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Ventura E, Ducci G, Benot Dominguez R, Ruggiero V, Belfiore A, Sacco E, Vanoni M, Iozzo RV, Giordano A, Morrione A. Progranulin Oncogenic Network in Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061706. [PMID: 36980592 PMCID: PMC10046331 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Progranulin is a pleiotropic growth factor with important physiological roles in embryogenesis and maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. While-progranulin deficiency is associated with a broad range of pathological conditions affecting the brain, such as frontotemporal dementia and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, progranulin upregulation characterizes many tumors, including brain tumors, multiple myeloma, leiomyosarcoma, mesothelioma and epithelial cancers such as ovarian, liver, breast, bladder, adrenal, prostate and kidney carcinomas. The increase of progranulin levels in tumors might have diagnostic and prognostic significance. In cancer, progranulin has a pro-tumorigenic role by promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, anchorage-independent growth and resistance to chemotherapy. In addition, progranulin regulates the tumor microenvironment, affects the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and modulates tumor immune surveillance. However, the molecular mechanisms of progranulin oncogenic function are not fully elucidated. In bladder cancer, progranulin action relies on the activation of its functional signaling receptor EphA2. Notably, more recent data suggest that progranulin can also modulate a functional crosstalk between multiple receptor-tyrosine kinases, demonstrating a more complex and context-dependent role of progranulin in cancer. Here, we will review what is currently known about the function of progranulin in tumors, with a focus on its molecular mechanisms of action and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ventura
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence: (E.V.); (A.M.); Tel.: +1-215-204-2450 (A.M.)
| | - Giacomo Ducci
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- SYSBIO (Centre of Systems Biology), ISBE (Infrastructure Systems Biology Europe), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Reyes Benot Dominguez
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Valentina Ruggiero
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Master Program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Sacco
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- SYSBIO (Centre of Systems Biology), ISBE (Infrastructure Systems Biology Europe), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Vanoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- SYSBIO (Centre of Systems Biology), ISBE (Infrastructure Systems Biology Europe), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato V. Iozzo
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence: (E.V.); (A.M.); Tel.: +1-215-204-2450 (A.M.)
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Oura K, Morishita A, Hamaya S, Fujita K, Masaki T. The Roles of Epigenetic Regulation and the Tumor Microenvironment in the Mechanism of Resistance to Systemic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032805. [PMID: 36769116 PMCID: PMC9917861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major histologic type with a poor prognosis owing to the difficulty in early detection, the chemotherapy resistance, and the high recurrence rate of the disease. Despite recent advancements in HCC prevention and diagnosis, over 50% of patients are diagnosed at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B or C. Systemic therapies are recommended for unresectable HCC (uHCC) with major vascular invasion, extrahepatic metastases, or intrahepatic lesions that have a limited response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, but the treatment outcome tends to be unsatisfactory due to acquired drug resistance. Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the resistance to systemic therapies and the appropriate response strategies to solve this issue will contribute to improved outcomes in the multidisciplinary treatment of uHCC. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the mechanisms of resistance to drugs such as sorafenib, regorafenib, and lenvatinib in molecularly targeted therapy, with a focus on epigenetic regulation and the tumor microenvironment and outline the approaches to improve the therapeutic outcome for patients with advanced HCC.
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3
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Zhang J, Han H, Wang L, Wang W, Yang M, Qin Y. Overcoming the therapeutic resistance of hepatomas by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988956. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Multifactorial drug resistance is regarded as the major cause of treatment failure in HCC. Accumulating evidence shows that the constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor vasculature, immune cells, physical factors, cytokines, and exosomes may explain the therapeutic resistance mechanisms in HCC. In recent years, anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in HCC patients. However, due to enhanced communication between the tumor and TME, the effect of heterogeneity of the microenvironment on therapeutic resistance is particularly complicated, which suggests a more challenging research direction. In addition, it has been reported that the three-dimensional (3D) organoid model derived from patient biopsies is more intuitive to fully understand the role of the TME in acquired resistance. Therefore, in this review, we have focused not only on the mechanisms and targets of therapeutic resistance related to the contents of the TME in HCC but also provide a comprehensive description of 3D models and how they contribute to the exploration of HCC therapies.
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Hosseinzadeh F, Ai J, Hajifathali A, Muhammadnejad S, Ebrahimi-Barough S, Seyhoun I, Komeili Movahed T, Shirian S, Hosseinzadeh F, Ahmadpour S, Alijani M, Verdi J. The effects of Sorafenib and Natural killer cell co-injection in combinational treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma; an in vivo approach. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:379-391. [PMID: 35089543 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00335-y] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer cells (NKC) and Sorafenib (Sor) are two important agents for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Over the past decade, the interaction of Sor and NKC against HCC has been widely challenging. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of NKC & Sor for the treatment of HCC in vivo. METHODS Subcutaneous xenograft models of HCC were established in nude mice. For safety assessment of treatment, the kidney and liver functions were analyzed. Paraffin embedded tumor sections were histopathologically studied and immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests were done to evaluate the angiogenesis (CD34) and proliferation (Ki67) indexes. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to identify the tumor cells undergoing apoptosis. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and expression levels of major inflammatory cytokines and cytoplasmic granules in xenograft HCC were quantified using real-time PCR. RESULTS NKC & Sor significantly inhibited necrosis and apoptosis in tumor cells and increased angiogenesis and proliferation of HCC compared to the monotherapy of NKC or Sor alone. The serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ as well as the expression levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, interleukins (ILs)-1, 6, 10, granzyme-B and perforin in the xenograft HCC tissues of the treated mice with NKC & Sor were significantly lower than those of treated with NKC or Sor alone. CONCLUSION Therapy with the specific dosage of NKC & Sor could not inhibit the HCC xenograft growth rate through a synergistic effect in a mouse model of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Tissue Engineering, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. .,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samad Muhammadnejad
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ebrahimi-Barough
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Seyhoun
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sadegh Shirian
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.,Shiraz Molecular Pathology Research Center, Dr. Daneshbod Path Lab, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Sajjad Ahmadpour
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Alijani
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.,Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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Cheung PF, Yang J, Fang R, Borgers A, Krengel K, Stoffel A, Althoff K, Yip CW, Siu EHL, Ng LWC, Lang KS, Cham LB, Engel DR, Soun C, Cima I, Scheffler B, Striefler JK, Sinn M, Bahra M, Pelzer U, Oettle H, Markus P, Smeets EMM, Aarntzen EHJG, Savvatakis K, Liffers ST, Lueong SS, Neander C, Bazarna A, Zhang X, Paschen A, Crawford HC, Chan AWH, Cheung ST, Siveke JT. Progranulin mediates immune evasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through regulation of MHCI expression. Nat Commun 2022; 13:156. [PMID: 35013174 PMCID: PMC8748938 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27088-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion is indispensable for cancer initiation and progression, although its underlying mechanisms in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are not fully known. Here, we characterize the function of tumor-derived PGRN in promoting immune evasion in primary PDAC. Tumor- but not macrophage-derived PGRN is associated with poor overall survival in PDAC. Multiplex immunohistochemistry shows low MHC class I (MHCI) expression and lack of CD8+ T cell infiltration in PGRN-high tumors. Inhibition of PGRN abrogates autophagy-dependent MHCI degradation and restores MHCI expression on PDAC cells. Antibody-based blockade of PGRN in a PDAC mouse model remarkably decelerates tumor initiation and progression. Notably, tumors expressing LCMV-gp33 as a model antigen are sensitized to gp33-TCR transgenic T cell-mediated cytotoxicity upon PGRN blockade. Overall, our study shows a crucial function of tumor-derived PGRN in regulating immunogenicity of primary PDAC. Immune responses to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma can be inhibited by cancer cells. Here the authors show that high levels of progranulin in PDAC inhibits immune responses by reducing MHC class I antigen presentation through enhanced degradation of MHC class I via autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis F Cheung
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - JiaJin Yang
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rui Fang
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arianna Borgers
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Krengel
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Stoffel
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristina Althoff
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chi Wai Yip
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Elaine H L Siu
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linda W C Ng
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl S Lang
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lamin B Cham
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel R Engel
- Department of Immunodynamics, Institute of Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Camille Soun
- Department of Immunodynamics, Institute of Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Igor Cima
- DKFZ-Division Translational Neurooncology at the WTZ, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK partner site Essen/Düsseldorf), Essen, Germany
| | - Björn Scheffler
- DKFZ-Division Translational Neurooncology at the WTZ, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK partner site Essen/Düsseldorf), Essen, Germany
| | - Jana K Striefler
- Universitätsmedizin Charité Berlin, CONKO Study Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Haematology and Tumorimmunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marianne Sinn
- Universitätsmedizin Charité Berlin, CONKO Study Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Haematology and Tumorimmunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Bahra
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Robotics, Krankenhaus Waldfriede, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Pelzer
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Peter Markus
- Department of General, Visceral and Trauma Surgery, Elisabeth Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Esther M M Smeets
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud university medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H J G Aarntzen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud university medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Konstantinos Savvatakis
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven-Thorsten Liffers
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Smiths S Lueong
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Neander
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Bazarna
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xin Zhang
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annette Paschen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Howard C Crawford
- Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anthony W H Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu Tim Cheung
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. .,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of the NKG2D Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020301. [PMID: 32075046 PMCID: PMC7094213 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common malignant tumor with high mortality. Its malignant proliferation, invasion, and metastasis are closely related to the cellular immune function of the patients. NKG2D is a key activated and type II membrane protein molecule expressed on the surface of almost all NK cells. The human NKG2D gene is 270 kb long, located at 12p12.3-p13.1, and contains 10 exons and 9 introns. The three-dimensional structure of the NKG2D monomeric protein contains two alpha-helices, two beta-lamellae, and four disulfide bonds, and its' signal of activation is transmitted mainly by the adaptor protein (DAP). NKG2D ligands, including MICA, MICB, and ULBPs, can be widely expressed in hepatoma cells. After a combination of NKG2D and DAP10 in the form of homologous two polymers, the YxxM motif in the cytoplasm is phosphorylated and then signaling pathways are also gradually activated, such as PI3K, PLCγ2, JNK-cJunN, and others. Activated NK cells can enhance the sensitivity to hepatoma cells and specifically dissolve by releasing a variety of cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ), perforin, and high expression of FasL, CD16, and TRAIL. NK cells may specifically bind to the over-expressed MICA, MICB, and ULBPs of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the surface activating receptor NKG2D, which can help to accurately identify hepatoma, play a critical role in anti-hepatoma via the pathway of cytotoxic effects, and obviously delay the poor progress of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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7
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Tagliamonte M, Mauriello A, Cavalluzzo B, Ragone C, Manolio C, Petrizzo A, Buonaguro L. Tackling hepatocellular carcinoma with individual or combinatorial immunotherapy approaches. Cancer Lett 2019; 473:25-32. [PMID: 31875523 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of death from cancer globally. Indeed, there is a single drug approved as first-line systemic therapy in advanced unresectable HCC, providing a very limited survival benefit. In earlier stages, 5-year survival rates after surgical and loco-regional therapies are extremely variable depending on the stage of disease. Nevertheless, HCC is considered an immunogenic tumor arising in chronically inflamed livers. In such a scenario, immunotherapy strategies for HCC, in particular combinations including cancer vaccines, may represent a key therapeutic tool to improve clinical outcome in HCC patients. However, a lot of improvement is needed given the disappointing results obtained so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tagliamonte
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Mauriello
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Beatrice Cavalluzzo
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Ragone
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Manolio
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Annacarmen Petrizzo
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy.
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8
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Mantovani S, Oliviero B, Lombardi A, Varchetta S, Mele D, Sangiovanni A, Rossi G, Donadon M, Torzilli G, Soldani C, Porta C, Pedrazzoli P, Chiellino S, Santambrogio R, Opocher E, Maestri M, Bernuzzi S, Rossello A, Clément S, De Vito C, Rubbia-Brandt L, Negro F, Mondelli MU. Deficient Natural Killer Cell NKp30-Mediated Function and Altered NCR3 Splice Variants in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2019; 69:1165-1179. [PMID: 30153337 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The activating natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp30 is critical for natural killer (NK) cell function and tumor immune surveillance. The natural cytotoxicity receptor-3 (NCR3) gene is transcribed into several splice variants whose physiological relevance is still incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of NKp30 and its major ligand B7 homolog 6 (B7-H6) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Peripheral blood NK cell phenotype was skewed toward a defective/exhausted immune profile with decreased frequencies of cells expressing NKp30 and natural killer group 2, member D and an increased proportion of cells expressing T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3. Moreover, NKp30-positive NK cells had a reduced expression of NCR3 immunostimulatory splice variants and an increased expression of the inhibitory variant in patients with advanced tumor, resulting in deficient NKp30-mediated functionality. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes showed a prevalent inhibitory NKp30 isoform profile, consistent with decreased NKp30-mediated function. Of note, there were significant differences in the cytokine milieu between the neoplastic and the surrounding non-neoplastic tissue, which may have further influenced NKp30 function. Exposure of NK cells to B7-H6-expressing HCC cells significantly down-modulated NKp30, that was prevented by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown, suggesting a role for this ligand in inhibiting NKp30-mediated responses. Interestingly, B7-H6 expression was reduced in HCC tissue and simultaneously augmented as a soluble form in HCC patients, particularly those with advanced staging or larger nodule size. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence in support of a role of NKp30 and its major ligand in HCC development and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Lombardi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy.,Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Dalila Mele
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelo Sangiovanni
- CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
| | - Giorgio Rossi
- Liver Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiana Soldani
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Chiellino
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Santambrogio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Opocher
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Maestri
- Department of General Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bernuzzi
- Immunohematological and Transfusional Service and Centre of Transplantation Immunology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Sophie Clément
- Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudio De Vito
- Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Francesco Negro
- Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mario U Mondelli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy
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9
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Kim DH, Cho E, Cho SB, Choi SK, Kim S, Yu J, Koh YI, Sim DW, Jun CH. Complete response of hepatocellular carcinoma with right atrium and pulmonary metastases treated by combined treatments (a possible treatment effect of natural killer cell): A case report and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e12866. [PMID: 30334999 PMCID: PMC6211840 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000012866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with metastases to the right atrium (RA) and lungs are rare, with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, the treatment outcomes in patients with advanced HCCs remain unsatisfactory. PATIENT CONCERNS A 46-year-old man presented to our hospital for dyspnea on exertion and abdominal pain. DIAGNOSES HCC and extra-hepatic metastases to the lung and RA. INTERVENTIONS Multidisciplinary treatment including radiotherapy (RT), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and sorafenib. During a follow-up evaluation computed tomography, he experienced a radio-contrast-induced anaphylaxis. After the event, treatment such as RT, TACE, and sorafenib were continued. OUTCOMES His tumor burden decreased, finally leading to a complete response as per the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The patient is still alive, 30 months after the episode. Subsequent blood tests showed increased natural killer (NK) cell activity, which was significantly higher than that seen in other age-matched HCC patients with an identical stage of the tumor, receiving sorafenib. This suggests that the increase in NK cells induced by anaphylaxis influenced the tumor burden. LESSONS We report here a rare case of long-term survival of an HCC patient with multiple metastases treated with multidisciplinary modalities, in which high NK cell activity was observed after a radio-contrast-induced anaphylactic reaction during follow-up investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jieun Yu
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital and Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Young-Il Koh
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital and Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Da Woon Sim
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital and Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
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10
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Cheung PFY, Cheung TT, Yip CW, Ng LWC, Fung SW, Lo CM, Fan ST, Cheung ST. Hepatic cancer stem cell marker granulin-epithelin precursor and β-catenin expression associate with recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 7:21644-57. [PMID: 26942873 PMCID: PMC5008312 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) has been demonstrated to confer enhanced cancer stem-like cell properties in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line models in our previous studies. Here, we aimed to examine the GEP-expressing cells in relation to the stem cell related molecules and stem-like cell properties in the prospective HCC clinical cohort. GEP protein levels were significantly higher in HCCs than the paralleled non-tumor liver tissues, and associated with venous infiltration. GEPhigh cells isolated from clinical HCC samples exhibited higher levels of stem cell marker CD133, pluripotency-associated signaling molecules β-catenin, Oct4, SOX2, Nanog, and chemodrug transporter ABCB5. In addition, GEPhigh cells possessed preferential ability to form colonies and spheroids, and enhanced in vivo tumor-initiating ability while their xenografts were able to be serially subpassaged into secondary mouse recipients. Expression levels of GEP and pluripotency-associated genes were further examined in the retrospective HCC cohort and demonstrated significant correlation of GEP with β-catenin. Notably, HCC patients with high GEP and β-catenin levels demonstrated poor recurrence-free survival. In summary, GEP-positive HCC cells directly isolated from clinical specimens showed β-catenin elevation and cancer stem-like cell properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis F Y Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tan To Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Yip
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linda W C Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sze Wai Fung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheung Tat Fan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu Tim Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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11
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Zhang QF, Yin WW, Xia Y, Yi YY, He QF, Wang X, Ren H, Zhang DZ. Liver-infiltrating CD11b -CD27 - NK subsets account for NK-cell dysfunction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and are associated with tumor progression. Cell Mol Immunol 2016; 14:819-829. [PMID: 27321064 PMCID: PMC5649104 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2016.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have a vital role in killing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells; however, the mechanism underlying tumor-infiltrating NK (TINK)-cell dysfunction remains poorly understood. Using flow cytometry staining, we precisely characterized the frequency, phenotype and function of NK subsets distinguished by CD27 and CD11b in 30 patients with HCC in comparison to 30 healthy controls. Interestingly, we found a substantial proportion of liver-infiltrating CD11b−CD27− (DN) NK subsets in tumor tissue from HCC patients. Remarkably, these relatively expanded DN NK subsets exhibited an inactive and immature phenotype. By detecting the expression of CD107a and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) on NK subsets and NK cells, we demonstrated that DN NK subsets exhibited a poor cytotoxic capacity and deficient potential to produce IFN-γ in comparison to the other three subsets, which contributed to the dysfunction of TINK cells in HCC patients. In addition, we found that the presence of DN NK cells was closely associated with the clinical outcomes of HCC patients, as the frequency of DN NK cells among TINK cells was positively correlated with tumor stage and size. A large percentage of DN NK cells among TINK cells was an independent prognostic factor for lower survival in the 60-month follow-up period. In conclusion, a substantial proportion of CD11b−CD27−NK subsets among TINK cells accounts for NK-cell dysfunction in patients with HCC and is associated with tumor progression. Our study may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Fang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Wen-Wei Yin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Ya-Yang Yi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Qiu-Feng He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, PR China
| | - Hong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Da-Zhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
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12
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Zou H, Wang WK, Liu YL, Braddock M, Zheng MH, Huang DS. Toll-like receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma: potential novel targets for pharmacological intervention. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:1127-35. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2016.1168809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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13
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Tagliamonte M, Petrizzo A, Tornesello ML, Ciliberto G, Buonaguro FM, Buonaguro L. Combinatorial immunotherapy strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 39:103-13. [PMID: 26851637 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy. The prognosis for HCC patients greatly varies according to the stage at diagnosis. Overall it is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 5-6%. Immunotherapeutic interventions represent a novel and effective therapeutic tool. However, only few immunotherapy trials for HCC have been conducted so far with contrasting results, suggesting that significant improvements are needed. Indeed, the liver is characterized by a strong intrinsic immune suppressive microenvironment which needs to be counterbalanced with immune stimulatory approaches. Therefore, the implementation of combinatorial protocols combining immune stimulatory strategies with specific immunotherapy approaches could result in a dramatic improvement of efficacy and clinical outcome in HCC patients. The present review aims at describing the state of the art in immunotherapy strategies for HCC and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tagliamonte
- Lab of Molecular Biology & Viral Oncology, Dept Experimental Oncology
| | | | | | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, "Fondazione Pascale" - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Lab of Molecular Biology & Viral Oncology, Dept Experimental Oncology.
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14
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Wang T, Sun F, Xie W, Tang M, He H, Jia X, Tian X, Wang M, Zhang J. A bispecific protein rG7S-MICA recruits natural killer cells and enhances NKG2D-mediated immunosurveillance against hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2016; 372:166-78. [PMID: 26791237 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MHC class I-related chain A (MICA) is a principal immunoligand of the natural killer (NK) cell receptor NK group 2, member D (NKG2D) and plays a key role in NK cell-mediated immune recognition. Shedding of MICA from tumor cells leads to immunosuppression. To reconstitute the immunosurveilance function of NK cells, we constructed a fusion protein rG7S-MICA and explored its potential anti-tumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). rG7S-MICA consists of human MICA and a single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) targeting the tumor-associated antigen cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24). In vitro, rG7S-MICA engaged both NK cells and CD24(+) human HCC cells, and triggered NK cell-mediated cytolysis. Furthermore, in CD24(+) HCC-bearing nude mice, rG7S-MICA specifically targeted to the tumor tissue, where it effectively recruited NK cells and induced the release of cytokines, and showed superior anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, rG7S-MICA provides a new approach for HCC-targeting immunotherapy and has attracting potentials for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fumou Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingying Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hua He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuelian Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuemei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Juan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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