1
|
Zhang X, Liu H, Cai P, Huang Z, Ma J, Luo L. Mdka produced by the activated HSCs drives bipotential progenitor cell redifferentiation during zebrafish biliary-mediated liver regeneration. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00981. [PMID: 39188045 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000001031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS After extensive hepatocyte loss or impaired hepatocyte proliferation, liver regeneration occurs through trans-differentiation of biliary epithelial cells (BECs), which involves dedifferentiation of biliary epithelial cells into bipotential progenitor cells (BP-PCs) and subsequent redifferentiation of BP-PCs into nascent hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. Despite several studies on the redifferentiation process of BP-PCs into nascent hepatocytes, the contributions of nonparenchymal cells in this process remain poorly understood. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using the zebrafish severe liver injury model, we observed specific expression of midkine a (Mdka) in the activated HSCs through single-cell analyses and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Genetic mutation, pharmacological inhibition, whole-mount in situ hybridizations, and antibody staining demonstrated an essential role of mdka in the redifferentiation of BP-PCs during liver regeneration. Notably, we identified Nucleolin (Ncl), the potential receptor for Mdka, specifically expressed in BP-PCs, and its mutant recapitulated the mdka mutant phenotypes with impaired BP-PC redifferentiation. Mechanistically, the Mdka-Ncl axis drove Erk1 activation in BP-PCs during liver regeneration. Furthermore, overexpression of activated Erk1 partially rescued the defective liver regeneration in the mdka mutant. CONCLUSIONS The activated HSCs produce Mdka to drive the redifferentiation process of BP-PCs through activating Erk1 during the biliary-mediated liver regeneration, implying previously unappreciated contributions of nonparenchymal cells to this regeneration process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Zhang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengcheng Cai
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuofu Huang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianlong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Liver Cancer Institute of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Liver Cancer Institute of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kang Q, He L, Zhang Y, Zhong Z, Tan W. Immune-inflammatory modulation by natural products derived from edible and medicinal herbs used in Chinese classical prescriptions. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155684. [PMID: 38788391 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Edible and medicinal herbs1 (EMHs) refer to a class of substances with dual attribution of food and medicine. These substances are traditionally used as food and also listed in many international pharmacopoeias, including the European Pharmacopoeia, the United States Pharmacopoeia, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Some classical formulas that are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine include a series of EMHs, which have been shown to be effective with obvious characteristics and advantages. Notably, these EMHs and Chinese classical prescriptions2 (CCPs) have also attracted attention in international herbal medicine research because of their low toxicity and high efficiency as well as the rich body of experience for their long-term clinical use. PURPOSE Our purpose is to explore the potential therapeutic effect of EMHs with immune-inflammatory modulation for the study of modern cancer drugs. STUDY DESIGN In the present study, we present a detailed account of some EMHs used in CCPs that have shown considerable research potential in studies exploring modern drugs with immune-inflammatory modulation. METHODS Approximately 500 publications in the past 30 years were collected from PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect using the keywords, such as natural products, edible and medicinal herbs, Chinese medicine, classical prescription, immune-inflammatory, tumor microenvironment and some related synonyms. The active ingredients instead of herbal extracts or botanical mixtures were focused on and the research conducted over the past decade were discussed emphatically and analyzed comprehensively. RESULTS More than ten natural products derived from EMHs used in CCPs are discussed and their immune-inflammatory modulation activities, including enhancing antitumor immunity, regulating inflammatory signaling pathways, lowering the proportion of immunosuppressive cells, inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, immunosuppressive factors, and inflammatory mediators, are summarized. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the immune-inflammatory modulating role of those EMHs used in CCPs and provide new ideas for cancer treatment in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianming Kang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Luying He
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China.
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu X, Liu M, Wu H, Tang W, Yang W, Chan TTH, Zhang L, Chen S, Xiong Z, Liang J, Wai-Yiu Si-Tou W, Shu T, Li J, Cao J, Zhong C, Sun H, Kwong TT, Leung HHW, Wong J, Bo-San Lai P, To KF, Xiang T, Jao-Yiu Sung J, Chan SL, Zhou J, Sze-Lok Cheng A. PPP1R15A-expressing monocytic MDSCs promote immunosuppressive liver microenvironment in fibrosis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101087. [PMID: 38882672 PMCID: PMC11179254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101087] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Recent studies demonstrated the importance of fibrosis in promoting an immunosuppressive liver microenvironment and thereby aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), particularly via monocyte-to-monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (M-MDSC) differentiation triggered by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We thus aimed to identify druggable targets in these immunosuppressive myeloid cells for HCC therapy. Methods M-MDSC signature genes were identified by integrated transcriptomic analysis of a human HSC-monocyte culture system and tumor-surrounding fibrotic livers of patients with HCC. Mechanistic and functional studies were conducted using in vitro-generated and patient-derived M-MDSCs. The therapeutic efficacy of a M-MDSC targeting approach was determined in fibrosis-associated HCC mouse models. Results We uncovered over-expression of protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 15A (PPP1R15A), a myeloid cell-enriched endoplasmic reticulum stress modulator, in human M-MDSCs that correlated with poor prognosis and ICB non-responsiveness in patients with HCC. Blocking TGF-β signaling reduced PPP1R15A expression in HSC-induced M-MDSCs, whereas treatment of monocytes by TGF-β upregulated PPP1R15A, which in turn promoted ARG1 and S100A8/9 expression in M-MDSCs and reduced T-cell proliferation. Consistently, lentiviral-mediated knockdown of Ppp1r15a in vivo significantly reduced ARG1+S100A8/9+ M-MDSCs in fibrotic liver, leading to elevated intratumoral IFN-γ+GZMB+CD8+ T cells and enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of ICB. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of PPP1R15A by Sephin1 reduced the immunosuppressive potential but increased the maturation status of fibrotic HCC patient-derived M-MDSCs. Conclusions PPP1R15A+ M-MDSC cells are involved in immunosuppression in HCC development and represent a novel potential target for therapies. Impact and implications Our cross-species analysis has identified PPP1R15A as a therapeutic target governing the anti-T-cell activities of fibrosis-associated M-MDSCs (monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells). The results from the preclinical models show that specific inhibition of PPP1R15A can break the immunosuppressive barrier to restrict hepatocellular carcinoma growth and enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. PPP1R15A may also function as a prognostic and/or predictive biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Mechanism and Intervention of Cancer Metastasis, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoran Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenshu Tang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weiqin Yang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomas T H Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shufen Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhewen Xiong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianxin Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Willis Wai-Yiu Si-Tou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ting Shu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jingqing Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianquan Cao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chengpeng Zhong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanyong Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tsz Tung Kwong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Howard H W Leung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - John Wong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul Bo-San Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tingxiu Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Mechanism and Intervention of Cancer Metastasis, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Joseph Jao-Yiu Sung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen Lam Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jingying Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alfred Sze-Lok Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma H, Yan QZ, Ma JR, Li DF, Yang JL. Overview of the immunological mechanisms in hepatitis B virus reactivation: Implications for disease progression and management strategies. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1295-1312. [PMID: 38596493 PMCID: PMC11000084 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i10.1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management. This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation, emphasizing disease progression and management. It delves into host immune responses and reactivation's delicate balance, spanning innate and adaptive immunity. Viral factors' disruption of this balance, as are interactions between viral antigens, immune cells, cytokine networks, and immune checkpoint pathways, are examined. Notably, the roles of T cells, natural killer cells, and antigen-presenting cells are discussed, highlighting their influence on disease progression. HBV reactivation's impact on disease severity, hepatic flares, liver fibrosis progression, and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed. Management strategies, including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches, are critically analyzed. The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation. In conclusion, this comprehensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation. With a dedicated focus on understanding its implications for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management strategies, this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base. The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches, ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes. The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized, spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches. The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qing-Zhu Yan
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jing-Ru Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Dong-Fu Li
- Digestive Diseases Center, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jun-Ling Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
White EE, Rhodes SD. The NF1+/- Immune Microenvironment: Dueling Roles in Neurofibroma Development and Malignant Transformation. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:994. [PMID: 38473354 PMCID: PMC10930863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050994] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic disorder resulting in the development of both benign and malignant tumors of the peripheral nervous system. NF1 is caused by germline pathogenic variants or deletions of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene, which encodes the protein neurofibromin that functions as negative regulator of p21 RAS. Loss of NF1 heterozygosity in Schwann cells (SCs), the cells of origin for these nerve sheath-derived tumors, leads to the formation of plexiform neurofibromas (PNF)-benign yet complex neoplasms involving multiple nerve fascicles and comprised of a myriad of infiltrating stromal and immune cells. PNF development and progression are shaped by dynamic interactions between SCs and immune cells, including mast cells, macrophages, and T cells. In this review, we explore the current state of the field and critical knowledge gaps regarding the role of NF1(Nf1) haploinsufficiency on immune cell function, as well as the putative impact of Schwann cell lineage states on immune cell recruitment and function within the tumor field. Furthermore, we review emerging evidence suggesting a dueling role of Nf1+/- immune cells along the neurofibroma to MPNST continuum, on one hand propitiating PNF initiation, while on the other, potentially impeding the malignant transformation of plexiform and atypical neurofibroma precursor lesions. Finally, we underscore the potential implications of these discoveries and advocate for further research directed at illuminating the contributions of various immune cells subsets in discrete stages of tumor initiation, progression, and malignant transformation to facilitate the discovery and translation of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to transform risk-adapted care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. White
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Steven D. Rhodes
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Neumaier EE, Rothhammer V, Linnerbauer M. The role of midkine in health and disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1310094. [PMID: 38098484 PMCID: PMC10720637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1310094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Midkine (MDK) is a neurotrophic growth factor highly expressed during embryogenesis with important functions related to growth, proliferation, survival, migration, angiogenesis, reproduction, and repair. Recent research has indicated that MDK functions as a key player in autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of brain tumors, acute injuries, and other CNS disorders. This review summarizes the modes of action and immunological functions of MDK both in the peripheral immune compartment and in the CNS, particularly in the context of traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, we discuss the role of MDK as a central mediator of neuro-immune crosstalk, focusing on the interactions between CNS-infiltrating and -resident cells such as astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of MDK and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kam NW, Lau CY, Che CM, Lee VHF. Nasopharynx Battlefield: Cellular Immune Responses Mediated by Midkine in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and COVID-19. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4850. [PMID: 37835544 PMCID: PMC10571800 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194850] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests that the severe respiratory illness coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often associated with a cytokine storm that results in dysregulated immune responses. Prolonged COVID-19 positivity is thought to disproportionately affect cancer patients. With COVID-19 disrupting the delivery of cancer care, it is crucial to gain momentum and awareness of the mechanistic intersection between these two diseases. This review discusses the role of the cytokine midkine (MK) as an immunomodulator in patients with COVID-19 and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), both of which affect the nasal cavity. We conducted a review and analysis of immunocellular similarities and differences based on clinical studies, research articles, and published transcriptomic datasets. We specifically focused on ligand-receptor pairs that could be used to infer intercellular communication, as well as the current medications used for each disease, including NPC patients who have contracted COVID-19. Based on our findings, we recommend close monitoring of the MK axis to maintain the desirable effects of therapeutic regimens in fighting both NPC and COVID-19 infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngar-Woon Kam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.-W.K.); (C.-Y.L.)
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ltd., Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Cho-Yiu Lau
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.-W.K.); (C.-Y.L.)
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ltd., Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Chi-Ming Che
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ltd., Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Victor Ho-Fun Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.-W.K.); (C.-Y.L.)
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Saikia M, Cheung N, Singh AK, Kapoor V. Role of Midkine in Cancer Drug Resistance: Regulators of Its Expression and Its Molecular Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108739. [PMID: 37240085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecules involved in drug resistance can be targeted for better therapeutic efficacies. Research on midkine (MDK) has escalated in the last few decades, which affirms a positive correlation between disease progression and MDK expression in most cancers and indicates its association with multi-drug resistance in cancer. MDK, a secretory cytokine found in blood, can be exploited as a potent biomarker for the non-invasive detection of drug resistance expressed in various cancers and, thereby, can be targeted. We summarize the current information on the involvement of MDK in drug resistance, and transcriptional regulators of its expression and highlight its potential as a cancer therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minakshi Saikia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Nathan Cheung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Abhay Kumar Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Vaishali Kapoor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wei S, Wei F, Li M, Yang Y, Zhang J, Li C, Wang J. Target immune components to circumvent sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114798. [PMID: 37121146 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114798] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, has been approved for cancer treatment for decades, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although sorafenib produced substantial clinical benefits in the initial stage, a large proportion of cancer patients acquired drug resistance in subsequent treatment, which always disturbs clinical physicians. Cumulative evidence unraveled the underlying mechanism of sorafenib, but few reports focused on the role of immune subpopulations, since the immunological rationale of sorafenib resistance has not yet been defined. Here, we reviewed the immunoregulatory effects of sorafenib on the tumor microenvironment and emphasized the potential immunological mechanisms of therapeutic resistance to sorafenib. Moreover, we also summarized the clinical outcomes and ongoing trials in combination of sorafenib with immunotherapy, highlighted the immunotherapeutic strategies to improve sorafenib efficacy, and put forward several prospective questions aimed at guiding future research in overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Fenghua Wei
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- R & D Management Department, China National Biotec Group, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|