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Lin J, Wu Y, Liu G, Cui R, Xu Y. Advances of ultrasound in tumor immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112233. [PMID: 38735256 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112233] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a revolutionary method for treating tumors, offering new hope to cancer patients worldwide. Immunotherapy strategies such as checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and cancer vaccines have shown significant potential in clinical trials. Despite the promising results, there are still limitations that impede the overall effectiveness of immunotherapy; the response to immunotherapy is uneven, the response rate of patients is still low, and systemic immune toxicity accompanied with tumor cell immune evasion is common. Ultrasound technology has evolved rapidly in recent years and has become a significant player in tumor immunotherapy. The introductions of high intensity focused ultrasound and ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles have opened doors for new therapeutic strategies in the fight against tumor. This paper explores the revolutionary advancements of ultrasound combined with immunotherapy in this particular field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine-Zhuhai Hospital, Zhuhai, PR China.
| | - Yuwei Wu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China
| | - Guangde Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine-Zhuhai Hospital, Zhuhai, PR China
| | - Rui Cui
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, PR China
| | - Youhua Xu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China; Macau University of Science and Technology Zhuhai MUST Science and Technology Research Institute, Hengqin, Zhuhai, PR China.
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2
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Wang X, Mo X, Yang Z, Zhao C. Qntrolling the LncRNA HULC-Tregs-PD-1 axis inhibits immune escape in the tumor microenvironment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28386. [PMID: 38560250 PMCID: PMC10979100 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28386] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Immune escape remains a major challenge in the treatment of malignant tumors. Here, we studied the mechanisms underlying immune escape in the tumor microenvironment and identified a potential therapeutic target. Methods Pathological specimens from patients with liver cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and liver metastasis of colon cancer were subjected to immunohistochemistry analysis to detect the expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the expression of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), such as highly upregulated in liver cancer (HULC) was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and the relationship between HULC, Treg cells, and PD-1 was determined. The animals were divided into H22 hepatic carcinoma and S180 sarcoma groups. Each group was divided into Foxp3-/-C57BL/6J and C57BL/6J mice. Thereafter, mice were inoculated with 0.1 ml S180 sarcoma cells or 0.1 ml H22 hepatoma cells, at a concentration of 1 × 107/ml. The number of splenic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells was detected by flow cytometry, and serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels were detected using a Luminex liquid suspension chip. Expression of PD-1, fork head box P3 (Foxp3), and HULC in the TME, were analyzed and the therapeutic effect of inhibiting the lncRNA HULC-Treg-PD-1 axis in malignant tumors was determined. Results High expression of lncRNA HULC promotes the proliferation of Treg cells and increases PD-1 expression in the tumor microenvironment. The HULC-Treg-PD-1 axis plays an immunosuppressive role and promotes the proliferation of malignant tumors. Knocking out the Foxp3 gene can affect the HULC-Treg-PD-1 axis and reduce PD-1, IL-10, and TGF-β1 expression to control the growth of malignant tumors. Conclusion The lncRNA HULC-Treg-PD-1 axis promotes the growth of malignant tumors. This axis could be modulated to reduce PD-1, IL-10, and TGF-β1 expression and the subsequent immune escape. The inhibition of immune escape in the tumor microenvironment can be achieved by controlling the LncRNA HULC-Treg-PD-1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoYu Wang
- School of Health Science, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Mo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, China
| | - Zhuolin Yang
- School of Health Science, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, China
| | - Changlin Zhao
- School of Health Science, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, China
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3
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Cui H, Wang N, Li H, Bian Y, Wen W, Kong X, Wang F. The dynamic shifts of IL-10-producing Th17 and IL-17-producing Treg in health and disease: a crosstalk between ancient "Yin-Yang" theory and modern immunology. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:99. [PMID: 38317142 PMCID: PMC10845554 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01505-0] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The changes in T regulatory cell (Treg) and T helper cell (Th) 17 ratios holds paramount importance in ensuring internal homeostasis and disease progression. Recently, novel subsets of Treg and Th17, namely IL-17-producing Treg and IL-10-producing Th17 have been identified. IL-17-producing Treg and IL-10-producing Th17 are widely considered as the intermediates during Treg/Th17 transformation. These "bi-functional" cells exhibit plasticity and have been demonstrated with important roles in multiple physiological functions and disease processes. Yin and Yang represent opposing aspects of phenomena according to the ancient Chinese philosophy "Yin-Yang" theory. Furthermore, Yin can transform into Yang, and vice versa, under specific conditions. This theory has been widely used to describe the contrasting functions of immune cells and molecules. Therefore, immune-activating populations (Th17, M1 macrophage, etc.) and immune overreaction (inflammation, autoimmunity) can be considered Yang, while immunosuppressive populations (Treg, M2 macrophage, etc.) and immunosuppression (tumor, immunodeficiency) can be considered Yin. However, another important connotation of "Yin-Yang" theory, the conversion between Yin and Yang, has been rarely documented in immune studies. The discovery of IL-17-producing Treg and IL-10-producing Th17 enriches the meaning of "Yin-Yang" theory and further promotes the relationship between ancient "Yin-Yang" theory and modern immunology. Besides, illustrating the functions of IL-17-producing Treg and IL-10-producing Th17 and mechanisms governing their differentiation provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the dynamically changing statement of immune statement in health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huantian Cui
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Ning Wang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Hanzhou Li
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yuhong Bian
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Weibo Wen
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Xiangying Kong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Fudi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Wang F, Li Y, Yang Z, Cao W, Liu Y, Zhao L, Zhang T, Zhao C, Yu J, Yu J, Zhou J, Zhang X, Li PP, Han M, Feng S, Ng BWL, Hu ZW, Jiang E, Li K, Cui B. Targeting IL-17A enhances imatinib efficacy in Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nat Commun 2024; 15:203. [PMID: 38172124 PMCID: PMC10764960 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44270-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated hematopoietic niches remodeled by leukemia cells lead to imbalances in immunological mediators that support leukemogenesis and drug resistance. Targeting immune niches may ameliorate disease progression and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance in Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-ALL (Ph+ B-ALL). Here, we show that T helper type 17 (Th17) cells and IL-17A expression are distinctively elevated in Ph+ B-ALL patients. IL-17A promotes the progression of Ph+ B-ALL. Mechanistically, IL-17A activates BCR-ABL, IL6/JAK/STAT3, and NF-kB signalling pathways in Ph+ B-ALL cells, resulting in robust cell proliferation and survival. In addition, IL-17A-activated Ph+ B-ALL cells secrete the chemokine CXCL16, which in turn promotes Th17 differentiation, attracts Th17 cells and forms a positive feedback loop supporting leukemia progression. These data demonstrate an involvement of Th17 cells in Ph+ B-ALL progression and suggest potential therapeutic options for Ph+ B-ALL with Th17-enriched niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxuan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaona Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, 100176, Beijing, China
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 300020, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Chenxi Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Jinmei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Jichao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Ping-Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhe Han
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 300020, Tianjin, China
| | - Sizhou Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 300020, Tianjin, China
| | - Billy Wai-Lung Ng
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhuo-Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Erlie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 300020, Tianjin, China.
| | - Ke Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China.
| | - Bing Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China.
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China.
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Zhang Y, Li Z, Huang Y, Zou B, Xu Y. Amplifying cancer treatment: advances in tumor immunotherapy and nanoparticle-based hyperthermia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1258786. [PMID: 37869003 PMCID: PMC10587571 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1258786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In the quest for cancer treatment modalities with greater effectiveness, the combination of tumor immunotherapy and nanoparticle-based hyperthermia has emerged as a promising frontier. The present article provides a comprehensive review of recent advances and cutting-edge research in this burgeoning field and examines how these two treatment strategies can be effectively integrated. Tumor immunotherapy, which harnesses the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, has shown considerable promise. Concurrently, nanoparticle-based hyperthermia, which utilizes nanotechnology to promote selective cell death by raising the temperature of tumor cells, has emerged as an innovative therapeutic approach. While both strategies have individually shown potential, combination of the two modalities may amplify anti-tumor responses, with improved outcomes and reduced side effects. Key studies illustrating the synergistic effects of these two approaches are highlighted, and current challenges and future prospects in the field are discussed. As we stand on the precipice of a new era in cancer treatment, this review underscores the importance of continued research and collaboration in bringing these innovative treatments from the bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Huang
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bingwen Zou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Chen Z, Qiao S, Yang L, Sun M, Li B, Lu A, Li F. Mechanistic Insights into the Roles of the IL-17/IL-17R Families in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13539. [PMID: 37686343 PMCID: PMC10487659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713539] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The members of the cytokine interleukin 17 (IL-17) family, along with their receptors (IL-17R), are vital players in a range of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Although generally regarded as proinflammatory, the effects they exhibit on cancer progression are a double-edged sword, with both antitumor and protumor activities being discovered. There is growing evidence that the IL-17 signaling pathways have significant impacts on the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune response, and inflammation in various types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. However, the detailed mechanistic functions of the IL-17/IL-17R families in pancreatic cancer were rarely systematically elucidated. This review considers the role of the IL-17/IL-17R families in inflammation and tumor immunity and elaborates on the mechanistic functions and correlations of these members with pathogenesis, progression, and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. By summarizing the advanced findings on the role of IL-17/IL17R family members and IL-17 signaling pathways at the molecular level, cellular level, and disease level in pancreatic cancer, this review provides an in-depth discussion on the potential of IL-17/IL-17R as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Chen
- Shum Yiu Foon Shum Bik Chuen Memorial Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Z.C.); (S.Q.); (L.Y.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery (PMID), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuangying Qiao
- Shum Yiu Foon Shum Bik Chuen Memorial Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Z.C.); (S.Q.); (L.Y.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery (PMID), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Shum Yiu Foon Shum Bik Chuen Memorial Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Z.C.); (S.Q.); (L.Y.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery (PMID), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Meiheng Sun
- Shum Yiu Foon Shum Bik Chuen Memorial Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Z.C.); (S.Q.); (L.Y.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery (PMID), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Boyue Li
- Shum Yiu Foon Shum Bik Chuen Memorial Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Z.C.); (S.Q.); (L.Y.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery (PMID), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Shum Yiu Foon Shum Bik Chuen Memorial Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Z.C.); (S.Q.); (L.Y.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery (PMID), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fangfei Li
- Shum Yiu Foon Shum Bik Chuen Memorial Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Z.C.); (S.Q.); (L.Y.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery (PMID), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Abdelmoneim M, Aboalela MA, Naoe Y, Matsumura S, Eissa IR, Bustos-Villalobos I, Sibal PA, Takido Y, Kodera Y, Kasuya H. The Impact of Metformin on Tumor-Infiltrated Immune Cells: Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13353. [PMID: 37686159 PMCID: PMC10487782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in the fate of cancer cells, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells have emerged as key players in shaping this complex milieu. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The most common standard treatments for cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapeutic drugs. In the last decade, immunotherapy has had a potential effect on the treatment of cancer patients with poor prognoses. One of the immune therapeutic targeted approaches that shows anticancer efficacy is a type 2 diabetes medication, metformin. Beyond its glycemic control properties, studies have revealed intriguing immunomodulatory properties of metformin. Meanwhile, several studies focus on the impact of metformin on tumor-infiltrating immune cells in various tumor models. In several tumor models, metformin can modulate tumor-infiltrated effector immune cells, CD8+, CD4+ T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as suppressor immune cells, T regulatory cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In this review, we discuss the role of metformin in modulating tumor-infiltrating immune cells in different preclinical models and clinical trials. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that metformin holds promise as adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment by modulating the immune response within the tumor microenvironment. Nonetheless, both the tumor type and the combined therapy have an impact on the specific targets of metformin in the TME. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of metformin and to optimize its clinical application in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelmoneim
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Mona Alhussein Aboalela
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Yoshinori Naoe
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Shigeru Matsumura
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Ibrahim Ragab Eissa
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Itzel Bustos-Villalobos
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Patricia Angela Sibal
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Yuhei Takido
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
| | - Hideki Kasuya
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
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8
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Torres W, Pérez JL, Díaz MP, D’Marco L, Checa-Ros A, Carrasquero R, Angarita L, Gómez Y, Chacín M, Ramírez P, Villasmil N, Durán-Agüero S, Cano C, Bermúdez V. The Role of Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators in Inflammation-Induced Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12623. [PMID: 37628804 PMCID: PMC10454572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612623] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a process involving cell mutation, increased proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Over the years, this condition has represented one of the most concerning health problems worldwide due to its significant morbidity and mortality. At present, the incidence of cancer continues to grow exponentially. Thus, it is imperative to open new avenues in cancer research to understand the molecular changes driving DNA transformation, cell-to-cell interaction derangements, and immune system surveillance decay. In this regard, evidence supports the relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer. In light of this, a group of bioactive lipids derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may have a position as novel anti-inflammatory molecules known as the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), a group of pro-resolutive inflammation agents that could improve the anti-tumor immunity. These molecules have the potential role of chemopreventive and therapeutic agents for various cancer types, and their effects have been documented in the scientific literature. Thus, this review objective centers around understanding the effect of SPMs on carcinogenesis and their potential therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wheeler Torres
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo 4004, Venezuela
| | - José Luis Pérez
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo 4004, Venezuela
| | - María P. Díaz
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo 4004, Venezuela
| | - Luis D’Marco
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Cardiorrenales y Metabólicas, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Checa-Ros
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Cardiorrenales y Metabólicas, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rubén Carrasquero
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo 4004, Venezuela
| | - Lissé Angarita
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Concepción 4260000, Chile
| | - Yosselin Gómez
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo 4004, Venezuela
| | - Maricarmen Chacín
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080022, Colombia
| | - Paola Ramírez
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo 4004, Venezuela
| | - Nelson Villasmil
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo 4004, Venezuela
| | - Samuel Durán-Agüero
- Facultad de Ciencias Para el Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Los Leones 8420524, Chile
| | - Clímaco Cano
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo 4004, Venezuela
| | - Valmore Bermúdez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080022, Colombia
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9
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Pan Y, Yang W, Tang B, Wang X, Zhang Q, Li W, Li L. The protective and pathogenic role of Th17 cell plasticity and function in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1192303. [PMID: 37457739 PMCID: PMC10339829 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1192303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
At the turn of the century, researchers discovered a unique subtype of T helper cells that secretes IL-17 and defined it as Th17. The latest study found that Th17 cells play both positive and negative definitive roles in the regulation of antitumor immune responses. Although the function of Th17 in the tumor microenvironment remains poorly understood, more and more studies have shown that this paradoxical dual role is closely related to the plasticity of Th17 cells in recent decades. Further understanding of the characteristics of Th17 cells in the tumor microenvironment could yield novel and useful therapeutic approaches to treat cancer. In this review, we further present the high plasticity of Th17 cells and the function of Th17-producing IL-17 in tumor immunity.
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Anagnostou T, Yang ZZ, Jalali S, Kim HJ, Larson DP, Tang X, Yu Y, Pritchett JC, Bisneto JV, Price-Troska TL, Mondello P, Novak AJ, Ansell SM. Characterization of immune exhaustion and suppression in the tumor microenvironment of splenic marginal zone lymphoma. Leukemia 2023:10.1038/s41375-023-01911-2. [PMID: 37117318 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01911-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and intratumoral T cells in splenic marginal zone lymphoma (sMZL) is largely unknown. In the present study, we evaluated 36 sMZL spleen specimens by single cell analysis to gain a better understanding of the TME in sMZL. Using mass cytometry (CyTOF), we observed that the TME in sMZL is distinct from that of control non-malignant reactive spleen (rSP). We found that the number of TFH cells varied greatly in sMZL, ICOS+ TFH cells were more abundant in sMZL than rSP, and TFH cells positively correlated with increased numbers of memory B cells. Treg cell analysis revealed that TIGIT+ Treg cells are enriched in sMZL and correlate with suppression of TH17 and TH22 cells. Intratumoral CD8+ T cells were comprised of subsets of short-lived, exhausted and late-stage differentiated cells, thereby functionally impaired. We observed that T-cell exhaustion was present in sMZL and TIM-3 expression on PD-1low cells identified cells with severe immune dysfunction. Gene expression profiling by CITE-seq analysis validated this finding. Taken together, our data suggest that the TME as a whole, and T-cell population specifically, are heterogenous in sMZL and immune exhaustion is one of the major factors impairing T-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Anagnostou
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhi-Zhang Yang
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Shahrzad Jalali
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Hyo Jin Kim
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Xinyi Tang
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joshua C Pritchett
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Patrizia Mondello
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Anne J Novak
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Stephen M Ansell
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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11
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Berger A, Colpitts SJ, Zych M, Paige CJ. Engineered murine IL-21-secreting leukemia cells induce granzyme B + T cells and CD4 +CD44 +CD62L - effector memory cells while suppressing regulatory T cells, leading to long-term survival. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023:10.1007/s00262-023-03442-2. [PMID: 37061631 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03442-2] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
We have explored the use of an IL-21 cell-based anti-leukemia treatment in a mouse model of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 70Z/3 leukemia cells, engineered to secrete IL-21 and injected into the peritoneum of syngeneic mice, induced a strong anti-leukemia response resulting in 100% survival. Mice that mounted an IL-21-induced anti-leukemia immune response were immune to the parent cell line (no IL-21) when rechallenged.Above a certain threshold, IL-21 secretion correlated with improved survival compared to mice injected with parent 70Z/3 cells. IL-21 was detected in serum with peak levels on day 7, correlating with the maximum expansion of IL-21-secreting 70Z/3 cells which subsequently were eliminated. Mice injected with IL-21-secreting leukemia cells had elevated numbers of granzyme B+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the peritoneum, compared to mice injected with the parent cell line. Regulatory T cells, which increased greatly in 70Z/3-injected mice, failed to do so in mice injected with IL-21-secreting cells. Upon rechallenge, IL-21-primed mice went through a secondary immune response, primarily requiring CD4+ T cells, triggering a significant increase of CD4+CD44+CD62L- effector memory T cells. Adoptive transfer of T cells from IL21-primed/rechallenged hosts into naïve mice was successful, indicating that IL-21-primed antigen-experienced T cells convey immunity to naïve mice.Our study shows that delivery of IL-21 in a cell-based anti-leukemia protocol has the potential to induce a potent immune response leading to cancer elimination and long-term immunity-properties which make IL-21 an attractive candidate for cancer immunotherapy. Protecting against tumor antigens as well as improving cancer immunity is justified, as current strategies are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Berger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Room 8-105, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Sarah J Colpitts
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Room 8-105, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Morgan Zych
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Room 8-105, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Christopher J Paige
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Room 8-105, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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12
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Senchukova MA. Genetic heterogeneity of colorectal cancer and the microbiome. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:443-463. [PMID: 37009315 PMCID: PMC10052667 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i3.443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization's GLOBOCAN database ranked colorectal cancer (CRC) as the third most common cancer in the world. Most cases of CRC (> 95%) are sporadic and develop from colorectal polyps that can progress to intramucosal carcinoma and CRC. Increasing evidence is accumulating that the gut microbiota can play a key role in the initiation and progression of CRC, as well as in the treatment of CRC, acting as an important metabolic and immunological regulator. Factors that may determine the microbiota role in CRC carcinogenesis include inflammation, changes in intestinal stem cell function, impact of bacterial metabolites on gut mucosa, accumulation of genetic mutations and other factors. In this review, I discuss the major mechanisms of the development of sporadic CRC, provide detailed characteristics of the bacteria that are most often associated with CRC, and analyze the role of the microbiome and microbial metabolites in inflammation initiation, activation of proliferative activity in intestinal epithelial and stem cells, and the development of genetic and epigenetic changes in CRC. I consider long-term studies in this direction to be very important, as they open up new opportunities for the treatment and prevention of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Senchukova
- Department of Oncology, Orenburg State Medical University, Orenburg 460000, Russia
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13
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Koustas E, Trifylli EM, Sarantis P, Papadopoulos N, Papanikolopoulos K, Aloizos G, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Garmpi A, Matthaios D, Karamouzis MV. Exploiting Autophagy-Dependent Neoantigen Presentation in Tumor Microenvironment. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:474. [PMID: 36833401 PMCID: PMC9956312 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy constitutes a well-known homeostatic and catabolic process that is responsible for degradation and recycling of cellular components. It is a key regulatory mechanism for several cellular functions, whereas its dysregulation is associated with tumorigenesis, tumor-stroma interactions and resistance to cancer therapy. A growing body of evidence has proven that autophagy affects the tumor microenvironment, while it is also considered a key factor for function of several immune cells, such as APCs, T-cells, and macrophages. Moreover, it is implicated in presentation of neo-antigens of tumor cells in both MHC-I and MHC-II in dendritic cells (DCs) in functional activity of immune cells by creating T-cell memory, as well as in cross-presentation of neo-antigens for MHC-I presentation and the internalization process. Currently, autophagy has a crucial role in immunotherapy. Emergence of cancer immunotherapy has already shown some remarkable results, having changed therapeutic strategy in clinical practice for several cancer types. Despite these promising long-term responses, several patients seem to lack the ability to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, autophagy through neo-antigen presentation is a potential target in order to strengthen or attenuate the effects of immunotherapy against different types of cancer. This review will shed light on the recent advances and future directions of autophagy-dependent neo-antigen presentation and consequently its role in immunotherapy for malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Koustas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Aloizos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Damaskos
- ‘N.S. Christeas’ Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Renal Transplantation Unit, ‘Laiko’ General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, ‘Laiko’ General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michalis V. Karamouzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Holvoet P. Noncoding RNAs Controlling Oxidative Stress in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041155. [PMID: 36831498 PMCID: PMC9954372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041155] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria in cancer cells tend to overproduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing a vicious cycle between mitochondria, ROS, genomic instability, and cancer development. The first part of this review deals with the role of noncoding RNAs in regulating mitochondrial ROS production and the expression of antioxidants in cancer cells, preventing the increase of ROS in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, cytotoxic T and natural killer cells release high levels of ROS, inducing cell death, while anti-immune regulatory T cells, tumor-associated M2 macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, at least at the initial stage of tumor growth, release low levels of ROS supporting tumor growth. Therefore, this review's second part deals with noncoding RNAs' role in regulating the metabolic reprogramming of immune cells about ROS release. Furthermore, the enrichment of noncoding RNAs in microvesicles allows communication between cell types in a tumor and between a tumor and tumor-adjacent tissues. Therefore, the third part illustrates how noncoding RNA-containing microvesicles secreted by mesenchymal stem cells and primary tumor cells may primarily aid the shift of immune cells to a pro-oncogenic phenotype. Conversely, microvesicles released by tumor-adjacent tissues may have the opposite effect. Our review reveals that a specific noncoding RNA may affect oxidative stress by several mechanisms, which may have opposite effects on tumor growth. Furthermore, they may be involved in mechanisms other than regulating oxidative stress, which may level out their effects on oxidative stress and tumor growth. In addition, several noncoding RNAs might share a specific function, making it very unlikely that intervening with only one of these noncoding RNAs will block this particular mechanism. Overall, further validation of the interaction between noncoding RNAs about cancer types and stages of tumor development is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Holvoet
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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15
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López-Cantillo G, Urueña C, Camacho BA, Ramírez-Segura C. CAR-T Cell Performance: How to Improve Their Persistence? Front Immunol 2022; 13:878209. [PMID: 35572525 PMCID: PMC9097681 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.878209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with T cells reprogrammed to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells) has been highly successful in patients with hematological neoplasms. However, its therapeutic benefits have been limited in solid tumor cases. Even those patients who respond to this immunotherapy remain at risk of relapse due to the short-term persistence or non-expansion of CAR-T cells; moreover, the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME) leads to the dysfunction of these cells after reinfusion. Some research has shown that, in adoptive T-cell therapies, the presence of less differentiated T-cell subsets within the infusion product is associated with better clinical outcomes. Naive and memory T cells persist longer and exhibit greater antitumor activity than effector T cells. Therefore, new methods are being studied to overcome the limitations of this therapy to generate CAR-T cells with these ideal phenotypes. In this paper, we review the characteristics of T-cell subsets and their implications in the clinical outcomes of adoptive therapy with CAR-T cells. In addition, we describe some strategies developed to overcome the reduced persistence of CAR T-cells and alternatives to improve this therapy by increasing the expansion ability and longevity of modified T cells. These methods include cell culture optimization, incorporating homeostatic cytokines during the expansion phase of manufacturing, modulation of CAR-T cell metabolism, manipulating signaling pathways involved in T-cell differentiation, and strategies related to CAR construct designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina López-Cantillo
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ingeniería Celular y Molecular, Instituto Distrital de Ciencia Biotecnología e Innovación en Salud (IDCBIS), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Urueña
- Grupo de Inmunobiología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Cesar Ramírez-Segura
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ingeniería Celular y Molecular, Instituto Distrital de Ciencia Biotecnología e Innovación en Salud (IDCBIS), Bogotá, Colombia.,Instituto Distrital de Ciencia Biotecnología e Innovación en Salud (IDCBIS), Bogotá, Colombia
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16
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Kwiecień I, Rutkowska E, Sokołowski R, Bednarek J, Raniszewska A, Jahnz-Różyk K, Rzepecki P, Domagała-Kulawik J. Effector Memory T Cells and CD45RO+ Regulatory T Cells in Metastatic vs. Non-Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Lung Cancer Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864497. [PMID: 35585972 PMCID: PMC9108231 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphocytes play a leading role in regulation of the immune system in lung cancer patients. The recognition of T cells profile may help in prediction of effectiveness of anticancer immunotherapy. The aim of the study was to determine the dominant subpopulation of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) of lung cancer patients. LNs aspirates were obtained during EBUS/TBNA procedure and cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. We showed a higher percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory T cells in the metastatic than in the non-metastatic LNs (28.6 vs. 15.3% and 28.6 vs. 14.0%, p< 0.05). The proportion of CD45RO+ T regulatory cells (CD45RO+ Tregs) was higher in the metastatic LNs than in the non-metastatic ones (65.6 vs. 31%, p< 0.05). We reported the significant differences in T cell subsets depending on the lung cancer metastatic process. We observed that the effector memory T cells were predominant subpopulations in metastatic LNs. Lymphocyte profile in LNs is easy to evaluate by flow cytometry of EBUS/TBNA samples and may reflect the immune status in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Kwiecień
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Flow Cytometry, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Iwona Kwiecień, ;
| | - Elżbieta Rutkowska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Flow Cytometry, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Sokołowski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Bednarek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Raniszewska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Flow Cytometry, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karina Jahnz-Różyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzepecki
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Domagała-Kulawik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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17
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Ming J, Wang C. N7-Methylguanosine-Related lncRNAs: Integrated Analysis Associated With Prognosis and Progression in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:871899. [PMID: 35495133 PMCID: PMC9043611 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.871899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
N7-Methylguanosine (m7G) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely reported to play an important role in cancer. However, there is little known about the relationship between m7G-related lncRNAs and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). To find new potential biomarkers and construct an m7G-related lncRNA prognostic signature for ccRCC, we retrieved transcriptome data and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and divided the entire set into train set and test set with the ratio of 1:1 randomly. The m7G-related lncRNAs were identified by Pearson correlation analysis (|coefficients| > 0.4, and p < 0.001). Then we performed the univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis to construct a 12 m7G-related lncRNA prognostic signature. Next, principal component analysis (PCA), the Kaplan–Meier method, time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were made to verify and evaluate the risk signature. A nomogram based on the risk signature and clinical parameters was developed and showed high accuracy and reliability for predicting the overall survival (OS). Functional enrichment analysis (GO, KEGG and GSEA) was used to investigate the potential biological pathways. We also performed the analysis of tumor mutation burden (TMB), immunological analysis including immune scores, immune cell infiltration (ICI), immune function, tumor immune escape (TIE) and immunotherapeutic drug in our study. In conclusion, using the 12 m7G-related lncRNA risk signature as a prognostic indicator may offer us insight into the oncogenesis and treatment response prediction of ccRCC.
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18
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Dual Effect of Immune Cells within Tumour Microenvironment: Pro- and Anti-Tumour Effects and Their Triggers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071681. [PMID: 35406451 PMCID: PMC8996887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Our body is constantly exposed to pathogens or external threats, but with the immune response that our body can develop, we can fight off and defeat possible attacks or infections. Nevertheless, sometimes this threat comes from an internal factor. Situations such as the existence of a tumour also cause our immune system (IS) to be put on alert. Indeed, the link between immunology and cancer is evident these days, with IS being used as one of the important targets for treating cancer. Our IS is able to eliminate those abnormal or damaged cells found in our body, preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of tumour cells that can lead to cancer. However, in several cases, tumour cells can escape from the IS. It has been observed that immune cells, the extracellular matrix, blood vessels, fat cells and various molecules could support tumour growth and development. Thus, the developing tumour receives structural support, irrigation and energy, among other resources, making its survival and progression possible. All these components that accompany and help the tumour to survive and to grow are called the tumour microenvironment (TME). Given the importance of its presence in the tumour development process, this review will focus on one of the components of the TME: immune cells. Immune cells can support anti-tumour immune response protecting us against tumour cells; nevertheless, they can also behave as pro-tumoural cells, thus promoting tumour progression and survival. In this review, the anti-tumour and pro-tumour immunity of several immune cells will be discussed. In addition, the TME influence on this dual effect will be also analysed.
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19
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Multifaceted Roles of Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Tumor Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236132. [PMID: 34885241 PMCID: PMC8656932 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Various immune cells are involved in host immune responses to cancer. T-helper (Th) 1 cells, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, and natural killer cells are the major effector cells in anti-tumor immunity, whereas cells such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells are negatively involved in anti-tumor immunity. Th2 cells and Th17 cells have been shown to have both pro-tumor and anti-tumor activities. The migratory properties of various immune cells are essential for their function and critically regulated by the chemokine superfamily. In this review, we summarize the roles of various immune cells in tumor immunity and their migratory regulation by the chemokine superfamily. We also assess the therapeutic possibilities of targeting chemokines and chemokine receptors in cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Various immune cells are involved in host tumor immune responses. In particular, there are many T cell subsets with different roles in tumor immunity. T-helper (Th) 1 cells are involved in cellular immunity and thus play the major role in host anti-tumor immunity by inducing and activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). On the other hand, Th2 cells are involved in humoral immunity and suppressive to Th1 responses. Regulatory T (Treg) cells negatively regulate immune responses and contribute to immune evasion of tumor cells. Th17 cells are involved in inflammatory responses and may play a role in tumor progression. However, recent studies have also shown that Th17 cells are capable of directly inducting CTLs and thus may promote anti-tumor immunity. Besides these T cell subsets, there are many other innate immune cells such as dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that are involved in host immune responses to cancer. The migratory properties of various immune cells are critical for their functions and largely regulated by the chemokine superfamily. Thus, chemokines and chemokine receptors play vital roles in the orchestration of host immune responses to cancer. In this review, we overview the various immune cells involved in host responses to cancer and their migratory properties regulated by the chemokine superfamily. Understanding the roles of chemokines and chemokine receptors in host immune responses to cancer may provide new therapeutic opportunities for cancer immunotherapy.
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Diehl V, Huber LS, Trebicka J, Wygrecka M, Iozzo RV, Schaefer L. The Role of Decorin and Biglycan Signaling in Tumorigenesis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:801801. [PMID: 34917515 PMCID: PMC8668865 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.801801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex and adaptive nature of malignant neoplasm constitute a major challenge for the development of effective anti-oncogenic therapies. Emerging evidence has uncovered the pivotal functions exerted by the small leucine-rich proteoglycans, decorin and biglycan, in affecting tumor growth and progression. In their soluble forms, decorin and biglycan act as powerful signaling molecules. By receptor-mediated signal transduction, both proteoglycans modulate key processes vital for tumor initiation and progression, such as autophagy, inflammation, cell-cycle, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Despite of their structural homology, these two proteoglycans interact with distinct cell surface receptors and thus modulate distinct signaling pathways that ultimately affect cancer development. In this review, we summarize growing evidence for the complex roles of decorin and biglycan signaling in tumor biology and address potential novel therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Diehl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lisa Sophie Huber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Wygrecka
- Center for Infection and Genomics of the Lung, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany
| | - Renato V. Iozzo
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology and the Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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Najafi S, Saadat P, Moghadam NB, Manoucherinia A, Aghazadeh Z, Mohammadi AV, Noorbakhsh SM, Movahedi M, Moghaddam MRN, Pashaiefar H, Mirshafiey A. The effects of mannuronic acid on IL-1β, IL-17A, STAT1 and STAT3 gene expression and TLR2 and TLR4 molecules in multiple sclerosis. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 62:762-769. [PMID: 34825387 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurologic disease defined by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS) comes with variable degrees of axonal and neuronal damage. The efficacy of β-D-Mannuronic acid (M2000) as a novel drug with immunosuppressive properties, patented (PCT/EP2017/067920), has been shown in experimental model of MS. In this study, the effects of M2000 on IL-1β, IL-17A, STAT1 and STAT3 gene expression and TLR2 and TLR4 molecules in secondary progressive MS (SPMS) patients have been evaluated. In this study, 14 SPMS patients and 14 healthy subjects (as control group) were entered from the phase 2 clinical trial (Clinical Trial identifier, IRCT2016111313739N6). The gene expression of IL-1β, IL-17A, STAT1 and STAT3 was assessed at the baseline and then measured after 6 months of therapy with M2000, by using quantitative real-time PCR method. Moreover, the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 molecules on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) were evaluated by flow cytometry method. The gene expression of IL-17A, STAT1 and STAT3 in MS patients decreased after six months of therapy with M2000 comparing before treatment. Also, the gene expression of IL-1β, decreased numerically after six months. Furthermore, the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on PBMCs of the patients declined when compared to baseline. The results of this investigation revealed that M2000 could downregulate IL-17, STAT1 and STAT3 genes in SPMS patients and also reduce the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on PBMCs. Moreover, M2000 declined numerically IL-β gene expression. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Najafi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Saadat
- Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Nahid Beladi Moghadam
- Department of Neurology, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Manoucherinia
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zahra Aghazadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Monireh Movahedi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Pashaiefar
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Mirshafiey
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Huang FY, Wang JY, Dai SZ, Lin YY, Sun Y, Zhang L, Lu Z, Cao R, Tan GH. A recombinant oncolytic Newcastle virus expressing MIP-3α promotes systemic antitumor immunity. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000330. [PMID: 32759233 PMCID: PMC7410001 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is inherently able to trigger the lysis of tumor cells and induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells and is also an excellent gene-engineering vector. The macrophage inflammatory protein-3α (MIP-3α) is a specific chemokine for dendritic cells (DCs). Thus, we constructed a recombinant NDV expressing MIP-3α (NDV-MIP3α) as an in vivo DC vaccine for amplifying antitumor immunities. METHODS The recombinant NDV-MIP3α was constructed by the insertion of MIP-3α cDNA between the P and M genes. Western blotting assay and ELISA were used to detect MIP-3α, HMGB1, IgG, and ATP in the supernatant and sera. The chemotaxis of DCs was examined by Transwell chambers. The phenotypes of the immune cells (eg, DCs) were analyzed by flow cytometry. The antitumor efficiency of NDV-MIP3α was observed in B16 and CT26 tumor-bearing mice. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were applied to observe the ecto-calreticulin (CRT) and intratumoral attraction of DCs. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes and antibodies and depletion of T-cell subsets were used to evaluate the relationship between antitumor immunities and the role of the T-cell subtype. RESULTS The findings show that NDV-MIP3α has almost the same capabilities of tumor lysis and induction of ICD as the wild-type NDV (NDV-WT). MIP-3α secreted by NDV-MIP3α could successfully attract DCs in vitro and in vivo. Both B16 and CT26 cells infected with NDV-MIP3α could strongly promote DC maturation and activation. Compared with NDV-WT, intratumoral injection of NDV-MIP3α and the adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes from mice injected with NDV-MIP3α resulted in a significant suppression of B16 and CT26 tumor growth. The NDV-MIP3α-induced production of tumor-specific cellular and humoral immune responses was dependent on CD8+ T cells and partially on CD4+ T cells. A significant reversion of tumor microenvironments was found in the mice injected with NDV-MIP3α. CONCLUSIONS Compared with NDV-WT, the recombinant NDV-MIP3α as an in vivo DC vaccine demonstrates enhanced antitumor activities through the induction of stronger system immunities and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. This strategy may be a potential approach for the generation of an in vivo DC vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jin-Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Shu-Zhen Dai
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ying-Ying Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Rong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Guang-Hong Tan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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23
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Zhuang H, Chen X, Wang Y, Huang S, Chen B, Zhang C, Hou B. Identification of LIPH as an unfavorable biomarkers correlated with immune suppression or evasion in pancreatic cancer based on RNA-seq. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:601-612. [PMID: 34279685 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03019-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely considered that pancreatic cancer (PC) is an immunosuppressive cancer. Immune-based therapies remain promising therapeutic strategies for PC. Overexpression of lipase H (LIPH) was reported to be related to immunity in cattle and has also been demonstrated to promote tumor progression in several tumors, but its role in pancreatic carcinogenesis remains unclear. Study on LIPH in PC might provide a new insight into the immunosuppression in PC. METHODS The potential biological and clinical significance of LIPH was evaluated by bioinformatics analysis. We further investigated potential associations between the expression of LIPH and tumor immune infiltration using the CIBERSORT algorithm, the ESTIMAT algorithm, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). RESULTS LIPH was significantly overexpressed in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. LIPH overexpression correlated with tumor recurrence, advanced histologic grade, and poorer overall survival (OS). Four of the most common somatic mutation, including KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4, in PC were all correlated with high LIPH expression. And high LIPH expression was significantly correlated with KRAS activation and SMAD4 inactivation. Besides, LIPH expression was involved in various biological pathways such as negative regulation of cell-cell adhesion, actin cytoskeleton, EMT, angiogenesis, and signaling by MST1. And LIPH overexpression caused high infiltration of TAMs, Treg cells, and Th2/Th1, but reduced the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and Th1 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that LIPH correlated with immune suppression or evasion and may function as a novel unfavorable prognostic biomarker in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkai Zhuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 106 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xinming Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenshan Central Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shanwei, 516600, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Shanzhou Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 106 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Breast Cancer, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 106 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Chuanzhao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 106 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Baohua Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 106 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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24
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Maes K, Mondino A, Lasarte JJ, Agirre X, Vanderkerken K, Prosper F, Breckpot K. Epigenetic Modifiers: Anti-Neoplastic Drugs With Immunomodulating Potential. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652160. [PMID: 33859645 PMCID: PMC8042276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are under the surveillance of the host immune system. Nevertheless, a number of immunosuppressive mechanisms allow tumors to escape protective responses and impose immune tolerance. Epigenetic alterations are central to cancer cell biology and cancer immune evasion. Accordingly, epigenetic modulating agents (EMAs) are being exploited as anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory agents to restore immunological fitness. By simultaneously acting on cancer cells, e.g. by changing expression of tumor antigens, immune checkpoints, chemokines or innate defense pathways, and on immune cells, e.g. by remodeling the tumor stroma or enhancing effector cell functionality, EMAs can indeed overcome peripheral tolerance to transformed cells. Therefore, combinations of EMAs with chemo- or immunotherapy have become interesting strategies to fight cancer. Here we review several examples of epigenetic changes critical for immune cell functions and tumor-immune evasion and of the use of EMAs in promoting anti-tumor immunity. Finally, we provide our perspective on how EMAs could represent a game changer for combinatorial therapies and the clinical management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Maes
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universiteit Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Mondino
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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25
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Huang W, Chen JJ, Xing R, Zeng YC. Combination therapy: Future directions of immunotherapy in small cell lung cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:100889. [PMID: 33065386 PMCID: PMC7567053 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), an aggressive and devastating malignancy, is characterized by rapid growth and early metastasis. Although most patients respond to first-line chemotherapy, the majority of patients rapidly relapse and have a relatively poor prognosis. Fortunately, immunotherapy, mainly including antibodies that target the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), checkpoints programmed death-1 (PD-1), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) to block immune regulatory checkpoints on tumor cells, immune cells, fibroblasts cells and endothelial cells, has achieved the milestone in several solid tumors, such as melanoma and non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). In recent years, immunotherapy has made progress in the treatment of patients with SCLC, while its response rate is relatively low to monotherapy. Interestingly, the combination of immunotherapy with other therapy, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, preliminarily achieve greater therapeutic effects for treating SCLC. Combining different immunotherapy drugs may act synergistically because of the complementary effects of the two immune checkpoint pathways (CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways). The incorporation of chemoradiotherapy in immunotherapy may augment antitumor immune responses because chemoradiotherapy can enhance tumor cell immunogenicity by rapidly inducing tumor lysis and releasing tumor antigens. In addition, since immunotherapy drugs and the molecular targets drugs act on different targets and cells, the combination of these drugs may achieve greater therapeutic effects in the treatment of SCLC. In this review, we focused on the completed and ongoing trials of the combination therapy for immunotherapy of SCLC to find out the rational combination strategies which may improve the outcomes for SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39 Huaxiang Road, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Jia-Jia Chen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39 Huaxiang Road, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Rui Xing
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39 Huaxiang Road, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Yue-Can Zeng
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39 Huaxiang Road, Shenyang 110022, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, 368 Yehai Road, Haikou 571199, China.
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26
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Li Z, Deng J, Sun J, Ma Y. Hyperthermia Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment Facilitates Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Front Immunol 2020; 11:595207. [PMID: 33240283 PMCID: PMC7680736 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.595207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have ushered in a new era of cancer therapy; however, ICIs are only effective in selective patients. The efficacy of ICIs is closely related to the tumor microenvironment. Fever for a long time was thought to directly regulate the immune response, and artificial “fever” from hyperthermia modulates the tumor immune microenvironment by providing danger signals with heat shock proteins (HSPs) as well as subsequent activation of immune systems. Encouraging results have been achieved in preclinical studies focused on potential synergetic effects by combining hyperthermia with ICIs. In this review, we summarized a cluster of immune-related factors that not only make hyperthermia a treatment capable of defending against cancer but also make hyperthermia a reliable treatment that creates a type I-like tumor microenvironment (overexpression of PD-L1 and enrichment of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) in complementary for the enhancement of the ICIs. Then we reviewed recent preclinical data of the combination regimens involving hyperthermia and ICIs that demonstrated the combined efficacy and illustrated possible approaches to further boost the effectiveness of this combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihui Li
- Oncology Department, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Oncology Department, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhai Sun
- Oncology Department, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanling Ma
- Oncology Department, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
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27
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Fang J, Hu M, Sun Y, Zhou S, Li H. Expression Profile Analysis of m6A RNA Methylation Regulators Indicates They Are Immune Signature Associated and Can Predict Survival in Kidney Renal Cell Carcinoma. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:2194-2211. [PMID: 33085515 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) refers to the methylation modification occurring at the nitrogen-6 position of adenosine. Many human physiological processes such as modulation of spermatogenesis are caused by m6A RNA modifications. However, the relationship between m6A RNA methylation regulators and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains rarely investigated. This work aimed to explore the influence of m6A RNA methylation regulators in KIRC. We examined abnormally expressed m6A RNA methylation regulators among different clinicopathological features of KIRC. We recognized three subgroups (KIRC1, KIRC2, and KIRC3) with significant differences in overall survival through consensus clustering of m6A RNA methylation regulators. Surprisingly, KIRC2 displayed elevated immune activity, but high proportions of immune-inhibitory cells (Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cell) based on single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT analysis. Moreover, the KIRC2 subgroup had the lowest tumor mutation burden levels and the highest expression levels of 80% (12/15) of co-inhibitory molecules. Next, correlation analysis indicated that RBM15B expression was negatively correlated with multiple immune signatures, which was verified by ssGSEA and CIBERSORT analyses. Multiple immune-related and cancer-related pathways were enriched in the group with high RBM15B expression. Furthermore, a four-m6A RNA methylation regulator-based risk signature was constructed based on an ArrayExpress (E-MTAB-3267) dataset and confirmed in the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) testing cohort. In conclusion, our study successfully classified TCGA samples into three subgroups with different immune signatures, and suggested that the worse prognosis of KIRC2 is probably mediated by immune evasion. These findings will facilitate personalized immunotherapy in patients with KIRC. In addition, the risk score system was revealed as an independent prognostic marker that can predict survival in KIRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuyuan Fang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyang Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sijie Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huixiang Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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28
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Ashrafizadeh M, Farhood B, Eleojo Musa A, Taeb S, Rezaeyan A, Najafi M. Abscopal effect in radioimmunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 85:106663. [PMID: 32521494 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abscopal effect is an interesting phenomenon in radiobiology that causes activation of immune system against cancer cells. Traditionally, this phenomenon was known as a suppressor of non-irradiated tumors or metastasis. However, it can be used as a stimulator of the immune system against primary tumor during radiotherapy. Immunotherapy, a novel tumor therapy modality, also triggers immune system against cancer. To date, some immunotherapy types have been developed. However, immune checkpoint blockade is a more common modality and some drugs have been approved by the FDA. Studies have shown that radiotherapy or immunotherapy administered alone have low efficiency for tumor control. However, their combination has a more potent anti-tumor immunity. For this aim, it is important to induce abscopal effect in primary tumors, and also use appropriate drugs to target the mechanisms involved in the exhaustion of cytotoxic CD8+T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Among the different radiotherapy techniques, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with some few fractionations is the best choice for inducing abscopal effect. On the other hand, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is known as one of the best targets for triggering anti-tumor immunity. This combination is known as the best choice among various strategies for radioimmunotherapy. However, there is the need for other strategies to improve the duration of immune system's activity within tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we explain the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind abscopal effect by radiotherapy and evaluate the molecular targets which induce potent anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ahmed Eleojo Musa
- Department of Medical Physics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (International Campus), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Taeb
- Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abolhassan Rezaeyan
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Downregulation of miR-4772-3p promotes enhanced regulatory T cell capacity in malignant pleural effusion by elevating Helios levels. Chin Med J (Engl) 2020; 132:2705-2715. [PMID: 31725455 PMCID: PMC6940098 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a complicated condition of patients with advanced tumors. Further dissecting the microenvironment of infiltrated immune cells and malignant cells are warranted to understand the immune-evasion mechanisms of tumor development and progression. Methods: The possible involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in malignant pleural fluid was investigated using small RNA sequencing. Regulatory T cell (Treg) markers (CD4, CD25, forkhead box P3), and Helios (also known as IKAROS Family Zinc Finger 2 [IKZF2]) were detected using flow cytometry. The expression levels of IKZF2 and miR-4772-3p were measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The interaction between miR-4772-3p and Helios was determined using dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effects of miR-4772-3p on Helios expression were evaluated using an in vitro system. Correlation assays between miR-4772-3p and functional molecules of Tregs were performed. Results: Compared with non-malignant controls, patients with non-small cell lung cancer had an increased Tregs frequency with Helios expression in the MPE and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The verified downregulation of miR-4772-3p was inversely related to the Helios+ Tregs frequency and Helios expression in the MPE. Overexpression of miR-4772-3p could inhibit Helios expression in in vitro experiments. However, ectopic expression of Helios in induced Tregs reversed the effects induced by miR-4772-3p overexpression. Additionally, miR-4772-3p could regulate Helios expression by directly targeting IKZF2 mRNA. Conclusion: Downregulation of miR-4772-3p, by targeting Helios, contributes to enhanced Tregs activities in the MPE microenvironment.
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IL-17 Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1240:47-58. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-38315-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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