potential Role of Vaginal Microbiota in Ovarian Cancer Carcinogenesis, Progression and Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030948. [PMID: 36986809 PMCID: PMC10056320 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer represents one of the most challenging gynecologic cancers which still has numerous unknowns on the underlying pathogenesis. In addition to the verified contributors such as genomic predisposition and medical history in the carcinogenesis, emerging evidence points out the potential role of vaginal microbiota in ovarian cancer. Recent studies have underlined the presence of vaginal microbial dysbiosis in cancer cases. Increasing research also indicates the potential correlations between vaginal microbes and cancer carcinogenesis, progression and treatment. Currently, compared with other gynecologic cancers, reports on the roles of vaginal microbiota in ovarian cancer remain scarce and fragmentary. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the roles of vaginal microbiota in various gynecologic diseases, particularly focusing on the potential mechanisms and possible applications of vaginal microbiota in ovarian cancer, giving insight into the involvement of vaginal microbiota in gynecologic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumiao Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhaoxia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Tingtao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (T.C.)
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15
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Rolfo C, Giovannetti E, Martinez P, McCue S, Naing A. Applications and clinical trial landscape using Toll-like receptor agonists to reduce the toll of cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:26. [PMID: 36890302 PMCID: PMC9995514 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, may be viable treatment targets. TLRs are the first line of defense against microbes and activate signaling cascades that induce immune and inflammatory responses. Patients with "hot" versus "cold" tumors may respond more favorably to immune checkpoint inhibition, and through their downstream effects, TLR agonists have the potential to convert "cold tumors" into "hot tumors" making TLRs in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, potential targets for cancer therapies. Imiquimod is a topical TLR7 agonist, approved by the FDA for antiviral and skin cancer treatments. Other TLR adjuvants are used in several vaccines including Nu Thrax, Heplisav, T-VEC, and Cervarix. Many TLR agonists are currently in development as both monotherapy and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we describe the TLR agonists that are being evaluated clinically as new therapies for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Rolfo
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Aung Naing
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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16
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Yin L, Li H, Shi L, Chen K, Pan H, Han W. Research advances in nanomedicine applied to the systemic treatment of colorectal cancer. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:807-821. [PMID: 35984398 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The systematic treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) still has room for improvement. The efficacy of chemotherapy, that of anti-vascular therapy, and that of immunotherapy have been unsatisfactory. In recent years, nanomaterials have been used as carriers to improve the bioavailability of anticancer drugs. For the treatment of colorectal cancer, nanodrugs increase the possibility of more precise targeted delivery. However, the actual benefits may cover more aspects. Nanocarriers can produce synergistic effects with anticancer drugs, including the scavenging of reactive oxygen species and co-delivery of a variety of drugs. Currently, immunotherapy has very limited clinical applications in CRC. Modified nanocarriers can activate the immune microenvironment, which can be used for staging antigen recognition or the immune response. Cancer vaccines based on nanomaterials and modified immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown therapeutic potential in animal models. Considering the direct or indirect relationship between the intestinal microflora and CRC, a variety of nanodrugs that regulate microbial function have been explored as an anticancer strategy, and the special structure of microorganisms can also be used as a basis for improving the delivery of traditional nanoparticles (NPs). This review summarizes recent research performed on nanocarriers in in vivo and in vitro models and the synergistic anticancer effects of nanocarriers, focusing on the interaction between NPs and the body, resulting in enhanced efficacy and immune activation. Furthermore, this review describes the current trend of NPs used in the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxi Yin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haozhe Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linlin Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Keda Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Dosta P, Puigmal N, Cryer AM, Rodríguez AL, Scott E, Weissleder R, Miller MA, Artzi N. Polymeric microneedles enable simultaneous delivery of cancer immunomodulatory drugs and detection of skin biomarkers. Theranostics 2023; 13:1-15. [PMID: 36593949 PMCID: PMC9800729 DOI: 10.7150/thno.73966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Immune-modulating therapies impart positive outcomes in a subpopulation of cancer patients. Improved delivery strategies and non-invasive monitoring of anti-tumor effects can help enhance those outcomes and understand the mechanisms associated with the generation of anti-tumor immune responses following immunotherapy. Methods: We report on the design of a microneedle (MN) platform capable of simultaneous delivery of immune activators and collection of interstitial skin fluid (ISF) to monitor therapeutic responses. While either approach has shown promise, the integration of the therapy and diagnostic arms into one MN platform has hardly been explored before. MNs were synthesized out of crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) and loaded with a model immunomodulatory nanoparticle-containing drug, CpG oligodinucleotides (TLR9 agonist), for cancer therapy in melanoma and colon cancer models. The therapeutic response was monitored by longitudinal analysis of entrapped immune cells in the MNs following patch retrieval and digestion. Results: Transdermal delivery of CpG-containing NPs with MNs induced anti-tumor immune responses in multiple syngeneic mouse cancer models. CpG-loaded MNs stimulated innate immune cells and reduced tumor growth. Intravital microscopy showed deposition and spatiotemporal co-localization of CpG-NPs within the tumor microenvironment when delivered with MNs. Analysis of MN-sampled ISF revealed similar immune signatures to those seen in the bulk tumor homogenate, such as increased populations of macrophages and effector T cells following treatment. Conclusions: Our hydrogel-based MNs enable effective transdermal drug delivery into immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and upon retrieval, enable studying the immune response to the therapy over time. This platform has the theranostic potential to deliver a range of combination therapies while detecting biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Dosta
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139.,Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Núria Puigmal
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139.,Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Alexander M. Cryer
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139.,Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Alma L. Rodríguez
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139.,Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Ella Scott
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School
| | - Miles A. Miller
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail: ;
| | - Natalie Artzi
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139.,Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail: ;
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18
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Heine H, Zamyatina A. Therapeutic Targeting of TLR4 for Inflammation, Infection, and Cancer: A Perspective for Disaccharide Lipid A Mimetics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:23. [PMID: 36678520 PMCID: PMC9864529 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway plays a central role in the prompt defense against infectious challenge and provides immediate response to Gram-negative bacterial infection. The TLR4/MD-2 complex can sense and respond to various pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) being the most potent and the most frequently occurring activator of the TLR4-mediated inflammation. TLR4 is believed to be both a friend and foe since improperly regulated TLR4 signaling can result in the overactivation of immune responses leading to sepsis, acute lung injury, or pathologic chronic inflammation involved in cancer and autoimmune disease. TLR4 is also considered a legitimate target for vaccine adjuvant development since its activation can boost the adaptive immune responses. The dual action of the TLR4 complex justifies the efforts in the development of both TLR4 antagonists as antisepsis drug candidates or remedies for chronic inflammatory diseases and TLR4 agonists as vaccine adjuvants or immunotherapeutics. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the biochemical evidences for possible pharmacologic applications of TLR4 ligands as therapeutics and report our systematic studies on the design, synthesis, and immunobiological evaluation of carbohydrate-based TLR4 antagonists with nanomolar affinity for MD-2 as well as disaccharide-based TLR4 agonists with picomolar affinity for the TLR4/MD-2 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Heine
- Research Group Innate Immunity, Research Center Borstel—Leibniz Lung Center, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Parkallee 22, 23845 Borstel, Germany
| | - Alla Zamyatina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
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19
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Li Y, Mo H, Jia S, Wang J, Ma Y, Liu X, Tu K. Comprehensive analysis of the amino acid metabolism-related gene signature for prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment, and candidate drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1066773. [PMID: 36582227 PMCID: PMC9792509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1066773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metabolic rewiring satisfies increased nutritional demands and modulates many oncogenic processes in tumors. Amino acid metabolism is abnormal in many malignancies. Metabolic reprogramming of amino acids not only plays a crucial role in sustaining tumor cell proliferation but also influences the tumor immune microenvironment. Herein, the aim of our study was to elucidate the metabolic signature of amino acids in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Transcriptome profiles of HCC were obtained from the TCGA and ICGC databases. Based on the expression of amino acid metabolism-related genes (AAMRGs), we clustered the HCC samples into two molecular subtypes using the non-negative matrix factorization algorithm. Then, we constructed the amino acid metabolism-related gene signature (AAMRGS) by Cox regression and LASSO regression. Afterward, the clinical significance of the AAMRGS was evaluated. Additionally, we comprehensively analyzed the differences in mutational profiles, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and drug sensitivity between different risk subgroups. Furthermore, we examined three key gene expressions in liver cancer cells by quantitative real-time PCR and conducted the CCK8 assay to evaluate the influence of two chemotherapy drugs on different liver cancer cells. Results A total of 81 differentially expressed AAMRGs were screened between the two molecular subtypes, and these AAMRGs were involved in regulating amino acid metabolism. The AAMRGS containing GLS, IYD, and NQO1 had a high value for prognosis prediction in HCC patients. Besides this, the two AAMRGS subgroups had different genetic mutation probabilities. More importantly, the immunosuppressive cells were more enriched in the AAMRGS-high group. The expression level of inhibitory immune checkpoints was also higher in patients with high AAMRGS scores. Additionally, the two AAMRGS subgroups showed different susceptibility to chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs. In vitro experiments showed that gemcitabine significantly reduced the proliferative capacity of SNU449 cells, and rapamycin remarkedly inhibited Huh7 proliferation. The five HCC cells displayed different mRNA expression levels of GLS, IYD, and NQO1. Conclusions Our study explored the features of amino acid metabolism in HCC and identified the novel AAMRGS to predict the prognosis, immune microenvironment, and drug sensitivity of HCC patients. These findings might help to guide personalized treatment and improve the clinical outcomes of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Huanye Mo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Siying Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Xi’an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xin Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xin Liu, ; Kangsheng Tu,
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Xin Liu, ; Kangsheng Tu,
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20
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Cao H, Gao S, Jogani R, Sugimura R. The Tumor Microenvironment Reprograms Immune Cells. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:343-352. [PMID: 36301256 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2022.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor tissue comprises a highly complex network of diverse cell types. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can be mainly subdivided into cancer cells and stromal cell compartments, the latter include different types of immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and pericytes. Tumor cells reprogram immune cells and other stromal cells in the TME to constrain their antitumor capacity by creating an immunosuppressive milieu and metabolism competition. Moreover, the reprogramming effect on immune cells is localized not only in the tumor but also at the systemic level. With wide application of single-cell sequencing technology, tumor-specific characteristics of immune cells and other stromal cells in the TME have been dissected. In this review, we mainly focus on how tumor cells reprogram immune cells both within the TME and peripheral blood. This information can further help us to improve the efficiency of current immunotherapy as well as bring up new ideas to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handi Cao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Sanxing Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ritika Jogani
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ryohichi Sugimura
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Science Park, Hong Kong
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21
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Li W, Lv L, Ruan M, Xu J, Zhu W, Li Q, Jiang X, Zheng L, Zhu W. Qin Huang formula enhances the effect of Adriamycin in B-cell lymphoma via increasing tumor infiltrating lymphocytes by targeting toll-like receptor signaling pathway. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:185. [PMID: 35818037 PMCID: PMC9272877 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As an original traditional Chinese medicinal formula, Qin Huang formula (QHF) is used as adjuvant therapy for treating lymphoma in our hospital and has proven efficacy when combined with chemotherapy. However, the underlying mechanisms of QHF have not been elucidated. Methods A network pharmacological-based analysis method was used to screen the active components and predict the potential mechanisms of QHF in treating B cell lymphoma. Then, a murine model was built to verify the antitumor effect of QHF combined with Adriamycin (ADM) in vivo. Finally, IHC, ELISA, 18F-FDG PET-CT scan, and western blot were processed to reveal the intriguing mechanism of QHF in treating B cell lymphoma. Results The systemic pharmacological study revealed that QHF took effect following a multiple-target and multiple-pathway pattern in the human body. In vivo study showed that combination therapy with QHF and ADM potently inhibited the growth of B cell lymphoma in a syngeneic murine model, and significantly increased the proportion of tumor infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, the level of CXCL10 and IL-6 was significantly increased in the combination group. Finally, the western blot exhibited that the level of TLR2 and p38 MAPK increased in the combination therapy group. Conclusion QHF in combination of ADM enhances the antitumor effect of ADM via modulating tumor immune microenvironment and can be a combination therapeutic strategy for B cell lymphoma patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03660-8.
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22
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Ye ZH, Yu WB, Huang MY, Chen J, Lu JJ. Building on the backbone of CD47-based therapy in cancer: Combination strategies, mechanisms, and future perspectives. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:1467-1487. [PMID: 37139405 PMCID: PMC10149906 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Described as a "don't eat me" signal, CD47 becomes a vital immune checkpoint in cancer. Its interaction with signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) prevents macrophage phagocytosis. In recent years, a growing body of evidences have unveiled that CD47-based combination therapy exhibits a superior anti-cancer effect. Latest clinical trials about CD47 have adopted the regimen of collaborating with other therapies or developing CD47-directed bispecific antibodies, indicating the combination strategy as a general trend of the future. In this review, clinical and preclinical cases about the current combination strategies targeting CD47 are collected, their underlying mechanisms of action are discussed, and ideas from future perspectives are shared.
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23
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Ma J, Yao Y, Tian Y, Chen K, Liu B. Advances in sex disparities for cancer immunotherapy: unveiling the dilemma of Yin and Yang. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:58. [PMID: 36273184 PMCID: PMC9587634 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00469-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide sex disparity has been demonstrated in cancer incidence, tumor aggressiveness, prognosis, and treatment response of different types of cancer. The sex specificity of cancer appears to be a relevant issue in managing the disease, and studies investigating the role of sex and gender are becoming extremely urgent. Immunotherapy plays a leading role in cancer treatment, offering a new perspective on advanced malignancies. Gender has not been considered in standard cancer treatment, suggesting increasing the recognition of sex differences in cancer research and clinical management. This paper provides an overview of sex and gender disparities in cancer immunotherapy efficacy, anti-cancer immune response, predictive biomarkers, and so on. We focus on the molecular differences between male and female patients across a broad range of cancer types to arouse the attention and practice of clinicians and researchers in a sex perspective of new cancer treatment strategies. Sex differences exist in the prevalence, tumor invasiveness, treatment responses, and clinical outcomes of pan-cancer, suggesting that, while not yet incorporated, sex will probably be considered in future practice guidelines. Inherent genetic differences, overlapping epigenetic alterations, and sex hormone influences underpin everything. Androgen receptors influence the sexual differences in TME by regulating epigenetic and transcriptional differentiation programs. It highlights a sex-based therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. Proper consideration of sex, age, sex hormones/menopause status, and socio-cultural gender differences in clinical investigation and gene association studies of cancer are needed to fill current gaps and implement precision medicine for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfu Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yanxin Yao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Senior Ward, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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24
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Buckley C, Murphy EJ, Montgomery TR, Major I. Hyaluronic Acid: A Review of the Drug Delivery Capabilities of This Naturally Occurring Polysaccharide. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14173442. [PMID: 36080515 PMCID: PMC9460006 DOI: 10.3390/polym14173442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The inclusion of physiologically active molecules into a naturally occurring polymer matrix can improve the degradation, absorption, and release profile of the drug, thus boosting the therapeutic impact and potentially even reducing the frequency of administration. The human body produces significant amounts of polysaccharide hyaluronic acid, which boasts exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability, and one-of-a-kind physicochemical features. In this review, we will examine the clinical trials currently utilizing hyaluronic acid and address the bright future of this versatile polymer, as well as summarize the numerous applications of hyaluronic acid in drug delivery and immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Buckley
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon, N37 HD68 Athlone, Ireland
- Biosciences Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon, V94 EC5T Limerick, Ireland
| | - Emma J. Murphy
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon, N37 HD68 Athlone, Ireland
- LIFE Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon, V94 EC5T Limerick, Ireland
| | - Therese R. Montgomery
- School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technological University, H91 T8NW Galway, Ireland
| | - Ian Major
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon, N37 HD68 Athlone, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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Li W, Wang F, Guo R, Bian Z, Song Y. Targeting macrophages in hematological malignancies: recent advances and future directions. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:110. [PMID: 35978372 PMCID: PMC9387027 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01328-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that the detection and clearance of cancer cells via phagocytosis induced by innate immune checkpoints play significant roles in tumor-mediated immune escape. The most well-described innate immune checkpoints are the "don't eat me" signals, including the CD47/signal regulatory protein α axis (SIRPα), PD-1/PD-L1 axis, CD24/SIGLEC-10 axis, and MHC-I/LILRB1 axis. Molecules have been developed to block these pathways and enhance the phagocytic activity against tumors. Several clinical studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of CD47 blockades, either alone or in combination with existing therapy in hematological malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and lymphoma. However, only a minority of patients have significant responses to these treatments alone. Combining CD47 blockades with other treatment modalities are in clinical studies, with early results suggesting a synergistic therapeutic effect. Targeting macrophages with bispecific antibodies are being explored in blood cancer therapy. Furthermore, reprogramming of pro-tumor macrophages to anti-tumor macrophages, and CAR macrophages (CAR-M) demonstrate anti-tumor activities. In this review, we elucidated distinct types of macrophage-targeted strategies in hematological malignancies, from preclinical experiments to clinical trials, and outlined potential therapeutic approaches being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Rongqun Guo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhilei Bian
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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26
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Therapeutic applications of toll-like receptors (TLRs) agonists in AML. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2022; 24:2319-2329. [PMID: 35962918 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02917-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive type of blood cancer affecting bone marrow (BM). In AML, hematopoietic precursors are arrested in the early stages of development and are defined as the presence of ≥ 20% blasts (leukemia cells) in the BM. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are major groups of pattern recognition receptors expressed by almost all innate immune cells that enable them to detect a wide range of pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns to prime immune responses toward adaptive immunity. Because TLRs are commonly expressed on transformed immune system cells (ranging from blasts to memory cells), they can be a potential option for developing efficient clinical alternatives in hematologic tumors. This is because several in vitro and in vivo investigations have demonstrated that TLR signaling increased the immunogenicity of AML cells, making them more vulnerable to T cell-mediated invasion. This study aimed to review the current knowledge in this field and provide some insight into the therapeutic potentials of TLRs in AML.
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27
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Yan Y, Huang L, Liu Y, Yi M, Chu Q, Jiao D, Wu K. Metabolic profiles of regulatory T cells and their adaptations to the tumor microenvironment: implications for antitumor immunity. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:104. [PMID: 35948909 PMCID: PMC9364625 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01322-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterized by the expression of the critical transcription factor forkhead box protein P3, regulatory T (Treg) cells are an essential part of the immune system, with a dual effect on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Targeting Tregs to reestablish the proinflammatory and immunogenic tumor microenvironment (TME) is an increasingly attractive strategy for cancer treatment and has been emphasized in recent years. However, attempts have been significantly hindered by the subsequent autoimmunity after Treg ablation owing to systemic loss of their suppressive capacity. Cellular metabolic reprogramming is acknowledged as a hallmark of cancer, and emerging evidence suggests that elucidating the underlying mechanisms of how intratumoral Tregs acquire metabolic fitness and superior immunosuppression in the TME may contribute to clinical benefits. In this review, we discuss the common and distinct metabolic profiles of Tregs in peripheral tissues and the TME, as well as the differences between Tregs and other conventional T cells in their metabolic preferences. By focusing on the critical roles of different metabolic programs, such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism, as well as their essential regulators in modulating Treg proliferation, migration, and function, we hope to provide new insights into Treg cell-targeted antitumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Yan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yiming Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dechao Jiao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Xia H, Huang Z, Wang Z, Liu S, Zhao X, You J, Xu Y, Yam JWP, Cui Y. Glucometabolic reprogramming: From trigger to therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:953668. [PMID: 35912218 PMCID: PMC9336635 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.953668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose, the central macronutrient, releases energy as ATP through carbon bond oxidation and supports various physiological functions of living organisms. Hepatocarcinogenesis relies on the bioenergetic advantage conferred by glucometabolic reprogramming. The exploitation of reformed metabolism induces a uniquely inert environment conducive to survival and renders the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells the extraordinary ability to thrive even in the nutrient-poor tumor microenvironment. The rewired metabolism also confers a defensive barrier which protects the HCC cells from environmental stress and immune surveillance. Additionally, targeted interventions against key players of HCC metabolic and signaling pathways provide promising prospects for tumor therapy. The active search for novel drugs based on innovative mutation targets is warranted in the future for effectively treating advanced HCC and the preoperative downstage. This article aims to review the regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic value of glucometabolic reprogramming on the disease progression of HCC, to gain insights into basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoming Xia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ziyue Huang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhensheng Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuqiang Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Junqi You
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Xu, ; Judy Wai Ping Yam, ; Yunfu Cui,
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Xu, ; Judy Wai Ping Yam, ; Yunfu Cui,
| | - Yunfu Cui
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Xu, ; Judy Wai Ping Yam, ; Yunfu Cui,
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Man SM, Jenkins BJ. Context-dependent functions of pattern recognition receptors in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:397-413. [PMID: 35355007 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00462-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Ming Man
- Division of Immunity, Inflammation and Infection, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Rostamizadeh L, Molavi O, Rashid M, Ramazani F, Baradaran B, Lavasanaifar A, Lai R. Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy: Modulation of tumor microenvironment by Toll-like receptor ligands. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2022; 12:261-290. [PMID: 35677663 PMCID: PMC9124882 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2022.23896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
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Immunotherapy is considered a promising approach for cancer treatment. An important strategy for cancer immunotherapy is the use of cancer vaccines, which have been widely used for cancer treatment. Despite the great potential of cancer vaccines for cancer treatment, their therapeutic effects in clinical settings have been limited. The main reason behind the lack of significant therapeutic outcomes for cancer vaccines is believed to be the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME counteracts the therapeutic effects of immunotherapy and provides a favorable environment for tumor growth and progression. Therefore, overcoming the immunosuppressive TME can potentially augment the therapeutic effects of cancer immunotherapy in general and therapeutic cancer vaccines in particular. Among the strategies developed for overcoming immunosuppression in TME, the use of toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists has been suggested as a promising approach to reverse immunosuppression. In this paper, we will review the application of the four most widely studied TLR agonists including agonists of TLR3, 4, 7, and 9 in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Rostamizadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ommoleila Molavi
- Biotechnology Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashid
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramazani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Lavasanaifar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Raymond Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Li Y, Song Z, Han Q, Zhao H, Pan Z, Lei Z, Zhang J. Targeted inhibition of STAT3 induces immunogenic cell death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via glycolysis. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:2861-2880. [PMID: 35665592 PMCID: PMC9348600 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is present in an overactive state that is closely related to tumour development and immune escape. STAT3 inhibition reshapes the tumour immune microenvironment, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified. We found that STAT3 inhibition could induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) of HCC cells via translocation of the “eat me” molecule calreticulin to the cell surface and a significant reduction in the expression of the “don’t eat me” molecule leucocyte surface antigen CD47. STAT3 inhibition promoted dendritic cell (DC) activation and enhanced the recognition and phagocytosis of HCC cells by macrophages. Furthermore, STAT3 inhibition prevented the expression of key glycolytic enzymes, facilitating the induction of ICD in HCC. Interestingly, STAT3 directly regulated the transcription of CD47 and solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1; also known as GLUT1). In subcutaneous and orthotopic transplantation mouse tumour models, the STAT3 inhibitor napabucasin prevented tumour growth and induced the expression of calreticulin and the protein disulfide isomerase family A member 3 (PDIA3; also known as ERp57) but suppressed that of CD47 and GLUT1. Meanwhile, the amount of tumour‐infiltrated DCs and macrophages increased, along with the expression of costimulatory molecules. More CD4+ and CD8+ T cells accumulated in tumour tissues, and CD8+ T cells had lower expression of checkpoint molecules such as lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG‐3) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1). Significantly, the antitumour immune memory response was induced by treatment targeting STAT3. These findings provide a new mechanism for targeting STAT3‐induced ICD in HCC, and confirms STAT3 as a potential target for the treatment of HCC via reshaping the tumour immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Li
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenwei Song
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaoyi Pan
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhengyang Lei
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Russo M, Nastasi C. Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment: A Close Up of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Neutrophils. Front Oncol 2022; 12:871513. [PMID: 35664746 PMCID: PMC9160747 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.871513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in dynamically regulating cancer progression and influencing the therapeutic outcome is widely accepted and appreciated. Several therapeutic strategies to modify or modulate the TME, like angiogenesis or immune checkpoint inhibitors, showed clinical efficacy and received approval from regulatory authorities. Within recent decades, new promising strategies targeting myeloid cells have been implemented in preclinical cancer models. The predominance of specific cell phenotypes in the TME has been attributed to pro- or anti-tumoral. Hence, their modulation can, in turn, alter the responses to standard-of-care treatments, making them more or less effective. Here, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge and the correlated challenges about the tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils targeting strategies, current treatments, and future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Russo
- Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Nastasi
- Laboratory of Cancer Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
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Targeting oncometabolism to maximize immunotherapy in malignant brain tumors. Oncogene 2022; 41:2663-2671. [PMID: 35430605 PMCID: PMC9081266 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02312-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors result in significant morbidity and mortality in both children and adults. Recent data indicates that immunotherapies may offer a survival benefit after standard of care has failed for malignant brain tumors. Modest results from several late phase clinical trials, however, underscore the need for more refined, comprehensive strategies that incorporate new mechanistic and pharmacologic knowledge. Recently, oncometabolism has emerged as an adjunct modality for combinatorial treatment approaches necessitated by the aggressive, refractory nature of high-grade glioma and other progressive malignant brain tumors. Manipulation of metabolic processes in cancer and immune cells that comprise the tumor microenvironment through controlled targeting of oncogenic pathways may be utilized to maximize the efficacy of immunotherapy and improve patient outcomes. Herein, we summarize preclinical and early phase clinical trial research of oncometabolism-based therapeutics that may augment immunotherapy by exploiting the biochemical and genetic underpinnings of brain tumors. We also examine metabolic pathways related to immune cells that target tumor cells, termed ‘tumor immunometabolism’. Specifically, we focus on glycolysis and altered glucose metabolism, including glucose transporters, hexokinase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase, glutamine, and we discuss targeting arginase, adenosine, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and toll-like receptors. Lastly, we summarize future directions targeting metabolism in combination with emerging therapies such as oncolytic virotherapy, vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells.
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Yarmohammadi A, Narimani F, Wallace CE, Bishayee A. Modulation of TLR/NF-κB/NLRP Signaling by Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Promising Strategy to Augment Cancer Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:834072. [PMID: 35299751 PMCID: PMC8921560 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.834072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumors often progress to a more aggressive phenotype to resist drugs. Multiple dysregulated pathways are behind this tumor behavior which is known as cancer chemoresistance. Thus, there is an emerging need to discover pivotal signaling pathways involved in the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and cancer immunotherapy. Reports indicate the critical role of the toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) pathway in cancer initiation, progression, and development. Therefore, targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling is a promising strategy to augment cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to combat chemoresistance. Considering the potential of phytochemicals in the regulation of multiple dysregulated pathways during cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, such compounds could be suitable candidates against cancer chemoresistance. Objectives This is the first comprehensive and systematic review regarding the role of phytochemicals in the mitigation of chemoresistance by regulating the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway in chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Methods A comprehensive and systematic review was designed based on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to include papers on TLR/NF-κB/NLRP and chemotherapy/immunotherapy/chemoresistance by phytochemicals. Results Phytochemicals are promising multi-targeting candidates against the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway and interconnected mediators. Employing phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and sulfur compounds could be a promising strategy for managing cancer chemoresistance through the modulation of the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway. Novel delivery systems of phytochemicals in cancer chemotherapy/immunotherapy are also highlighted. Conclusion Targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling with bioactive phytocompounds reverses chemoresistance and improves the outcome for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Akram Yarmohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Narimani
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Carly E. Wallace
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, United States
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, United States
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Su R, Cai L, Xiong P, Liu Z, Chen S, Liu X, Lin R, Lei Z, Tian D, Su M. TLR3 Expression is a Potential Prognosis Biomarker and Shapes the Immune-Active Tumor Microenvironment in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:1437-1456. [PMID: 35250293 PMCID: PMC8896387 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s348786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) not only plays a crucial role in innate immune and inflammation but also in anti-cancer immunity. Nevertheless, the clinicopathological outcome of TLR3 in ESCC is still ambiguous. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate TLR3 expression and its impact on survival in 137 ESCC patients (including paired esophageal tissues with different stages of early lesions from 37 patients). Furthermore, we downloaded ESCC RNA-seq datasets (including phenotype and survival data) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The relationship between TLR3 and prognosis, biological landscape, and immune infiltration was assessed to verify the immunohistochemical results of our tissue samples, explore the possible mechanism of prognostic outcomes, and predict the sensitivity of immunotherapy. RESULTS TLR3 protein expression displayed an increasing trend in the progression through different grades of cellular atypia, from normal, esophageal simple hyperplasia (ESSH), intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) to ESCC (P < 0.0083). TLR3 protein had a positive association with inflammation level (Rho = 0.341, P < 0.001). TLR3 mRNA expression was significantly higher in comparison to adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis indicated high TLR3 protein and mRNA expression conferred good prognosis in our samples and TCGA, especially for advanced ESCC patients (TNM stage III and IV). Overexpression of TLR3 resulted in an immune-active microenvironment via the recruitment of immune-active cells including cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs), CD8+ T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, and M1-type macrophages. TLR3 expression was correlated with the pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines relating to anti-tumor immunity. Moreover, GSEA analysis indicated upregulated expression of TLR3 could activate the apoptotic pathway. CONCLUSION High TLR3 expression in ESCC patients was associated with a more favorable prognosis, immune-active cell infiltration, and an activated apoptotic pathway. TLR3 has potential applications for immunotherapy and immune response prediction in patients with ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibing Su
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijun Cai
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pan Xiong
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaobin Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Runhua Lin
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijin Lei
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongping Tian
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Su
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J. (Im)maturity in Tumor Ecosystem. Front Oncol 2022; 11:813897. [PMID: 35145911 PMCID: PMC8821092 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.813897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors have special features that make them distinct from their normal counterparts. Immature cells in a tumor mass and their critical contributions to the tumorigenesis will open new windows toward cancer therapy. Incomplete cellular development brings versatile and unique functionality in the cellular tumor ecosystem, such as what is seen for highly potential embryonic cells. There is evidence that maturation of certain types of cells in this ecosystem can recover the sensitivity of the tumor. Therefore, understanding more about the mechanisms that contributed to this immaturity will render new therapeutic approaches in cancer therapy. Targeting such mechanisms can be exploited as a supplementary to the current immunotherapeutic treatment schedules, such as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. The key focus of this review is to discuss the impact of (im)maturity in cellular tumor ecosystems on cancer progression, focusing mainly on immaturity in the immune cell compartment of the tumor, as well as on the stemness of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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Abstract
Toll-like receptors were discovered as proteins playing a crucial role in the dorsoventral patterning during embryonic development in the Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) almost 40 years ago. Subsequently, further research also showed a role of the Toll protein or Toll receptor in the recognition of Gram-positive bacterial and fungal pathogens infecting D. melanogaster. In 1997, the human homolog was reported and the receptor was named the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) that recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the Gram-negative bacteria as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). Identification of TLR4 in humans filled the long existing gap in the field of infection and immunity, addressing the mystery surrounding the recognition of foreign pathogens/microbes by the immune system. It is now known that mammals (mice and humans) express 13 different TLRs that are expressed on the outer cell membrane or intracellularly, and which recognize different PAMPs or microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) and death/damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to initiate the protective immune response. However, their dysregulation generates profound and prolonged pro-inflammatory immune responses responsible for different inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. This chapter provides an overview of TLRs in the control of the immune response, their association with different diseases, including TLR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), interactions with microRNAs (miRs), use in drug development and vaccine design, and expansion in neurosciences to include pain, addiction, metabolism, reproduction, and wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - James E Barrett
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Neural Sciences, Centre for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Szulc-Kielbik I, Kielbik M. Tumor-Associated Macrophages: Reasons to Be Cheerful, Reasons to Be Fearful. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:107-140. [PMID: 35165862 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and constantly evolving entity that consists not only of cancer cells, but also of resident host cells and immune-infiltrating cells, among which macrophages are significant components, due to their diversity of functions through which they can influence the immune response against tumor cells. Macrophages present in tumor environment are termed as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). They are strongly plastic cells, and depending on the TME stimuli (i.e., cytokines, chemokines), TAMs polarize to antitumoral (M1-like TAMs) or protumoral (M2-like TAMs) phenotype. Both types of TAMs differ in the surface receptors' expression, activation of intracellular signaling pathways, and ability of production and various metabolites release. At the early stage of tumor formation, TAMs are M1-like phenotype, and they are able to eliminate tumor cells, i.e., by reactive oxygen species formation or by presentation of cancer antigens to other effector immune cells. However, during tumor progression, TAMs M2-like phenotype is dominating. They mainly contribute to angiogenesis, stromal remodeling, enhancement of tumor cells migration and invasion, and immunosuppression. This wide variety of TAMs' functions makes them an excellent subject for use in developing antitumor therapies which mainly is based on three strategies: TAMs' elimination, reprograming, or recruitment inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michal Kielbik
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland.
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Liu W, Xia L, Xia Z, Chen L. Comprehensive Analysis of Innate Immunophenotyping Based on Immune Score Predicting Immune Alterations and Prognosis in Breast Cancer Patients. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:88. [PMID: 35052427 PMCID: PMC8774675 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer, with the highest mortality rate and the most diagnosed cancer type in women worldwide. To identify the effect innate immune checkpoint for breast cancer immunotherapy, the innate immune prognostic biomarkers were selected through the ICI score model and the risk model in breast cancer patients. Moreover, the reliability and accuracy of the ICI score model and the risk model were further examined through the analysis of breast cancer prognosis and immune cell infiltration. The pan cancer analysis further confirmed and selected CXCL9 as the key innate immune checkpoint for breast cancer immunotherapy and identified three small molecular drugs for target CXCL9 through molecular docking analysis. In summary, CXCL9 significantly correlated with the prognostic of breast cancer and immune cell infiltration and could be innate immune checkpoint for breast cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Liming Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (W.L.); (L.X.); (Z.X.)
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Karime C, Wang J, Woodhead G, Mody K, Hennemeyer CT, Borad MJ, Mahadevan D, Chandana SR, Babiker H. Tilsotolimod: an investigational synthetic toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist for the treatment of refractory solid tumors and melanoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:1-13. [PMID: 34913781 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2019706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer immunotherapy has seen tremendous strides in the past 15 years, with the introduction of several novel immunotherapeutic agents. Nevertheless, as clinical practice has shown, significant challenges remain with a considerable number of patients responding sub-optimally to available therapeutic options. Research has demonstrated the important immunoregulatory role of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with the potential to either hinder or promote an effective anti-tumor immune response. As such, scientific efforts have focused on investigating novel candidate immunomodulatory agents with the potential to alter the TME toward a more immunopotentiating composition. AREAS COVERED Herein, we discuss the novel investigational toll-like receptor 9 agonist tilsotolimod currently undergoing phase II and III clinical trials for advanced refractory cancer, highlighting its mode of action, efficacy, tolerability, and potential future applications in the treatment of cancer. To this effect, we conducted an exhaustive Web of Science and PubMed search to evaluate available research on tilsotolimod as of August 2021. EXPERT OPINION With encouraging early clinical results demonstrating extensive TME immunomodulation and abscopal effects on distant tumor lesions, tilsotolimod has emerged as a potential candidate immunomodulatory agent with the possibility to augment currently available immunotherapy and provide novel avenues of treatment for patients with advanced refectory cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Gregory Woodhead
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona Collage of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kabir Mody
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Charles T Hennemeyer
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona Collage of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mitesh J Borad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sreenivasa R Chandana
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Phase I Program, Start Midwest, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Hani Babiker
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Guney Eskiler G, Deveci Özkan A. The relationship between the efficacy of talazoparib and the functional toll-like receptors 3 and 9 in triple negative breast cancer. Mol Immunol 2021; 141:280-286. [PMID: 34906906 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) induce cell death by inhibiting the repair of DNA strand breaks binding to PARP and regulate immune cells functions. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate the tumor microenvironment through the modulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In this context, this study addressed the relationship between the efficacy of talazoparib (TAL) as a PARPi and the activation of TLR3 or TLR9 by Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) or CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) stimulation, respectively in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TAL alone and the combination of TAL with Poly I:C or CpG-ODN induced cell death were analyzed by water-soluble tetrazolium salt 1 (WST-1), Annexin V analysis, acridine orange staining and mRNA levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8 in HCC1937 and HCC1937-R (TAL resistant) TNBC cells. Additionally, the expression of TLR3, TLR9 and interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) was observed with immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. Our findings showed that TAL induced TLR3 and TLR9 activation and acted in synergy with TLR3 and TLR9 agonists in TNBC cells. The stimulation of TLR3 or TLR9 and TAL treatment caused significantly more apoptosis in TNBC cells through the over-expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8. Additionally, TAL combined with Poly I:C or CpG-ODN more increased TLR3, TLR9 and IRF7 protein levels in HCC1937 cells and treatment with TAL and Poly I:C had greater potential for overcoming TAL resistance. In conclusion, the combination of PARPi with TLR agonists may be a new therapeutic combined strategy for the effective immunotherapy of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey.
| | - Asuman Deveci Özkan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
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42
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J. The impact of hypoxia on immune state in cancer. Life Sci 2021; 286:120057. [PMID: 34662552 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a known feature of solid tumors and a critical promoter of tumor hallmarks. Hypoxia influences tumor immunity in a way favoring immune evasion and resistance. Extreme hypoxia and aberrant hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) activity in tumor microenvironment (TME) is a drawback for effective immunotherapy. Infiltration and activity of CD8+ T cells is reduced in such condition, whereas regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) show high activities. Highly hypoxic TME also impairs maturation and activity of dendritic cell (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells. In addition, the hypoxic TME positively is linked positively with metabolic changes in cells of immune system. These alterations are indicative of a need for hypoxia modulation as a complementary targeting strategy to go with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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Abdollahi S, Dehghanian SZ, Hung LY, Yang SJ, Chen DP, Medeiros LJ, Chiang JH, Chang KC. Deciphering genes associated with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with lymphomatous effusions: A mutational accumulation scoring approach. Biomark Res 2021; 9:74. [PMID: 34635181 PMCID: PMC8504051 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00330-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Earlier studies have shown that lymphomatous effusions in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are associated with a very poor prognosis, even worse than for non-effusion-associated patients with stage IV disease. We hypothesized that certain genetic abnormalities were associated with lymphomatous effusions, which would help to identify related pathways, oncogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic targets. Methods We compared whole-exome sequencing on DLBCL samples involving solid organs (n = 22) and involving effusions (n = 9). We designed a mutational accumulation-based approach to score each gene and used mutation interpreters to identify candidate pathogenic genes associated with lymphomatous effusions. Moreover, we performed gene-set enrichment analysis from a microarray comparison of effusion-associated versus non-effusion-associated DLBCL cases to extract the related pathways. Results We found that genes involved in identified pathways or with high accumulation scores in the effusion-based DLBCL cases were associated with migration/invasion. We validated expression of 8 selected genes in DLBCL cell lines and clinical samples: MUC4, SLC35G6, TP53BP2, ARAP3, IL13RA1, PDIA4, HDAC1 and MDM2, and validated expression of 3 proteins (MUC4, HDAC1 and MDM2) in an independent cohort of DLBCL cases with (n = 31) and without (n = 20) lymphomatous effusions. We found that overexpression of HDAC1 and MDM2 correlated with the presence of lymphomatous effusions, and HDAC1 overexpression was associated with the poorest prognosis. Conclusion Our findings suggest that DLBCL associated with lymphomatous effusions may be associated mechanistically with TP53-MDM2 pathway and HDAC-related chromatin remodeling mechanisms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40364-021-00330-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Abdollahi
- Intelligent Information Retrieval Lab, Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 701, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Liang-Yi Hung
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,University Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shiang-Jie Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Dao-Peng Chen
- Kim Forest Enterprise Co., Ltd, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - L Jeffrey Medeiros
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jung-Hsien Chiang
- Intelligent Information Retrieval Lab, Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 701, Tainan, Taiwan. .,Institute of Medical Informatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Kung-Chao Chang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, 704, Tainan, Taiwan. .,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Shi L, Sheng J, Chen G, Zhu P, Shi C, Li B, Park C, Wang J, Zhang B, Liu Z, Yang X. Combining IL-2-based immunotherapy with commensal probiotics produces enhanced antitumor immune response and tumor clearance. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000973. [PMID: 33028692 PMCID: PMC7542661 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interleukin-2 (IL-2) serves as a pioneer of immunotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment. However, there is a considerable proportion of patients who cannot benefit from this therapy due to the limited clinical responses and dose-limiting toxicities. Mounting evidence indicates that commensal microbiota shapes the outcome of cancer immunotherapies. In this study, we aim to investigate the enhancing effect of Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK), a beneficial commensal microbe receiving considerable attentions, on the antitumor efficacy of IL-2 and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods Colorectal carcinoma patient-derived tumor tissues were used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combination treatment. AKK was orally delivered to B16F10 and CT26 tumor-bearing mice along with systemic IL-2 treatment. Flow cytometry was carried out to analyze the tumor immune microenvironment. The molecular mechanism of the enhanced therapeutic efficacy was explored by RNA-seq and then verified in tumor-bearing mice. Results Combined treatment with IL-2 and AKK showed a stronger antitumor efficacy in colorectal cancer patient-derived tumor tissues. Meanwhile, the therapeutic outcome of IL-2 was significantly potentiated by oral administration of AKK in subcutaneous melanoma and colorectal tumor-bearing mice, resulting from the strengthened antitumor immune surveillance. Mechanistically, the antitumor immune response elicited by AKK was partially mediated by Amuc, derived from the outer membrane protein of AKK, through activating toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling pathway. Besides, oral supplementation with AKK protected gut barrier function and maintained mucosal homeostasis under systemic IL-2 treatment. Conclusion These findings propose that IL-2 combined with AKK is a novel therapeutic strategy with prospecting application for cancer treatment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Shi
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianyong Sheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guozhong Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Changping Shi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaiwoo Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- Department of Biology, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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45
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Farooq M, Batool M, Kim MS, Choi S. Toll-Like Receptors as a Therapeutic Target in the Era of Immunotherapies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:756315. [PMID: 34671606 PMCID: PMC8522911 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.756315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the pattern recognition receptors, which are activated by foreign and host molecules in order to initiate the immune response. They play a crucial role in the regulation of innate immunity, and several studies have shown their importance in bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. The consensus view from an immunological perspective is that TLR agonists can serve either as a possible therapeutic agent or as a vaccine adjuvant toward cancers or infectious diseases and that TLR inhibitors may be a promising approach to the treatment of autoimmune diseases, some cancers, bacterial, and viral infections. These notions are based on the fact that TLR agonists stimulate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and in general, the development of proinflammatory responses. Some of the TLR-based inhibitory agents have shown to be efficacious in preclinical models and have now entered clinical trials. Therefore, TLRs seem to hold the potential to serve as a perfect target in the era of immunotherapies. We offer a perspective on TLR-based therapeutics that sheds light on their usefulness and on combination therapies. We also highlight various therapeutics that are in the discovery phase or in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Farooq
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Maria Batool
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Moon Suk Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Suwon, South Korea
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TLR3 Serves as a Prognostic Biomarker and Associates with Immune Infiltration in the Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Microenvironment. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:3336770. [PMID: 34531911 PMCID: PMC8440088 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3336770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Clear cell renal cancer (KIRC) is one of the most common cancers globally, with a poor prognosis. TLRs play a vital role in anticancer immunity and the regulation of the biological progress of tumour cells. However, the precise role of TLRs in KIRC is still ambiguous. Methods Various bioinformatics analysis and clinical validation of tissues were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of TLRs and their correlation with immune infiltration in KIRC. Results The expression of TLR2/3/7/8 was increased at both mRNA and protein levels in KIRC. TLRs in KIRC were involved in the activation of apoptosis, EMT, RAS/MAPK, and RTK pathways, as well as the inhibition of the cell cycle and the hormone AR pathway. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed that high expression of TLR3 and low expression of TLR7/9/10 were resistant to most of the small molecules or drugs from CTRP. Enrichment analyses showed that TLRs were mainly involved in innate immune response, toll-like receptor signalling pathway, NF-kappa B signalling pathway, and TNF signalling pathway. Furthermore, a high-level TLR3 expression was associated with a favourable prognosis in KIRC. Validation research further confirmed that TLR3 expression was increased in KIRC tissues, and high TLR3 levels were associated with poor overall survival. Moreover, TLR3 in KIRC showed a positive association with an abundance of immune cells, including B-cells, CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, macrophage, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, and the expression of the immune biomarker sets. Several TLR3-associated kinase, miRNA, or transcription factor targets were also identified in KIRC. Conclusion Our results indicate that TLR3 serves as a prognostic biomarker and associated with immune infiltration in KIRC. This work lays a foundation for further studies on the role of TLR3 in the carcinogenesis and progression of KIRC.
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Anfray C, Mainini F, Digifico E, Maeda A, Sironi M, Erreni M, Anselmo A, Ummarino A, Gandoy S, Expósito F, Redrado M, Serrano D, Calvo A, Martens M, Bravo S, Mantovani A, Allavena P, Andón FT. Intratumoral combination therapy with poly(I:C) and resiquimod synergistically triggers tumor-associated macrophages for effective systemic antitumoral immunity. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002408. [PMID: 34531246 PMCID: PMC8449972 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a key immunosuppressive role that limits the ability of the immune system to fight cancer and hinder the antitumoral efficacy of most treatments currently applied in the clinic. Previous studies have evaluated the antitumoral immune response triggered by (TLR) agonists, such as poly(I:C), imiquimod (R837) or resiquimod (R848) as monotherapies; however, their combination for the treatment of cancer has not been explored. This study investigates the antitumoral efficacy and the macrophage reprogramming triggered by poly(I:C) combined with R848 or with R837, versus single treatments. Methods TLR agonist treatments were evaluated in vitro for toxicity and immunostimulatory activity by Alamar Blue, ELISA and flow cytometry using primary human and murine M-CSF-differentiated macrophages. Cytotoxic activity of TLR-treated macrophages toward cancer cells was evaluated with an in vitro functional assay by flow cytometry. For in vivo experiments, the CMT167 lung cancer model and the MN/MCA1 fibrosarcoma model metastasizing to lungs were used; tumor-infiltrating leukocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, multispectral immunophenotyping, quantitative proteomic experiments, and protein–protein interaction analysis. Results Results demonstrated the higher efficacy of poly(I:C) combined with R848 versus single treatments or combined with R837 to polarize macrophages toward M1-like antitumor effectors in vitro. In vivo, the intratumoral synergistic combination of poly(I:C)+R848 significantly prevented tumor growth and metastasis in lung cancer and fibrosarcoma immunocompetent murine models. Regressing tumors showed increased infiltration of macrophages with a higher M1:M2 ratio, recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, accompanied by a reduction of immunosuppressive CD206+ TAMs and FOXP3+/CD4+ T cells. The depletion of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells resulted in complete loss of treatment efficacy. Treated mice acquired systemic antitumoral response and resistance to tumor rechallenge mediated by boosted macrophage cytotoxic activity and T-cell proliferation. Proteomic experiments validate the superior activation of innate immunity by poly(I:C)+R848 combination versus single treatments or poly(I:C)+R837, and protein–protein-interaction network analysis reveal the key activation of the STAT1 pathway. Discussion These findings demonstrate the antitumor immune responses mediated by macrophage activation on local administration of poly(I:C)+R848 combination and support the intratumoral application of this therapy to patients with solid tumors in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisabeth Digifico
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.,Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Erreni
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Aldo Ummarino
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.,Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Sara Gandoy
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francisco Expósito
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miriam Redrado
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Diego Serrano
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Calvo
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marvin Martens
- Department of Bioinformatics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Susana Bravo
- Health Research Institute of Santigao de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.,Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Paola Allavena
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.,Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Fernando Torres Andón
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy .,Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Audrito V, Messana VG, Brandimarte L, Deaglio S. The Extracellular NADome Modulates Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:704779. [PMID: 34421911 PMCID: PMC8371318 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.704779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The term NADome refers to the intricate network of intracellular and extracellular enzymes that regulate the synthesis or degradation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and to the receptors that engage it. Traditionally, NAD was linked to intracellular energy production through shuffling electrons between oxidized and reduced forms. However, recent data indicate that NAD, along with its biosynthetic and degrading enzymes, has a life outside of cells, possibly linked to immuno-modulating non-enzymatic activities. Extracellular NAD can engage puriginergic receptors triggering an inflammatory response, similar - to a certain extent - to what described for adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Likewise, NAD biosynthetic and degrading enzymes have been amply reported in the extracellular space, where they possess both enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions. Modulation of these enzymes has been described in several acute and chronic conditions, including obesity, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases and sepsis. In this review, the role of the extracellular NADome will be discussed, focusing on its proposed role in immunomodulation, together with the different strategies for its targeting and their potential therapeutic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Audrito
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gianluca Messana
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Brandimarte
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Higher TLR7 Gene Expression Predicts Poor Clinical Outcome in Advanced NSCLC Patients Treated with Immunotherapy. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12070992. [PMID: 34209514 PMCID: PMC8303258 DOI: 10.3390/genes12070992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of lung cancer. However, their clinical benefit is limited to a minority of patients. To unravel immune-related factors that are predictive of sensitivity or resistance to immunotherapy, we performed a gene expression analysis by RNA-Seq using the Oncomine Immuno Response Assay (OIRRA) on a total of 33 advanced NSCLC patients treated with ICI evaluating the expression levels of 365 immune-related genes. We found four genes (CD1C, HLA-DPA1, MMP2, and TLR7) downregulated (p < 0.05) and two genes (IFNB1 and MKI67) upregulated (p < 0.05) in ICI-Responders compared to ICI-Non-Responders. The Bayesian enrichment computational analysis showed a more complex interaction network that involved 10 other genes (IFNA1, TLR4, CD40, TLR2, IL12A, IL12B, TLR9, CD1E, IFNG, and HLA-DPB1) correlated with different functional groups. Five main pathways were identified (FDR < 0.0001). High TLR7 expression levels were significantly associated with a lack of response to immunotherapy (p < 0.0001) and worse outcome in terms of both PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p = 0.03). The multivariate analysis confirmed TLR7 RNA expression as an independent predictor for both poor PFS (HR = 2.97, 95% CI, 1.16–7.6, p = 0.023) and OS (HR = 2.2, 95% CI, 1–5.08, p = 0.049). In conclusion, a high TLR7 gene expression level was identified as an independent predictor for poor clinical benefits from ICI. These data could have important implications for the development of novel single/combinatorial strategies TLR-mediated for an efficient selection of “individualized” treatments for NSCLC in the era of immunotherapy.
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50
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Varshney D, Qiu SY, Graf TP, McHugh KJ. Employing Drug Delivery Strategies to Overcome Challenges Using TLR7/8 Agonists for Cancer Immunotherapy. AAPS JOURNAL 2021; 23:90. [PMID: 34181117 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-021-00620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a potential target for cancer immunotherapy due to their role in the activation of the innate immune system. More specifically, TLR7 and TLR8, two structurally similar pattern recognition receptors that trigger interferon and cytokine responses, have proven to be therapeutically relevant targets for cancer in numerous preclinical and clinical studies. When triggered by an agonist, such as imiquimod or resiquimod, the TLR7/8 activation pathway induces cellular and humoral immune responses that can kill cancer cells with high specificity. Unfortunately, TLR7/8 agonists also present a number of issues that must be overcome prior to broad clinical implementation, such as poor drug solubility and systemic toxic effects. To overcome the key limitations of TLR7/8 agonists as a cancer therapy, biomaterial-based drug delivery systems have been developed. These delivery devices are highly diverse in their design and include systems that can be directly administered to the tumor, passively accumulated in relevant cancerous and lymph tissues, triggered by environmental stimuli, or actively targeted to specific physiological areas and cellular populations. In addition to improved delivery systems, recent studies have also demonstrated the potential benefits of TLR7/8 agonist co-delivery with other types of therapies, particularly checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and chemotherapeutics, which can yield impressive anti-cancer effects. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development of TLR7/8 agonist delivery systems and provide perspective on promising future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Varshney
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005, USA.,David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Sherry Yue Qiu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005, USA
| | - Tyler P Graf
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005, USA
| | - Kevin J McHugh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005, USA.
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