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Alemu BK, Tommasi S, Hulin JA, Meyers J, Mangoni AA. Current knowledge on the mechanisms underpinning vasculogenic mimicry in triple negative breast cancer and the emerging role of nitric oxide. Biomed Pharmacother 2025; 186:118013. [PMID: 40147105 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118013] [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: 12/16/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2025] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the process by which cancer cells form vascular-like channels to support their growth and dissemination. These channels lack endothelial cells and are instead lined by the tumour cells themselves. VM was first reported in uveal melanomas but has since been associated with other aggressive solid tumours, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In TNBC patients, VM is associated with tumour aggressiveness, drug resistance, metastatic burden, and poor prognosis. The lack of effective targeted therapies for TNBC has stimulated research on the mechanisms underpinning VM in order to identify novel druggable targets. In recent years, studies have highlighted the role of nitric oxide (NO), the NO synthesis inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1), the key enzyme responsible for ADMA metabolism, in regulating VM. Specifically, NO inhibition through downregulation of DDAH1 and consequent accumulation of ADMA appears to be a promising strategy to suppress VM in TNBC. This review discusses the current knowledge regarding the molecular pathways underpinning VM in TNBC, anti-VM therapies under investigation, and the emerging role of NO regulation in VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belete Kassa Alemu
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Injibara University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Sara Tommasi
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Julie-Ann Hulin
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jai Meyers
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Arduino A Mangoni
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia.
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2
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Aladelokun O, Benitez K, Wang Y, Jain A, Berardi D, Maroun G, Shen X, Roper J, Gibson J, Sumigray K, Khan SA, Johnson CH. Sex-specific effects of exogenous asparagine on colorectal tumor growth, 17β-estradiol levels, and aromatase. Pharmacol Res 2025; 215:107736. [PMID: 40228761 PMCID: PMC12100670 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2025] [Accepted: 04/11/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025]
Abstract
Sex-related differences in asparagine metabolism are associated with cancer prognosis. However, the effect of exogenous asparagine on colorectal cancer (CRC) growth in men and women remains unclear. This study aims to understand the relationship between exogenous asparagine supplementation and 17β-estradiol levels and to elucidate mechanisms underlying sex-dependent signaling during CRC development. We administered asparagine intraperitoneally to tumor-bearing male and female immunodeficient Rag2/Il2RG (R2G2) mice. Asparagine supplementation caused a significant increase in tumor asparagine levels in both the tumor-bearing male and female R2G2 mice but increased serum estradiol levels and suppressed tumor growth in female R2G2 mice only. Additionally, we combined transcriptome, metabolome, and immunochemical analyses, and found that intraperitoneal asparagine treatment induced sex-dependent intra-tumoral metabolic changes to asparagine, aspartate, glutamine and glutamate levels. We observed that in females, exogenous asparagine exerts a negative feed-back effect on de novo asparagine synthesis and is associated with the activation of a sub-population of macrophages that may secrete 17β-estradiol via an aromatase or cytochrome P450 family 19 (CYP19)-dependent mechanism. Conversely, in male mice, asparagine treatment augments tumor growth, and is related to decreased numbers of macrophages, and a reduction in CYP19-mediated 17β-estradiol secretion . Overall, our results reveal a novel and sex-specific role for exogenous asparagine during cancer progression and underscores the importance of understanding mechanisms that control asparagine biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladimeji Aladelokun
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Katherine Benitez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Program in Translational Biomedicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuying Wang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Domenica Berardi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Georgio Maroun
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xinyi Shen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jatin Roper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, NC, USA
| | - Joanna Gibson
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kaelyn Sumigray
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sajid A Khan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Caroline H Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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He Y, Liu Q, Luo Z, Hu Q, Wang L, Guo Z. Role of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Breast Cancer Immunotherapy. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2025; 30:26995. [PMID: 40302326 DOI: 10.31083/fbl26995] [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: 10/16/2024] [Revised: 12/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2025]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of death among women worldwide. Immunotherapy has become an effective treatment for BC patients due to the rapid development of medical technology. Considerable breakthroughs have been made in research, marking the beginning of a new era in cancer treatment. Among them, various cancer immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer are effective and have good prospects. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in determining the outcomes of tumor immunotherapy. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a key component of the TME, with an immunomodulatory effect closely related to the immune evasion of tumor cells, thereby affecting malignant progression. TAMs also significantly affect the therapeutic effect of ICIs (such as programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors). TAMs are composed of multiple heterogeneous subpopulations, including M1 phenotypes macrophages (M1) and M2 phenotypes macrophages (M2). Furthermore, they mainly play an M2-like role and moderate a variety of harmful consequences such as angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and metastasis. Therefore, TAMs have become a key area of focus in the development of tumor therapies. However, several tumor immunotherapy studies demonstrated that ICIs are effective only in a small number of solid cancers, and tumor immunotherapy still faces relevant challenges in the treatment of solid tumors. This review explores the role of TAMs in BC immunotherapy, summarizing their involvement in BC development. It also explains the classification and functions of TAMs, outlines current tumor immunotherapy approaches and combination therapies, and discusses the challenges and potential strategies for TAMs in immuno-oncology treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), Shenzhen University, 518052 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhihao Luo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zifen Guo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
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Whitman MA, Mantri M, Spanos E, Estroff LA, De Vlaminck I, Fischbach C. Bone mineral density affects tumor growth by shaping microenvironmental heterogeneity. Biomaterials 2025; 315:122916. [PMID: 39490060 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122916] [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: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/05/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer bone metastasis is a major cause of mortality in patients with advanced breast cancer. Although decreased mineral density is a known risk factor for bone metastasis, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood because studying the isolated effect of bone mineral density on tumor heterogeneity is challenging with conventional approaches. Moreover, mineralized biomaterials are commonly utilized for clinical bone defect repair, but how mineralized biomaterials affect the foreign body response and wound healing is unclear. Here, we investigate how bone mineral affects tumor growth and microenvironmental complexity in vivo by combining single-cell RNA-sequencing with mineral-containing or mineral-free decellularized bone matrices. We discover that the absence of bone mineral significantly influences fibroblast and immune cell heterogeneity, promoting phenotypes that increase tumor growth and alter the response to injury or disease. Importantly, we observe that the stromal response to bone mineral content depends on the murine tumor model used. While lack of bone mineral induces tumor-promoting microenvironments in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent animals, these changes are mediated by altered fibroblast phenotype in immunocompromised mice and macrophage polarization in immunocompetent mice. Collectively, our findings suggest that bone mineral density affects tumor growth by impacting microenvironmental complexity in an organism-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Whitman
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Madhav Mantri
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Emmanuel Spanos
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Lara A Estroff
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA; Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Iwijn De Vlaminck
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
| | - Claudia Fischbach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA; Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
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Tao X, Wang Y, Xiang B, Hu D, Xiong W, Liao W, Zhang S, Liu C, Wang X, Zhao Y. Sex bias in tumor immunity: insights from immune cells. Theranostics 2025; 15:5045-5072. [PMID: 40303343 PMCID: PMC12036885 DOI: 10.7150/thno.106465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Significant sex disparities have been observed in cancer incidence, treatment response to immunotherapy, and susceptibility to adverse effects, affecting both reproductive and non-reproductive organ cancers. While lifestyle factors, carcinogenic exposure, and healthcare access contribute to these disparities, they do not fully explain the observed male-female variation in anti-tumor immunity. Despite the preferential expression of sex hormone receptors in immune cells, X chromosome also contains numerous genes involved in immune function, and its incomplete inactivation may enhance anti-tumor immune responses in females. In contrast, loss or downregulation of Y-linked genes in males has been associated with an increased cancer risk. Additionally, estrogen, progesterone and androgen signaling pathways influence both innate and adaptive immune responses, contributing to sex-specific outcomes in cancer progression and therapy. Sex-biased differences are also evident in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, cellular senescence, microbiota composition, metabolism, and DNA damage response, all of which impact anti-tumor immunity and immunotherapy treatment efficacy. In general, the combination of sex chromosomes, sex hormones, and hormone receptors orchestrates the phenotype and function of various immune cells involved in tumor immunity. However, sex disparity in each specific immune cell are context and environment dependent, considering the preferential expression of hormone receptor in immune cell and sex hormone levels fluctuate significantly across different life stages. This review aims to outline the molecular, cellular, and epigenetic changes in T cells, B cells, NK cells, DCs, neutrophils, and macrophages driven by sex chromosomes and sex hormone signaling. These insights may inform the design of sex-specific targeted therapies and leading to more individualized cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerui Tao
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiling Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Binghua Xiang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongmei Hu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenjun Liao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shichuan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chi Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Oner G, Praet MM, Stoop H, Devi GR, Canturk NZ, Altintas S, Van Berckelaer C, Berneman Z, Tjalma W, Koljenovic S, van Dam PA. Tumor Microenvironment Modulation by Tumor-Associated Macrophages: Implications for Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS) 2025; 17:211-224. [PMID: 40008212 PMCID: PMC11853881 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s493085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025]
Abstract
Background Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute an important part of the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer (BC), and they play an essential role in modulating tumor growth and invasion. However, the role of TAMs in neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the function of TAM subtypes and investigate their role in the response to NAC in BC. Methods Presence of TAMs was examined immunohistochemically (IHC) in pre- and post- NAC treatment tumor tissue in a cohort of 138 BC patients. IHC staining with monoclonal antibodies for CD68 and CD163 were performed. Positivity was defined as staining > 1% TAMs in stroma and tumor cell nests. Response to NAC was evaluated according to tumor size change and Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) index. Results CD68+ and CD163+ TAMs decreased significantly in both the stroma and tumor nests (TN) after NAC. The median CD68+ TAMs in the stroma decreased significantly from 5% to 1% (p < 0.005), while CD163+ TAMs showed a marked reduction from 20% to 5% (p < 0.001). Post-NAC, the persistence of CD68+ and CD163+ TAMs in the stroma was strongly correlated with larger residual tumor size (p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Changes in CD163+ TAM levels in the stroma were significantly associated with RCB classes (p < 0.005). Pre-NAC, CD163+ TAMs in the stroma and TN showed a significant association with TILs; however, no correlations with TILs were observed post-NAC. Conclusion This study highlights the critical role of TAMs dynamics in shaping NAC response in BC. Notably, CD163+ TAMs may emerge as pivotal players in mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance and response, underscoring their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Oner
- Multidisciplinary Oncologic Centre Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of General Surgery, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | | | - Hans Stoop
- Department of Histopathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | | | | | - Sevilay Altintas
- Multidisciplinary Oncologic Centre Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Berckelaer
- Multidisciplinary Oncologic Centre Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Zwi Berneman
- Department of Hematology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Wiebren Tjalma
- Multidisciplinary Oncologic Centre Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Senada Koljenovic
- Department of Histopathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Peter A van Dam
- Multidisciplinary Oncologic Centre Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Guo Z, Zhu Z, Lin X, Wang S, Wen Y, Wang L, Zhi L, Zhou J. Tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer. Biomark Res 2024; 12:166. [PMID: 39741315 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00714-6] [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: 10/16/2024] [Accepted: 12/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer known for its high aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Conventional treatment of TNBC is challenging due to its heterogeneity and lack of clear targets. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have shown promise in treating TNBC, with immune checkpoint therapy playing a significant role in comprehensive treatment plans. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising immune cells, stromal cells, and various cytokines, plays a crucial role in TNBC progression and response to immunotherapy. The high presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and immune checkpoint proteins in TNBC indicates the potential of immunotherapeutic strategies. However, the complexity of the TME, while offering therapeutic targets, requires further exploration of its multiple roles in immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the interaction mechanism between TME and TNBC immunotherapy based on the characteristics and composition of TME, and elaborate on and analyze the effect of TME on immunotherapy, the potential of TME as an immune target, and the ability of TME as a biomarker. Understanding these dynamics will offer new insights for enhancing therapeutic approaches and investigating stratification and prognostic markers for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijie Guo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- Biomedical Research Center, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziyu Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- Biomedical Research Center, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xixi Lin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- Biomedical Research Center, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shenkangle Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- Biomedical Research Center, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yihong Wen
- Biomedical Research Center, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linbo Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Biomedical Research Center, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lili Zhi
- Biomedical Research Center, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jichun Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Biomedical Research Center, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
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Serrano García L, Jávega B, Llombart Cussac A, Gión M, Pérez-García JM, Cortés J, Fernández-Murga ML. Patterns of immune evasion in triple-negative breast cancer and new potential therapeutic targets: a review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1513421. [PMID: 39735530 PMCID: PMC11671371 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1513421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of progesterone and estrogen receptors and low (or absent) HER2 expression. TNBC accounts for 15-20% of all breast cancers. It is associated with younger age, a higher mutational burden, and an increased risk of recurrence and mortality. Standard treatment for TNBC primarily relies on cytotoxic agents, such as taxanes, anthracyclines, and platinum compounds for both early and advanced stages of the disease. Several targeted therapies, including bevacizumab and sunitinib, have failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefit in TNBC. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has revolutionized cancer treatment. By stimulating the immune system, ICIs induce a durable anti-tumor response across various solid tumors. TNBC is a particularly promising target for treatment with ICIs due to the higher levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), increased PD-L1 expression, and higher mutational burden, which generates tumor-specific neoantigens that activate immune cells. ICIs administered as monotherapy in advanced TNBC yields only a modest response; however, response rates significantly improve when ICIs are combined with cytotoxic agents, particularly in tumors expressing PD-L1. Pembrolizumab is approved for use in both early and advanced TNBC in combination with standard chemotherapy. However, more research is needed to identify more potent biomarkers, and to better elucidate the synergism of ICIs with other targeted agents. In this review, we explore the challenges of immunotherapy in TNBC, examining the mechanisms of tumor progression mediated by immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, and the signaling pathways involved in both primary and acquired resistance. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of ongoing clinical trials underway to investigate novel immune-targeted therapies for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Serrano García
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Jávega
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Llombart Cussac
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Grupo Oncología Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-Centro de Estudios Universitarios (CEU), Alfara del Patriarca, Spain
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MEDSIR), Oncoclínicas & Co., Jersey City, NJ, United States
| | - María Gión
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Pérez-García
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MEDSIR), Oncoclínicas & Co., Jersey City, NJ, United States
- International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Pangaea Oncology, Quiron Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Cortés
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MEDSIR), Oncoclínicas & Co., Jersey City, NJ, United States
- International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Pangaea Oncology, Quiron Group, Barcelona, Spain
- Universidad Europea de Madrid, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Leonor Fernández-Murga
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
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Zhou KQ, Zhong YC, Song MF, Sun YF, Zhu W, Cheng JW, Xu Y, Zhang ZF, Wang PX, Tang Z, Zhou J, Zhang LY, Fan J, Yang XR. Distinct immune microenvironment of venous tumor thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma at single-cell resolution. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-01104. [PMID: 39656099 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000001182] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) worsens the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma by increasing intrahepatic dissemination and inducing portal vein hypertension. However, the immune characteristics of PVTT remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the immune microenvironment in PVTT. APPROACH AND RESULTS Time-of-flight mass cytometry revealed that macrophages and monocytes were the dominant immune cell type in PVTT, with a higher proportion than in primary tumor and blood (54.1% vs. 26.3% and 9.1%, p< 0.05). The differentially enriched clustering of inhibitory and regulatory immune cells in PVTT indicated an immune-suppressive environment. According to the single-cell RNA sequencing, TAM-C5AR1 was characterized by leukocyte chemotaxis and was the most common subpopulation in PVTT (36.7%). Multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry staining showed that the C5aR + TAM/Mφ were enriched in PVTT compared to both the primary tumor and liver and positively correlated with C5a (r=0.559, p< 0.001). Notably, THP-1 (monocyte cell line) was recruited by CSQT2 (PVTT cell line) and exhibited up-regulation of CD163, CD206, and PD-L1 upon stimulation. C5aR antagonist could reverse this. C5aR + TAMs could also inhibit Granzyme B in CD8 + T cells. High infiltration of C5aR + TAMs in PVTT correlated with poor differentiation ( p< 0.009) and was a risk factor for overall survival ( p= 0.003) and for reformation of PVTT after resection ( p= 0.007). CONCLUSIONS TAMs, especially C5aR + TAMs, were enriched in PVTT. C5aR + TAMs contribute to the development of PVTT and poor prognosis by reshaping the immunosuppressive environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Qian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Department of Endoscopy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chen Zhong
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Fang Song
- Research Center for Life Sciences Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Fan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Wen Cheng
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Fan Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng-Xiang Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ye Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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10
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Yamaguchi-Tanaka M, Takagi K, Sato A, Yamazaki Y, Miyashita M, Masamune A, Suzuki T. Regulation of Stromal Cells by Sex Steroid Hormones in the Breast Cancer Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:4043. [PMID: 39682229 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16234043] [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: 10/31/2024] [Revised: 11/25/2024] [Accepted: 11/28/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a prevalent hormone-dependent malignancy, and estrogens/estrogen receptor (ER) signaling are pivotal therapeutic targets in ER-positive breast cancers, where endocrine therapy has significantly improved treatment efficacy. However, the emergence of both de novo and acquired resistance to these therapies continues to pose challenges. Additionally, androgens are produced locally in breast carcinoma tissues by androgen-producing enzymes, and the androgen receptor (AR) is commonly expressed in breast cancer cells. Intratumoral androgens play a significant role in breast cancer progression and are closely linked to resistance to endocrine treatments. The tumor microenvironment, consisting of tumor cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, and blood vessels, is crucial for tumor progression. Stromal cells influence tumor progression through direct interactions with cancer cells, the secretion of soluble factors, and modulation of tumor immunity. Estrogen and androgen signaling in breast cancer cells affects the tumor microenvironment, and the expression of hormone receptors correlates with the diversity of the stromal cell profile. Notably, various stromal cells also express ER or AR, which impacts breast cancer development. This review describes how sex steroid hormones, particularly estrogens and androgens, affect stromal cells in the breast cancer microenvironment. We summarize recent findings focusing on the effects of ER/AR signaling in breast cancer cells on stromal cells, as well as the direct effects of ER/AR signaling in stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Yamaguchi-Tanaka
- Personalized Medicine Center, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Takagi
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Ai Sato
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yuto Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Minoru Miyashita
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgical Oncology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Personalized Medicine Center, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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11
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Ge Y, Jiang L, Yang C, Dong Q, Tang C, Xu Y, Zhong X. Interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and regulated cell death: therapeutic implications in immuno-oncology. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1449696. [PMID: 39575419 PMCID: PMC11578871 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1449696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role in sculpting the tumor microenvironment and influencing cancer progression, particularly through their interactions with various forms of regulated cell death (RCD), including apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis. This review examines the interplay between TAMs and these RCD pathways, exploring the mechanisms through which they interact to promote tumor growth and advancement. We examine the underlying mechanisms of these intricate interactions, emphasizing their importance in cancer progression and treatment. Moreover, we present potential therapeutic strategies for targeting TAMs and manipulating RCD to enhance anti-tumor responses. These strategies encompass reprogramming TAMs, inhibiting their recruitment, and selectively eliminating them to enhance anti-tumor functions, alongside modulating RCD pathways to amplify immune responses. These insights offer a novel perspective on tumor biology and provide a foundation for the development of more efficacious cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Ge
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lixue Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chengru Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qingfu Dong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chengwu Tang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Huzhou Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Huzhou Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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12
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Kerneur C, Foucher E, Guillén Casas J, Colazet M, Le KS, Fullana M, Bergot E, Audemard C, Drapeau M, Louche P, Gorvel L, Rouvière MS, Boucherit N, Audebert S, Magrini E, Carnevale S, de Gassart A, Madakamutil L, Mantovani A, Garlanda C, Agaugué S, Cano CE, Olive D. BTN2A1 targeting reprograms M2-like macrophages and TAMs via SYK and MAPK signaling. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114773. [PMID: 39325623 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114773] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), often adopting an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype, correlate with unfavorable cancer outcomes. Our investigation unveiled elevated expression of the butyrophilin (BTN)2A1 in M2-like TAMs across diverse cancer types. We developed anti-BTN2A1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and notably, one clone demonstrated a robust inhibitory effect on M2-like macrophage differentiation, inducing a shift toward an M1-like phenotype both in vitro and ex vivo in TAMs from patients with cancer. Macrophages treated with this anti-BTN2A1 mAb exhibited enhanced support for T cell proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) secretion. Mechanistically, BTN2A1 engagement induced spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) recruitment, leading to sequential SYK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Inhibition of SYK or ERK phosphorylation abolished M2 reprogramming upon BTN2A1 engagement. Our findings, derived from an analysis of macrophages from healthy donors and human tumors, underscore the pivotal role of BTN2A1 in immunosuppressive macrophage differentiation and function, offering potential applications in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Kerneur
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France; Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Etienne Foucher
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France
| | | | - Magali Colazet
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Kieu-Suong Le
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Marie Fullana
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Elise Bergot
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France
| | | | - Marion Drapeau
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Pauline Louche
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Gorvel
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Sarah Rouvière
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Boucherit
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Audebert
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille Protéomique, Marseille, France
| | - Elena Magrini
- IRCCS, Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Aude de Gassart
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France
| | | | - Alberto Mantovani
- IRCCS, Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | | | - Sophie Agaugué
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Carla E Cano
- ImCheck Therapeutics, R&D Department, 13009 Marseille, France.
| | - Daniel Olive
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, 13009 Marseille, France.
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13
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Wisitpongpun P, Buakaew W, Pongcharoen S, Apiratmateekul N, Potup P, Daowtak K, Krobthong S, Yingchutrakul Y, Brindley PJ, Usuwanthim K. Proteomic profiling of oleamide-mediated polarization in a primary human monocyte-derived tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) model: a functional analysis. PeerJ 2024; 12:e18090. [PMID: 39308806 PMCID: PMC11416084 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical function in the development of tumors and are associated with protumor M2 phenotypes. Shifting TAMs towards antitumor M1 phenotypes holds promise for tumor immunotherapy. Oleamide, a primary fatty acid amide, has emerged as a potent anticancer and immunomodulatory compound. However, the regulatory effects of oleamide on TAM phenotypes remain unclear. METHODS We used real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques to study the influence of oleamide on primary human monocyte-derived TAM phenotypes, and we investigated the protein expression profiles based on mass spectrometry to analyze the effect of oleamide on macrophage polarization. Moreover, the advantageous binding scores between oleamide and these target candidate proteins are examined using molecular docking. RESULTS Our study revealed that oleamide effectively suppressed the M2-like TAM phenotype by reducing interleukin (IL)-10 production and downregulating M2-like markers, including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), MYC proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor (c-Myc), and mannose receptor C-type 1 (CD206). Moreover, the conditioned medium derived from oleamide-treated TAMs induces apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Proteomic analysis identified 20 candidate up- and down-regulation proteins targeted by oleamide, showing modulation activity associated with the promotion of the M1-like phenotype. Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated favorable binding scores between oleamide and these candidate proteins. Collectively, our findings suggest that oleamide exerts a potent antitumor effect by promoting the antitumor M1-like TAM phenotype. These novel insights provide valuable resources for further investigations into oleamide and macrophage polarization which inhibit the progression of breast cancer, which may provide insight into immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapakorn Wisitpongpun
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Mueang, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Watunyoo Buakaew
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Mueang, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sutatip Pongcharoen
- Division of Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Mueang, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Napaporn Apiratmateekul
- Reference Material and Medical Laboratory Innovation Research Unit, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Mueang, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Pachuen Potup
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Mueang, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Krai Daowtak
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Mueang, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Sucheewin Krobthong
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry (CENP), Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, NSTDA, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Yodying Yingchutrakul
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, NSTDA, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, District of Columbia, WA, United States of America
| | - Kanchana Usuwanthim
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Mueang, Phitsanulok, Thailand
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14
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Whitman MA, Mantri M, Spanos E, Estroff LA, De Vlaminck I, Fischbach C. Bone mineral density affects tumor growth by shaping microenvironmental heterogeneity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.19.604333. [PMID: 39091735 PMCID: PMC11291034 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.19.604333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer bone metastasis is the leading cause of mortality in patients with advanced breast cancer. Although decreased mineral density is a known risk factor for bone metastasis, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood because studying the isolated effect of bone mineral density on tumor heterogeneity is challenging with conventional approaches. Here, we investigate how bone mineral content affects tumor growth and microenvironmental complexity in vivo by combining single-cell RNA-sequencing with mineral-containing or mineral-free decellularized bone matrices. We discover that the absence of bone mineral significantly influences fibroblast and immune cell heterogeneity, promoting phenotypes that increase tumor growth and alter the response to injury or disease. Importantly, we observe that the stromal response to matrix mineral content depends on host immunocompetence and the murine tumor model used. Collectively, our findings suggest that bone mineral density affects tumor growth by altering microenvironmental complexity in an organism-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Whitman
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850
| | - Madhav Mantri
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850
| | - Emmanuel Spanos
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850
| | - Lara A. Estroff
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850
| | - Iwijn De Vlaminck
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850
| | - Claudia Fischbach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850
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15
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Kumari A, Syeda S, Rawat K, Kumari R, Shrivastava A. Melatonin modulates L-arginine metabolism in tumor-associated macrophages by targeting arginase 1 in lymphoma. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1163-1179. [PMID: 37639022 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02676-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
L-Arginine metabolism plays a crucial role in determining the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. The M1 macrophages express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while the M2 macrophages express arginase 1 and metabolize arginine into nitric oxide and urea, respectively. The tumor microenvironment promotes M2 macrophage polarization and consequently switches the metabolic fate of arginine from nitric oxide towards urea production. Importantly, infiltration of M2 macrophages or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has been correlated with poor prognosis of various cancer types. Melatonin is well reported to have antitumor and immunomodulatory properties. However, whether and how it impacts the polarization of TAMs has not been elucidated. Considering the crucial role of arginine metabolism in macrophage polarization, we were interested to know the fate of L-arginine in TAMs and whether it can be reinstated by melatonin or not. We used a murine model of Dalton's lymphoma and established an in vitro model of TAMs. For TAMs, we used the ascitic fluid of tumor-bearing hosts to activate the macrophages in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In these groups, L-arginine metabolism was evaluated, and then the effect of melatonin was assessed in these groups, wherein the metabolic fate of arginine as well as the expression of iNOS and arginase 1 were checked. Furthermore, in the in vivo system of the tumor-bearing host, the effect of melatonin was assessed. The in vitro model of TAMs showed a Th2 cytokine profile, reduced phagocytic activity, and increased wound healing ability. Upon investigating arginine metabolism, we observed high urea levels with increased activity and expression of arginase 1 in TAMs. Furthermore, we observed reduced levels of LPS-induced nitric oxide in TAMs; however, their iNOS expression was comparable. With melatonin treatment, urea level decreased significantly, while the reduction in nitric oxide level was not as significant as observed in its absence in TAMs. Also, melatonin significantly reduced arginase activity and expression at the transcriptional and translational levels, while iNOS expression was affected only at the translational level. This effect was further investigated in the in vivo system, wherein melatonin treatment reversed the metabolic fate of arginine, from urea towards nitric oxide, within the tumor microenvironment. This effect was further correlated with pro-apoptotic tumor cell death in the in vivo system. Our results reinforced the immunomodulatory role of melatonin and offered a strong prospect for activating the anti-tumor immune response in cancer conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupma Kumari
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Saima Syeda
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Kavita Rawat
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Rani Kumari
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Anju Shrivastava
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
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16
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Ortiz JR, Lewis SM, Ciccone M, Chatterjee D, Henry S, Siepel A, Dos Santos CO. Single-Cell Transcription Mapping of Murine and Human Mammary Organoids Responses to Female Hormones. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2024; 29:3. [PMID: 38289401 PMCID: PMC10827859 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-023-09553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
During female adolescence and pregnancy, rising levels of hormones result in a cyclic source of signals that control the development of mammary tissue. While such alterations are well understood from a whole-gland perspective, the alterations that such hormones bring to organoid cultures derived from mammary glands have yet to be fully mapped. This is of special importance given that organoids are considered suitable systems to understand cross species breast development. Here we utilized single-cell transcriptional profiling to delineate responses of murine and human normal breast organoid systems to female hormones across evolutionary distinct species. Collectively, our study represents a molecular atlas of epithelial dynamics in response to estrogen and pregnancy hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven M Lewis
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Michael Ciccone
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | | | - Samantha Henry
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Adam Siepel
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
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17
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Pu Q, Gao H. The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Triple-Positive Breast Cancer Progression and Therapeutic Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5493. [PMID: 38001753 PMCID: PMC10670777 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225493] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BRCA) is a highly heterogeneous systemic disease. It is ranked first globally in the incidence of new cancer cases and has emerged as the primary cause of cancer-related death among females. Among the distinct subtypes of BRCA, triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC) has been associated with increased metastasis and invasiveness, exhibiting greater resistance to endocrine therapy involving trastuzumab. It is now understood that invasion, metastasis, and treatment resistance associated with BRCA progression are not exclusively due to breast tumor cells but are from the intricate interplay between BRCA and its tumor microenvironment (TME). Accordingly, understanding the pathogenesis and evolution of the TPBC microenvironment demands a comprehensive approach. Moreover, addressing BRCA treatment necessitates a holistic consideration of the TME, bearing significant implications for identifying novel targets for anticancer interventions. This review expounds on the relationship between critical cellular components and factors in the TPBC microenvironment and the inception, advancement, and therapeutic resistance of breast cancer to provide perspectives on the latest research on TPBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Pu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, China;
- Oncology Laboratory, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, China
| | - Haidong Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, China;
- Oncology Laboratory, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, China
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18
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Gadde M, Mehrabi-Dehdezi M, Debeb BG, Woodward WA, Rylander MN. Influence of Macrophages on Vascular Invasion of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Emboli Measured Using an In Vitro Microfluidic Multi-Cellular Platform. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4883. [PMID: 37835577 PMCID: PMC10571588 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis and a lack of effective treatments. It is widely established that understanding the interactions between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and the tumor microenvironment is essential for identifying distinct targeting markers that help with prognosis and subsequent development of effective treatments. In this study, we present a 3D in vitro microfluidic IBC platform consisting of THP1 M0, M1, or M2 macrophages, IBC cells, and endothelial cells. The platform comprises a collagen matrix that includes an endothelialized vessel, creating a physiologically relevant environment for cellular interactions. Through the utilization of this platform, it was discovered that the inclusion of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) led to an increase in the formation of new blood vessel sprouts and enhanced permeability of the endothelium, regardless of the macrophage phenotype. Interestingly, the platforms containing THP-1 M1 or M2 macrophages exhibited significantly greater porosity in the collagen extracellular matrix (ECM) compared to the platforms containing THP-1 M0 and the MDA-IBC3 cells alone. Cytokine analysis revealed that IL-8 and MMP9 showed selective increases when macrophages were cultured in the platforms. Notably, intravasation of tumor cells into the vessels was observed exclusively in the platform containing MDA-IBC3 and M0 macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasa Gadde
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; (M.G.); (M.M.-D.)
| | - Melika Mehrabi-Dehdezi
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; (M.G.); (M.M.-D.)
| | - Bisrat G. Debeb
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- MD Anderson Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic and Research Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Wendy A. Woodward
- MD Anderson Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic and Research Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marissa Nichole Rylander
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; (M.G.); (M.M.-D.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Oden Institute for Computational and Engineering Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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19
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Hao M, Huang B, Wu R, Peng Z, Luo KQ. The Interaction between Macrophages and Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells Induces ROS-Mediated Interleukin 1α Expression to Enhance Tumorigenesis and Metastasis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302857. [PMID: 37551997 PMCID: PMC10582438 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has higher mortality than non-TNBC because of its stronger metastatic capacity. Increasing studies reported that TNBC tumors had more macrophage infiltration than non-TNBC tumors, which promoted the metastasis of TNBC cells. However, how TNBC cells become more malignant after interacting with macrophages is less reported. In this study, it is observed that when TNBC cells are co-cultured with macrophages, they display higher viability and stronger metastatic ability than non-TNBC cells. Mechanistic studies reveal that TNBC cells acquired these abilities via interactions with macrophages in three phases. First, within 12 h of co-culture with macrophages, some TNBC cells have significantly elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which upregulate interleukin 1α (IL1α) expression in ERK1/2-c-Jun- and NF-κB-dependent manners at 24-48 h. Second, the secreted IL1α bound to IL1R1 activates the ERK1/2-ZEB1-VIM pathway which increases metastasis. Third, IL1α/IL1R1 facilitates its own synthesis and induces the expression of IL1β and IL8 at 72-96 h through the MKK4-JNK-c-Jun and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, a higher level of IL1α is positively correlated with more macrophage infiltration and shorter overall survival in breast cancer patients. Thus, reducing ROS elevation or downregulating IL1α expression can serve as new strategies to decrease metastasis of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Hao
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
| | - Renfei Wu
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
| | - Zheng Peng
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision OncologyUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
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20
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Shang L, Zhong Y, Yao Y, Liu C, Wang L, Zhang W, Liu J, Wang X, Sun C. Subverted macrophages in the triple-negative breast cancer ecosystem. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115414. [PMID: 37660651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115414] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most critical effector cells of innate immunity and the most abundant tumor-infiltrating immune cells. They play a key role in the clearance of apoptotic bodies, regulation of inflammation, and tissue repair to maintain homeostasis in vivo. With the progression of triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC), TAMs are "subverted" from tumor-promoting immune cells to tumor-promoting immune suppressor cells, which play a significant role in tumor development and are considered potential targets for cancer therapy. Here, we explored how macrophages, as the most important part of the TNBC ecosystem, are "subverted" to drive cancer evolution and the uniqueness of TAMs in TNBC progression and metastasis. Similarly, we discuss the rationale and available evidence for TAMs as potential targets for TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiao Shang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Yuting Zhong
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Yan Yao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jingyang Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Xue Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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21
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Ortiz JR, Lewis SM, Ciccone MF, Chatterjee D, Henry S, Siepel A, Dos Santos CO. Single-cell transcription mapping of murine and human mammary organoids responses to female hormones. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.28.559971. [PMID: 37808747 PMCID: PMC10557705 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.559971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
During female adolescence and pregnancy, rising levels of hormones result in a cyclic source of signals that control the development of mammary tissue. While such alterations are well understood from a whole-gland perspective, the alterations that such hormones bring to organoid cultures derived from mammary glands have yet to be fully mapped. This is of special importance given that organoids are considered suitable systems to understand cross species breast development. Here we utilized single-cell transcriptional profiling to delineate responses of murine and human normal breast organoid systems to female hormones across evolutionary distinct species. Collectively, our study represents a molecular atlas of epithelial dynamics in response to estrogen and pregnancy hormones.
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22
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Korotkaja K, Jansons J, Spunde K, Rudevica Z, Zajakina A. Establishment and Characterization of Free-Floating 3D Macrophage Programming Model in the Presence of Cancer Cell Spheroids. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10763. [PMID: 37445941 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Several studies have shown that cancer cells induce/support the formation of immunosuppressive TAMs phenotypes. However, the specific factors that orchestrate this immunosuppressive process are unknown or poorly studied. In vivo studies are expensive, complex, and ethically constrained. Therefore, 3D cell interaction models could become a unique framework for the identification of important TAMs programming factors. In this study, we have established and characterized a new in vitro 3D model for macrophage programming in the presence of cancer cell spheroids. First, it was demonstrated that the profile of cytokines, chemokines, and surface markers of 3D-cultured macrophages did not differ conceptually from monolayer-cultured M1 and M2-programmed macrophages. Second, the possibility of reprogramming macrophages in 3D conditions was investigated. In total, the dynamic changes in 6 surface markers, 11 cytokines, and 22 chemokines were analyzed upon macrophage programming (M1 and M2) and reprogramming (M1→M2 and M2→M1). According to the findings, the reprogramming resulted in a mixed macrophage phenotype that expressed both immunosuppressive and anti-cancer immunostimulatory features. Third, cancer cell spheroids were shown to stimulate the production of immunosuppressive M2 markers as well as pro-tumor cytokines and chemokines. In summary, the newly developed 3D model of cancer cell spheroid/macrophage co-culture under free-floating conditions can be used for studies on macrophage plasticity and for the development of targeted cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Korotkaja
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, k.1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Juris Jansons
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, k.1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Karina Spunde
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, k.1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Zhanna Rudevica
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, k.1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Anna Zajakina
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, k.1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
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23
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Rodriguez-Perdigon M, Haeni L, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Rüegg C. Dual CSF1R inhibition and CD40 activation demonstrates anti-tumor activity in a 3D macrophage- HER2 + breast cancer spheroid model. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1159819. [PMID: 37346794 PMCID: PMC10281737 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1159819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex interaction between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor cells through soluble factors provides essential cues for breast cancer progression. TAMs-targeted therapies have shown promising clinical therapeutical potential against cancer progression. The molecular mechanisms underlying the response to TAMs-targeted therapies depends on complex dynamics of immune cross-talk and its understanding is still incomplete. In vitro models are helpful to decipher complex responses to combined immunotherapies. In this study, we established and characterized a 3D human macrophage-ER+ PR+ HER2+ breast cancer model, referred to as macrophage-tumor spheroid (MTS). Macrophages integrated within the MTS had a mixed M2/M1 phenotype, abrogated the anti-proliferative effect of trastuzumab on tumor cells, and responded to IFNγ with increased M1-like polarization. The targeted treatment of MTS with a combined CSF1R kinase inhibitor and an activating anti-CD40 antibody increased M2 over M1 phenotype (CD163+/CD86+ and CD206+/CD86+ ratio) in time, abrogated G2/M cell cycle phase transition of cancer cells, promoted the secretion of TNF-α and reduced cancer cell viability. In comparison, combined treatment in a 2D macrophage-cancer cell co-culture model reduced M2 over M1 phenotype and decreased cancer cell viability. Our work shows that this MTS model is responsive to TAMs-targeted therapies, and may be used to study the response of ER+ PR+ HER2+ breast cancer lines to novel TAM-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Rodriguez-Perdigon
- Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laetitia Haeni
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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24
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Shettigar A, Salunke R, Modi D, Mukherjee N. Targeting molecular cross-talk between tumor cells and tumor associated macrophage as therapeutic strategy in triple negative breast cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110250. [PMID: 37163922 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110250] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative Breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer (BC) that lacks expression for ER/PR/Her2 receptors and is associated with aggressive disease pathogenesis and the worst prognosis among other subtypes of BC. Accumulating evidence-based studies indicate the high immunogenic ability of TNBC tumors and the applicability of immunotherapeutic strategies to overcome therapy resistance and tumor recurrence in TNBC patients. However, not all TNBC patients respond equally well to current immunotherapies that mainly target the adaptive immune system for tumor rejection. Recent studies are contemplating the efficacy of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) targeted therapies since these subpopulations of cells comprise one of the major components of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIIs) in the TNBC tumor microenvironment (TME) and play an essential role in priming the adaptive immune response mediators towards both antitumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic response facilitated by intercellular cross-talk between tumor cells and TAM populations present within TNBC-TME. The present review discusses these molecular mechanisms and their consequence on the progression of TNBC tumors. Also, the therapeutic strategies targeting candidate genes/pathways involved in molecular cross-talk between TAM-TNBC cells and their impact on the development and progression of TNBC tumors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Shettigar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Rushigandha Salunke
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Nupur Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
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25
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Swietlik JJ, Bärthel S, Falcomatà C, Fink D, Sinha A, Cheng J, Ebner S, Landgraf P, Dieterich DC, Daub H, Saur D, Meissner F. Cell-selective proteomics segregates pancreatic cancer subtypes by extracellular proteins in tumors and circulation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2642. [PMID: 37156840 PMCID: PMC10167354 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38171-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-selective proteomics is a powerful emerging concept to study heterocellular processes in tissues. However, its high potential to identify non-cell-autonomous disease mechanisms and biomarkers has been hindered by low proteome coverage. Here, we address this limitation and devise a comprehensive azidonorleucine labeling, click chemistry enrichment, and mass spectrometry-based proteomics and secretomics strategy to dissect aberrant signals in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our in-depth co-culture and in vivo analyses cover more than 10,000 cancer cell-derived proteins and reveal systematic differences between molecular PDAC subtypes. Secreted proteins, such as chemokines and EMT-promoting matrisome proteins, associated with distinct macrophage polarization and tumor stromal composition, differentiate classical and mesenchymal PDAC. Intriguingly, more than 1,600 cancer cell-derived proteins including cytokines and pre-metastatic niche formation-associated factors in mouse serum reflect tumor activity in circulation. Our findings highlight how cell-selective proteomics can accelerate the discovery of diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Swietlik
- Experimental Systems Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bärthel
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center and German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chiara Falcomatà
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center and German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Diana Fink
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Systems Immunology and Proteomics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ankit Sinha
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jingyuan Cheng
- Experimental Systems Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefan Ebner
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Systems Immunology and Proteomics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Landgraf
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela C Dieterich
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Daub
- NEOsphere Biotechnologies GmbH, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center and German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Felix Meissner
- Experimental Systems Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Systems Immunology and Proteomics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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26
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Zhan C, Jin Y, Xu X, Shao J, Jin C. Antitumor therapy for breast cancer: Focus on tumor-associated macrophages and nanosized drug delivery systems. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 36794651 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In breast cancer (BC), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment and are closely related to poor prognosis. A growing number of studies have focused on the role of TAMs in BC progression and therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs. As an emerging treatment, the application of nanosized drug delivery systems (NDDSs) in the treatment of BC by targeting TAMs has attracted much attention. AIMS This review is to summarize the characteristics and treatment strategies targeting TAMs in BC and to clarify the applications of NDDSs targeting TAMs in the treatment of BC by targeting TAMs. MATERIALS & METHODS The existing results related to characteristics of TAMs in BC, BC treatment strategies by targeting TAMs, and the applications of NDDSs in these strategies are described. Through analyzing these results, the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment strategies using NDDSs are discussed, which could provide advices on designing NDDSs for BC treatment. RESULTS TAMs are one of the most prominent noncancer cell types in BC. TAMs not only promote angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis but also lead to therapeutic resistance and immunosuppression. Mainly four strategies have been used to target TAMs for BC therapy, which include depleting macrophages, blocking recruitment, reprogramming to attain an anti-tumor phenotype, and increasing phagocytosis. Since NDDSs can efficiently deliver drugs to TAMs with low toxicity, they are promising approaches for targeting TAMs in tumor therapy. NDDSs with various structures can deliver immunotherapeutic agents and nucleic acid therapeutics to TAMs. In addition, NDDSs can realize combination therapies. DISCUSSION TAMs play a critical role in the progression of BC. An increasing number of strategies have been proposed to regulate TAMs. Compared with free drugs, NDDSs targeting TAMs improve drug concentration, reduce toxicity and realize combination therapies. However, in order to achieve better therapeutic efficacy, there are still some disadvantages that need to be considered in the design of NDDSs. CONCLUSION TAMs play an important role in the progression of BC, and targeting TAMs is a promising strategy for BC therapy. In particular, NDDSs targeting TAMs have unique advantages and are potential treatments for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Zhan
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinzhi Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Ultrasound, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangbo Shao
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunxiang Jin
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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27
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Wen D, Liang T, Chen G, Li H, Wang Z, Wang J, Fu R, Han X, Ci T, Zhang Y, Abdou P, Li R, Bu L, Dotti G, Gu Z. Adipocytes Encapsulating Telratolimod Recruit and Polarize Tumor-Associated Macrophages for Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206001. [PMID: 36526596 PMCID: PMC9929126 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated adipocytes (TAAs) recruit monocytes and promote their differentiation into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that support tumor development. Here, TAAs are engineered to promote the polarization of TAMs to the tumor suppressive M1 phenotype. Telratolimod, a toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist, is loaded into the lipid droplets of adipocytes to be released at the tumor site upon tumor cell-triggered lipolysis. Locally administered drug-loaded adipocytes increased tumor suppressive M1 macrophages in both primary and distant tumors and suppressed tumor growth in a melanoma model. Furthermore, drug-loaded adipocytes improved CD8+ T cell-mediated immune responses within the tumor microenvironment and favored dendritic cell maturation in the tumor draining lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wen
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
- Earle A. Chiles Research InstituteRobert W. Franz Cancer CenterProvidence Portland Medical CenterPortlandOregon97213USA
| | - Tingxizi Liang
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang ProvinceCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang ProvinceCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Zejun Wang
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
| | - Jinqiang Wang
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang ProvinceCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Ruxing Fu
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
| | - Tianyuan Ci
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
| | - Yuqi Zhang
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang ProvinceCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Peter Abdou
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
| | - Ruoxin Li
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
| | - Linlin Bu
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Zhen Gu
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90095USA
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang ProvinceCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang UniversityJinhua321299P. R. China
- Department of General SurgerySir Run Run Shaw HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310016China
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28
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Saha S, Pradhan N, B N, Mahadevappa R, Minocha S, Kumar S. Cancer plasticity: Investigating the causes for this agility. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:138-156. [PMID: 36584960 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is not a hard-wired phenomenon but an evolutionary disease. From the onset of carcinogenesis, cancer cells continuously adapt and evolve to satiate their ever-growing proliferation demands. This results in the formation of multiple subtypes of cancer cells with different phenotypes, cellular compositions, and consequently displaying varying degrees of tumorigenic identity and function. This phenomenon is referred to as cancer plasticity, during which the cancer cells exist in a plethora of cellular states having distinct phenotypes. With the advent of modern technologies equipped with enhanced resolution and depth, for example, single-cell RNA-sequencing and advanced computational tools, unbiased cancer profiling at a single-cell resolution are leading the way in understanding cancer cell rewiring both spatially and temporally. In this review, the processes and mechanisms that give rise to cancer plasticity include both intrinsic genetic factors such as epigenetic changes, differential expression due to changes in DNA, RNA, or protein content within the cancer cell, as well as extrinsic environmental factors such as tissue perfusion, extracellular milieu are detailed and their influence on key cancer plasticity hallmarks such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell stemness (CSCs) are discussed. Due to therapy evasion and drug resistance, tumor heterogeneity caused by cancer plasticity has major therapeutic ramifications. Hence, it is crucial to comprehend all the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control cellular plasticity. How this process evades therapy, and the therapeutic avenue of targeting cancer plasticity must be diligently investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhraneel Saha
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Nikita Pradhan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Neha B
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Ravikiran Mahadevappa
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562163, India
| | - Shilpi Minocha
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Saran Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
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Pal S, Sharma A, Mathew SP, Jaganathan BG. Targeting cancer-specific metabolic pathways for developing novel cancer therapeutics. Front Immunol 2022; 13:955476. [PMID: 36618350 PMCID: PMC9815821 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.955476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by various genetic and phenotypic aberrations. Cancer cells undergo genetic modifications that promote their proliferation, survival, and dissemination as the disease progresses. The unabated proliferation of cancer cells incurs an enormous energy demand that is supplied by metabolic reprogramming. Cancer cells undergo metabolic alterations to provide for increased energy and metabolite requirement; these alterations also help drive the tumor progression. Dysregulation in glucose uptake and increased lactate production via "aerobic glycolysis" were described more than 100 years ago, and since then, the metabolic signature of various cancers has been extensively studied. However, the extensive research in this field has failed to translate into significant therapeutic intervention, except for treating childhood-ALL with amino acid metabolism inhibitor L-asparaginase. Despite the growing understanding of novel metabolic alterations in tumors, the therapeutic targeting of these tumor-specific dysregulations has largely been ineffective in clinical trials. This chapter discusses the major pathways involved in the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and lipids and highlights the inter-twined nature of metabolic aberrations that promote tumorigenesis in different types of cancer. Finally, we summarise the therapeutic interventions which can be used as a combinational therapy to target metabolic dysregulations that are unique or common in blood, breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumik Pal
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Sam Padalumavunkal Mathew
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India,Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India,*Correspondence: Bithiah Grace Jaganathan,
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30
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Wang Y, Wu Z, Chen H, Liu R, Zhang W, Chen X. Astragalus polysaccharides protect against inactivated Vibrio alginolyticus-induced inflammatory injury in macrophages of large yellow croaker. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 131:95-104. [PMID: 36206995 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.09.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As an effective immunostimulant, Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have been widely used in fish aquaculture, however, their action mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the present paper, the inflammatory macrophage model of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) was constructed by using formalin-inactivated Vibrio alginolyticus. Inactivated V. alginolyticus could cause cellular damage of primary head kidney macrophages (PKM) by decreasing cell activity and inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis. When PKM were pretreated with APS, the depressed cell activity induced by inactivated V. alginolyticus was significantly improved, and ROS overproduction and cell apoptosis were inhibited. Then the protection mechanism of APS was investigated by transcriptome analysis. After treated with inactivated V. alginolyticus, the expression of immune-related genes (TLR5s, TLR13, Clec4e, IKK, IκB, BCL-3, NF-κB2, REL, IL-1β, and IL-6) and pyroptosis-related genes (caspase-1, NLRP3, and NLRC3) in PKM were significantly up-regulated. However, APS pretreatment reversed the up-regulation of most of the above-mentioned genes, where TLR5s, BCL-3, REL, caspase-1, NLRP12, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly down-regulated compared with inactivated V. alginolyticus-treated group. These results suggested that APS could protect large yellow croaker PKM against inactivated V. alginolyticus-induced inflammatory injury, and may exert their protection effects by activating NF-κB and pyroptosis signaling pathways. These findings therefore advance our understanding of the immune regulation mechanism of APS in fish, and facilitate the application of APS in prevention and control of fish bacteriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, PR China
| | - Ziliang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, PR China
| | - Hui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, PR China
| | - Ruoyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, PR China
| | - Weini Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, PR China; University Key Lab for Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Veterinary Medicine and Animal Healthcare in Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, PR China.
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, PR China.
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31
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Shojaee P, Mornata F, Deutsch A, Locati M, Hatzikirou H. The impact of tumor associated macrophages on tumor biology under the lens of mathematical modelling: A review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1050067. [PMID: 36439180 PMCID: PMC9685623 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1050067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we review the role of mathematical modelling to elucidate the impact of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor progression and therapy design. We first outline the biology of TAMs, and its current application in tumor therapies, and their experimental methods that provide insights into tumor cell-macrophage interactions. We then focus on the mechanistic mathematical models describing the role of macrophages as drug carriers, the impact of macrophage polarized activation on tumor growth, and the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) parameters on the tumor-macrophage interactions. This review aims to identify the synergies between biological and mathematical approaches that allow us to translate knowledge on fundamental TAMs biology in addressing current clinical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pejman Shojaee
- Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Federica Mornata
- Leukocyte Biology Lab, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Andreas Deutsch
- Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Massimo Locati
- Leukocyte Biology Lab, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, Universitàdegli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Haralampos Hatzikirou
- Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Mathematics Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Centre (HEIC), Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Kerneur C, Cano CE, Olive D. Major pathways involved in macrophage polarization in cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1026954. [PMID: 36325334 PMCID: PMC9618889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1026954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play an important role in tissue homeostasis, tissue remodeling, immune response, and progression of cancer. Consequently, macrophages exhibit significant plasticity and change their transcriptional profile and function in response to environmental, tissue, and inflammatory stimuli resulting in pro- and anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, the categorization of tissue macrophages in inflammatory situations remains difficult; however, there is an agreement that macrophages are predominantly polarized into two different subtypes with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties, the so-called M1-like and M2-like macrophages, respectively. These two macrophage classes can be considered as the extreme borders of a continuum of many intermediate subsets. On one end, M1 are pro-inflammatory macrophages that initiate an immunological response, damage tissue integrity, and dampen tumor progression by fostering robust T and natural killer (NK) cell anti-tumoral responses. On the other end, M2 are anti-inflammatory macrophages involved in tissue remodeling and tumor growth, that promote cancer cell proliferation, invasion, tumor metastasis, angiogenesis and that participate to immune suppression. These decisive roles in tumor progression occur through the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteases, as well as by the expression of immune checkpoint receptors in the case of M2 macrophages. Moreover, macrophage plasticity is supported by stimuli from the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) that are relayed to the nucleus through membrane receptors and signaling pathways that result in gene expression reprogramming in macrophages, thus giving rise to different macrophage polarization outcomes. In this review, we will focus on the main signaling pathways involved in macrophage polarization that are activated upon ligand-receptor recognition and in the presence of other immunomodulatory molecules in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Kerneur
- ImCheck Therapeutics, Marseille, France
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Clément Kerneur, ; Carla E. Cano, ; Daniel Olive,
| | - Carla E. Cano
- ImCheck Therapeutics, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Clément Kerneur, ; Carla E. Cano, ; Daniel Olive,
| | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Clément Kerneur, ; Carla E. Cano, ; Daniel Olive,
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Giorgadze T, Fischel H, Tessier A, Norton KA. Investigating Two Modes of Cancer-Associated Antigen Heterogeneity in an Agent-Based Model of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193165. [PMID: 36231127 PMCID: PMC9561977 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown much promise in liquid tumors but often fails in solid tumors. This work uses a computational model to examine under what conditions this therapy might fail or be successful. The model includes interactions between cancer cells, CAR T-cells (treatment), and vascular cells (that feed and support tumor growth). From our results, we determined specific tumor conditions in which CAR T-cell therapy is predicted to fail and suggest a combination treatment that might improve the efficacy of the treatment. Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has been successful in treating liquid tumors but has had limited success in solid tumors. This work examines unanswered questions regarding CAR T-cell therapy using computational modeling, such as, what percentage of the tumor must express cancer-associated antigens for treatment to be successful? The model includes cancer cell and vascular and CAR T-cell modules that interact with each other. We compare two different models of antigen expression on tumor cells, binary (in which cancer cells are either susceptible or are immune to CAR T-cell therapy) and gradated (where each cancer cell has a probability of being killed by a CAR T-cell). We vary the antigen expression levels within the tumor and determine how effective each treatment is for the two models. The simulations show that the gradated antigen model eliminates the tumor under more parameter values than the binary model. Under both models, shielding, in which the low/non-antigen-expressing cells protect high antigen-expressing cells, reduced the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy. One prediction is that a combination of CAR T-cell therapies that targets the general population of cells as well as one that specifically targets cancer stem cells should increase its efficacy.
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Pe KCS, Saetung R, Yodsurang V, Chaotham C, Suppipat K, Chanvorachote P, Tawinwung S. Triple-negative breast cancer influences a mixed M1/M2 macrophage phenotype associated with tumor aggressiveness. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273044. [PMID: 35960749 PMCID: PMC9374254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by excessive accumulation of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs consist of a heterogeneous population with high plasticity and are associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Moreover, breast cancer cells can secrete factors that influence TAM polarization. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the crosstalk between cancer cells and macrophages in the context of TNBC. Cytokine-polarized M2 macrophage were used as control. Distinct from the classical M2 macrophage, TAMs generated from TNBC-conditioned media upregulated both M1- and M2-associated genes, and secreted both the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin IL-10 and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor- α. Theses TNBC-induced TAMs exert aggressive behavior of TNBC cells. Consistently, TCGA and MTABRIC analyses of human breast cancer revealed upregulation of M1- associated genes in TNBC comparing with non-TNBC. Among these M1-associated genes, CXCL10 and IL1B were revealed to be independent prognostic factors for disease progression. In conclusion, TNBC cells induce macrophage polarization with a mixture of M1 and M2 phenotypes. These cancer-induced TAMs further enhance tumor cell growth and aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Cate S. Pe
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rattana Saetung
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Varalee Yodsurang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatchai Chaotham
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Koramit Suppipat
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Research Affair, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cellular Immunotherapy Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supannikar Tawinwung
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cellular Immunotherapy Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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35
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Gianni C, Palleschi M, Schepisi G, Casadei C, Bleve S, Merloni F, Sirico M, Sarti S, Cecconetto L, Di Menna G, Schettini F, De Giorgi U. Circulating inflammatory cells in patients with metastatic breast cancer: Implications for treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:882896. [PMID: 36003772 PMCID: PMC9393759 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.882896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive and innate immune cells play a crucial role as regulators of cancer development. Inflammatory cells in blood flow seem to be involved in pro-tumor activities and contribute to breast cancer progression. Circulating lymphocyte ratios such as the platelet-lymphocytes ratio (PLR), the monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are new reproducible, routinely feasible and cheap biomarkers of immune response. These indexes have been correlated to prognosis in many solid tumors and there is growing evidence on their clinical applicability as independent prognostic markers also for breast cancer. In this review we give an overview of the possible value of lymphocytic indexes in advanced breast cancer prognosis and prediction of outcome. Furthermore, targeting the immune system appear to be a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer, especially macrophage-targeted therapies. Herein we present an overview of the ongoing clinical trials testing systemic inflammatory cells as therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Gianni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
- *Correspondence: Caterina Gianni,
| | - Michela Palleschi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schepisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Casadei
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Bleve
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Filippo Merloni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Samanta Sarti
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cecconetto
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Di Menna
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Schettini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors Group, August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
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Lee MH, Laajala E, Kreutzman A, Järvinen P, Nísen H, Mirtti T, Hollmén M, Mustjoki S. The tumor and plasma cytokine profiles of renal cell carcinoma patients. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13416. [PMID: 35927313 PMCID: PMC9352752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17592-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 90% of all renal cancers and is considered highly immunogenic. Although many studies have reported the circulating peripheral cytokine profiles, the signatures between the tumor tissue and matching healthy adjacent renal tissue counterparts have not been explored. We aimed to comprehensively investigate the cytokine landscape of RCC tumors and its correlation between the amount and phenotype of the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). We analyzed the secretion of 42 cytokines from the tumor (n = 46), adjacent healthy kidney tissues (n = 23) and matching plasma samples (n = 33) with a Luminex-based assay. We further explored the differences between the tissue types, as well as correlated the findings with clinical data and detailed immunophenotyping of the TILs. Using an unsupervised clustering approach, we observed distinct differences in the cytokine profiles between the tumor and adjacent renal tissue samples. The tumor samples clustered into three distinct profiles based on the cytokine expressions: high (52.2% of the tumors), intermediate (26.1%), and low (21.7%). Most of the tumor cytokines positively correlated with each other, except for IL-8 that showed no correlation with any of the measured cytokine expressions. Furthermore, the quantity of lymphocytes in the tumor samples analyzed with flow cytometry positively correlated with the chemokine-family of cytokines, CXCL10 (IP-10) and CXCL9 (MIG). No significant correlations were found between the tumor and matching plasma cytokines, suggesting that circulating cytokines poorly mirror the tumor cytokine environment. Our study highlights distinct cytokine profiles in the RCC tumor microenvironment and provides insights to potential biomarkers for the treatment of RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Hee Lee
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Haartmaninkatu 8, N00290, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Essi Laajala
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Haartmaninkatu 8, N00290, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Kreutzman
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Haartmaninkatu 8, N00290, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petrus Järvinen
- Abdominal Center, Urology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harry Nísen
- Abdominal Center, Urology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuomas Mirtti
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maija Hollmén
- Medicity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Haartmaninkatu 8, N00290, Helsinki, Finland. .,Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland.
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Minz AP, Das B, Mohapatra D, Suresh V, Mishra S, Senapati S. Gemcitabine induces polarization of mouse peritoneal macrophages towards M1-like and confers antitumor property by inducing ROS production. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:783-800. [PMID: 35838814 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10178-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In patients with pancreatic cancer (PC), the peritoneal cavity is the second-most common site of metastasis after the liver. Peritoneal macrophages (PMs) have been demonstrated to play a significant role in the peritoneal metastases of different cancers. Gemcitabine (GEM) is known to affect PC-associated immune cells, including macrophages. However, its effect on PMs and its possible clinical implication is yet to be investigated. In this study, mouse-derived PMs were treated with GEM ex vivo to analyze the polarization status. Production of GEM-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species was evaluated using DCFH-DA, DAF-FM, and Griess assay. Antitumor effects of PMs on UN-KC-6141and UN-KPC-961 murine PC cells were evaluated in presence and absence of GEM in vitro. Similarly, effect of GEM on human THP-1 macrophage polarization and its tumoricidal effect was studied in vitro. Furthermore, the effect of GEM-treated PMs on peritoneal metastasis of UN-KC-6141 cells was evaluated in a syngeneic mouse model of PC. GEM upregulated M1 phenotype-associated molecular markers (Tnf-α and Inos) in vitro in PMs obtained from naïve mouse. Moreover, IL-4-induced M2-like PMs reverted to M1-like after GEM treatment. Co-culture of UN-KC-6141 and UN-KPC-961 cancer cells with PMs in the presence of GEM increased apoptosis of these cells, whereas cell death was markedly reduced after N-acetyl-L-cysteine treatment. Corroborating these findings co-culture of GEM-treated human THP-1 macrophages also induced cell death in MIAPaCa-2 cancer cells. GEM-treated PMs injected intraperitoneally along with UN-KC-6141 cells into mice extended survival period, but did not stop disease progression and mortality. Together, GEM induced M1-like polarization of PMs from naive and/or M2-polarized PMs in a ROS-dependent manner. GEM-induced M1-like PMs prompted cytotoxicity in PC cells and delayed disease progression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliva Prity Minz
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India.,Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Biswajit Das
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Debasish Mohapatra
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India.,School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Voddu Suresh
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India.,Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Swayambara Mishra
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India.,Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
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Li K, Zong D, Sun J, Chen D, Ma M, Jia L. Rewiring of the Endocrine Network in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830894. [PMID: 35847875 PMCID: PMC9280148 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunohistochemical definition of estrogen/progesterone receptors dictates endocrine feasibility in the treatment course of breast cancer. Characterized by the deficiency of estrogen receptor α, ERα-negative breast cancers are dissociated from any endocrine regimens in the routine clinical setting, triple-negative breast cancer in particular. However, the stereotype was challenged by triple-negative breast cancers’ retained sensitivity and vulnerability to endocrine agents. The interplay of hormone action and the carcinogenic signaling program previously underscored was gradually recognized along with the increasing investigation. In parallel, the overlooked endocrine-responsiveness in ERα-negative breast cancers attracted attention and supplied fresh insight into the therapeutic strategy in an ERα-independent manner. This review elaborates on the genomic and non-genomic steroid hormone actions and endocrine-related signals in triple-negative breast cancers attached to the hormone insensitivity label. We also shed light on the non-canonical mechanism detected in common hormone agents to showcase their pleiotropic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese medicine, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jianrong Sun
- School of Clinical Medicine. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Danxiang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Minkai Ma
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The Fourth Central Hospital, Baoding, China
| | - Liqun Jia
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Liqun Jia,
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Chen F, Fang J. Benefits of Targeted Molecular Therapy to Immune Infiltration and Immune-Related Genes Predicting Signature in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:824166. [PMID: 35317079 PMCID: PMC8934425 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.824166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the tumor-related infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) affecting the response of trastuzumab and identify potential biomarkers based on immune-related genes to improve prognosis and clinical outcomes of targeted therapies in breast cancer. Methods Estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumors using expression data (ESTIMATE) was adopted to infer the fraction of stromal and immune cells through utilizing gene expression signatures in breast tumor samples. Cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcript (CIBERSORT) algorithm was applied to characterize cell composition of 22 lymphocytes from breast cancer tissues using their gene expression profiles. Immune-related genes were collected from the Immunology Database and Analysis (ImmPort). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the significant independent risk factors associated with poor overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) of breast cancer patients. Hub genes were identified based on the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Results Based on the ESTIMATE algorithm, a significant reduction of stromal scores was observed in tumor tissues and pretreated tumor tissues compared with nontumor and posttreated tumor tissues, respectively, while immune scores failed to present notably statistical differences between both groups. However, from the results of the univariate Cox regression analysis, the immune score was identified to be remarkably associated with the poor OS for breast cancer patients. Subsequently, the infiltrating lymphocytes were evaluated in tumor tissues based on the CIBERSORT algorithm. Furthermore, significance analysis identified 1,244 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the GSE114082 dataset, and then 91 overlapping immune-related DEGs were screened between GSE114082 and ImmPort datasets. Subsequently, 10 top hub genes were identified and five (IGF1, ADIPOQ, PPARG, LEP, and NR3C1) significantly correlated with worse OS and BCSS on response to trastuzumab in breast cancer patients. Conclusions This study provided an insight into the immune score based on the tumor-related infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer tissues and demonstrates the benefits of immune infiltration on the treatment of trastuzumab. Meanwhile, the study established a novel five immune-related gene signature to predict the OS and BCSS of breast cancer treated by trastuzumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahai Chen
- CEO Office, RemeGen Co. Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jianmin Fang,
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Qiu X, Zhao T, Luo R, Qiu R, Li Z. Tumor-Associated Macrophages: Key Players in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:772615. [PMID: 35237507 PMCID: PMC8882594 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.772615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to the subtype of breast cancer which is negative for ER, PR, and HER-2 receptors. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) refer to the leukocyte infiltrating tumor, derived from circulating blood mononuclear cells and differentiating into macrophages after exuding tissues. TAMs are divided into typical activated M1 subtype and alternately activated M2 subtype, which have different expressions of receptors, cytokines and chemokines. M1 is characterized by expressing a large amount of inducible nitric oxide synthase and TNF-α, and exert anti-tumor activity by promoting pro-inflammatory and immune responses. M2 usually expresses Arginase 1 and high levels of cytokines, growth factors and proteases to support their carcinogenic function. Recent studies demonstrate that TAMs participate in the process of TNBC from occurrence to metastasis, and might serve as potential biomarkers for prognosis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Qiu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tianjiao Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuhan Institute of Bioengineering, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Luo
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuhan Institute of Bioengineering, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Qiu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoming Li, ; Ran Qiu,
| | - Zhaoming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoming Li, ; Ran Qiu,
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Moore JA, Mistry JJ, Hellmich C, Horton RH, Wojtowicz EE, Jibril A, Jefferson M, Wileman T, Beraza N, Bowles KM, Rushworth SA. LC3-associated phagocytosis in bone marrow macrophages suppresses acute myeloid leukemia progression through STING activation. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:153157. [PMID: 34990402 PMCID: PMC8884913 DOI: 10.1172/jci153157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment regulates acute myeloid leukemia (AML) initiation, proliferation, and chemotherapy resistance. Following cancer cell death, a growing body of evidence suggests an important role for remaining apoptotic debris in regulating the immunologic response to and growth of solid tumors. Here, we investigated the role of macrophage LC3–associated phagocytosis (LAP) within the BM microenvironment of AML. Depletion of BM macrophages (BMMs) increased AML growth in vivo. We show that LAP is the predominate method of BMM phagocytosis of dead and dying cells in the AML microenvironment. Targeted inhibition of LAP led to the accumulation of apoptotic cells (ACs) and apoptotic bodies (ABs), resulting in accelerated leukemia growth. Mechanistically, LAP of AML-derived ABs by BMMs resulted in stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway activation. We found that AML-derived mitochondrial damage–associated molecular patterns were processed by BMMs via LAP. Moreover, depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in AML-derived ABs showed that it was this mtDNA that was responsible for the induction of STING signaling in BMMs. Phenotypically, we found that STING activation suppressed AML growth through a mechanism related to increased phagocytosis. In summary, we report that macrophage LAP of apoptotic debris in the AML BM microenvironment suppressed tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie A Moore
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Jayna J Mistry
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Hellmich
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca H Horton
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aisha Jibril
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Jefferson
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Wileman
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Naiara Beraza
- Quadram Institute Biosciences, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian M Bowles
- Department of Haematology, Norwich Medical School, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart A Rushworth
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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Fan Y, He S. The Characteristics of Tumor Microenvironment in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:1-17. [PMID: 35018117 PMCID: PMC8740624 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s316700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special subtype of breast cancer, accounting for 10-20% of breast cancers with high intrinsic heterogeneity. Its unique immune microenvironment, including high expression of vascular endothelial growth factors, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and other molecules that promote the growth and migration of tumor cells, has been shown to play a dual role in the occurrence, growth, and metastasis of TNBC. Understanding the TNBC microenvironment is of great significance for the prognosis and treatment of TNBC. In this article, we describe the composition and function of immune cells in the TNBC microenvironment and summarize the major cytokine growth factors and chemokines in the TNBC microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the progress of TNBC, cytokine-induced killer cell therapy, and immune checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuai He
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, People’s Republic of China
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Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Prevention and Progression through the Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010079. [PMID: 35010954 PMCID: PMC8746460 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained considerable attention in various areas of cancer research due to its role in driving a loss of immune surveillance and enabling rapid advanced tumor development and progression. The TME plays an integral role in driving advanced aggressive breast cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a pivotal mediator for tumor cells to communicate with the surrounding cells via lymphatic and circulatory systems. Furthermore, the TME plays a significant role in all steps and stages of carcinogenesis by promoting and stimulating uncontrolled cell proliferation and protecting tumor cells from the immune system. Various cellular components of the TME work together to drive cancer processes, some of which include tumor-associated adipocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages, and neutrophils which sustain perpetual amplification and release of pro-inflammatory molecules such as cytokines. Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural chemical component from black cumin seed, is widely used traditionally and now in clinical trials for the treatment/prevention of multiple types of cancer, showing a potential to mitigate components of TME at various stages by various pathways. In this review, we focus on the role of TME in TNBC cancer progression and the effect of TQ on the TME, emphasizing their anticipated role in the prevention and treatment of TNBC. It was concluded from this review that the multiple components of the TME serve as a critical part of TNBC tumor promotion and stimulation of uncontrolled cell proliferation. Meanwhile, TQ could be a crucial compound in the prevention and progression of TNBC therapy through the modulation of the TME.
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Nishida-Aoki N, Gujral TS. Polypharmacological reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages towards an inflammatory phenotype. Cancer Res 2021; 82:433-446. [PMID: 34903600 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can promote tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapies. Although TAMs represent a promising target for therapeutic intervention, the complexity of the TME has made the study of TAMs challenging. Here, we established a physiologically relevant in vitro TAM polarization system that recapitulates TAM pro-tumoral activities. This system was used to characterize dynamic changes in gene expression and protein phosphorylation during TAM polarization and to screen phenotypic kinase inhibitors that impact TAM programming. BMS-794833, a multi-targeted compound, was identified as a potent inhibitor of TAM polarization. BMS-794833 decreased pro-tumoral properties of TAMs in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in mouse triple-negative breast cancer models. The effect of BMS-794833 was independent of its primary targets (MET and VEGFR2) but was dependent on its effect on multiple signaling pathways, including focal adhesion kinases, SRC family kinases, STAT3, and p38 MAP kinases. Collectively, these findings underline the efficacy of polypharmacological strategies in reprogramming complex signaling cascades activated during TAM polarization.
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Hu Y, Manasrah BK, McGregor SM, Lera RF, Norman RX, Tucker JB, Scribano CM, Yan RE, Humayun M, Wisinski KB, Tevaarwerk AJ, O'Regan RM, Wilke LG, Weaver BA, Beebe DJ, Jin N, Burkard ME. Paclitaxel Induces Micronucleation and Activates Pro-Inflammatory cGAS-STING Signaling in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:2553-2567. [PMID: 34583980 PMCID: PMC8643310 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Taxanes remain one of the most effective medical treatments for breast cancer. Clinical trials have coupled taxanes with immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with promising results. However, the mechanism linking taxanes to immune activation is unclear. To determine if paclitaxel could elicit an antitumoral immune response, we sampled tumor tissues from patients with TNBC receiving weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) and found increased stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and micronucleation over baseline in three of six samples. At clinically relevant concentrations, paclitaxel can induce chromosome missegregation on multipolar spindles during mitosis. Consequently, post-mitotic cells are multinucleated and contain micronuclei, which often activate cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and may induce a type I IFN response reliant on the stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway. Other microtubule-targeting agents, eribulin and vinorelbine, recapitulate this cGAS/STING response and increased the expression of immune checkpoint molecule, PD-L1, in TNBC cell lines. To test the possibility that microtubule-targeting agents sensitize tumors that express cGAS to immune checkpoint inhibitors, we identified 10 patients with TNBC treated with PD-L1 or PD-1, seven of whom also received microtubule-targeting agents. Elevated baseline cGAS expression significantly correlated with treatment response in patients receiving microtubule-targeting agents in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our study identifies a mechanism by which microtubule-targeting agents can potentiate an immune response in TNBC. Further, baseline cGAS expression may predict patient treatment response to therapies combining microtubule-targeting agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Baraa K Manasrah
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Stephanie M McGregor
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Robert F Lera
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Roshan X Norman
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - John B Tucker
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Christina M Scribano
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Rachel E Yan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kari B Wisinski
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Amye J Tevaarwerk
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ruth M O'Regan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lee G Wilke
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Beth A Weaver
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - David J Beebe
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ning Jin
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Mark E Burkard
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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Lücke J, Shiri AM, Zhang T, Kempski J, Giannou AD, Huber S. Rationalizing heptadecaphobia: T H 17 cells and associated cytokines in cancer and metastasis. FEBS J 2021; 288:6942-6971. [PMID: 33448148 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. When cancer patients are diagnosed with metastasis, meaning that the primary tumor has spread to at least one different site, their life expectancy decreases dramatically. In the past decade, the immune system´s role in fighting cancer and metastasis has been studied extensively. Importantly, immune cells and inflammatory reactions generate potent antitumor responses but also contribute to tumor development. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this dichotomic interaction between the immune system and cancer are still poorly understood. Recently, a spotlight has been cast on the distinct subsets of immune cells and their derived cytokines since evidence has implicated their crucial impact on cancer development. T helper 17 cell (TH 17) cells, which express the master transcriptional factor Retinoic acid-receptor-related orphan receptor gamma t, are among these critical cell subsets and are defined by their production of type 3 cytokines, such as IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22. Depending on the tumor microenvironment, these cytokines can also be produced by other immune cell sources, such as T cytotoxic 17 cell, innate lymphoid cells, NKT cells, or γδ T cells. To date, a lot of data have been collected describing the divergent functions of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 in malignancies. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the role of these TH 17- and non-TH 17-derived type 3 cytokines in different tumor entities. Furthermore, we will provide a structured insight into the strict regulation and subsequent downstream mechanisms of these cytokines in cancer and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jöran Lücke
- Section of Molecular Immunology und Gastroenterology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Ahmad Mustafa Shiri
- Section of Molecular Immunology und Gastroenterology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Tao Zhang
- Section of Molecular Immunology und Gastroenterology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Jan Kempski
- Section of Molecular Immunology und Gastroenterology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- The Calcium Signaling Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Anastasios D Giannou
- Section of Molecular Immunology und Gastroenterology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Samuel Huber
- Section of Molecular Immunology und Gastroenterology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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The Immune Landscape of Breast Cancer: Strategies for Overcoming Immunotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236012. [PMID: 34885122 PMCID: PMC8657247 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy is a rapidly advancing field in breast cancer treatment, however, it encounters many obstacles that leave open gateways for breast cancer cells to resist novel immunotherapies. It is believed that the tumor microenvironment consisting of cancer, stromal, and immune cells as well as a plethora of tumor-promoting soluble factors, is responsible for the failure of therapeutic strategies in cancer, including breast tumors. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of key barriers to effective immunotherapy, focusing the research efforts on harnessing the power of the immune system, and thus, developing new strategies to overcome the resistance may contribute significantly to increase breast cancer patient survival. In this review, we discuss the latest reports regarding the strategies rendering the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment more sensitive to immunotherapy in breast cancers, HER2-positive and triple-negative types of breast cancer, which are attractive from an immunotherapeutic point of view. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) has traditionally been considered to be not inherently immunogenic and insufficiently represented by immune cell infiltrates. Therefore, for a long time, it was thought that the immunotherapies targeting this type of cancer and its microenvironment were not justified and would not bring benefits for breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, to date, a considerable number of reports have indicated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a prognostic and clinically relevant biomarker in breast cancer. A high TILs expression has been demonstrated in primary tumors, of both, HER2-positive BC and triple-negative (TNBC), of patients before treatment, as well as after treatment with adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Another milestone was reached in advanced TNBC immunotherapy with the help of the immune checkpoint inhibitors directed against the PD-L1 molecule. Although those findings, together with the recent developments in chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, show immense promise for significant advancements in breast cancer treatments, there are still various obstacles to the optimal activity of immunotherapeutics in BC treatment. Of these, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment constitutes a key barrier that greatly hinders the success of immunotherapies in the most aggressive types of breast cancer, HER2-positive and TNBC. Therefore, the improvement of the current and the demand for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies is strongly warranted.
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Abd El-Aziz YS, Gillson J, Jansson PJ, Sahni S. Autophagy: A promising target for triple negative breast cancers. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:106006. [PMID: 34843961 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancers which constitutes about 15% of all breast cancer cases and characterized by negative expression of hormonal receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Thus, endocrine and HER2 targeted therapies are not effective toward TNBCs, and they mainly rely on chemotherapy and surgery for treatment. Despite recent advances in chemotherapy, 40% of TNBC patients develop a metastatic relapse and recurrence. Therefore, understanding the molecular profile of TNBC is warranted to identify targets that can be selected for the development of a new and effective therapeutic approach. Autophagy is an internal defensive mechanism that allows the cells to survive under different stressors. It has been well known that autophagy exerts a crucial role in cancer progression. The critical role of autophagy in TNBC progression is emerging in recent years. This review will discuss autophagic pathway, how autophagy affects TNBC progression and recent therapeutic approaches that can target autophagy as a new treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yomna S Abd El-Aziz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Josef Gillson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.
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Wang J, Browne L, Slapetova I, Shang F, Lee K, Lynch J, Beretov J, Whan R, Graham PH, Millar EKA. Multiplexed immunofluorescence identifies high stromal CD68 +PD-L1 + macrophages as a predictor of improved survival in triple negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21608. [PMID: 34732817 PMCID: PMC8566595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01116-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises 10-15% of all breast cancers and has a poor prognosis with a high risk of recurrence within 5 years. PD-L1 is an important biomarker for patient selection for immunotherapy but its cellular expression and co-localization within the tumour immune microenvironment and associated prognostic value is not well defined. We aimed to characterise the phenotypes of immune cells expressing PD-L1 and determine their association with overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). Using tissue microarrays from a retrospective cohort of TNBC patients from St George Hospital, Sydney (n = 244), multiplexed immunofluorescence (mIF) was used to assess staining for CD3, CD8, CD20, CD68, PD-1, PD-L1, FOXP3 and pan-cytokeratin on the Vectra Polaris™ platform and analysed using QuPath. Cox multivariate analyses showed high CD68+PD-L1+ stromal cell counts were associated with improved prognosis for OS (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.95, p = 0.030) and BCSS (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25-0.88, p = 0.018) in the whole cohort and in patients receiving chemotherapy, improving incrementally upon the predictive value of PD-L1+ alone for BCSS. These data suggest that CD68+PD-L1+ status can provide clinically useful prognostic information to identify sub-groups of patients with good or poor prognosis and guide treatment decisions in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Wang
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Lois Browne
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia
| | - Iveta Slapetova
- Biomedical Imaging Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Fei Shang
- Biomedical Imaging Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Kirsty Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Jodi Lynch
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia
| | - Julia Beretov
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, New South Wales Health Pathology, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia
| | - Renee Whan
- Biomedical Imaging Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Peter H Graham
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia
| | - Ewan K A Millar
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Australia.
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, New South Wales Health Pathology, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.
- University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
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Miranda KM, Ridnour LA, McGinity CL, Bhattacharyya D, Wink DA. Nitric Oxide and Cancer: When to Give and When to Take Away? Inorg Chem 2021; 60:15941-15947. [PMID: 34694129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c02434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mechanistic roles of nitric oxide (NO) during cancer progression have been important considerations since its discovery as an endogenously generated free radical. Nonetheless, the impacts of this signaling molecule can be seemingly contradictory, being both pro-and antitumorigenic, which complicates the development of cancer treatments based on the modulation of NO fluxes in tumors. At a fundamental level, low levels of NO drive oncogenic pathways, immunosuppression, metastasis, and angiogenesis, while higher levels lead to apoptosis and reduced hypoxia and also sensitize tumors to conventional therapies. However, clinical outcome depends on the type and stage of the tumor as well as the tumor microenvironment. In this Viewpoint, the current understanding of the concentration, spatial, and temporal dependence of responses to NO is correlated with potential treatment and prevention technologies and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Miranda
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, 1306 East University Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Lisa A Ridnour
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Christopher L McGinity
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Dana Bhattacharyya
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - David A Wink
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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