CCL5 production in lung cancer cells leads to an altered immune microenvironment and promotes tumor development

Decoding the complex web: cellular and molecular interactions in the lung tumour microenvironment

The lung tumour microenvironment (TME) or stroma is a dynamic space of numerous cells and their released molecules. This complicated web regulates tumour progression and resistance to different modalities. Lung cancer cells in conjunction with their stroma liberate a wide range of factors that dampen antitumor attacks by innate immunity cells like natural killer (NK) cells and also adaptive responses by effector T cells. These factors include numerous growth factors, exosomes and epigenetic regulators, and also anti-inflammatory cytokines. Understanding the intricate interactions between tumour cells and various elements within the lung TME, such as immune and stromal cells can help provide novel strategies for better management and treatment of lung malignancies. The current article discusses the complex network of cells and signalling molecules, which mediate communications in lung TME. By elucidating these multifaceted interactions, we aim to provide insights into potential therapeutic targets and strategies for lung cancer treatment.

Tumor microenvironment-driven resistance to immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: strategies for Cold-to-Hot tumor transformation

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a formidable challenge in oncology due to its molecular heterogeneity and the dynamic suppressive nature of its tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite the transformative impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on cancer therapy, the majority of NSCLC patients experience resistance, necessitating novel approaches to overcome immune evasion. This review highlights shared and subtype-specific mechanisms of immune resistance within the TME, including metabolic reprogramming, immune cell dysfunction, and physical barriers. Beyond well-characterized components such as regulatory T cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, emerging players - neutrophil extracellular traps, tertiary lymphoid structures, and exosomal signaling networks - underscore the TME's complexity and adaptability. A multi-dimensional framework is proposed to transform cold, immune-excluded tumors into hot, immune-reactive ones. Key strategies include enhancing immune infiltration, modulating immunosuppressive networks, and activating dormant immune pathways. Cutting-edge technologies, such as single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and nanomedicine, are identified as pivotal tools for decoding TME heterogeneity and personalizing therapeutic interventions. By bridging mechanistic insights with translational innovations, this review advocates for integrative approaches that combine ICIs with metabolic modulators, vascular normalizers, and emerging therapies such as STING agonists and tumor vaccines. The synergistic potential of these strategies is poised to overcome resistance and achieve durable antitumor immunity. Ultimately, this vision underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and real-time TME profiling in refining precision oncology for NSCLC, offering a blueprint for extending these advances to other malignancies.

A silence catalyst: CCL5-mediated intercellular communication in cancer

Chemokine CCL5 (RANTES), as a key mediator of intercellular communication in cancers, and its role in cancer development, metastasis and immune escape has received increasing attention. CCL5 and its receptors are important components of the tumor microenvironment and play a tumor promoting role in different ways by triggering signaling pathways through binding to the primary receptor CCR5. CCL5 was viewed as indispensable "gate keepers" of immunity and inflammation, it remains unclear of CCL5-mediated intercellular communication. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the latest information on the origin, structure, and characterization of CCL5 and role of CCL5 in the tumor microenvironment. It includes CCL5-mediated intercellular communication through exosomes, microvesicles and others in breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. CCL5 has a multifaceted role in cancer and has potential applications as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, which provides theoretical bases and therapeutic targets for the development of new cancer therapeutic strategies.

EGCG inhibits tobacco smoke-promoted proliferation of lung cancer cells through targeting CCL5

BACKGROUND

The occurrence and development of cancer are deeply intertwined with chronic inflammatory processes. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most pharmacologically potent catechin derived from tea, has garnered attention for its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. However, the molecular mechanisms through which EGCG modulates tobacco smoke (TS)-induced inflammatory responses in lung carcinogenesis remain incompletely elucidated.

PURPOSE

To unravel the molecular mechanisms by which EGCG mitigates TS-induced inflammatory processes in lung carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to explore the potential target genes of EGCG involved in the inhibition of TS-induced lung cancer inflammation. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to demonstrate EGCG's chemopreventive potential against lung carcinogenesis.

RESULTS

Utilizing data from the US adults, it was uncovered that tea consumption could suppress the inflammatory response in patients with various cancer types. CCL5 (chemokine (CC motif) ligand 5) could function as a core regulator of TS-induced lung cancer cell proliferation, and EGCG exerted beneficial effects. The following experiments revealed that TS upregulated CCL5 expression in H1299 and H226 cells. CCL5 recombinant protein elevated both ROS production and Nrf2 expression to promote lung cancer cell proliferation. EGCG could suppress CCL5-stimulated lung cancer cell proliferation by downregulating Nrf2 expression. In the mouse model, EGCG reduced tumor weight and volume, diminished the levels of CCL5, Ki67, Cyclin D1, PCNA, and Nrf2, and elevated the expression of Keap1 relative to the control group.

CONCLUSION

EGCG targets CCL5 to inhibit the proliferation of TS-induced lung cancer cells and may serve as a new treatment strategy.

Hepatic Growth Factor as a Potential Biomarker for Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Multimodal Study

(1) Background: Despite previous studies linking inflammatory cytokines to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), their causal mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and LUAD to fill this knowledge gap. (2) Methods: This study employs a comprehensive approach, integrating Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-seq) data to investigate the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and LUAD. (3) Results: In forward MR analysis, elevated levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-5, monocyte chemoattractant protein-3, and monokine induced by interferon-γ were causally associated with an increased risk of LUAD. In reverse MR analysis, LUAD exhibited a positive causal relationship with the levels of regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor (RANTES) and stromal cell-derived factor-1α. The scRNA-seq data further identified specific cell populations that may influence LUAD onset and progression through the expression of particular inflammatory genes and intercellular communication. RNA-seq data analysis highlighted the role of the HGF gene in LUAD diagnosis, demonstrating its strong correlation with patient prognosis and immune cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment. (4) Conclusions: The findings reveal a causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and LUAD, with HGF emerging as a potential biomarker of significant clinical relevance. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying LUAD and lays the foundation for future therapeutic strategies.

Pan-cancer characterization of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) identifies its role as biomarker and therapeutic target

OBJECTIVES

C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5) is known for its role in immune regulation and has been implicated in cancer progression. However, its expression and prognostic significance in pan-cancer require comprehensive evaluation. This study was initiated to decipher the pan-cancer role of CCL5 genes.

METHODS

In silico analyses involving various online databases and molecular experiments involving CCL5 knockdown experiments in KIRC cell lines evaluated its role in cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration.

RESULTS

CCL5 expression was significantly up-regulated in several cancers. High CCL5 expression correlated with poorer overall survival in kidney renal cell carcinoma (KIRC) and esophageal cancer (ESCA) patients. Promoter hypomethylation correlated with elevated CCL5 expression and poorer prognosis. CCL5 mutations were rare; indicating its role in cancer is driven by overexpression rather than genetic alterations. Positive correlations with immune inhibitory and MHC genes suggested CCL5's role in fostering an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. High CCL5 expression correlated with increased immune cell infiltration, particularly CD8 T cells and macrophages. CCL5 expression did not significantly influence drug sensitivity. CCL5 knockdown in resulted in reduced proliferation, colony formation, and migration, underscoring its critical role in cancer cell dynamics.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the significance of CCL5 in cancer progression and prognosis, particularly in KIRC and ESCA. CCL5's role in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and its potential as a therapeutic target warrant further investigation.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor controls IFN-γ-induced immune checkpoints PD-L1 and IDO via the JAK/STAT pathway in lung adenocarcinoma

While immunotherapy has shown some efficacy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients, many respond only partially or not at all. One limitation in improving outcomes is the lack of a complete understanding of immune checkpoint regulation. Here, we investigated a possible link between an environmental chemical receptor implicated in lung cancer and immune regulation, the AhR, a known but counterintuitive mediator of immunosuppression (interferon (IFN)-γ), and regulation of two immune checkpoints (PD-L1 and IDO). AhR gene-edited LUAD cell lines, a syngeneic LUAD mouse model, bulk and scRNA sequencing of LUADs and tumor-infiltrating T cells were used to map out a signaling pathway leading from IFN-γ through the AhR to JAK/STAT, PD-L1, IDO, and tumor-mediated immunosuppression. The data demonstrate that: (1) IFN-γ activation of the JAK/STAT pathway leading to PD-L1 and IDO1 up-regulation is mediated by the AhR in murine and human LUAD cells, (2) AhR-driven IDO1 induction results in the production of Kynurenine (Kyn), an AhR ligand, which likely mediates an AhR→IDO1→Kyn→AhR amplification loop, (3) transplantation of AhR-knockout LUAD cells results in long-term tumor immunity in most recipients. (4) The 23% of AhR-knockout tumors that do grow do so at a much slower pace than controls and exhibit higher densities of CD8+ T cells expressing markers of immunocompetence, increased activity, and increased cell-cell communication. The data definitively link the AhR to IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT pathway and immune checkpoint-mediated immunosuppression and support the targeting of the AhR in the context of LUAD.

C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 contributes to radon exposure-induced lung injury by recruiting dendritic cells to activate effector T helper cells

Radon (222Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, ionizing radiation emitted by the radon induces oxidative stress and the up-regulation of inflammatory proteins, which may cause lung damage or cancer. However, the underlying pathogenesis remains to be determined. Effector T helper cells are key in mediating the host's protection and immune homeostasis. In this study we revealed that, accompanied by the activation of effector T helper cells, there is a significant increase in C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (Ccl5) in the lung of mice after cumulative inhalation of radon at 3, 9, 21, 45, 90, and 180 working level months (WLM). In vitro experiments showed that Ccl5 attracts DC migration and promotes the activation of effector T helper cells in the Ccl5-DC and T cells co-culture model. Of particular interest, Ccl5 neutralization in vivo inhibited the migration of DC cells and the subsequent activation of effector T helper cells, which finally protected mice from radon-induced lung damage and inflammatory response. Ultimately, transcriptome sequencing and western blot analysis showed that Ccl5 activates the CCR5/PI3K/AKT/Nr4a1 pathway to increase the secretion of IL-12 and IFN-γ by DC cells, which then promotes the activation of effector T helper cells. Overall, these results indicate that Ccl5 significantly contributes to the progression of radon-induced lung damage by modulating DC to activate effector T helper cells.

Non-redundant roles of the CCR1 and CCR2 chemokine axes in monocyte recruitment during lung metastasis

Monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages facilitate cancer progression and metastasis. Inflammatory monocytes expressing CCR2 are actively recruited to metastatic lungs, where they promote tumor cell extravasation, metastatic outgrowth, and an immunosuppressive environment. The role of CCR1 in this process has remained unclear. We used Ccr1- and Ccr2-deficient mice and two different tumor cells lines, MC38 and LLC1 with and without Ccl2-deficiency in vitro and in vivo. The recruitment of both Ccr1- and Ccr2-deficient monocytes towards the Ccl2 chemokine was significantly impaired, while no substantial recruitment was observed towards Ccl5 in vitro. MC38 and LLC1 Ccl2-deficient tumor cells showed reduced lung metastasis in both Ccr1- and Ccr2-deficient mice when compared to wild-type mice. We detected reduced numbers of macrophages and myeloid cells in both chemokine receptor-deficient mice. Lung metastasis in both Ccr1- and Ccr2-deficient mice could be rescued to the same levels as in wild-type mice by an adoptive transfer of Ccr2-deficient but not Ccr1-deficient monocytic cells. Accumulation of Ccr1-deficient monocytes in the lungs was severely impaired upon intravenous monocyte injection, indicating the importance of this axis in cell recruitment. Moreover, the efficient recruitment of adoptive transferred Ccr2-deficient monocytes to the lungs and the restoration of lung metastasis suggests an involvement of an additional, Ccr2-independent chemokine pathway. This data defines the non-redundant functions of the Ccr1- and Ccr2-chemokine axes in monocyte recruitment and macrophage presence during lung metastasis. While Ccr2 is essential for the release of monocytes from the bone marrow, Ccr1 is primarily responsible for monocyte presence at metastatic sites.

The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Controls IFNγ-Induced Immune Checkpoints PD-L1 and IDO via the JAK/STAT Pathway in Lung Adenocarcinoma

While immunotherapy has shown efficacy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients, many respond only partially or not at all. One limitation in improving outcomes is the lack of a complete understanding of immune checkpoint regulation. Here, we investigated a possible link between an environmental chemical receptor implicated in lung cancer and immune regulation, (the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/AhR), a known but counterintuitive mediator of immunosuppression (IFNγ), and regulation of two immune checkpoints (PD-L1 and IDO). AhR gene-edited LUAD cell lines, a syngeneic LUAD mouse model, bulk- and scRNA sequencing of LUADs and tumor-infiltrating leukocytes were used to map out a signaling pathway leading from IFNγ through the AhR to JAK/STAT, PD-L1, IDO, and tumor-mediated immunosuppression. The data demonstrate that: 1) IFNγ activation of the JAK/STAT pathway leading to PD-L1 and IDO1 upregulation is mediated by the AhR in murine and human LUAD cells, 2) AhR-driven IDO1 induction results in the production of Kynurenine (Kyn), an AhR ligand, which likely mediates an AhR→IDO1→Kyn→AhR amplification loop, 3) transplantation of AhR-knockout LUAD cells results in long-term tumor immunity in most recipients. 4) The 23% of AhR-knockout tumors that do grow do so at a much slower pace than controls and exhibit higher densities of CD8+ T cells expressing markers of immunocompetence, increased activity, and increased cell-cell communication. The data definitively link the AhR to IFNγ-induced JAK/STAT pathway and immune checkpoint-mediated immunosuppression and support the targeting of the AhR in the context of LUAD.

Interferon signaling and ferroptosis in tumor immunology and therapy

This study sought to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the impact of the interferon signaling pathway on Ferroptosis in tumor cells and its correlation with CD8 + T cell exhaustion. Using mouse models and single-cell sequencing, the researchers studied the interaction between CD8 + T cells and the interferon signaling pathway. Differential gene analysis revealed key genes involved in CD8 + T cell exhaustion, and their downstream factors were explored using bioinformatics tools. The expression levels of interferon-related genes associated with Ferroptosis were analyzed using data from the TCGA database, and their relevance to tumor tissue Ferroptosis and patients' prognosis was determined. In vitro experiments were conducted to measure the levels of IFN-γ, MDA, and LPO, as well as tumor cell viability and apoptosis. In vivo validation using a mouse tumor model confirmed the results obtained from the in vitro experiments, highlighting the potential of silencing HSPA6 or DNAJB1 in enhancing the efficacy of PD-1 therapy and inhibiting tumor growth and migration.

CXCL5 impedes CD8+ T cell immunity by upregulating PD-L1 expression in lung cancer via PXN/AKT signaling phosphorylation and neutrophil chemotaxis

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Upregulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) may represent a key mechanism for evading immune surveillance. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) antibodies against PD-1 or PD-L1 are therefore widely used to treat patients with lung cancer. However, the mechanisms by which lung cancer and neutrophils in the microenvironment sustain PD-L1 expression and impart stronger inhibition of CD8+ T cell function remain unclear.

METHODS

We investigated the role and underlying mechanism by which PD-L1+ lung cancer and PD-L1+ neutrophils impede the function of CD8+ T cells through magnetic bead cell sorting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, confocal immunofluorescence, gene silencing, flow cytometry, etc. In vivo efficacy and safety studies were conducted using (Non-obeseDiabetes/severe combined immune deficiency) SCID/NOD mice. Additionally, we collected clinical and prognostic data from 208 patients who underwent curative lung cancer resection between 2017 and 2018.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) is markedly overexpressed in lung cancer cells and is positively correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with lung cancer. Mechanistically, CXCL5 activates the phosphorylation of the Paxillin/AKT signaling cascade, leading to upregulation of PD-L1 expression and the formation of a positive feedback loop. Moreover, CXCL5 attracts neutrophils, compromising CD8+ T cell-dependent antitumor immunity. These PD-L1+ neutrophils aggravate CD8+ T cell exhaustion following lung cancer domestication. Combined treatment with anti-CXCL5 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies significantly inhibits tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings collectively demonstrate that CXCL5 promotes immune escape through PD-L1 upregulation in lung cancer and neutrophils chemotaxis through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. CXCL5 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in synergy with ICBs in lung cancer immunotherapy.

Chemokines in the tumor microenvironment: implications for lung cancer and immunotherapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex interconnected network of immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix surrounding the tumor. Because of its immunosuppressive nature, the TME can pose a challenge for cancer immunotherapies targeting solid tumors. Chemokines have emerged as a crucial element in enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, playing a direct role in immune cell signaling within the TME and facilitating immune cell migration towards cancer cells. However, chemokine ligands and their receptors exhibit context-dependent diversity, necessitating evaluation of their tumor-promoting or inhibitory effects based on tumor type and immune cell characteristics. This review explores the role of chemokines in tumor immunity and metastasis in the context of the TME. We also discuss current chemokine-related advances in cancer immunotherapy research, with a particular focus on lung cancer, a common cancer with a low survival rate and limited immunotherapy options.

IC Regimen: Delaying Resistance to Lorlatinib in ALK Driven Cancers by Adding Repurposed Itraconazole and Cilostazol

Lorlatinib is a pharmaceutical ALK kinase inhibitor used to treat ALK driven non-small cell lung cancers. This paper analyses the intersection of past published data on the physiological consequences of two unrelated drugs from general medical practice-itraconazole and cilostazol-with the pathophysiology of ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer. A conclusion from that data analysis is that adding itraconazole and cilostazol may make lorlatinib more effective. Itraconazole, although marketed worldwide as a generic antifungal drug, also inhibits Hedgehog signaling, Wnt signaling, hepatic CYP3A4, and the p-gp efflux pump. Cilostazol, marketed worldwide as a generic thrombosis preventative drug, acts by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 3, and, by so doing, lowers platelets' adhesion, thereby partially depriving malignant cells of the many tumor trophic growth factors supplied by platelets. Itraconazole may enhance lorlatinib effectiveness by (i) reducing or stopping a Hedgehog-ALK amplifying feedback loop, by (ii) increasing lorlatinib's brain levels by p-gp inhibition, and by (iii) inhibiting growth drive from Wnt signaling. Cilostazol, surprisingly, carries minimal bleeding risk, lower than that of aspirin. Risk/benefit assessment of the combination of metastatic ALK positive lung cancer being a low-survival disease with the predicted safety of itraconazole-cilostazol augmentation of lorlatinib favors a trial of this drug trio in ALK positive lung cancer.

Immune landscape and response to oncolytic virus-based immunotherapy

Oncolytic virus (OV)-based immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment, offering a unique potential to selectively target malignant cells while sparing normal tissues. However, the immunosuppressive nature of tumor microenvironment (TME) poses a substantial hurdle to the development of OVs as effective immunotherapeutic agents, as it restricts the activation and recruitment of immune cells. This review elucidates the potential of OV-based immunotherapy in modulating the immune landscape within the TME to overcome immune resistance and enhance antitumor immune responses. We examine the role of OVs in targeting specific immune cell populations, including dendritic cells, T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages, and their ability to alter the TME by inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing tumor fibrosis. Additionally, we explore strategies to optimize OV-based drug delivery and improve the efficiency of OV-mediated immunotherapy. In conclusion, this review offers a concise and comprehensive synopsis of the current status and future prospects of OV-based immunotherapy, underscoring its remarkable potential as an effective immunotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

SLAMF8 can predict prognosis of pan-cancer and the immunotherapy response effectivity of gastric cancer

SLAMF8, the eighth member of the Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family (SLAMF), functions in the regulation of the development and activity of diverse immune cells as a costimulatory receptor within the SLAMF family. Studies had revealed that SLAMF8 is expressed higher in several autoimmune inflammation diseases and tumors. Nevertheless, the connection between SLAMF8 and pan-cancer remains undisclosed. The research investigated the correlation between SLAMF8 and various factors including the immune microenvironment, microsatellite instability, immune novel antigen, gene mutation, immune regulatory factors, immune blockade TMB, and immune or molecular subtypes of SLAMF8 in verse cancer types. Immunohistochemistry was ultimately employed to validate the presence of the SLAMF8 gene in various tumor types including hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate adenocarcinoma, and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Furthermore, the relationship between SLAMF8 expression and the therapeutic efficacy of the PD1 blockade agent, Sintilimab, treatment in gastric cancer was validated. The result of differential analysis suggested that SLAMF8 was over-expressed in pan-cancer compared with paracancerous tissues. The analysis of survival indicated a connection between SLAMF8 and the overall prognosis in different types of cancers, where higher levels of SLAMF8 were found to be significantly linked to unfavorable outcomes in patients but favorable outcome of immunotherapy in gastric cancer. Significant correlations were observed between SLAMF8 levels and pan-cancer tumorigenesis, tumor metabolism, and immunity. As a result, SLAMF8 may become an important prognostic biomarker in the majority of tumors and a hopeful gene target for immunotherapy against gastric cancer.

Targeting Dendritic Cell Dysfunction to Circumvent Anti-PD1 Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer

PURPOSE

Neoadjuvant anti-PD1 (aPD1) therapies are being explored in surgically resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Encouraging responses have been observed, but further insights into the mechanisms underlying resistance and approaches to improve responses are needed.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We integrated data from syngeneic mouse oral carcinoma (MOC) models and neoadjuvant pembrolizumab HNSCC patient tumor RNA-sequencing data to explore the mechanism of aPD1 resistance. Tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes (DLN) from MOC models were analyzed for antigen-specific priming. CCL5 expression was enforced in an aPD1-resistant model.

RESULTS

An aPD1-resistant mouse model showed poor priming in the tumor DLN due to type 1 conventional dendritic cell (cDC1) dysfunction, which correlated with exhausted and poorly responsive antigen-specific T cells. Tumor microenvironment analysis also showed decreased cDC1 in aPD1-resistant tumors compared with sensitive tumors. Following neoadjuvant aPD1 therapy, pathologic responses in patients also positively correlated with baseline transcriptomic cDC1 signatures. In an aPD1-resistant model, intratumoral cDC1 vaccine was sufficient to restore aPD1 response by enhancing T-cell infiltration and increasing antigen-specific responses with improved tumor control. Mechanistically, CCL5 expression significantly correlated with neoadjuvant aPD1 response and enforced expression of CCL5 in an aPD1-resistant model, enhanced cDC1 tumor infiltration, restored antigen-specific responses, and recovered sensitivity to aPD1 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These data highlight the contribution of tumor-infiltrating cDC1 in HNSCC aPD1 response and approaches to enhance cDC1 infiltration and function that may circumvent aPD1 resistance in patients with HNSCC.

Exercise accelerates recruitment of CD8+ T cell to promotes anti-tumor immunity in lung cancer via epinephrine

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In recent years, there has been extensive research on the role of exercise as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. However, the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor therapy of exercise in lung cancer remain to be fully elucidated. As such, our study aims to confirm whether exercise-induced elevation of epinephrine can accelerate CD8+ T cell recruitment through modulation of chemokines and thus ultimately inhibit tumor progression.

METHOD

C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously inoculated with Lewis lung cancer cells (LLCs) to establish a subcutaneous tumor model. The tumor mice were randomly divided into different groups to performed a moderate-intensity exercise program on a treadmill for 5 consecutive days a week, 45 min a day. The blood samples and tumor tissues were collected after exercise for IHC, RT-qPCR, ELISA and Western blot. In addition, another group of mice received daily epinephrine treatment for two weeks (0.05 mg/mL, 200 µL i.p.) (EPI, n = 8) to replicate the effects of exercise on tumors in vivo. Lewis lung cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of epinephrine (0, 5, 10, 20 µM) to detect the effect of epinephrine on chemokine levels via ELISA and RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

This study reveals that both pre- and post-cancer exercise effectively impede the tumor progression. Exercise led to an increase in EPI levels and the infiltration of CD8+ T cell into the lung tumor. Exercise-induced elevation of EPI is involved in the regulation of Ccl5 and Cxcl10 levels further leading to enhanced CD8+ T cell infiltration and ultimately inhibiting tumor progression.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training enhance the anti-tumor immunity of lung cancer individuals. These findings will provide valuable insights for the future application of exercise therapy in clinical practice.

Deciphering the Role of Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 in Immune Modulation: A Multifaced Signalling Perspective

The disruption of antiviral sensors and the evasion of immune defences by various tactics are hallmarks of EBV infection. One of the EBV latent gene products, LMP1, was shown to induce the activation of signalling pathways, such as NF-κB, MAPK (JNK, ERK1/2, p38), JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt, via three subdomains of its C-terminal domain, regulating the expression of several cytokines responsible for modulation of the immune response and therefore promoting viral persistence. The aim of this review is to summarise the current knowledge on the EBV-mediated induction of immunomodulatory molecules by the activation of signal transduction pathways with a particular focus on LMP1-mediated mechanisms. A more detailed understanding of the cytokine biology molecular landscape in EBV infections could contribute to the more complete understanding of diseases associated with this virus.

Boosting immune responses in lung tumor immune microenvironment: A comprehensive review of strategies and adjuvants

The immune system has a substantial impact on the growth and expansion of lung malignancies. Immune cells are encompassed by a stroma comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) and different cells like stromal cells, which are known as the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). TME is marked by the presence of immunosuppressive factors, which inhibit the function of immune cells and expand tumor growth. In recent years, numerous strategies and adjuvants have been developed to extend immune responses in the TIME, to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we outline the present knowledge of immune evasion mechanisms in lung TIME, explain the biology of immune cells and diverse effectors on these components, and discuss various approaches for overcoming suppressive barriers. We highlight the potential of novel adjuvants, including toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cytokines, phytochemicals, nanocarriers, and oncolytic viruses, for enhancing immune responses in the TME. Ultimately, we provide a summary of ongoing clinical trials investigating these strategies and adjuvants in lung cancer patients. This review also provides a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art in boosting immune responses in the TIME and highlights the potential of these approaches for improving outcomes in lung cancer patients.

Genomic analysis of hypoxia and mitophagy related genes with prognosis and characterization of the immune microenvironment in LUAD

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) stands as a prominent subtype within the realm of non-small cell lung cancer and constitutes a primary contributor to cancer-related mortality on a global scale. Notably, hypoxia, a prevalent attribute within solid tumor environments, and mitophagy, a selective manifestation of autophagy dedicated to the removal of damaged mitochondria, have risen to prominence as pivotal factors influencing the initiation and advancement of tumorigenesis. Methods: This investigation harnessed publicly accessible genomic datasets encompassing LUAD patients to delineate genes linked to hypoxia and mitophagy, termed hereafter as hypoxia and mitophagy-related genes (HMRGs). Large-scale repositories furnished both gene expression profiles and clinical particulars. The expression profiles of HMRGs were meticulously scrutinized across 1,093 LUAD specimens, leveraging resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. A methodical exploration of HMRG patterns within LUAD led to the discernment of two distinct molecular subtypes. Moreover, a discernible correlation emerged between the subtypes and their respective clinical attributes. A risk scoring system was formulated to prognosticate overall survival (OS) and therapeutic responsiveness in LUAD patients. Subsequently, the reliability of this scoring system was authenticated, and a nomogram was adopted to refine the clinical utility range of the risk score. The proliferation and migration impacts of KRT8 on LUAD cells were evaluated through cck8 assays, edu assays, and transwell assays, the results were further validated in vivo. Results: Elevated risk scores were indicative of unfavorable OS probabilities. Furthermore, these risk scores exhibited associations with immune checkpoints and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. Collectively, our exhaustive analysis of HMRGs in LUAD patients unveiled their conceivable participation in configuring the multifaceted tumor microenvironment, encompassing clinicopathological attributes and prognosis. A sequence of experiments illuminated the pro-proliferative and pro-migratory attributes of KRT8 in vitro and vivo, thus underscoring its carcinogenic potential. Conclusions: In this study, we have unearthed innovative gene signatures tethered to HMRGs, which harbor prognostic implications concerning patient outcomes. These insights hold potential for steering the development of targeted therapeutic modalities tailored for LUAD.

Identification and validation of a disulfidptosis-related genes prognostic signature in lung adenocarcinoma

Disulfidptosis, a newly revealed form of cell death, regulated by numerous genes that has been recently identified. The exact role of disulfidptosis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) still uncertain. Objective of this study was to explore potential prognostic markers among disulfidptosis genes in LUAD. By combining transcriptomic information from Gene Expression Omnibus databases and The Cancer Genome Atlas, we identified differentially expressed and prognostic disulfidptosis genes. By conducting least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with multivariate Cox regression, four disulfidptosis genes were selected to create the prognostic signature. The implementation of the signature separated the training and validation cohorts into groups with high- and low-risk. Subsequently, the model was verified by conducting an independent analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Further comparisons were made between the two risk-divided groups with regards the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity. The signature was constructed using four disulfidptosis-related genes: SLC7A11, SLC3A2, NCKAP1, and GYS1. According to ROC curves, the signature was effective for predicting LUAD prognosis. In addition, the prognostic signature correlated with sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents and the efficacy of immunotherapy in LUAD. Finally, through external validation, we showed that NCKAP1 are correlated with tumor migration, proliferation, and invasion of LUAD cells. GYS1 affects immune cell, especially M2 macrophage infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. The disulfidptosis four-gene model can reliably predict the prognosis of patients diagnosed with LUAD, thereby providing valuable information for clinical applications and immunotherapy.

The regulatory network of the chemokine CCL5 in colorectal cancer

The chemokine CCL5 plays a potential role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies have shown that CCL5 directly acts on tumor cells to change tumor metastatic rates. In addition, CCL5 recruits immune cells and immunosuppressive cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME) and reshapes the TME to adapt to tumor growth or increase antitumor immune efficacy, depending on the type of secretory cells releasing CCL5, the cellular function of CCL5 recruitment, and the underlying mechanisms. However, at present, research on the role played by CCL5 in the occurrence and development of CRC is still limited, and whether CCL5 promotes the occurrence and development of CRC and its role remain controversial. This paper discusses the cells recruited by CCL5 in patients with CRC and the specific mechanism of this recruitment, as well as recent clinical studies of CCL5 in patients with CRC.Key MessagesCCL5 plays dual roles in colorectal cancer progression.CCL5 remodels the tumor microenvironment to adapt to colorectal cancer tumor growth by recruiting immunosuppressive cells or by direct action.CCL5 inhibits colorectal cancer tumor growth by recruiting immune cells or by direct action.

Identification of MIR600HG/hsa-miR-342-3p/ANLN network as a potential prognosis biomarker associated with lmmune infiltrates in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the tumors with the worst prognosis, causing serious harm to human health. The RNA network and immune response play an important role in tumor progression. While a systematic RNA network linked to the tumor immune response remains to be further explored in pancreatic cancer. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, the MIR600HG/hsa-miR-342-3p/ANLN network was determined. WB and IHC were used to confirm the high expression of ANLN in pancreatic cancer. The prognostic model based on the RNA network could effectively predict the survival prognosis of patients. The analysis of immune infiltration showed that the MIR600HG/hsa-miR-342-3p/ANLN network altered the level of infiltration of T helper 2 (Th2) and effector memory T (Tem) cells. Furthermore, we found that the chemokines chemokine ligand (CCL) 5 and CCL14 may play a key role in immune cell infiltration mediated by the RNA network. In conclusion, this study constructed a prognostic model based on the MIR600HG/hsa-miR-342-3p/ANLN network and found that it may function in tumor immunity.

MALAT1-regulated gene expression profiling in lung cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and has a poor prognosis. Identifying biomarkers based on molecular mechanisms is critical for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and improved prognosis of lung cancer. MALAT1 has been reported to have overexpressed and tumor-promoting functions in NSCLC. It has been proposed as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Therefore, this study was conducted to profile the changes in gene expression according to the regulation of expression of MALAT1 in NSCLC cell lines and to investigate the correlation through bioinformatic analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).

METHODS

MALAT1 expression levels were measured using RT-qPCR. The biological functions of MALAT1 in NSCLC were analyzed by cell counting, colony forming, wound-healing, and Transwell invasion assays. In addition, gene expression profiling in response to the knockdown of MALAT1 was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing, and differentially expressed genes regulated by MALAT1 were performed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Bioinformatic databases were used for gene expression analysis and overall survival analysis.

RESULTS

Comparative analysis versus MALAT1 expression in MRC5 cells (a normal lung cell line) and the three NSCLC cell lines showed that MALAT1 expression was significantly higher in the NSCLC cells. MALAT1 knockdown decreased cell survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion in all three NSCLC cell lines. RNA-seq analysis of DEGs in NSCLC cells showed 198 DEGs were upregulated and 266 DEGs downregulated by MALAT1 knockdown in all three NSCLC cell lines. Survival analysis on these common DEGs performed using the OncoLnc database resulted in the selection of five DEGs, phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1), phosphoglycerate mutase 4 (PGAM4), nucleolar protein 6 (NOL6), nucleosome assembly protein 1 like 5 (NAP1L5), and sestrin1 (SESN1). The gene expression levels of these selected DEGs were proved to gene expression analysis using the TNMplot database.

CONCLUSION

MALAT1 might function as an oncogene that enhances NSCLC cell survival, proliferation, colony formation, and invasion. RNA-seq and bioinformatic analyses resulted in the selection of five DEGs, PGAM1, PGAM4, NOL6, NAP1L5, and SESN1, which were found to be closely related to patient survival and tumorigenesis. We believe that further investigation of these five DEGs will provide valuable information on the oncogenic role of MALAT1 in NSCLC.

Derivation of CD8+ T cell infiltration potentiators in non-small-cell lung cancer through tumor microenvironment analysis

Non-small-cell lung cancer remains a deadly form of human cancer even in the era of immunotherapy with existing immunotherapy strategies currently only benefiting a minority of patients. Therefore, the derivation of treatment options, which might extend the promise of immunotherapy to more patients, remains of paramount importance. Here, we define using TCGA lung squamous and lung adenocarcinoma RNAseq datasets a significant correlation between epigenetic therapy actionable interferon genes with both predicted tumor immune score generally, and CD8A specifically. IHC validation using primary sample tissue microarrays confirmed a pronounced positive association between CD8⁺ T cell tumor infiltration and the interferon-associated targets, CCL5 and MDA5. We next extended these findings to the assessment of clinical trial biopsies from patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with epigenetic therapy with and without concurrent immunotherapy. These analyses revealed treatment-associated increases in both CD8⁺ T cell intratumoral infiltration and microenvironment CCL5 staining intensity.

Mutant p53 and NOX4 are modulators of a CCL5-driven pro-migratory secretome

Previously, we showed wild-type (WT) and mutant (mt) forms of p53 differentially regulate ROS generation by NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX4). We found that WT-p53 suppresses TGF-β-induced NOX4, ROS production, and cell migration, whereas tumor-associated mt-p53 proteins enhance NOX4 expression and cell migration by TGF-β/SMAD3-dependent mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the role of mutant p53-induced NOX4 on the cancer cell secretome and the effects NOX4 signaling have on the tumor microenvironment (TME). We found conditioned media collected from H1299 lung epithelial cells stably expressing either mutant p53-R248Q or R273H promotes the migration and invasion of naïve H1299 cells and chemotactic recruitment of THP-1 monocytes. These effects were diminished with conditioned media from cells co-transfected with dominant negative NOX4 (P437H). We utilized immunoblot-based cytokine array analysis to identify factors in mutant p53 H1299 cell conditioned media that promote cell migration and invasion. We found CCL5 was significantly reduced in conditioned media from H1299 cells co-expressing p53-R248Q and dominant negative NOX4. Moreover, neutralization of CCL5 reduced autocrine-mediated H1299 cell mobility. Furthermore, CCL5 and TGF-beta from M2-polarized macrophages have a significant role in crosstalk and H1299 cell migration and invasion. Collectively, our findings provide further insight into NOX4-based communication in the tumor microenvironment and its potential as a therapeutic target affecting metastatic disease progression.

Targeting Inflammation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer through Drug Repurposing

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Lung cancers can be classified as small-cell (SCLC) or non-small cell (NSCLC). About 84% of all lung cancers are NSCLC and about 16% are SCLC. For the past few years, there have been a lot of new advances in the management of NSCLC in terms of screening, diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, most of the NSCLCs are resistant to current treatments and eventually progress to advanced stages. In this perspective, we discuss some of the drugs that can be repurposed to specifically target the inflammatory pathway of NSCLC utilizing its well-defined inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Continuous inflammatory conditions are responsible to induce DNA damage and enhance cell division rate in lung tissues. There are existing anti-inflammatory drugs which were found suitable for repurposing in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) treatment and drug modification for delivery via inhalation. Repurposing anti-inflammatory drugs and their delivery through the airway is a promising strategy to treat NSCLC. In this review, suitable drug candidates that can be repurposed to treat inflammation-mediated NSCLC will be comprehensively discussed together with their administration via inhalation from physico-chemical and nanocarrier perspectives.

Changes of tumor microenvironment in non-small cell lung cancer after TKI treatments

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer diagnosis, among which epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS), and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations are the common genetic drivers. Their relative tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown a better response for oncogene-driven NSCLC than chemotherapy. However, the development of resistance is inevitable following the treatments, which need a new strategy urgently. Although immunotherapy, a hot topic for cancer therapy, has shown an excellent response for other cancers, few responses for oncogene-driven NSCLC have been presented from the existing evidence, including clinical studies. Recently, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is increasingly thought to be a key parameter for the efficacy of cancer treatment such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, while evidence has also shown that the TME could be affected by multi-factors, such as TKIs. Here, we discuss changes in the TME in NSCLC after TKI treatments, especially for EGFR-TKIs, to offer information for a new therapy of oncogene-driven NSCLC.

Immune infiltration landscape on prognosis and therapeutic response and relevant epigenetic and transcriptomic mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma

Objective

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most prevalent lung cancer subtype, but its immune infiltration features are not comprehensively understood. To address the issue, the present study was initiated to describe the immune infiltrations across LUAD from cellular compositional, functional, and mechanism perspectives.

Methods

We adopted five LUAD datasets (GSE32863, GSE43458, GSE75037, TCGA-LUAD, and GSE72094). Differentially expressed genes between LUAD and controls were selected for co-expression network analysis. Risky immune cell types were determined for classifying LUAD patients as diverse subtypes, followed by a comparison of antitumor immunity and therapeutic response between subtypes. Then, LUAD- and subtype-related key module genes affected by DNA methylation were determined for quantifying a scoring scheme. EXO1 was chosen for functional analysis via in vitro assays.

Results

Two immune cell infiltration-based subtypes (C1 and C2) were established across LUAD, with poorer prognostic outcomes and lower infiltration of immune cell types in C1. Additionally, C1 presented higher responses to immune checkpoint blockade and targeted agents (JNK inhibitor VIII, BI-D1870, RO-3306, etc.). The scoring system (comprising GAPDH, EXO1, FYN, CFTR, and KLF4) possessed higher accuracy in estimating patients’ prognostic outcomes. EXO1 upregulation contributed to the growth, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells. In addition, EXO1 facilitated PD-L1 and sPD-L1 expression in LUAD cells.

Conclusion

Altogether, our findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the immune infiltration landscape on prognosis and therapeutic response of LUAD as well as unveil potential epigenetic and transcriptomic mechanisms, which might assist personalized treatment.