A blueprint for tumor-infiltrating B cells across human cancers

Immune Aging and Its Implication for Age-Related Disease Progression

As life expectancy increases globally, the prevalence and severity of age-related diseases have risen, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and increasing dependency on the healthcare system. Age-related diseases share several pathological commonalities, and emerging evidence suggests that targeting these biological processes ameliorates multiple age-related diseases. Immune aging plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, given its involvement not only in controlling infection and cancer but also in facilitating tissue homeostasis and repair. Aging causes compositional and functional changes in both innate and adaptive immune cells, thereby significantly contributing to the pathogenesis of age-related disease and systemic low-grade inflammation, termed "inflammaging." This review article aims to describe the current understanding of immune aging and its impact on age-related diseases with particular emphasis on kidney and autoimmune diseases. In addition, this review highlights tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) as a hallmark of immune aging, exploring their roles in inflammation, tissue damage, and potential therapeutic targeting.

The rules of different B cell subtypes in colorectal cancer: friends or foes?

Tumor-infiltrating B cells (TIBs) are the most important cell type involved in the immune response. TIBs display considerable intratumor heterogeneity due to genetic variation, epigenetic differences and transcriptional plasticity in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Owing to the unique anatomical location of CRC, the B cell subpopulation exhibits more extensive heterogeneity. Many studies have shown that TIBs have gradually become a key predictor of immunotherapy for malignant cancers, including CRC. TIBs have essential functions, including antigen presentation and antibody secretion, and they promote T-cell activation and myeloid chemotaxis. However, owing to the complex TME, TIBs not only promote the antitumor immune response but also inhibit the immune response. With the in-depth study of tumor-infiltrating T cells, tumor-associated myeloid cells and the interactions among these cells in the TME, the special role of immune cells in the TME has gradually become clear. However, the influence of TIBs in the TME and their interactions with nonimmune cells in the TME remain unclear. Here, we summarize the current progress in TIBs based on single-cell RNA sequencing in CRC in recent years, focusing on specific effector or regulatory characteristics of different B cell subclusters in the CRC TME.

NOTCH1 Mutation and Survival Analysis of Tislelizumab in Advanced or Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Biomarker Analysis From the Randomized, Phase III, RATIONALE-302 Trial

PURPOSE

Although multiple agents targeting PD-1 have been approved as second-line treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), only a fraction of patients derive long-term survival. Hence, reliable predictive biomarkers are urgently needed.

METHODS

Comprehensive tumor genomic profiling and transcriptome sequencing were performed on samples from the RATIONALE-302 study. We also conducted single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on Notch1 knockdown ESCC murine models to further explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying anti-PD-1 benefit.

RESULTS

We identified NOTCH1 mutation as a potential predictive biomarker for longer overall survival (OS) with tislelizumab versus chemotherapy (18.4 months v 5.3 months; hazard ratio, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.17 to 0.71]). At the transcriptional level, type I IFN (IFN-I)/toll-like receptor expression signatures were positively associated with OS benefit of tislelizumab, whereas B-cell and neutrophil signatures predicted unfavorable OS. Exploratory analyses showed that the presence of NOTCH1 mutation correlated with enrichment of IFN-I signatures and reduced infiltration of B cells and neutrophils. In murine models, comparative single-cell transcriptome analyses further revealed that Notch1 deficiency facilitated a more immunologically activated tumor microenvironment which potentiated anti-PD-1 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our data provide novel insights for anti-PD-1 treatment selection using NOTCH1 mutations and may provide a rationale for combination therapy in ESCC.

Tumor-secreted galectin-3 suppresses antitumor response by inducing IL-10+ B cells

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. Tumor-secreted proteins foster an immunosuppressive environment, enabling immune evasion and reducing the effectiveness of antitumor immunity. Interleukin (IL)-10, an immune-regulatory cytokine, is upregulated in breast cancer (BRCA), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS

In silico analysis was used to identify candidate genes associated with IL-10 expression. Mouse model of BRCA and in vitro co-culture assays were conducted to identify immune cells responsible for IL-10 upregulation. The efficacy of galectin-3 (Gal-3) inhibition combined with chemotherapy was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Tumor-secreted Gal-3 served as a key immunosuppressive factor in BRCA. Gal-3 promoted IL-10 production in B cells, thus impairing antitumor immunity. Mechanistically, Gal-3 triggered CD45 polymerization, reducing its phosphatase activity and subsequently activating STAT3 to promote IL-10 production. Knockdown of STAT3 or its blockade abrogated Gal-3-induced IL-10 upregulation. Furthermore, Gal-3 inhibition combined with chemotherapy significantly reduced tumor growth and enhanced antitumor immunity.

CONCLUSIONS

Gal-3 is a crucial regulator of immune evasion in BRCA. Targeting Gal-3 may improve the efficacy of BRCA therapies.

Dusp14-Mediated Dephosphorylation of MLKL Protects Against Cardiomyocyte Necroptosis in Hypothyroidism-Induced Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Hypothyroidism leads to multiple organ dysfunction, with the heart the most affected. However, the pathologic mechanism of hypothyroidism-induced heart failure remains to be completely elucidated. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy enhances myocardium systolic function but increases the occurrence of arrythmias. There is an urgent need to explore these mechanisms in detail and to discover and develop drugs that can target and manage heart failure in patients with hypothyroidism.

METHODS

In this study, a mouse model of hypothyroidism-induced heart failure was established through the administration of propylthiouracil. Dusp14 knockout mice were generated, and adeno-associated virus-mediated cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of Dusp14 (dual specificity phosphatase 14) was used in combination with related cellular experiments to investigate the protective effects of Dusp14 on hypothyroidism-induced heart failure. Further analyses confirmed the crucial involvement of necroptosis in the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism-induced heart failure, and demonstrated the protective role of Dusp14 in modulating necroptosis. In addition, a novel small molecule compound that effectively regulates Dusp14 activity in vitro was identified through molecular docking, providing a potential therapeutic avenue.

RESULTS

Dusp14 regulates necroptosis and mitigates hypothyroidism-induced heart failure. Myocardial tissue sections from mice in the hypothyroidism group showed positive Evans blue dye staining, and the serum levels of the myocardial injury marker lactate dehydrogenase were significantly higher compared with the euthyroid group (n=8). In addition, phosphorylation levels of the necroptosis marker MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein) were significantly elevated, indicating the activation of necroptosis (n=8). These findings suggest that myocardial necroptosis is activated during hypothyroidism. Myocardial-specific overexpression of Dusp14 reduced myocardial necroptosis and improved myocardial contractile function in hypothyroid mice (n=8). In contrast, Dusp14 knockout exacerbated myocardial contractile dysfunction and necroptosis in these mice (n=5-7). These results indicate that Dusp14 alleviates hypothyroidism-induced heart failure by inhibiting necroptosis. P077-0472, a small molecule compound, was identified as an activator of Dusp14, which could inhibit cardiomyocyte necroptosis from hypothyroidism (n=6).

CONCLUSIONS

Dusp14 inhibits cardiomyocyte necroptosis from hypothyroidism and consequently rescues damaged cardiomyocytes. P077-0472, a novel small molecule compound that activates the dephosphorylation function of Dusp14, could inhibit cardiomyocyte necroptosis from hypothyroidism.

The unusual metabolism of germinal center B cells

In the germinal center (GC), B cells undergo rounds of somatic hypermutation (SHM), proliferation, and positive selection to develop into high-affinity, long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells. It is well established that, upon activation, B cells significantly alter their metabolism, but until recently little was understood about their metabolism within the GC. In this review we discuss novel in vivo models in which GC B cell (GCBC) metabolism is disrupted; these have greatly increased our understanding of B cell metabolic phenotype. GCBCs are unusual in that, unlike almost all other rapidly proliferating immune cells, they use little glycolysis but prefer fatty acid oxidation (FAO) to fuel ATP synthesis, whilst preferentially utilizing glucose and amino acids as carbon and nitrogen sources for biosynthetic pathways.

Single-cell spatial transcriptomics of tertiary lymphoid organ-like structures in human atherosclerotic plaques

Tertiary lymphoid organs have been identified in the arterial adventitia in both mouse models of atherosclerosis and patients with atherosclerosis, yet their role in the disease remains insufficiently explored. Here we present a spatially resolved single-cell transcriptome atlas of human atherosclerotic plaques, identifying 14 distinct cell types and providing evidence of plaque tertiary lymphoid organs (PTLOs). The development of PTLOs was associated with the expression of lymphangiogenic chemokine genes and the adhesion molecule gene in fibroblast-like smooth muscle cells. PTLOs harbor abundant B cells with expanded and diversified B cell receptors, suggesting substantial immune involvement. We also observed that B cells may be exchanged between PTLOs and perivascular adipose tissues. The presence of PTLO-like structures correlates with cerebrovascular events, which may be mediated by PTLO-derived IgG antibodies enhancing macrophage functional activity. Our findings suggest the existence and characteristics of PTLOs in human atherosclerosis, elucidating their cellular functions and clinical implications and offering avenues for understanding, diagnosing and treating this condition.

The evolving role of B cells in malignancies

B cells play diverse roles in different pathological circumstances, such as neoplastic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurological maladies. B cells, which are essential elements of the adaptive immune system, demonstrate exceptional functional variety, including the generation of antibodies, the presentation of antigens, and the secretion of cytokines. Within the field of oncology, B cells display a multifaceted nature in the tumor microenvironment, simultaneously manifesting both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing characteristics. Studies have found that the existence of tertiary lymphoid structures, which consist of B cells, is linked to better survival rates in different types of cancers. This article examines the involvement of B cells in different types of malignancies, emphasizing their importance in the development of the diseases and their potential as biomarkers. Additionally, the review also examines the crucial role of B cells in autoimmune illnesses and their potential as targets for therapy. The article also analyses the role of B cells in immunization and exploring their potential uses in cancer immunotherapy. This analysis highlights the intricate and occasionally contradictory roles of B cells, underlining the necessity for additional research to clarify their varied actions in various illness scenarios.

Identification of B cell antigens in solid cancer: initial insights and functional implications

Cancer antigen discovery has mostly focused on T cell antigens, while antigens driving B cell responses have been largely overlooked despite representing another important branch of adaptive immune responses in cancer. Traditional B cell antigens in cancer have been studied using serological approaches analyzing polyclonal antibodies in serum. With recent technological advances in single-cell sequencing, a few studies have begun to investigate single B cell antigen specificity in the tumor microenvironment using immunoglobulin single-cell sequencing, recombinant monoclonal antibody production, cancer binding screening, and antigen identification. In this review, we highlight the initial insights into B cell directed cancer antigens and categorize them into cancer-associated viral antigens and non-viral antigens, with the latter featuring autoantigens. We will further discuss the functions of B cells in cancer in the context of their antigen specificity, and categorize their functions into antibody effector function, T cell activation, and B cell secretion. Lastly, we will provide perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in the identification of new B cell cancer antigens and highlight their translational potential.

Parallel comparison of T cell and B cell subpopulations of adenoid hypertrophy and tonsil hypertrophy of children

The adenoids and tonsils are important immune organs of the nasopharynx that often become hypertrophic in childhood because of recurrent pathogen infection. However, the differences in the immune microenvironment of adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and tonsil hypertrophy (TH) are unclear. Here, we show the epidemiological characteristics and peripheral blood cell indices of 1209 pediatric patients (1-15 years old) diagnosed with AH, and find that AH is often accompanied by TH and characterized by specific changes in immune cell types. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis show that 12 paired AH and TH samples contain large numbers of B, T cells and some exhausted effector memory CD4+ T cells. Compared with matched TH, AH have more naïve B cells and regulatory CD4+ T cells and less plasma B cells. Weaker antigen presentation and more significant immunosuppression are also observed in AH. In contrast, the number and cytotoxicity of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells decrease with AH grade. These findings will help our understanding of the immune response to nasopharyngeal infection.

A bibliometric and visual analysis based on immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma: 2014 - 2024

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the treatment landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially those with unresectable advanced stages. The field has progressed rapidly, and the research hotspots have significantly changed compared to previous years. The study aims to comprehensively review and analyze the development history, knowledge structure, current research focus, and emerging trends in ICIs for HCC.

Materials and methods

Reviews and articles published in English from The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2014 to 2024 were systemically retrieved. Citespace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix R package were used for further bibliometric analysis and visualization for countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords.

Results

2,941 records were included for analysis. The literature on ICIs for HCC has continued to grow steadily over the past decade. Three major research centers have emerged: North America, Europe, and East Asia. The Chinese institution has the highest publication volume, but Kudo Masatoshi from Japan has the highest number of publications. At the same time, Richard S. Finn from the United States leads in citations and co-citations. The most prolific journal is "Cancers". The clustering and Timeline view of critical literature and keywords indicated that research on ICIs for HCC is rapidly advancing toward a more evidence-based, personalized, and multimodal approach. Immune evasion mechanisms, predictive biomarkers, and high-quality clinical trials focusing on Novel combination, conversion, and perioperative therapies, including ICIs, are emerging hotspots.

Conclusion

This study highlights the groundbreaking advancements of ICIs in treating HCC and shows a trend rapidly advancing towards a more evidence-based, personalized, and multimodal approach. The study updated the current understanding of ICIs in hepatocellular carcinoma and identified vital future directions for research, such as the exploration of mechanisms of immune evasion, developing predictive biomarkers, and combining therapy strategies.

ACAT1 regulates tertiary lymphoid structures and correlates with immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are emerging solid-tumor indicators of prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Considering that tumorigenesis requires metabolic reprogramming and subsequent TME remodeling, the discovery of TLS metabolic regulators is expected to produce immunotherapeutic targets. To identify such metabolic regulators, we constructed a metabolism-focused sgRNA library and performed an in vivo CRISPR screening in an orthotopic lung tumor mouse model. Combined with The Cancer Genome Atlas database analysis of TLS-related metabolic hub genes, we found that the loss of Acat1 in tumor cells sensitized tumors to anti-PD1 treatment, accompanied by increased TLS in the TME. Mechanistic studies revealed that ACAT1 resulted in mitochondrial protein hypersuccinylation in lung tumor cells and subsequently enhanced mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, which impeded TLS formation. Elimination of ROS by NAC or Acat1 knockdown promoted B cell aggregation and TLS construction. Consistently, data from tissue microassays of 305 patients with lung cancer showed that TLS were more abundant in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues with lower ACAT1 expression. Intratumoral ACAT1 expression was associated with poor immunotherapy outcomes in patients with NSCLC. In conclusion, our results identified ACAT1 as a metabolic regulator of TLS and a promising immunotherapeutic target in NSCLC.

Pan-cancer analysis shapes the understanding of cancer biology and medicine

Advances in multi-omics datasets and analytical methods have revolutionized cancer research, offering a comprehensive, pan-cancer perspective. Pan-cancer studies identify shared mechanisms and unique traits across different cancer types, which are reshaping diagnostic and treatment strategies. However, continued innovation is required to refine these approaches and deepen our understanding of cancer biology and medicine. This review summarized key findings from pan-cancer research and  explored their potential to drive future advancements in oncology.

Epigenetic regulators combined with tumour immunotherapy: current status and perspectives

Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, has demonstrated clinical benefits in solid tumours. Despite its satisfactory clinical efficacy, it still faces several issues, such as limited eligibility, low response rates and cytotoxicity. Cancer epigenetics implies that tumour cells exhibit unique phenotypes because of their unique characteristics, thus reprogramming of the epigenome holds promise for cancer therapy. Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in regulating gene expression during tumour development and maintenance. Epigenetic regulators induce cancer cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and differentiation of cancer cells, thereby exerting anti-tumour effects. Recent studies have revealed a significant correlation between epigenetic regulatory factors and immune checkpoint therapy. Epigenetics can modulate various aspects of the tumour immune microenvironment and immune response to enhance the sensitivity of immunotherapy, such as lowering the concentration required and mitigating cytotoxicity. This review primarily discusses DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors and lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitors, which are associated with transcriptional repression. This repression alters the expression of genes involved in the immune checkpoint, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy. We also discuss the potential and challenges of tumour immunotherapy and highlight its advantages, application challenges and clinical research on integrating epigenetic regulatory factors with tumour immunotherapy.

Analyze the Diversity and Function of Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment From the Perspective of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

BACKGROUND

Cancer development is closely associated with complex alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Among these, immune cells within the TME play a huge role in personalized tumor diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to summarize the diversity of immune cells in the TME, their impact on patient prognosis and treatment response, and the contributions of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in understanding their functional heterogeneity.

METHODS

We analyzed recent studies utilizing scRNA-seq to investigate immune cell populations in the TME, focusing on their interactions and regulatory mechanisms.

RESULTS

ScRNA-seq reveals the functional heterogeneity of immune cells, enhances our understanding of their role in tumor antibody responses, and facilitates the construction of immune cell interaction networks. These insights provide guidance for the development of cancer immunotherapies and personalized treatment approaches.

CONCLUSION

Applying scRNA-seq to immune cell analysis in the TME offers a novel pathway for personalized cancer treatment. Despite its promise, several challenges remain, highlighting the need for further advancements to fully integrate scRNA-seq into clinical applications.

PerC B-Cells Activation via Thermogenetics-Based CXCL12 Generator for Intraperitoneal Immunity Against Metastatic Disseminated Tumor Cells

During cancer peritoneal metastasis (PM), conventional antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells, macrophages) promote tumorigenesis and immunosuppression in peritoneal cavity. While intraperitoneal immunotherapy (IPIT) has been used in clinical investigations to relieve PM, the limited knowledge of peritoneal immunocytes has hindered the development of therapeutic IPIT. Here, a dendritic cell-independent, next-generation IPIT is described that activates peritoneal cavity B (PerC B) cell subsets for intraperitoneal anti-tumor immunity via exogenous antigen presentation. The PerC B-cell-involved IPIT framework consists of an isotropic-porous, cell-fitting, thermogenetics-based CXCL12 generator. Such nanoscale thermal-confined generator can programmatically fine-tune the expression of CXCL12 to recruit disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) through CXCL12-CXCR4 axis while avoiding cytokine storm, subsequently release DTC-derived antigen to trigger PerC B-cell-involved immunity. Notably, antigen-presenting B-cell cluster, expressing the regulatory signaling molecules Ptpn6, Ms4a1, and Cd52, is identified playing the key role in the IPIT via single-cell RNA sequencing. Moreover, such IPIT availably assuages peritoneal effusion and PM in an orthotopic gastric cancer and metastatic model. Overall, this work offers a perspective on PerC B-cell-involved antigen-presenting in intraperitoneal immunity and provides a configurable strategy for activating anti-DTC immunity for next-generation IPIT.

Integrative Analysis of scRNA-Seq and Bulk RNA-Seq Identifies Plasma Cell Related Genes and Constructs a Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

The complexity and heterogeneity of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) are linked to the development and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the cell type within the TIME that is most closely associated with HCC development remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to identify cell clusters that significantly contribute to HCC development and their underlying mechanisms.

Method and Results

Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we analyzed changes in the TIME of normal and tumor tissues, identifying plasma cells as the key cluster in HCC development. Based on plasma cell-related genes (PCRGs), we constructed and validated an eight-gene prognostic model (ST6GALNAC4, SEC61A1, SSR3, RPN2, PRDX4, TRAM1, SPCS2, CD79A) using internal and external datasets and a nomogram. Functional enrichment, miRNA network construction, and transcriptional regulation analyses were performed to explore underlying mechanisms. TIDE scores and the GDSC database were used to predict immunotherapy and chemotherapy sensitivity in different risk groups. Finally, SSR3's biological function was validated in vitro in HCC cell lines.

Conclusion

Plasma cells are key clusters in HCC development. A prognostic model based on the PCRGs can accurately predict the prognosis of patients with HCC and guide clinical treatment.

Atypical memory B cells acquire Breg phenotypes in hepatocellular carcinoma

The functional plasticity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte B-cells (TIL-B) spans from antitumor responses to noncanonical immune suppression. Yet, how the tumor microenvironment (TME) influences TIL-B development is still underappreciated. Our current study integrated single-cell transcriptomics and B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing to profile TIL-B phenotypes and clonalities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using trajectory and gene regulatory network analysis, we were able to characterize plasma cells and memory and naive B cells within the HCC TME and further revealed a downregulation of BCR signaling genes in plasma cells and a subset of inflammatory TNF+ memory B cells. Within the TME, a nonswitched memory B cell subset acquired an age-associated B cell phenotype (TBET+CD11c+) and expressed higher levels of PD-L1, CD25, and granzyme B. We further demonstrated that the presence of HCC tumor cells could confer suppressive functions on peripheral blood B cells that in turn, dampen T cell costimulation. To the best of our knowledge, these findings represent novel mechanisms of noncanonical immune suppression in HCC. While previous studies identified atypical memory B cells in chronic hepatitis and across several solid cancer types, we further highlighted their potential role as regulatory B cells (Bregs) within both the TME and peripheral blood of HCC patients.

Dysfunctional CD11c-CD21- extrafollicular memory B cells are enriched in the periphery and tumors of patients with cancer

Many patients with recurrent and metastatic cancer fail to produce a durable response to immunotherapy, highlighting the need for additional therapeutic targets to improve the immune landscape in tumors. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of B cells in the antitumor response, with memory B cells (MBCs) being prognostic in a variety of solid tumors. MBCs are a heterogenous B cell subset and can be generated through both germinal center reactions and extrafollicular (EF) responses. EF-derived MBCs have been recently linked to poor prognosis and treatment resistance in solid tumors and thus may represent candidate biomarkers or immunotherapy targets. EF-derived MBCs, termed "double-negative" (DN) MBCs may be further classified on the basis of surface expression of CD11c and CD21 into DN1, DN2, and DN3 MBCs. CD11c-CD21+ DN1 MBCs and CD11c+CD21- DN2 MBCs have been well studied across inflammatory diseases; however, the biology and clinical relevance of CD11c-CD21- DN3 MBCs remain unknown. Here, we report an accumulation of DN3 MBCs in the blood and tumors of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and an increase in DN3 MBCs in locally advanced HNSCC tumors. Circulating and intratumoral DN3 MBCs were hyporesponsive to antigen stimulation, had low antibody production, and failed to differentiate into antibody-secreting cells. Moreover, DN3 MBCs accumulated selectively outside of tertiary lymphoid structures. Last, circulating DN3 MBCs correlated with poor therapeutic response, advanced disease, and worse outcomes in patients with HNSCC and melanoma, supporting further assessment of EF-derived MBCs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Breast cancer: pathogenesis and treatments

Breast cancer, characterized by unique epidemiological patterns and significant heterogeneity, remains one of the leading causes of malignancy-related deaths in women. The increasingly nuanced molecular subtypes of breast cancer have enhanced the comprehension and precision treatment of this disease. The mechanisms of tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer have been central to scientific research, with investigations spanning various perspectives such as tumor stemness, intra-tumoral microbiota, and circadian rhythms. Technological advancements, particularly those integrated with artificial intelligence, have significantly improved the accuracy of breast cancer detection and diagnosis. The emergence of novel therapeutic concepts and drugs represents a paradigm shift towards personalized medicine. Evidence suggests that optimal diagnosis and treatment models tailored to individual patient risk and expected subtypes are crucial, supporting the era of precision oncology for breast cancer. Despite the rapid advancements in oncology and the increasing emphasis on the clinical precision treatment of breast cancer, a comprehensive update and summary of the panoramic knowledge related to this disease are needed. In this review, we provide a thorough overview of the global status of breast cancer, including its epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and molecular subtyping. Additionally, we elaborate on the latest research into mechanisms contributing to breast cancer progression, emerging treatment strategies, and long-term patient management. This review offers valuable insights into the latest advancements in Breast Cancer Research, thereby facilitating future progress in both basic research and clinical application.

B cells in non-lymphoid tissues

B cells have long been understood to be drivers of both humoral and cellular immunity. Recent advances underscore this importance but also indicate that in infection, inflammatory disease and cancer, B cells function directly at sites of inflammation and form tissue-resident memory populations. The spatial organization and cellular niches of tissue B cells have profound effects on their function and on disease outcome, as well as on patient response to therapy. Here we review the role of B cells in peripheral tissues in homeostasis and disease, and discuss the newly identified cellular and molecular signals that are involved in regulating their activity. We integrate emerging data from multi-omic human studies with experimental models to propose a framework for B cell function in tissue inflammation and homeostasis.

Spatial‒temporal heterogeneities of liver cancer and the discovery of the invasive zone

Solid tumours are intricate and highly heterogeneous ecosystems, which grow in and invade normal organs. Their progression is mediated by cancer cells' interaction with different cell types, such as immune cells, stromal cells and endothelial cells, and with the extracellular matrix. Owing to its high incidence, aggressive growth and resistance to local and systemic treatments, liver cancer has particularly high mortality rates worldwide. In recent decades, spatial heterogeneity has garnered significant attention as an unfavourable biological characteristic of the tumour microenvironment, prompting extensive research into its role in liver tumour development. Advances in spatial omics have facilitated the detailed spatial analysis of cell types, states and cell‒cell interactions, allowing a thorough understanding of the spatial and temporal heterogeneities of tumour microenvironment and informing the development of novel therapeutic approaches. This review illustrates the latest discovery of the invasive zone, and systematically introduced specific macroscopic spatial heterogeneities, pathological spatial heterogeneities and tumour microenvironment heterogeneities of liver cancer.

Dynamic roles of tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes in cancer immunotherapy

The amazing diversity of B cells within the tumor microenvironment is the basis for the diverse development of B cell-based immunotherapies. Here, we focus on elucidating the mechanisms of tumor intervention mediated by four tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes. Naive B cells present the initial antigen, germinal center B cell subsets enhance antibody affinity, and immunoglobulin subtypes exert multiple immune effects, while regulatory B cells establish immune tolerance. Together they reflect the complexity of the changing dynamics of cancer immunity. Additionally, we have investigated the dynamic effects of tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes in immunotherapy and their relationship to prognosis, providing new insights into potential treatment strategies for patients.

A Melanoma Brain Metastasis CTC Signature and CTC:B-cell Clusters Associate with Secondary Liver Metastasis: A Melanoma Brain-Liver Metastasis Axis

SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides important insights into the relevance of prometastatic CTC:B-cell clusters in melanoma progression, extends the importance of the CTC RPL/RPS gene signature beyond primary metastasis/melanoma brain metastasis driving targeted organ specificity for liver metastasis ("metastasis of metastasis"), and identifies new targets for clinical melanoma metastasis therapies.

Tumor-induced metabolic immunosuppression: Mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Metabolic reprogramming in both immune and cancer cells plays a crucial role in the antitumor immune response. Recent studies indicate that cancer metabolism not only sustains carcinogenesis and survival via altered signaling but also modulates immune cell function. Metabolic crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment results in nutrient competition and acidosis, thereby hindering immune cell functionality. Interestingly, immune cells also undergo metabolic reprogramming that enables their proliferation, differentiation, and effector functions. This review highlights the regulation of antitumor immune responses through metabolic reprogramming in cancer and immune cells and explores therapeutic strategies that target these metabolic pathways in cancer immunotherapy, including using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. We discuss innovative combinations of immunotherapy, cellular therapies, and metabolic interventions that could optimize the efficacy of existing treatment protocols.

Emerging roles of checkpoint molecules on B cells

Immune checkpoint molecules, including both co-inhibitory molecules and co-stimulatory molecules, are known to play critical roles in regulating T-cell responses. During the last decades, immunotherapies targeting these molecules (such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3)) have provided clinical benefits in many cancers. It is becoming apparent that not only T cells, but also B cells have a capacity to express some checkpoint molecules. These were originally thought to be only the markers for regulatory B cells which produce IL-10, but recent studies suggest that these molecules (especially T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1), T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), and PD-1) can regulate intrinsic B-cell activation and functions. Here, we focus on these molecules and summarize their characteristics, ligands, and functions on B cells.

Elucidating stearoyl metabolism and NCOA4-mediated ferroptosis in gastric cancer liver metastasis through multi-omics single-cell integrative mendelian analysis: advancing personalized immunotherapy strategies

BACKGROUND

The metabolism of stearoyl-GPE plays a key role in the liver metastasis of gastric cancer. This investigation delves into the mechanisms underlying the intricate tumor microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity triggered by stearoyl metabolism in gastric cancer with liver metastasis (LMGC), offering novel perspectives for LMGC.

OBJECTIVE

Utilizing Mendelian randomization, we determined that stearoyl metabolism significantly contributes to the progression of gastric cancer (GC). Following this, bulk transcriptome analyses and single-cell multiomics techniques to investigate the roles of stearoyl-GPE metabolism-related genes, particularly NCOA4, in regulating LMGC TME.

RESULTS

Our analysis highlights the crucial role of stearoyl metabolism in modulating the complex microenvironment of LMGC, particularly impacting monocyte cells. Through single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, we have identified key metabolic genes specific to stearoyl metabolism within the monocyte cell population, including NCOA4. Regarding the relationship between ferroptosis, stearoyl metabolism, and LMGC findings, it is plausible that stearoyl metabolism and LMGC pathways intersect with mechanisms involved in ferroptosis. Ferroptosis, characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, represents a regulated form of cell death. The activity of Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), a critical enzyme in stearoyl metabolism, has been associated with the modulation of lipid composition and susceptibility to ferroptosis. Furthermore, the LMGC is integral to cellular processes related to oxidative stress and lipid metabolism, both of which are significant factors in the context of ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

This study enhances the understanding of the relationship between stearoyl metabolism and ferroptosis in promoting liver metastasis of gastric cancer and its role in the regulation of tumor heterogeneity. In addition, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of gastric cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) and provides a basis for the development of better interventions to combat cancer metastasis.

Lympho-myeloid aggregate-infiltrating CD20+ B cells display a double-negative phenotype and correlate with poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

According to morphological features, tumor-infiltrating B cells (TIL-Bs) can be classified as lympho-myeloid aggregates (LMAs) and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). As a disease with high incidence and mortality, research on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) TIL-Bs is still unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value and functional involvement of TIL-Bs in ESCC. Based on CD20 immunohistochemical staining of 147 ESCC samples, the TIL-Bs at different anatomic subregions (intra-tumor (T), invasive margin (IM) and peri-tumor (P)) were quantified and correlated with survival by Kaplan-Meier analyses. We found that LMAs were widely distributed throughout the whole section and were associated with poor prognosis, especially those located in the T subregion, which was contrary to the positive clinical significance of TLSs. Based on the number of LMAs and TLSs, a four-level immune type was constructed as an independent predictor for survival. Using multiplexed immunofluorescence (mIF) staining, we found that the main phenotype of infiltrating B cells in LMAs was CD20+IgD-CD27- double-negative (DN) B cells. DN B cells were abundant in ESCC tumor tissue, and their high expression was related to shortened overall survival time. Subsequently, we demonstrate a close relationship between DN B cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) using single cell RNA-seq data, bulk RNA-seq data and flow cytometry, and verified the spatial proximity of DN B cells and Tregs by mIF staining. Trajectory analysis and flow cytometry revealed that DN B cells highly expressed genes involved in the antigen processing and presentation pathway, such as HLA-DR. The abundance of DN B cells and LMAs in ESCC provides novel potential targets for optimal immunotherapy against ESCC.

TM4SF4 is a diagnostic biomarker accelerating progression of papillary thyroid cancer via AKT pathway

The incidence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has been steadily rising, though the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the biological role of TM4SF4 in the PTC progression. Our differential expression analysis indicated that TM4SF4 was significantly upregulated in PTC, which was corroborated in both our local cohort and the data from Human Protein Atlas. Additionally, clinical characteristics analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) demonstrated that TM4SF4 served as a significant diagnostic marker for PTC. Correlation and enrichment analysis of TM4SF4-related partners suggested that it was involved in cell junction and cohesion processes. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis revealed a positive correlation between TM4SF4 expression and the immune activation in PTC. Importantly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that TM4SF4 downregulation suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of PTC cell lines while inducing apoptosis. We further discovered that the AKT activator SC79 was able to reverse the malignant behaviors suppression caused by TM4SF4 knockdown, suggesting that TM4SF4 may promote PTC progression via the AKT pathway. In conclusion, our study highlights the oncogenic role of TM4SF4 in PTC and identifies it as a novel biomarker for diagnosis and treatment.

Pericancerous cross-presentation to cytotoxic T lymphocytes impairs immunotherapeutic efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hyperprogressive disease can occur in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, but whether and how reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) exert protumorigenic effects in this context remain elusive. Herein, our study reveals that pericancerous macrophages cross-present antigens to CD103+ CTLs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation machinery-mediated cytosolic pathway. This process leads to the retention of CD103+ CTLs in the pericancerous area, whereby they activate NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages, promoting hepatoma progression and resistance to immunotherapy. Our single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics analysis of HCC patients shows that despite their tissue-resident effector phenotype, the aggregation of CD103+ CTLs predicts unfavorable clinical outcomes for HCC patients receiving multiple types of treatment. Correspondingly, therapeutic strategies that redistribute CD103+ CTLs can disrupt this pathogenic interplay with macrophages, enhancing the efficacy of ICB treatment against HCC.

B cells spatial organization defines their phenotype and function in cancer "Tell me with whom you consort, and I will tell you who you are" - Goethe

The presence of B cells and their subtypes in the tumor environment has been recognized a for very long time. Immunoglobulins specific for more than thousands of tumor-associated antigens were detected in the sera of patients with cancer; however, antibody-mediated cancer cell killing is usually impaired. The role of humoral immune response remained elusive until recently, with new discoveries regarding their contribution in regulating antitumor immunity, particularly during immunotherapy. Humoral immunity has been described to promote or attenuate tumorigenesis and can have opposing effects on therapeutic outcome in different tumor entities. The antagonism effect of B cells depends on their subtypes and immunoglobulin isotypes and is regulated by their spatial distribution and localization. In this short review, we will focus on how the spatial organization of B cells within the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated lymph nodes, and tertiary lymphoid structures define their fate and function and contribute to the regulation of antitumor immunity.

EZH2 promotes B-cell autoimmunity in primary Sjogren's syndrome via METTL3-mediated m6A modification

OBJECTIVE

Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) plays an important role in promoting B-cell activation and differentiation. This study aimed to elucidate the role of EZH2 in the B-cell autoimmune response in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and to explore the therapeutic potential of inhibiting EZH2 in pSS.

METHODS

Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of B cells in peripheral blood from pSS patients was conducted to identify abnormal expression of EZH2 and METTL3 in B-cell subsets. The levels of EZH2 were further validated across multiple B-cell subsets and the salivary glands (SGs) of pSS patients, as well as three different mouse models of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Correlation analyses were performed to explore the relationship between the expression of EZH2 and clinical features of pSS patients. Following EZH2 inhibition, SS-like signs and antibody production were assessed in an experimental Sjögren syndrome (ESS) mouse model. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data post-EZH2 inhibition were bioinformatically analyzed to identify the EZH2 targets in pSS. ChIP-qPCR was performed to validate the binding of H3K27me3 to the CDKN1A promoter. Flow cytometric apoptosis analysis and Carboxy Fluorescein Succinimidyl Ester (CFSE) assay were used to assess the impact of an EZH2 inhibitor on B-cell apoptosis and proliferation. Additionally, METTL3 expression and its correlation with disease activity were analyzed in pSS patients. EZH2 expression was examined after METTL3 knockdown. METTL3-RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and actinomycin D assays were conducted to confirm the direct binding of METTL3 to EZH2 mRNA and its impact on mRNA stability. M6A-RIP-qPCR was performed to validate the presence of m6A modifications on EZH2 mRNA.

RESULTS

EZH2 was found upregulated in multiple B-cell subsets from the peripheral blood and SGs of pSS patients, as well as in three different animal models of SS. The expression of EZH2 in B cells was positively correlated with the ESSDAI score, which is a measure of disease activity. With treatment of EZH2 inhibitor, SS-like signs alleviated and autoantibody production reduced in ESS mice. Similarly, in pSS patients, METTL3 expression was increased in the SGs and peripheral blood CD19+ B cells, also showing a positively correlated with the ESSDAI score. With knockdown of METTL3, the expression of EZH2 reduced. Mechanistically, EZH2 inhibited B-cell apoptosis and promoted B-cell proliferation by catalyzing H3K27me3 modification at the CDKN1A locus. Furthermore, METTL3 bound to EZH2 mRNA and increased m6A modification on EZH2 mRNA, enhancing its stability and promoting EZH2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The upregulation of EZH2 mediated by METTL3 is implicated in the B-cell autoimmune response in pSS. Inhibition of EZH2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for pSS treatment.

Increased PRP19 in Hepatocyte Impedes B Cell Function to Promote Hepatocarcinogenesis

Tumor immune microenvironment is strongly associated with the malignancy behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the immune function and regulatory mechanisms of B cells in HCC remain unclear. The expression differences between B cell high- and low-infiltration HCC samples are explored to identify the key regulator. Pre-mRNA processing factor 19 (PRP19) expression is increased in B cell low-infiltrated tissues and negatively correlated with the B cell marker, CD20. Inhibition of PRP19 expression promoted B cell infiltration in tumor tissue and impeded HCC growth. Mechanically, the co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay revealed that PRP19 interacts with DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5), leading to ubiquitination and degradation of the DDX5 protein. The attenuated DDX5 impairs CXCL12 mRNA stability to suppress B cell recruitment and plasma cell differentiation via CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Moreover, the adoptive transfer of CXCR4+ B cells combined with CXCL12 treatment in mice models effectively inhibits HCC development by reshaping the immune response. The expression of PRP19, DDX5, and infiltrating B cells are recognized as clinical prognosis indicators for HCC patients. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the clinical benefits of HCC immunotherapy by targeting PRP19 and modulating tumor-infiltrating B cell immune function.

Unraveling impact and potential mechanisms of baseline pain on efficacy of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients: a retrospective and bioinformatic analysis

Objective

Pain is a prevalent discomfort symptom associated with cancer, yet the correlations and potential mechanisms between pain and the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy remain uncertain.

Methods

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the inpatient department of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled. Through cox regression analysis, prognostic factors and independent prognostic factors affecting the efficacy of ICIs were identified, and a nomogram model was constructed. Hub cancer-related pain genes (CRPGs) were identified through bioinformatic analysis. Finally, the expression levels of hub CRPGs were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Before PSM, a total of 222 patients were enrolled in this study. Univariate and multivariate cox analysis indicated that bone metastasis and NRS scores were independent prognostic factors for the efficacy of ICIs. After PSM, a total of 94 people were enrolled in this study. Univariate cox analysis and multivariate cox analysis indicated that age, platelets, Dnlr, liver metastasis, bone metastasis, and NRS scores were independent prognostic factors for the efficacy of ICIs. A nomogram was constructed based on 6 independent prognostic factors with AUC values of 0.80 for 1-year, 0.73 for 2-year, and 0.80 for 3-year survival. ELISA assay results indicated that the level of CXCL12 significantly decreased compared to baseline after pain was relieved.

Conclusion

Baseline pain is an independent prognostic factor affecting the efficacy of ICIs in lung cancer, potentially through CXCL12-mediated inflammation promotion and immunosuppression.

Research Hotspots and Trends in Global Cancer immunometabolism:A Bibliometric Analysis from 2000 to 2023

Background

Cancer poses a major global health challenge, and immunotherapy, known as the third revolution in cancer treatment, has brought new hope to patients. The emerging field of immunometabolism has further enhanced the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy. Over the past two decades, this field has rapidly evolved in oncology, leading to numerous significant findings. This review systematically examines the literature on immunometabolism in cancer, visualizing research trends and identifying future directions.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, covering publications from January 2000 to December 2023. We employed tools like Citespace, VOSviewer, and RStudio for visual analysis of publication trends, regional contributions, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords.

Results

A total of 3320 articles were published by 8090 authors across 1738 institutions, involving 71 countries. Leading contributors were China (n=469), the United States (n=361), and Germany (n=82). Harvard University was the most influential institution, while Frontiers in Immunology had the highest number of publications. The top research areas included glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and immune cell regulation.

Conclusion

International collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts are advancing the field of cancer immunometabolism. Future research will likely focus on the interplay between metabolism and immunity, metabolic markers, immune cell reprogramming, and tumor-immune metabolic competition.

Identification of immune-associated genes for the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis-associated carcinogenesis via integrated bioinformatics analysis

Background

UC patients suffer more from colorectal cancer (CRC) than the general population, which increases with disease duration. Early colonoscopy is difficult because ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer (UCAC) lesions are flat and multifocal. Our study aimed to identify promising UCAC biomarkers that are complementary endoscopy strategies in the early stages.

Methods

The datasets may be accessed from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. The co-expressed modules of UC and CRC were determined via weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The biological mechanisms of the shared genes were exported for analysis using the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. To identify protein interactions and hub genes, a protein-protein interaction network and CytoHubba analysis were conducted. To evaluate gene expression, external datasets and experimental validation of human colon tissues were utilized. The diagnostic value of core genes was examined through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Immune infiltration analysis was employed to investigate the associations between immune cell populations and hub genes.

Results

Three crucial modules were identified from the WGCNA of UC and CRC tissues, and 33 coexpressed genes that were predominantly enriched in the NF-κB pathway were identified. Two biomarkers (CXCL1 and BCL6) were identified via Cytoscape and validated in external datasets and human colon tissues. CRC patients expressed CXCL1 at the highest level, whereas UC and CRC patients showed higher levels than the controls. The UC cohort expressed BCL6 at the highest level, whereas the UC and CRC cohorts expressed it more highly than the controls. The hub genes exhibited significant diagnostic potential (ROC curve > 0.7). The immune infiltration results revealed a correlation among the hub genes and macrophages, neutrophils and B cells.

Conclusions

The findings of our research suggest that BCL6 and CXCL1 could serve as effective biomarkers for UCAC surveillance. Additionally, they demonstrated a robust correlation with immune cell populations within the CRC tumour microenvironment (TME). Our findings provide a valuable insight about diagnosis and therapy of UCAC.

Unraveling spontaneous humoral immune responses against human cancer: a road to novel immunotherapies

In immuno-oncology, the focus has traditionally been on αβ T cells, and immune checkpoint inhibitors that primarily target PD-1 or CTLA4 in these lymphocytes have revolutionized the management of multiple human malignancies. However, recent research highlights the crucial role of B cells and the antibodies they produce in antagonizing malignant progression, offering new avenues for immunotherapy. Our group has demonstrated that dimeric Immunoglobulin A can penetrate tumor cells, neutralize oncogenic drivers in endosomes, and expel them from the cytosol. This mechanistic insight suggests that engineered antibodies targeting this pathway may effectively reach previously inaccessible targets. Investigating antibody production within intratumoral germinal centers and understanding the impact of different immunoglobulins on malignant progression could furnish new tools for the therapeutic arsenal, including the development of tumor-penetrating antibodies. This review aims to elucidate the nature of humoral adaptive immune responses in human cancer and explore how they could herald a new era of immunotherapeutic modalities. By expanding the scope of antitumor immunotherapies, these approaches have the potential to benefit a broader range of cancer patients, particularly through the utilization of tumor cell-penetrating antibodies.

The Dual Role of B Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Cancer Immunology and Therapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and heterogeneous tissue composed of various cell types, including tumor cells, stromal cells, and immune cells, as well as non-cellular elements. Given their pivotal role in humoral immunity, B cells have emerged as promising targets for anti-tumor therapies. The dual nature of B cells, exhibiting both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting functions, has garnered significant attention. Understanding the distinct effects of various B cell subsets on different tumors could pave the way for novel targeted tumor therapies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the heterogeneous B cell subsets and their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis, as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting B cells in cancer treatment. To develop more effective cancer immunotherapies, it is essential to decipher the heterogeneity of B cells and their roles in shaping the TME.

Single cell atlas reveals multilayered metabolic heterogeneity across tumour types

BACKGROUND

Metabolic reprogramming plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, contributing to substantial intratumour heterogeneity and influencing tumour behaviour. However, a systematic characterization of metabolic heterogeneity across multiple cancer types at the single-cell level remains limited.

METHODS

We integrated 296 tumour and normal samples spanning six common cancer types to construct a single-cell compendium of metabolic gene expression profiles and identify cell type-specific metabolic properties and reprogramming patterns. A computational approach based on non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was utilised to identify metabolic meta-programs (MMPs) showing intratumour heterogeneity. In-vitro cell experiments were conducted to confirm the associations between MMPs and chemotherapy resistance, as well as the function of key metabolic regulators. Survival analyses were performed to assess clinical relevance of cellular metabolic properties.

FINDINGS

Our analysis revealed shared glycolysis upregulation and divergent regulation of citric acid cycle across different cell types. In malignant cells, we identified a colorectal cancer-specific MMP associated with resistance to the cuproptosis inducer elesclomol, validated through in-vitro cell experiments. Furthermore, our findings enabled the stratification of patients into distinct prognostic subtypes based on metabolic properties of specific cell types, such as myeloid cells.

INTERPRETATION

This study presents a nuanced understanding of multilayered metabolic heterogeneity, offering valuable insights into potential personalized therapies targeting tumour metabolism.

FUNDING

National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFA1300601). National Natural Science Foundation of China (key grants 82030081 and 81874235). The Shenzhen High-level Hospital Construction Fund and Shenzhen Basic Research Key Project (JCYJ20220818102811024). The Lam Chung Nin Foundation for Systems Biomedicine.

Plasma metabolites as mediators in the relationship between inflammation-related proteins and benign prostatic hyperplasia: insights from mendelian randomization

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition commonly observed in aging males. Inflammatory and metabolic factors are pivotal in the development and progression of BPH. The degree to which the effects of 91 inflammation-related proteins on BPH are mediated by 1400 plasma metabolites remains ambiguous. Our research analyzed the impact of these traits utilizing genetic evidence.Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) were utilized in our study to infer the genetic causal effect of inflammation-related proteins on BPH, with metabolites serving as mediators. Increased levels of IL-2 were linked to a heightened incidence of BPH (β = 0.071, OR:1.074, 95% CI [1.002-1.152], p = 0.045), whereas lower concentrations of N6,N6-dimethyllysine were associated with decreased risk (β1=-0.127, p = 0.02; β2=-0.039, p = 0.008). The mediation effect was 0.005 (95% CI [0.0004, 0.012], OR: 1.005, 95% CI [1.000, 1.012]), accounting for 7.04% of the total effect. subsequently, we examined the phenotypic co-localization of the two pairings independently, revealing that the posterior probability of rs145516501 associated with IL-2 and BPH was 80.7%, whereas the posterior likelihood of rs4917820 linked to N6,N6-dimethyllysine levels and BPH was 95.9%. The research indicated that N6,N6-dimethyllysine levels seem to influence the causative relationship between IL-2 and BPH. These results elucidate the complex interplay between inflammation-related proteins and metabolism in the context of BPH, offering novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues and enhancing our comprehension of the disease's etiology for prospective research.

Tumor-specific antibodies elicited by engineered bacteria promote bladder cancer immunotherapy

The intratumoral microbiome has recently emerged as a new hallmark of cancer, with implications for response or resistance to therapy. While bacteria can either promote or inhibit cancer growth, intratumoral bacteria can also be engineered using synthetic biology to remodel the tumor microenvironment. Here, we engineered the probiotic bacterium E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to express the human chemokine CXCL13, a critical component of germinal center (GC) formation. The GC reaction is a fundamental aspect of adaptive immunity by which antibody affinity develops in secondary lymphoid organs for defense against pathogens. Using orthotopic models of bladder cancer, engineered CXCL13-expressing EcN colonized bladder tumors and elicited GC responses in bladder tumor-draining lymph nodes after intravesical delivery. Furthermore, when combined with PD-1 blockade, engineered EcN amplified the antitumor antibody response and promoted long-term survival and protective immunity upon tumor rechallenge. Thus, we demonstrate that synthetically engineered CXCL13-expressing EcN can enhance the efficacy of PD-1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy by amplifying tumor-specific humoral immunity.

Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed the stemness of a specific cluster of B cells in acute lymphoblastic leukemia progression

Background

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common pediatric cancer. The heterogeneous characterization of B cells in ALL progression poses new challenges to researchers. We used single-cell sequencing to explore the critical role of B cells in regulating the ALL immune microenvironment.

Method

We collected the single cell (sc) RNA-seq data of ALL and health sample from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database, the "Seurat" and "harmony" R package was used for quality control and scRNA-seq analysis, in which the CellMarker2.0 database was used for cell type annotation. Subsequently, the FindAllMarkers function was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among various cell types and the DAVID database was applied for the biological process of DEGs. Then, the "inferCNV" package was used for copy number variation, regulons and cell communication were performed by SCENIC tool and CellChat package. The role of the target gene in regulating ALL progression was assessed using RT-qPCR, Transwell and scratch healing assays.

Results

We identified nine mainly cell clusters after scRNA-seq analysis, in which the B cells had higher infiltration proportion in the ALL samples and were sub-clustered into five cell sub-groups. The B cells 1 is closely associated with cell proliferation and stemness (TNFAIP3 and KDM5B), and the significant CNV of amplification occurred on chr6 and chr21 that supported stemness of B cells1. RXRB is a key transcription factor mediated the proliferation of B cells 1, which in turn suppressed hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) proliferation and promoted cytotoxic NK/T cells activation through diverse cell communication ways. One of the key regulators of B cells is MYC, which promotes the migration and invasive ability of cell line leukemia cell lines.

Conclusion

This study reveals the stemness characteristics of B cells and their critical role in ALL progression, a finding that provides new potential directions for the development of targeted therapies against ALL.

Germinal center B-cell subgroups in the tumor microenvironment cannot be overlooked: Their involvement in prognosis, immunotherapy response, and treatment resistance in head and neck squamous carcinoma

Background

More than 60 % of patients with head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) are diagnosed at advanced stages and miss radical treatment. This has prompted the need to find new biomarkers to achieve early diagnosis and predict early recurrence and metastasis of tumors.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from HNSCC tissues and peripheral blood samples were obtained through the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE164690) to characterize the B-cell subgroups, differentiation trajectories, and intercellular communication networks in HNSCC and to construct a prognostic model of the associated risks. In addition, this study analyzed the differences in clinical features, immune cell infiltration, functional enrichment, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and drug sensitivity between the high- and low-risk groups.

Results

Using scRNA-seq of HNSCC, we classified B and plasma cells into a total of four subgroups: naive B cells (NBs), germinal center B cells (GCBs), memory B cells (MBs), and plasma cells (PCs). Pseudotemporal trajectory analysis revealed that NBs and GCBs were at the early stage of B cell differentiation, while MBs and PCs were at the end. Cellular communication revealed that GCBs acted on tumor cells through the CD99 and SEMA4 signaling pathways. The independent prognostic value, immune cell infiltration, TMB and drug sensitivity assays were validated for the MEF2B+ GCB score groups.

Conclusions

We identified GCBs as B cell-specific prognostic biomarkers for the first time. The MEF2B+ GCB score fills the research gap in the genetic prognostic prediction model of HNSCC and is expected to provide a theoretical basis for finding new therapeutic targets for HNSCC.

Spatial oncology: Translating contextual biology to the clinic

Microscopic examination of cells in their tissue context has been the driving force behind diagnostic histopathology over the past two centuries. Recently, the rise of advanced molecular biomarkers identified through single cell profiling has increased our understanding of cellular heterogeneity in cancer but have yet to significantly impact clinical care. Spatial technologies integrating molecular profiling with microenvironmental features are poised to bridge this translational gap by providing critical in situ context for understanding cellular interactions and organization. Here, we review how spatial tools have been used to study tumor ecosystems and their clinical applications. We detail findings in cell-cell interactions, microenvironment composition, and tissue remodeling for immune evasion and therapeutic resistance. Additionally, we highlight the emerging role of multi-omic spatial profiling for characterizing clinically relevant features including perineural invasion, tertiary lymphoid structures, and the tumor-stroma interface. Finally, we explore strategies for clinical integration and their augmentation of therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.

Elucidating the molecular markers and biological pathways associated with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a transcriptome sequencing study

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignancy with high aggressiveness, and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECCA) represents the predominant subtype. However, the molecular architecture and underlying pathogenic mechanisms of ECCA remain poorly understood. The objective of this study is to elucidate the molecular markers and biological pathways associated with ECCA.

Methods

In order to identify the factors influencing ECCA, we conducted transcriptome sequencing on a cohort of 8 surgically resected ECCA specimens. To validate our findings, we integrated data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases using batch integration analysis. Finally, we confirmed our results using clinical samples.

Results

The findings of this study reveal that through the analysis of sequencing data, we have successfully identified the genes that are differentially expressed and have a significant role in the development of ECCA. Utilizing the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis approach, we have integrated these identified gene modules with the GEO dataset, leading to the identification of four key genes (PTGDS, ITIH2, LSAMP, HBB) that are strongly associated with the progression-free survival of ECCA. We screened a key gene LSAMP from four genes using immunohistochemistry. The gene primarily participate in crucial biological processes such as the ECCA cell cycle and DNA replication. The qRT-PCR reaction and Western Blot conducted on the tissues provided confirmation of the expression levels of the gene, which exhibited consistency with the outcomes of our analysis.

Conclusions

Our study has successfully identified potential biomarkers LSAMP for ECCA, which can serve as valuable tools for early detection and targeted therapeutic interventions in clinical settings.

Lactic acid: The culprit behind the immunosuppressive microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma

As a solid tumor with high glycolytic activity, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) produces excess lactic acid and increases extracellular acidity, thus forming a unique immunosuppressive microenvironment. L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) play a very important role in glycolysis. LDH is the key enzyme for lactic acid (LA) production, and MCT is responsible for the cellular import and export of LA. The synergistic effect of the two promotes the formation of an extracellular acidic microenvironment. In the acidic microenvironment of HCC, LA can not only promote the proliferation, survival, transport and angiogenesis of tumor cells but also have a strong impact on immune cells, ultimately leading to an inhibitory immune microenvironment. This article reviews the role of LA in HCC, especially its effect on immune cells, summarizes the progress of LDH and MCT-related drugs, and highlights the potential of immunotherapy targeting lactate combined with HCC.

Re-analysis of single cell and spatial transcriptomics data reveals B cell landscape in gastric cancer microenvironment and its potential crosstalk with tumor cells for clinical prognosis

BACKGROUND

At present, immunotherapy has become a powerful treatment for advanced gastric cancer (AGC), but not all patients can benefit from it. According to the latest research, the impact of B cell subpopulations on the immune microenvironment of gastric cancer (GC) is unknown. Exploring whether the interaction between B cells and tumor cells in GC affects the effectiveness of immunotherapy has attracted our interest.

METHODS

This study involved the re-analysis of single-cell RNA (scRNA) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) data from publicly available datasets. The focus was on investigating the subpopulations and differentiation trajectories of B cells in the gastric cancer (GC) tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Spatial transcriptomics (ST) and multiple immunofluorescence (mIF) revealed a clear co-localization pattern between B cells and tumor cells. Multiple immunotherapy datasets were collected to identify unique immunotherapy biomarkers. The unique immunotherapeutic potential of targeting CCL28 was validated through a mouse gastric cancer model. In addition, flow cytometry revealed changes in the tumor immune microenvironment targeting CCL28.

RESULTS

The re-analysis of ST data from multiple cancer types revealed a co-localization pattern between B cells and tumor cells. A significant number of IgA plasma cells were identified in the GC TIME. Five different tumor-infiltrating B cell subpopulations and two unique B cell differentiation trajectories were characterized, along with seven GC-related states. By analyzing the communication between GC cells and B cells, it was further discovered that tumor cells can influence and recruit plasma cells through CCL28-CCR10 signaling. Additionally, there was a crosstalk between GC cells and B cells. Finally, we identified the LAMA/CD44 signaling axis as a potential prognostic marker for immunotherapy through a large amount of immunotherapy data. We also validated through various animal tumor models that targeting CCL28 can significantly promote CD8+T cell infiltration and function in the TME by regulating B cell and plasma cell functions, and has the ability to synergize immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The co-localization and crosstalk between GC cells and B cells significantly affect the efficacy of immunotherapy, and inhibiting the CCL28-CCR10 signal axis is a potential immunotherapy target for GC. Meanwhile, LAMA/CD44 pair may be a potential adverse indicator for immunotherapy and tumor prognosis.

Memory B cell fitness and anergy has significant links to cancer lethality

Two recent studies reveal that the extent of fitness or anergy in tumor-associated memory B cells is vital to anti-tumor immune response, cancer patient survival, and response to immune therapy. The impact of these seminal findings demonstrates the untapped potential for using B cells to combat the lethality of cancer.

Pan-cancer single-cell dissection reveals phenotypically distinct B cell subtypes

Characterizing the compositional and phenotypic characteristics of tumor-infiltrating B cells (TIBs) is important for advancing our understanding of their role in cancer development. Here, we establish a comprehensive resource of human B cells by integrating single-cell RNA sequencing data of B cells from 649 patients across 19 major cancer types. We demonstrate substantial heterogeneity in their total abundance and subtype composition and observe immunoglobulin G (IgG)-skewness of antibody-secreting cell isotypes. Moreover, we identify stress-response memory B cells and tumor-associated atypical B cells (TAABs), two tumor-enriched subpopulations with prognostic potential, shared in a pan-cancer manner. In particular, TAABs, characterized by a high clonal expansion level and proliferative capacity as well as by close interactions with activated CD4 T cells in tumors, are predictive of immunotherapy response. Our integrative resource depicts distinct clinically relevant TIB subsets, laying a foundation for further exploration of functional commonality and diversity of B cells in cancer.