FuFangChangTai Decoction Activates Macrophages via Inducing Autophagy

Autophagy in tumor immune escape and immunotherapy

The immunotherapy targeting tumor immune escape mechanisms has become a critical strategy in anticancer treatment; however, the challenge of immune resistance remains significant. Autophagy, a cellular response to various stressors, involves the degradation of damaged proteins and organelles via lysosomal pathways, maintaining cellular homeostasis. This process not only supports tumor cell survival but also profoundly impacts the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. The modulation of autophagy in tumor cells or immune cells exerts dual effects on tumor immune escape and immunotherapy. However, the mechanistic details of how autophagy influences the immune system and therapy remain inadequately understood. Given this complexity, a deeper understanding of the role of autophagy in the tumor-immune landscape could reveal novel therapeutic avenues. By manipulating autophagy appropriately, it may be possible to overcome immune resistance and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic strategies. This article summarizes the role of autophagy in tumor immunity, its relationship with immunotherapy, and the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting autophagy to strengthen antitumor immune responses and optimize the outcomes of immunotherapy.

SQYC formula improves the efficacy of PD-1 monoclonal antibodies in MSS colorectal cancer by regulating dendritic cell mitophagy via the PINK1-Parkin pathway

BACKGROUND

Microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) exhibit poor responsiveness to immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In the realm of clinical cancer treatment, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are extensively utilized for their immunomodulatory properties. Shen Qi Yi Chang (SQYC), a clinical prescription for CRC treatment, improve the life quality of CRC patients and enhance their immune function.

PURPOSE

This study was to reveal the effect and mechanism of SQYC in improving the effect of PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of MSS-type CRC.

METHODS

CT26-luc in situ CRC tumor model and human CRC organoid model was established to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of SQYC combined with PD-1 inhibitor. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized to investigate the effect of SQYC on the infiltration and immune function of TILs and DCs in the immune microenvironment. Following this, RNA sequencing analysis, seahorse, TEM and immunofluorescence were performed to regulation of SQYC on mitophagy in DCs cells. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and molecular docking were used to reveal the key blood-entering components of SQYC-regulated PINK1-parkin pathway.

RESULTS

The SQYC-containing serum improved the efficacy of sintilimab in MSS CRC organoid model. After combined administration of 11.4 g/kg/day SQYC extract and 5 mg/kg α-PD-1, it was observed that SQYC enhanced the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor against MSS CRC. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis revealed an augmented infiltration of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and an improved antigen presentation function of dendritic cells (DCs). Notably, RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated an evident correlation with mitochondrial function related pathways following SQYC treatment. Mechanistically, SQYC promoted mitophagy in DCs via the PINK1-Parkin pathway, thereby improving mitochondrial quality, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial dynamics. Evaluation of the blood components of SQYC coupled with molecular docking, demonstrated good binding affinity with PINK1/PARKIN/LC3.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight SQYC as a promising candidate for improving immunotherapy in MSS CRC, suggesting that targeting PINK1-Parkin in DCs could represent a novel strategy for improving the efficacy of ICIs. Furthermore, it provides new theoretical and scientific underpinnings to enhance the clinical efficacy of immunosuppressants.

The Role of Zuo Jin Wan in Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can modulate the immune function of tumor patients in various ways. Zuojin Wan (ZJW, a 6:1 ratio of Huang Lian and Wu Zhu Yu) can modulate the microenvironment of ulcerative colitis, but its role in regulating the colorectal cancer (CRC) microenvironment remains unclear. Exploring the role of ZJW in CRC immunomodulation may improve the antitumor effect of existing immunotherapeutic strategies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The active compounds of each herb in ZJW were obtained from the HIT2.0 database with literature evidence. Single-cell RNA sequencing data of CRC were obtained from published studies (PMID: 32451460, 32103181, and 32561858). Pathway enrichment was analyzed using the reactome database, and intergenic correlation analysis was performed using the corrplot R software package. ZJW-regulated gene expression was verified by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

Huang Lian and Wu Zhu Yu contain 19 and 4 compounds, respectively. Huang Lian targets 146 proteins, and Wu Zhu Yu targets 28 proteins based on evidence from the literature. ZJW regulates a range of biological processes associated with immune function, including cytokine signaling and Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) cascade. ZJW regulates malignant CRC cells, immune cells (including T-cells, B-cells, mast cells, NK/NKT cells, and myeloid cells), and other nonimmune cells (including endothelial cells, enteric glial cells, and pericytes). We confirmed that ZJW significantly downregulated the expression of TIMP1 and MTDHin CRC cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

ZJW regulates a range of cells in the CRC microenvironment, including malignant CRC, immune cells, and stromal cells. In CRC cell lines, downregulation of TIMP1 and MTDH by ZJW may play an important role in the immunomodulation in CRC.

Tissue-Resident Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Arrest Alveolarization in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a severe complication of the respiratory system associated with preterm birth. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a major role in tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and wound healing. However, the role in BPD remains unclear. The present study showed that ILC2s, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-13, and anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages increased significantly in BPD mice as compared to the control mice. Administration with recombinant mouse IL-33 amplified the above phenomena and aggravated the alveolar structural disorder and functional injury in mice subjected to BPD, and the opposite was true with anti-ST2 antibody. In addition, the depletion of ILC2s in BPD mice with anti-CD90.2 antibody substantially abolished the destructive effect on BPD. In the treatment of BPD with dexamethasone, the number of ILC2s and M2 macrophages and levels of IL-4 and IL-13 decreased with remission as compared to the control group. This study identified a major destructive role of the ILC2s in BPD that could be attenuated as a therapeutic strategy.