1
|
Lv ZB, Zhang JJ, Xiang C. GDF10 and IDO1 as a thyroid cancer prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltration. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27651. [PMID: 38509876 PMCID: PMC10950683 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objection The aim of this work is to screen the immune-related genes to predict the prognosis and provide a new direction of treatment for patients with thyroid cancer (THCA). Methods The mRNA and clinical features of THCA patients were collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The immune-related genes were obtained from the ImmPort databases. The bio-information methods were performed to screen the differential expression genes (DEGs) and genes related to immunity between the THCA patients and normal individuals. On this basis, the hub prognosis immunity genes were screened by Veen. The related genes were obtained by constructing the protein-protein interaction network. The enrichment analyses were performed based on the protein and protein interaction (PPI) related genes. The hub immune checkpoint was screened by correlation analysis. Finally, the hub gene and the immunity checkpoint-miRNA (or transcription factor, drug) interaction network were constructed. A drug-sensitive analysis also was performed. Results The GDF10 was screened. The PPI genes were enriched in the TGF-beta signaling pathway, signaling pathways regulating, the pluripotency of stem cells, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and so on. The hub immunity checkpoint IDO1 was obtained. The joint indicator of two hub genes was positively related to the thyroid differentiation score. Three interaction factors were found to be related to the two hub genes, and 7 kinds of drugs screened act on the two hub genes at the same time. Conclusion This work indicated that immune-related gene GDF10 and immune checkpoint IDO1 are important for the prognosis prediction of THCA patients, and immunity is involved in the proliferation, and differentiation of tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-bao Lv
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Hospital of Liaocheng, Lingqing, 252600, Shandong, China
| | - Jun-jing Zhang
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Hospital of Liaocheng, Lingqing, 252600, Shandong, China
| | - Cheng Xiang
- Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tao Y, Li P, Feng C, Cao Y. New Insights into Immune Cells and Immunotherapy for Thyroid Cancer. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:1039-1064. [PMID: 37846977 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2268656] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide, and the incidence of TC has gradually increased in recent decades. Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common subtype and has a good prognosis. However, advanced DTC patients with recurrence, metastasis and iodine refractoriness, as well as more aggressive subtypes such as poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), still pose a great challenge for clinical management. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to explore the inherent molecular heterogeneity of different TC subtypes and the global landscape of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to find new potential therapeutic targets. Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy that can be used alone or in combination with drugs targeting tumor-driven genes. This article focuses on the genomic characteristics, tumor-associated immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression of different subtypes of TC patients to provide guidance for immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Tao
- School of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Feng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shin E, Koo JS. Cell Component and Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Thyroid Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012578. [PMID: 36293435 PMCID: PMC9604510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in the endocrine system. Most thyroid cancers have good prognosis, but some of them are resistant to treatment or show aggressive behavior. Like other tumors, thyroid cancers harbor tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and immune cells. Autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis can occur in the thyroid, and it may be associated with cancer development. TME is involved in tumor progression through various mechanisms: (1) CAF is involved in tumor progression through cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling; and (2) immune cells are involved in tumor progression through cell proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and immune suppression. These events are activated by various cytokines, chemokines, and metabolites secreted from cells that comprise TME. This review is focused on how CAF and immune cells, two important cell components of thyroid cancer TME, are involved in tumor progression, and will explore their potential as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ja Seung Koo
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2228-1772; Fax: +82-2-362-0860
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shi L, Duan R, Jia Q, Wu W, Zhou J, Li S, Zhang H, Xue X. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Immune Status as a Potential Biomarker of Radioiodine Efficacy for Advanced Distant Metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:871792. [PMID: 35924153 PMCID: PMC9339611 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.871792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeHost immunity influences the impact of cancer therapy but the effect of immune status in radioiodine (RAI)-treated differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) remains obscure. Here we investigated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity as a biomarker of response to RAI in patients with distant metastatic DTC (dmDTC).MethodsPatients with dmDTC receiving RAI were evaluated for serum IDO activity (kynurenine and kynurenine:tryptophan ratio) at baseline and 3 months after RAI. The optimal cut-off value for these biomarkers to predict response was established by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The relationship between disease outcomes, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and IDO activity levels was studied.ResultsHigher baseline kynurenine:tryptophan ratio (>2.46) was correlated with poorer RAI response as well as shorter median PFS (45 mo versus not reached, p=0.002) and OS (78 mo versus not reached, p=0.035). High baseline kynurenine:tryptophan ratio was also correlated with a reduced number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Higher post/pre-kynurenine ratio (>1.69) was associated with survival endpoints: shorter median PFS (48 mo versus not reached, p=0.002) and OS (68 mo versus not reached, p=0.010). Favorable baseline and favorable change corresponded with better PFS and OS.ConclusionsOur results suggest that RAI also alters IDO activity in dmDTC patients. IDO activity could predict progression and survival outcomes for advanced dmDTC patients. Serum IDO biomarker levels could be used to select dmDTC likely to benefit from RAI therapy, although further studies are necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Duan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiong Jia
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianming Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xue Xue, ; Hao Zhang,
| | - Xue Xue
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xue Xue, ; Hao Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The Role of Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase 1 in Regulating Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112756. [PMID: 35681736 PMCID: PMC9179436 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a rate-limiting enzyme that metabolizes an essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp) into kynurenine (Kyn), and it promotes the occurrence of immunosuppressive effects by regulating the consumption of Trp and the accumulation of Kyn in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent studies have shown that the main cellular components of TME interact with each other through this pathway to promote the formation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here, we review the role of the immunosuppression mechanisms mediated by the IDO1 pathway in tumor growth. We discuss obstacles encountered in using IDO1 as a new tumor immunotherapy target, as well as the current clinical research progress.
Collapse
|
6
|
Shandell MA, Capatina AL, Lawrence SM, Brackenbury WJ, Lagos D. Inhibition of the Na +/K +-ATPase by cardiac glycosides suppresses expression of the IDO1 immune checkpoint in cancer cells by reducing STAT1 activation. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101707. [PMID: 35150740 PMCID: PMC8902613 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive basic and clinical research on immune checkpoint regulatory pathways, little is known about the effects of the ionic tumor microenvironment on immune checkpoint expression and function. Here we describe a mechanistic link between Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) inhibition and activity of the immune checkpoint protein indoleamine-pyrrole 2',3'-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). We found that IDO1 was necessary and sufficient for production of kynurenine, a downstream tryptophan metabolite, in cancer cells. We developed a spectrophotometric assay to screen a library of 31 model ion transport-targeting compounds for potential effects on IDO1 function in A549 lung and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This revealed that the cardiac glycosides ouabain and digoxin inhibited kynurenine production at concentrations that did not affect cell survival. NKA inhibition by ouabain and digoxin resulted in increased intracellular Na+ levels and downregulation of IDO1 mRNA and protein levels, which was consistent with the reduction in kynurenine levels. Knockdown of ATP1A1, the ɑ1 subunit of the NKA and target of cardiac glycosides, increased Na+ levels to a lesser extent than cardiac glycoside treatment and did not affect IDO1 expression. However, ATP1A1 knockdown significantly enhanced the effect of cardiac glycosides on IDO1 expression and kynurenine production. Mechanistically, we show that cardiac glycoside treatment resulted in curtailing the length of phosphorylation-mediated stabilization of STAT1, a transcriptional regulator of IDO1 expression, an effect enhanced by ATP1A1 knockdown. Our findings reveal cross talk between ionic modulation via cardiac glycosides and immune checkpoint protein expression in cancer cells with broad mechanistic and clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia A Shandell
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom; Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Alina L Capatina
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - William J Brackenbury
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitris Lagos
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Singh P, Yadav M, Niveria K, Verma AK. Nano-immunotherapeutics: targeting approach as strategic regulation at tumor microenvironment for cancer treatment. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2022.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, which necessitates our consideration related to novel treatment approach. Tumor cells at the tumor microenvironment (TME), regulate a plethora of key mechanistic signaling pathways that obstruct antitumor immune responses by immune suppression, immune resistance or acquired immune tolerance. The present therapeutic regimes are provided independently or in combination, or as immunotherapies for cancer immune targeting. Immunotherapy has altered the arena of oncology and patient care. By using the host immune system, the immunostimulatory molecules can exert a robust, personalized response against the patient’s own tumors. Alternatively, tumors may exploit these strategies to escape immune recognition, and accordingly, such mechanisms represent chances for immunotherapy intervention. Nonetheless, despite promising outcomes from immunotherapies in recurrent and metastatic cancers, immune-therapeutics in clinics has been limited owing to unpredictability in the produced immune response and reported instances of immune-related adverse effects. The unrealized potential of immunotherapies in cancer management maybe due to the obstacles such as heterogeneous nature, multiple targets, patients’ immune response, specificity for cancer or variability in response generation in toxicity levels, delivery and cost related to therapeutics etc. Further revolutionary trends related to immunotherapies are noticeable with slower progress for cancer management. Recent advances in nanomedicine strategize to ameliorate the lacuna of immunotherapy as it relies on the inherent biophysical characteristics of nanocarriers: size, shape, surface charge and multifunctionality and exploiting them as first line therapy for delivery of biomolecules, single checkpoint inhibitors and for imaging of TME. Therefore, nano-assisted immunotherapies can boost the immunotherapeutic approach, overcoming factors that are with imminent potential risks related to it, thereby significantly improving the survival rate associated with it in cancer patients. Nanotechnology is anticipated to overcome the confines of existing cancer immunotherapy and to successfully combine various cancer treatment modes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Singh
- Nano-Biotech Lab, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Monika Yadav
- Nano-Biotech Lab, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Karishma Niveria
- Nano-Biotech Lab, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Anita Kamra Verma
- Nano-Biotech Lab, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Caforio M, Sorino C, Caruana I, Weber G, Camera A, Cifaldi L, De Angelis B, Del Bufalo F, Vitale A, Goffredo BM, De Vito R, Fruci D, Quintarelli C, Fanciulli M, Locatelli F, Folgiero V. GD2 redirected CAR T and activated NK-cell-mediated secretion of IFNγ overcomes MYCN-dependent IDO1 inhibition, contributing to neuroblastoma cell immune escape. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001502. [PMID: 33737337 PMCID: PMC7978286 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune escape mechanisms employed by neuroblastoma (NB) cells include secretion of immunosuppressive factors disrupting effective antitumor immunity. The use of cellular therapy to treat solid tumors needs to be implemented. Killing activity of anti-GD2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T or natural killer (NK) cells against target NB cells was assessed through coculture experiments and quantified by FACS analysis. ELISA assay was used to quantify interferon-γ (IFNγ) secreted by NK and CAR T cells. Real Time PCR and Western Blot were performed to analyze gene and protein levels modifications. Transcriptional study was performed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays on experiments of mutagenesis on the promoter sequence. NB tissue sample were analyzed by IHC and Real Time PCR to perform correlation study. We demonstrate that Indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase1 (IDO1), due to its ability to convert tryptophan into kynurenines, is involved in NB resistance to activity of immune cells. In NB, IDO1 is able to inhibit the anti-tumor effect displayed by of both anti-GD2 CAR (GD2.CAR) T-cell and NK cells, mainly by impairing their IFNγ production. Furthermore, inhibition of MYCN expression in NB results into accumulation of IDO1 and consequently of kynurenines, which negatively affect the immune surveillance. Inverse correlation between IDO1 and MYCN expression has been observed in a wide cohort of NB samples. This finding was supported by the identification of a transcriptional repressive role of MYCN on IDO1 promoter. The evidence of IDO1 involvement in NB immune escape and its ability to impair NK and GD2.CAR T-cell activity contribute to clarify one of the possible mechanisms responsible for the limited efficacy of these immunotherapeutic approaches. A combined therapy of NK or GD2.CAR T-cells with IDO1 inhibitors, a class of compounds already in phase I/II clinical studies, could represent a new and still unexplored strategy capable to improve long-term efficacy of these immunotherapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Caforio
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Departement of Biochemical Sciences "A Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Sorino
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, Istituto Regina Elena Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy, Italy
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerrit Weber
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Camera
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospistal, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio De Angelis
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Del Bufalo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Vitale
- Division of Metabolism and Research Unit of Metabolic Biochemistry, IRCCS Bambino gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Goffredo
- Division of Metabolism and Research Unit of Metabolic Biochemistry, IRCCS Bambino gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita De Vito
- Department of Laboratories, Pathology Unit, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Quintarelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Departyment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, Istituto Regina Elena Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Folgiero
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Gene and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pozdeyev N, Erickson TA, Zhang L, Ellison K, Rivard CJ, Sams S, Hirsch FR, Haugen BR, French JD. Comprehensive Immune Profiling of Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid 2020; 30:1263-1279. [PMID: 32242507 PMCID: PMC7869888 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Despite advances in targeted kinase inhibitor development for patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), most patients develop resistance and would benefit from alternative approaches. Immune-based therapies are now considered for patients with progressive MTC. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of the immune milieu, immune-suppressive molecules, and potential tumor antigens in patients with MTC. Methods: Primary and/or regionally metastatic tumor tissues from 46 patients with MTC were screened for immune infiltrates by using standard immunohistochemistry (IHC) and further analyzed by multispectral imaging for T cell and myeloid markers. RNASeq expression profiling was performed in parallel. RNASeq, targeted sequencing, and IHC techniques identified cancer-associated mutations and MTC-enriched proteins. Results: Organized immune infiltration was observed in 49% and 90% of primary and metastatic tumors, respectively. CD8+ cells were the dominant T cell subtype in most samples, while CD163+ macrophages were most frequent among myeloid infiltrates. PD-1+ T cells were evident in 24% of patients. Myeloid subsets were largely major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII-), suggesting a dysfunctional phenotype. Expression profiling confirmed enrichment in T cell, macrophage, and inflammatory profiles in a subset of samples. PD-L1 was expressed at low levels in a small subset of patients, while the immune regulatory molecules CD155 and CD47 were broadly expressed. Calcitonin, GRP, HIST1H4E, NOMO3, and NPIPA2 were highly and specifically expressed in MTC. Mutations in tumor suppressors, PTEN and p53, and mismatch repair genes, MSH2 and MSH6, may be relevant to disease progression and antigenicity. Conclusions: This study suggests that MTC is a more immunologically active tumor that has been previously reported. Patients with advanced MTC should be screened for targetable antigens and immune checkpoints to determine their eligibility for current clinical trials. Additional studies are necessary to fully characterize the antigenic potential of MTC and may encourage the development of adoptive T cells therapies for this rare tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Pozdeyev
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Timothy A. Erickson
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kim Ellison
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Christopher J. Rivard
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sharon Sams
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Fred R. Hirsch
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Bryan R. Haugen
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jena D. French
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Address correspondence to: Jena D. French, PhD, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 East 17th Avenue, RC1 South, 7401D, Campus Box 8106, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Menicali E, Guzzetti M, Morelli S, Moretti S, Puxeddu E. Immune Landscape of Thyroid Cancers: New Insights. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:637826. [PMID: 33986723 PMCID: PMC8112200 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.637826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune system plays a key role in cancer prevention as well as in its initiation and progression. During multistep development of tumors, cells must acquire the capability to evade immune destruction. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that thyroid tumor cells can avoid immune response by promoting an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The recruitment of immunosuppressive cells such as TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages), TAMCs (tumor-associated mast cells), MDSC (myeloid-derived suppressor cells), TANs (tumor-associated neutrophils) and Tregs (regulatory T cells) and/or the expression of negative immune checkpoints, like PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1), CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4), and/or immunosuppressive enzymes, as IDO1 (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1), are just some of the mechanisms that thyroid cancer cells exploit to escape immune destruction. Some authors systematically characterized immune cell populations and soluble mediators (chemokines, cytokines, and angiogenic factors) that constitute thyroid cancer microenvironment. Their purpose was to verify immune system involvement in cancer growth and progression, highlighting the differences in immune infiltrate among tumor histotypes. More recently, some authors have provided a more comprehensive view of the relationships between tumor and immune system involved in thyroid carcinogenesis. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) delivered a large amount of data that allowed to combine information on the inflammatory microenvironment with gene expression data, genetic and clinical-pathological characteristics, and differentiation degree of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Moreover, using a new sensitive and highly multiplex analysis, the NanoString Technology, it was possible to divide thyroid tumors in two main clusters based on expression of immune-related genes. Starting from these results, the authors performed an immune phenotype analysis that allowed to classify thyroid cancers in hot, cold, or intermediate depending on immune infiltration patterns of the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and updated view of the knowledge on immune landscape of thyroid tumors. Understanding interactions between tumor and microenvironment is crucial to effectively direct immunotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of thyroid cancer, particularly for those not responsive to conventional therapies.
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang L, Li A, Lei Q, Zhang Y. Tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways: key roles in the regulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:125. [PMID: 31775797 PMCID: PMC6880373 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0804-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a currently popular treatment strategy for cancer patients. Although recent developments in cancer immunotherapy have had significant clinical impact, only a subset of patients exhibits clinical response. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance is necessary. The mechanisms of immune escape appear to consist of two distinct tumor characteristics: a decrease in effective immunocyte infiltration and function and the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment. Several host-derived factors may also contribute to immune escape. Moreover, inter-patient heterogeneity predominantly results from differences in somatic mutations between cancers, which has led to the hypothesis that differential activation of specific tumor-intrinsic pathways may explain the phenomenon of immune exclusion in a subset of cancers. Increasing evidence has also shown that tumor-intrinsic signaling plays a key role in regulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and tumor immune escape. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying immune avoidance mediated by tumor-intrinsic signaling may help identify new therapeutic targets for expanding the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Aitian Li
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyang Lei
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China. .,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China. .,School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China. .,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Varricchi G, Loffredo S, Marone G, Modestino L, Fallahi P, Ferrari SM, de Paulis A, Antonelli A, Galdiero MR. The Immune Landscape of Thyroid Cancer in the Context of Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3934. [PMID: 31412566 PMCID: PMC6720642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cells play critical roles in tumor prevention as well as initiation and progression. However, immune-resistant cancer cells can evade the immune system and proceed to form tumors. The normal microenvironment (immune cells, fibroblasts, blood and lymphatic vessels, and interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM)) maintains tissue homeostasis and prevents tumor initiation. Inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species, cytokines, and chemokines from an altered microenvironment promote tumor growth. During the last decade, thyroid cancer, the most frequent cancer of the endocrine system, has emerged as the fifth most incident cancer in the United States (USA), and its incidence is steadily growing. Inflammation has long been associated with thyroid cancer, raising critical questions about the role of immune cells in its pathogenesis. A plethora of immune cells and their mediators are present in the thyroid cancer ecosystem. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting immune checkpoints, such as mAbs anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4) and anti-programmed cell death protein-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1), have revolutionized the treatment of many malignancies, but they induce thyroid dysfunction in up to 10% of patients, presumably by enhancing autoimmunity. Combination strategies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with tyrosine kinase (TK) or serine/threonine protein kinase B-raf (BRAF) inhibitors are showing considerable promise in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer. This review illustrates how different immune cells contribute to thyroid cancer development and the rationale for the antitumor effects of ICIs in combination with BRAF/TK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Varricchi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Loffredo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Marone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Modestino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, School of Medicine, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Martina Ferrari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, School of Medicine, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Amato de Paulis
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, School of Medicine, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Galdiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
AXL Is a Novel Predictive Factor and Therapeutic Target for Radioactive Iodine Refractory Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060785. [PMID: 31181609 PMCID: PMC6628138 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) have an excellent prognosis, but a fraction of them show aggressive behavior, becoming radioiodine (RAI)-resistant and/or metastatic. AXL (Anexelekto) is a tyrosine kinase receptor regulating viability, invasiveness and chemoresistance in various human cancers, including PTCs. Here, we analyze the role of AXL in PTC prognosis and as a marker of RAI refractoriness. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess AXL positivity in a cohort of human PTC samples. Normal and cancerous thyroid cell lines were used in vitro for signaling, survival and RAI uptake evaluations. 38.2% of human PTCs displayed high expression of AXL that positively correlated with RAI-refractoriness and disease persistence or recurrence, especially when combined with v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B(BRAF) V600E mutation. In human PTC samples, AXL expression correlated with V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1) and p65 nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) activation levels. Consistently, AXL stimulation with its ligand growth arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6) increased AKT1- and p65 NF-kB-phosphorylation and promoted survival of thyroid cancer cell lines in culture. Enforced expression or activation of AXL in normal rat thyroid cells significantly reduced the expression of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) and the radioiodine uptake. These data indicate that AXL expression levels could be used as predictor of RAI refractoriness and as a possible novel therapeutic target of RAI resistant PTCs.
Collapse
|
14
|
Ye Z, Yue L, Shi J, Shao M, Wu T. Role of IDO and TDO in Cancers and Related Diseases and the Therapeutic Implications. J Cancer 2019; 10:2771-2782. [PMID: 31258785 PMCID: PMC6584917 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine (Kyn) pathway is a significant metabolic pathway of tryptophan (Trp). The metabolites of the Kyn pathway are closely correlated with numerous diseases. Two main enzymes, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO or TDO2), regulate the first and rate-limiting step of the Kyn pathway. These enzymes are directly or indirectly involved in various diseases, including inflammatory diseases, cancer, diabetes, and mental disorders. Presently, an increasing number of potential mechanisms have been revealed. In the present review, we depict the structure of IDO and TDO and explicate their functions in various diseases to facilitate a better understanding of them and to indicate new therapeutic plans to target them. Moreover, we summarize the inhibitors of IDO/TDO that are currently under development and their efficacy in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixiang Ye
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Linxiu Yue
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiachen Shi
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingmei Shao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rosenbaum MW, Gigliotti BJ, Pai SI, Parangi S, Wachtel H, Mino-Kenudson M, Gunda V, Faquin WC. PD-L1 and IDO1 Are Expressed in Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma. Endocr Pathol 2018; 29:59-67. [PMID: 29372535 PMCID: PMC6500591 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-018-9514-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is an aggressive form of thyroid cancer that currently has limited effective treatment options. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of carcinomas. In this study, we explore whether immune checkpoint pathways, such as programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), are activated in a cohort of patients with PDTC to determine whether ICIs may be an effective therapy for these patients. PDTC from 28 patients were stained for IDO1, PD-L1, and CD8 using immunohistochemistry. Staining was scored using an H-score, and PD-L1 and IDO1 expression was correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics. Positivity for PD-L1 and IDO1 was set at an H-score cutoff of five. Twenty-five percent (n = 7/28) of the PDTC were positive for PD-L1 expression. Twenty-nine percent (n = 2/7) of the PD-L1 positive PDTCs also co-expressed IDO1. The expression of PD-L1 in PDTC was significantly associated with tumor size and multifocality, with a non-significant trend towards associations with older age, extrathyroidal extension, presence of metastasis, higher stage, increased number of CD8+ T cells, and decreased disease-free and overall survival. PD-L1 expression occurs in a subset of PDTC, and is associated with a subset of clinical features of aggressive thyroid disease. Given the limited effective treatments for this patient population, consideration for ICIs as monotherapy or in combination with an IDO1 inhibitor should be explored as a novel treatment modality for patients with PDTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Rosenbaum
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Warren 219, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Benjamin J Gigliotti
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Sara I Pai
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Sareh Parangi
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Heather Wachtel
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Mari Mino-Kenudson
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Warren 219, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Viswanath Gunda
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - William C Faquin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Warren 219, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rashid FA, Mansoor Q, Tabassum S, Aziz H, Arfat WO, Naoum GE, Ismail M, Farooqi AA. Signaling cascades in thyroid cancer: Increasing the armory of archers to hit bullseye. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:3798-3808. [PMID: 29243843 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is a multifaceted and therapeutically challenging disease and rapidly accumulating experimentally verified findings have considerably improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms which underlie its development. Substantial fraction of information has been added into existing landscape of molecular oncology and we have started to develop a sharper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of thyroid cancer. Wealth of information demystified different intracellular signaling cascades which are frequently deregulated in thyroid cancer. In vitro assays and xenografted mice based studies have helped us to identify drug targets and different synthetic and natural products are currently being tested to effectively treat thyroid cancer. Cabozantinib and vandetanib have been approved to treat medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and two agents (lenvatinib and sorafenib) are also being used to treat radioactive-iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. This review comprehensively summarizes most recent advancements in our knowledge related to dysregulated intracellular signaling cascades in thyroid cancer and how different proteins can be therapeutically exploited. (1) We discuss how loss of TRAIL mediated apoptosis occurred in thyroid cancer cells and how different strategies can be used to restore apoptosis in resistant cancer cells; (2) We provide detailed account of seemingly opposite roles of NOTCH signaling in thyroid cancers; (3) TGF/SMAD mediated signaling also needs detailed research because of context dependent role in thyroid cancer. Researchers have only begun to scratch the surface of how TGF signaling works in thyroid cancer and metastasis; and (4) Role of SHH signaling in thyroid cancer stem cells is also well appreciated and targeting of SHH pathway will be an important aspect in treatment of thyroid cancer. Better concepts and improved knowledge will be helpful for clinicians in getting a step closer to individualized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Abdul Rashid
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Qaisar Mansoor
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Tabassum
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hafsa Aziz
- Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute, H-10 Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Waleed O Arfat
- Alexandria Comprehensive Cancer Center, Alexandria, Egypt.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - George E Naoum
- Alexandria Comprehensive Cancer Center, Alexandria, Egypt.,Department of Radiation oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Muhammad Ismail
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | |
Collapse
|