1
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Zou Z, Luo T, Wang X, Wang B, Li Q. Exploring the interplay between triple-negative breast cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment for effective therapeutic strategies. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38807378 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive and metastatic malignancy with poor treatment outcomes. The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) plays an important role in the development of TNBC. Owing to their ability of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation, BCSCs maintain tumor growth, drive metastatic colonization, and facilitate the development of drug resistance. TME is the main factor regulating the phenotype and metastasis of BCSCs. Immune cells, cancer-related fibroblasts (CAFs), cytokines, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix within the TME form a complex communication network, exert highly selective pressure on the tumor, and provide a conducive environment for the formation of BCSC niches. Tumor growth and metastasis can be controlled by targeting the TME to eliminate BCSC niches or targeting BCSCs to modify the TME. These approaches may improve the treatment outcomes and possess great application potential in clinical settings. In this review, we summarized the relationship between BCSCs and the progression and drug resistance of TNBC, especially focusing on the interaction between BCSCs and TME. In addition, we discussed therapeutic strategies that target the TME to inhibit or eliminate BCSCs, providing valuable insights into the clinical treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoling Zou
- Queen Mary College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tinglan Luo
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh People's Hospital of Chongqing (Affiliated Central Hospital of Chongqing University of Technology), Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Chongqing Medicine University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh People's Hospital of Chongqing (Affiliated Central Hospital of Chongqing University of Technology), Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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2
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Nie SC, Jing YH, Lu L, Ren SS, Ji G, Xu HC. Mechanisms of myeloid-derived suppressor cell-mediated immunosuppression in colorectal cancer and related therapies. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1690-1704. [PMID: 38764816 PMCID: PMC11099432 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe immunosuppression is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), one of the most abundant components of the tumor stroma, play an important role in the invasion, metastasis, and immune escape of CRC. MDSCs create an immunosuppressive microenvironment by inhibiting the proliferation and activation of immunoreactive cells, including T and natural killer cells, as well as by inducing the proliferation of immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages, which, in turn, promote the growth of cancer cells. Thus, MDSCs are key contributors to the emergence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in CRC and play an important role in the breakdown of antitumor immunity. In this narrative review, we explore the mechanisms through which MDSCs contribute to the immunosuppressive microenvironment, the current therapeutic approaches and technologies targeting MDSCs, and the therapeutic potential of modulating MDSCs in CRC treatment. This study provides ideas and methods to enhance survival rates in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chang Nie
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan-Hua Jing
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Si-Si Ren
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Han-Chen Xu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Shanghai 200032, China
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3
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Zhang Y, Hu J, Zhang X, Liang M, Wang X, Gan D, Li J, Lu X, Wan J, Feng S, Lu X. Protein Signature Differentiating Neutrophils and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Determined Using a Human Isogenic Cell Line Model and Protein Profiling. Cells 2024; 13:795. [PMID: 38786019 PMCID: PMC11119164 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play an essential role in suppressing the antitumor activity of T lymphocytes in solid tumors, thus representing an attractive therapeutic target to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. However, the differences in protein expression between MDSCs and their physiological counterparts, particularly polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), remain inadequately characterized, making the specific identification and targeting of MDSCs difficult. PMNs and PMN-MDSCs share markers such as CD11b+CD14-CD15+/CD66b+, and some MDSC-enriched markers are emerging, such as LOX-1 and CD84. More proteomics studies are needed to identify the signature and markers for MDSCs. Recently, we reported the induced differentiation of isogenic PMNs or MDSCs (referred to as iPMNs and iMDSCs, respectively) from the human promyelocytic cell line HL60. Here, we profiled the global proteomics and membrane proteomics of these cells with quantitative mass spectrometry, which identified a 41-protein signature ("cluster 6") that was upregulated in iMDSCs compared with HL60 and iPMN. We further integrated our cell line-based proteomics data with a published proteomics dataset of normal human primary monocytes and monocyte-derived MDSCs induced by cancer-associated fibroblasts. The analysis identified a 38-protein signature that exhibits an upregulated expression pattern in MDSCs compared with normal monocytes or PMNs. These signatures may provide a hypothesis-generating platform to identify protein biomarkers that phenotypically distinguish MDSCs from their healthy counterparts, as well as potential therapeutic targets that impair MDSCs without harming normal myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jin Hu
- Mass Spectrometry & Metabolomics Core Facility, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xiashiyao Zhang
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Minzhi Liang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Xuechun Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Dailin Gan
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Xuemin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Shan Feng
- Mass Spectrometry & Metabolomics Core Facility, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46556, USA
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4
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Lee JS, Lee HY. Ginseng-derived compounds as potential anticancer agents targeting cancer stem cells. J Ginseng Res 2024; 48:266-275. [PMID: 38707642 PMCID: PMC11068999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation of cancer cells that exhibit stem cell-like characteristics, including self-renewal and differentiation in a multi-stage lineage state via symmetric or asymmetric division, causing tumor initiation, heterogeneity, progression, and recurrence and posing a major challenge to current anticancer therapy. Despite the importance of CSCs in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, currently available anticancer therapeutics have limitations for eradicating CSCs. Moreover, the efficacy and therapeutic windows of currently available anti-CSC agents are limited, suggesting the necessity to optimize and develop a novel anticancer agent targeting CSCs. Ginseng has been traditionally used for enhancing immunity and relieving fatigue. As ginseng's long history of use has demonstrated its safety, it has gained attention for its potential pharmacological properties, including anticancer effects. Several studies have identified the bioactive principles of ginseng, such as ginseng saponin (ginsenosides) and non-saponin compounds (e.g., polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, and phenolic compounds), and their pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifatigue, and neuroprotective effects. Notably, recent reports have shown the potential of ginseng-derived compounds as anti-CSC agents. This review investigates the biology of CSCs and efforts to utilize ginseng-derived components for cancer treatment targeting CSCs, highlighting their role in overcoming current therapeutic limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Sun Lee
- Department of Molecular, Cell & Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ho-Young Lee
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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5
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Eum DY, Jeong M, Park SY, Kim J, Jin Y, Jo J, Shim JW, Lee SR, Park SJ, Heo K, Yun H, Choi YJ. AM-18002, a derivative of natural anmindenol A, enhances radiosensitivity in mouse breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296989. [PMID: 38625901 PMCID: PMC11020960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural anmindenol A isolated from the marine-derived bacteria Streptomyces sp. caused potent inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase without any significant cytotoxicity. This compound consists of a structurally unique 3,10-dialkylbenzofulvene skeleton. We previously synthesized and screened the novel derivatives of anmindenol A and identified AM-18002, an anmindenol A derivative, as a promising anticancer agent. The combination of AM-18002 and ionizing radiation (IR) improved anticancer effects, which were exerted by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation of FM3A mouse breast cancer cells. AM-18002 increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and was more effective in inducing DNA damage. AM-18002 treatment was found to inhibit the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), cancer cell migration and invasion, and STAT3 phosphorylation. The AM-18002 and IR combination synergistically induced cancer cell death, and AM-18002 acted as a potent anticancer agent by increasing ROS generation and blocking MDSC-mediated STAT3 activation in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Young Eum
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeonggyo Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Yong Park
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisu Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunho Jin
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeyun Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woong Shim
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoung Rak Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Joon Park
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Heo
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwayoung Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Choi
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Lu J, Luo Y, Rao D, Wang T, Lei Z, Chen X, Zhang B, Li Y, Liu B, Xia L, Huang W. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer: therapeutic targets to overcome tumor immune evasion. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:39. [PMID: 38609997 PMCID: PMC11010322 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00505-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Paradoxically, tumor development and progression can be inhibited and promoted by the immune system. After three stages of immune editing, namely, elimination, homeostasis and escape, tumor cells are no longer restricted by immune surveillance and thus develop into clinical tumors. The mechanisms of immune escape include abnormalities in antitumor-associated immune cells, selection for immune resistance to tumor cells, impaired transport of T cells, and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. A population of distinct immature myeloid cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), mediate immune escape primarily by exerting immunosuppressive effects and participating in the constitution of an immunosuppressive microtumor environment. Clinical trials have found that the levels of MDSCs in the peripheral blood of cancer patients are strongly correlated with tumor stage, metastasis and prognosis. Moreover, animal experiments have confirmed that elimination of MDSCs inhibits tumor growth and metastasis to some extent. Therefore, MDSCs may become the target of immunotherapy for many cancers, and eliminating MDSCs can help improve the response rate to cancer treatment and patient survival. However, a clear definition of MDSCs and the specific mechanism involved in immune escape are lacking. In this paper, we review the role of the MDSCs population in tumor development and the mechanisms involved in immune escape in different tumor contexts. In addition, we discuss the use of these cells as targets for tumor immunotherapy. This review not only contributes to a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the essential role of MDSCs in immune system reactions against tumors but also provides information to guide the development of cancer therapies targeting MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Lu
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yiming Luo
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Dean Rao
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zhen Lei
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bifeng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Akinsipe T, Mohamedelhassan R, Akinpelu A, Pondugula SR, Mistriotis P, Avila LA, Suryawanshi A. Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302587. [PMID: 38533507 PMCID: PMC10963559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L. Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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8
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Xie Q, Liu S, Zhang S, Liao L, Xiao Z, Wang S, Zhang P. Research progress on the multi-omics and survival status of circulating tumor cells. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:49. [PMID: 38427120 PMCID: PMC10907490 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01309-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
In the dynamic process of metastasis, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) emanate from the primary solid tumor and subsequently acquire the capacity to disengage from the basement membrane, facilitating their infiltration into the vascular system via the interstitial tissue. Given the pivotal role of CTCs in the intricate hematogenous metastasis, they have emerged as an essential resource for a deeper comprehension of cancer metastasis while also serving as a cornerstone for the development of new indicators for early cancer screening and new therapeutic targets. In the epoch of precision medicine, as CTC enrichment and separation technologies continually advance and reach full fruition, the domain of CTC research has transcended the mere straightforward detection and quantification. The rapid advancement of CTC analysis platforms has presented a compelling opportunity for in-depth exploration of CTCs within the bloodstream. Here, we provide an overview of the current status and research significance of multi-omics studies on CTCs, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. These studies have contributed to uncovering the unique heterogeneity of CTCs and identifying potential metastatic targets as well as specific recognition sites. We also review the impact of various states of CTCs in the bloodstream on their metastatic potential, such as clustered CTCs, interactions with other blood components, and the phenotypic states of CTCs after undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Within this context, we also discuss the therapeutic implications and potential of CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shilei Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Sai Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqiu Liao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hunan Clinical Meditech Research Center for Breast Cancer, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Xiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hunan Clinical Meditech Research Center for Breast Cancer, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shouman Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hunan Clinical Meditech Research Center for Breast Cancer, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Wang M, Yu F, Zhang Y, Li P. Novel insights into Notch signaling in tumor immunity: potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352484. [PMID: 38444855 PMCID: PMC10912471 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling pathway is a highly conserved system of cell-to-cell communication that participates in various biological processes, such as stem cell maintenance, cell fate decision, cell proliferation and death during homeostasis and development. Dysregulation of Notch signaling has been associated with many aspects of cancer biology, such as maintenance of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), cancer cell metabolism, angiogenesis and tumor immunity. Particularly, Notch signaling can regulate antitumor or pro-tumor immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, Notch signaling has drawn significant attention in the therapeutic development of cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on the role of Notch signaling pathway in remodeling tumor immune microenvironment. We describe the impact of Notch signaling on the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, we summarize the results of relevant preclinical and clinical trials of Notch-targeted therapeutics and discuss the challenges in their clinical application in cancer therapy. An improved understanding of the involvement of Notch signaling in tumor immunity will open the door to new options in cancer immunotherapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | | | | | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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10
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Lasser SA, Ozbay Kurt FG, Arkhypov I, Utikal J, Umansky V. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer and cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:147-164. [PMID: 38191922 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00846-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Anticancer agents continue to dominate the list of newly approved drugs, approximately half of which are immunotherapies. This trend illustrates the considerable promise of cancer treatments that modulate the immune system. However, the immune system is complex and dynamic, and can have both tumour-suppressive and tumour-promoting effects. Understanding the full range of immune modulation in cancer is crucial to identifying more effective treatment strategies. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells that develop in association with chronic inflammation, which is a hallmark of cancer. Indeed, MDSCs accumulate in the tumour microenvironment, where they strongly inhibit anticancer functions of T cells and natural killer cells and exert a variety of other tumour-promoting effects. Emerging evidence indicates that MDSCs also contribute to resistance to cancer treatments, particularly immunotherapies. Conversely, treatment approaches designed to eliminate cancer cells can have important additional effects on MDSC function, which can be either positive or negative. In this Review, we discuss the interplay between MDSCs and various other cell types found in tumours as well as the mechanisms by which MDSCs promote tumour progression. We also discuss the relevance and implications of MDSCs for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Lasser
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Feyza G Ozbay Kurt
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ihor Arkhypov
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany.
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
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11
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Ding G, Yu H, Jin J, Qiao X, Ma J, Zhang T, Cheng X. Reciprocal relationship between cancer stem cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells: implications for tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Future Oncol 2024; 20:215-228. [PMID: 38390682 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increased focus on cancer stem cells (CSCs) due to their resilience, making them difficult to eradicate. This resilience often leads to tumor recurrence and metastasis. CSCs adeptly manipulate their surroundings to create an environment conducive to their survival. In this environment, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and bolstering CSCs' stemness. In response, CSCs attract MDSCs, enhancing their infiltration, expansion and immunosuppressive capabilities. This interaction between CSCs and MDSCs increases the difficulty of antitumor therapy. In this paper, we discuss the interplay between CSCs and MDSCs based on current research and highlight recent therapeutic strategies targeting either CSCs or MDSCs that show promise in achieving effective antitumor outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiqing Ding
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Jason Jin
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Xi Qiao
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Jinyun Ma
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
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12
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Peyvandi S, Bulliard M, Yilmaz A, Kauzlaric A, Marcone R, Haerri L, Coquoz O, Huang YT, Duffey N, Gafner L, Lorusso G, Fournier N, Lan Q, Rüegg C. Tumor-educated Gr1+CD11b+ cells drive breast cancer metastasis via OSM/IL-6/JAK-induced cancer cell plasticity. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e166847. [PMID: 38236642 PMCID: PMC10940099 DOI: 10.1172/jci166847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell plasticity contributes to therapy resistance and metastasis, which represent the main causes of cancer-related death, including in breast cancer. The tumor microenvironment drives cancer cell plasticity and metastasis, and unraveling the underlying cues may provide novel strategies for managing metastatic disease. Using breast cancer experimental models and transcriptomic analyses, we show that stem cell antigen-1 positive (SCA1+) murine breast cancer cells enriched during tumor progression and metastasis had higher in vitro cancer stem cell-like properties, enhanced in vivo metastatic ability, and generated tumors rich in Gr1hiLy6G+CD11b+ cells. In turn, tumor-educated Gr1+CD11b+ (Tu-Gr1+CD11b+) cells rapidly and transiently converted low metastatic SCA1- cells into highly metastatic SCA1+ cells via secreted oncostatin M (OSM) and IL-6. JAK inhibition prevented OSM/IL-6-induced SCA1+ population enrichment, while OSM/IL-6 depletion suppressed Tu-Gr1+CD11b+-induced SCA1+ population enrichment in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, chemotherapy-selected highly metastatic 4T1 cells maintained high SCA1+ positivity through autocrine IL-6 production, and in vitro JAK inhibition blunted SCA1 positivity and metastatic capacity. Importantly, Tu-Gr1+CD11b+ cells invoked a gene signature in tumor cells predicting shorter overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and lung metastasis in breast cancer patients. Collectively, our data identified OSM/IL-6/JAK as a clinically relevant paracrine/autocrine axis instigating breast cancer cell plasticity and triggering metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Peyvandi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Manon Bulliard
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Alev Yilmaz
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Annamaria Kauzlaric
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Marcone
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Haerri
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Oriana Coquoz
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Duffey
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laetitia Gafner
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Girieca Lorusso
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Fournier
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Qiang Lan
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Cell and Tissue Dynamics Research Program, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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13
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Elguindy M, Young JS, Mondal I, Lu RO, Ho WS. Glioma-Immune Cell Crosstalk in Tumor Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:308. [PMID: 38254796 PMCID: PMC10813573 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioma progression is a complex process controlled by molecular factors that coordinate the crosstalk between tumor cells and components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Among these, immune cells play a critical role in cancer survival and progression. The complex interplay between cancer cells and the immune TME influences the outcome of immunotherapy and other anti-cancer therapies. Here, we present an updated view of the pro- and anti-tumor activities of the main myeloid and lymphocyte cell populations in the glioma TME. We review the underlying mechanisms involved in crosstalk between cancer cells and immune cells that enable gliomas to evade the immune system and co-opt these cells for tumor growth. Lastly, we discuss the current and experimental therapeutic options being developed to revert the immunosuppressive activity of the glioma TME. Knowledge of the complex interplay that elapses between tumor and immune cells may help develop new combination treatments able to overcome tumor immune evasion mechanisms and enhance response to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Winson S. Ho
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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14
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Li D, Wang L, Jiang B, Jing Y, Li X. Improving cancer immunotherapy by preventing cancer stem cell and immune cell linking in the tumor microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116043. [PMID: 38128186 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are the key link between malignant tumor progression and drug resistance. This cell population has special properties that are different from those of conventional tumor cells, and the role of cancer stem cell-related exosomes in progression of tumor malignancy is becoming increasingly clear. Cancer stem cell-derived exosomes carry a variety of functional molecules involved in regulation of the microenvironment, especially with regard to immune cells, but how these exosomes exert their functions and the specific mechanisms need to be further clarified. Here, we summarize the role of cancer stem cell exosomes in regulating immune cells in detail, aiming to provide new insights for subsequent targeted drug development and clinical strategy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyu Li
- Department of General Surgery & VIP In-Patient Ward, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Yuchen Jing
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China.
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15
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Liu Q, Guo Z, Li G, Zhang Y, Liu X, Li B, Wang J, Li X. Cancer stem cells and their niche in cancer progression and therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:305. [PMID: 38041196 PMCID: PMC10693166 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
High recurrence and metastasis rates and poor prognoses are the major challenges of current cancer therapy. Mounting evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in cancer development, chemoradiotherapy resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Therefore, targeted CSC therapy has become a new strategy for solving the problems of cancer metastasis and recurrence. Since the properties of CSCs are regulated by the specific tumour microenvironment, the so-called CSC niche, which targets crosstalk between CSCs and their niches, is vital in our pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer from recurring. In this review, we aim to highlight the factors within the CSC niche that have important roles in regulating CSC properties, including the extracellular matrix (ECM), stromal cells (e.g., associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)), and physiological changes (e.g., inflammation, hypoxia, and angiogenesis). We also discuss recent progress regarding therapies targeting CSCs and their niche to elucidate developments of more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Zongliang Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030013, Shanxi, China
| | - Guoyin Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Yunxia Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Bing Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Jinping Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanxi Province People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of blood transfusion, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China.
- Department of central laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China.
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16
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Guha A, Goswami KK, Sultana J, Ganguly N, Choudhury PR, Chakravarti M, Bhuniya A, Sarkar A, Bera S, Dhar S, Das J, Das T, Baral R, Bose A, Banerjee S. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in breast tumor microenvironment: a determinant of therapeutic facet. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1245421. [PMID: 38090567 PMCID: PMC10711058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1245421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is globally one of the leading killers among women. Within a breast tumor, a minor population of transformed cells accountable for drug resistance, survival, and metastasis is known as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Several experimental lines of evidence have indicated that BCSCs influence the functionality of immune cells. They evade immune surveillance by altering the characteristics of immune cells and modulate the tumor landscape to an immune-suppressive type. They are proficient in switching from a quiescent phase (slowly cycling) to an actively proliferating phenotype with a high degree of plasticity. This review confers the relevance and impact of crosstalk between immune cells and BCSCs as a fate determinant for BC prognosis. It also focuses on current strategies for targeting these aberrant BCSCs that could open avenues for the treatment of breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Guha
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Jasmine Sultana
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Nilanjan Ganguly
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Pritha Roy Choudhury
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Mohona Chakravarti
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Avishek Bhuniya
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Anirban Sarkar
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Saurav Bera
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Sukanya Dhar
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Juhina Das
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Tapasi Das
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Rathindranath Baral
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Anamika Bose
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology Biotechnology National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Sahibzada Ajit Singh (S.A.S.) Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Saptak Banerjee
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
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17
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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Mei Q, Zhao B, Chu Q, Dai Z, Wu K. Exploiting innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:187. [PMID: 38008741 PMCID: PMC10680233 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment paradigms of various types of cancers. However, most of these immunomodulatory strategies focus on harnessing adaptive immunity, mainly by inhibiting immunosuppressive signaling with immune checkpoint blockade, or enhancing immunostimulatory signaling with bispecific T cell engager and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell. Although these agents have already achieved great success, only a tiny percentage of patients could benefit from immunotherapies. Actually, immunotherapy efficacy is determined by multiple components in the tumor microenvironment beyond adaptive immunity. Cells from the innate arm of the immune system, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and unconventional T cells, also participate in cancer immune evasion and surveillance. Considering that the innate arm is the cornerstone of the antitumor immune response, utilizing innate immunity provides potential therapeutic options for cancer control. Up to now, strategies exploiting innate immunity, such as agonists of stimulator of interferon genes, CAR-macrophage or -natural killer cell therapies, metabolic regulators, and novel immune checkpoint blockade, have exhibited potent antitumor activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we summarize the latest insights into the potential roles of innate cells in antitumor immunity and discuss the advances in innate arm-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Johnson B. Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Trafficking as a Novel Immunotherapeutic Approach in Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5484. [PMID: 38001744 PMCID: PMC10670242 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a unique subset of immune cells that promote an immunosuppressive phenotype due to their impacts on CD8 and regulatory T cell function. The inhibition of MDSC trafficking to the tumor microenvironment (TME) may represent a novel target in microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer with the potential to reprogram the immune system. Here, we review the rationale of inhibiting myeloid suppressor cell trafficking in treatment-refractory MSS colorectal cancer and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) positive settings to determine whether this approach can serve as a backbone for promoting immunotherapy response in this difficult-to-treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benny Johnson
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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19
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Wu J, Chan YT, Lu Y, Wang N, Feng Y. The tumor microenvironment in the postsurgical liver: Mechanisms and potential targets of postoperative recurrence in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:1946-1973. [PMID: 37102365 DOI: 10.1002/med.21967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Surgery remains to be the mainstay of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, its therapeutic efficacy is significantly impaired by postoperative recurrence, which occurs in more than half of cases as a result of intrahepatic metastasis or de novo tumorigenesis. For decades, most therapeutic strategies on inhibiting postoperative HCC recurrence have been focused on the residual tumor cells but satisfying therapeutic outcomes are barely observed in the clinic. In recent years, a better understanding of tumor biology allows us to shift our focus from tumor cells toward the postoperative tumor microenvironment (TME), which is gradually identified to play a pivotal role in tumor recurrence. In this review, we describe various surgical stress and surgical perturbation on postoperative TME. Besides, we discuss how such alternations in TME give rise to postoperative recurrence of HCC. Based on its clinical significance, we additionally highlight the potential of the postoperative TME as a target for postoperative adjuvant therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanjun Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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20
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Dong Y, Chen J, Chen Y, Liu S. Targeting the STAT3 oncogenic pathway: Cancer immunotherapy and drug repurposing. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115513. [PMID: 37741251 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune effector cells in the microenvironment tend to be depleted or remodeled, unable to perform normal functions, and even promote the malignant characterization of tumors, resulting in the formation of immunosuppressive microenvironments. The strategy of reversing immunosuppressive microenvironment has been widely used to enhance the tumor immunotherapy effect. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was found to be a crucial regulator of immunosuppressive microenvironment formation and activation as well as a factor, stimulating tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasiveness and metastasis. Therefore, regulating the immune microenvironment by targeting the STAT3 oncogenic pathway might be a new cancer therapy strategy. This review discusses the pleiotropic effects of STAT3 on immune cell populations that are critical for tumorigenesis, and introduces the novel strategies targeting STAT3 oncogenic pathway for cancer immunotherapy. Lastly, we summarize the conventional drugs used in new STAT3-targeting anti-tumor applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushan Dong
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Chinese Medicine Internal Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 1 Xiyuan Playground, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Songjiang Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No.26, Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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21
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Ducarouge B, Redavid AR, Victoor C, Chira R, Fonseca A, Hervieu M, Bergé R, Lengrand J, Vieugué P, Neves D, Goddard I, Richaud M, Laval PA, Rama N, Goldschneider D, Paradisi A, Gourdin N, Chabaud S, Treilleux I, Gadot N, Ray-Coquard I, Depil S, Decaudin D, Némati F, Marangoni E, Mery-Lamarche E, Génestie C, Tabone-Eglinger S, Devouassoux-Shisheboran M, Moore KJ, Gibert B, Mehlen P, Bernet A. Netrin-1 blockade inhibits tumor associated Myeloid-derived suppressor cells, cancer stemness and alleviates resistance to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2201-2212. [PMID: 37633969 PMCID: PMC10589209 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01209-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance and cancer relapse represent significant therapeutic challenges after chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and a major limiting factor for long-term cancer survival. Netrin-1 was initially identified as a neuronal navigation cue but has more recently emerged as an interesting target for cancer therapy, which is currently clinically investigated. We show here that netrin-1 is an independent prognostic marker for clinical progression of breast and ovary cancers. Cancer stem cells (CSCs)/Tumor initiating cells (TICs) are hypothesized to be involved in clinical progression, tumor relapse and resistance. We found a significant correlation between netrin-1 expression and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers levels. We also show in different mice models of resistance to chemotherapies that netrin-1 interference using a therapeutic netrin-1 blocking antibody alleviates resistance to chemotherapy and triggers an efficient delay in tumor relapse and this effect is associated with CSCs loss. We also demonstrate that netrin-1 interference limits tumor resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor and provide evidence linking this enhanced anti-tumor efficacy to a decreased recruitment of a subtype of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) called polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs. We have functionally demonstrated that these immune cells promote CSCs features and, consequently, resistance to anti-cancer treatments. Together, these data support the view of both a direct and indirect contribution of netrin-1 to cancer stemness and we propose that this may lead to therapeutic opportunities by combining conventional chemotherapies and immunotherapies with netrin-1 interfering drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ducarouge
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Anna-Rita Redavid
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Camille Victoor
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Ruxanda Chira
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | - Maëva Hervieu
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Roméo Bergé
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Justine Lengrand
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Pauline Vieugué
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - David Neves
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Isabelle Goddard
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Mathieu Richaud
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre-Alexandre Laval
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Rama
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | - Andrea Paradisi
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Gourdin
- Targeting of the Tumor and its Immune Environnement, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Nicolas Gadot
- Pathology Department, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Didier Decaudin
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigations, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sciences-et-Lettres, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Fariba Némati
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigations, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sciences-et-Lettres, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Elisabetta Marangoni
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigations, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sciences-et-Lettres, 75005, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Kathryn J Moore
- Department of Medicine, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Gibert
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Agnes Bernet
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
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22
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Wang L, Yi S, Teng Y, Li W, Cai J. Role of the tumor microenvironment in the lymphatic metastasis of cervical cancer (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:486. [PMID: 37753293 PMCID: PMC10518654 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic metastasis is the primary type of cervical cancer metastasis and is associated with an extremely poor prognosis in patients. The tumor microenvironment primarily includes cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, immune and inflammatory cells, and blood and lymphatic vascular networks, which can promote the establishment of lymphatic metastatic sites within immunosuppressive microenvironments or promote lymphatic metastasis by stimulating lymphangiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. As the most important feature of the tumor microenvironment, hypoxia plays an essential role in lymph node metastasis. In this review, the known mechanisms of hypoxia, and the involvement of stromal components and immune inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment of lymphatic metastasis of cervical cancer are discussed. Additionally, a summary of the clinical trials targeting the tumor microenvironment for the treatment of cervical cancer is provided, emphasizing the potential and challenges of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Shuyan Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Yun Teng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Wenhan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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23
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Davies A, Zoubeidi A, Beltran H, Selth LA. The Transcriptional and Epigenetic Landscape of Cancer Cell Lineage Plasticity. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1771-1788. [PMID: 37470668 PMCID: PMC10527883 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Lineage plasticity, a process whereby cells change their phenotype to take on a different molecular and/or histologic identity, is a key driver of cancer progression and therapy resistance. Although underlying genetic changes within the tumor can enhance lineage plasticity, it is predominantly a dynamic process controlled by transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation. This review explores the transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of lineage plasticity and their interplay with other features of malignancy, such as dysregulated metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and immune evasion. We also discuss strategies for the detection and treatment of highly plastic tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Lineage plasticity is a hallmark of cancer and a critical facilitator of other oncogenic features such as metastasis, therapy resistance, dysregulated metabolism, and immune evasion. It is essential that the molecular mechanisms of lineage plasticity are elucidated to enable the development of strategies to effectively target this phenomenon. In this review, we describe key transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of cancer cell plasticity, in the process highlighting therapeutic approaches that may be harnessed for patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Davies
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luke A. Selth
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute and Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042 Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005 Australia
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24
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Li L, Li M, Jia Q. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: Key immunosuppressive regulators and therapeutic targets in cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154711. [PMID: 37494802 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) mainly exists in tumor microenvironment (TME) and interferes with normal immune response of the body. These immature differentiated cells cooperate with tumor cells for immune escape and proliferation. The subtypes of MDSC are different in different organisms, and STAT become a high priority for the signaling pathway mediating the regulation of MDSC. The surface of MDSC cell population contains a variety of signal molecular receptors, and its differentiation degree is toilless to be chemotaxis by different factors. The role of MDSC in silencing T cells and promoting regulatory T cells (Treg) is particularly significant. This review mainly contains the origin of MDSC, the characteristics of subgroups, the focus of the study on MDSC heat molecules and signaling pathways, the relationship between MDSC and carcinoma, prognosis and hope to propose an overview of current MDSCs- targeting therapies so as to provide new ideas for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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25
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Zhang S, Regan K, Najera J, Grinstaff MW, Datta M, Nia HT. The peritumor microenvironment: physics and immunity. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:609-623. [PMID: 37156677 PMCID: PMC10523902 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer initiation and progression drastically alter the microenvironment at the interface between healthy and malignant tissue. This site, termed the peritumor, bears unique physical and immune attributes that together further promote tumor progression through interconnected mechanical signaling and immune activity. In this review, we describe the distinct physical features of the peritumoral microenvironment and link their relationship to immune responses. The peritumor is a region rich in biomarkers and therapeutic targets and thus is a key focus for future cancer research as well as clinical outlooks, particularly to understand and overcome novel mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Regan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julian Najera
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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26
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Okła K. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in Ovarian Cancer-Looking Back and Forward. Cells 2023; 12:1912. [PMID: 37508575 PMCID: PMC10377883 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a significant role in the immune system and have been extensively studied in cancer. MDSCs are a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells that accumulate in the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, the high abundance of these cells often leads to immunosuppression, tumor growth, treatment failure, and poor prognosis. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female genital tract. Currently, there is a lack of effective clinical strategies for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Although several studies underline the negative role of human MDSCs in ovarian cancer, this topic is still understudied. The works on MDSCs are summarized here, along with an explanation of why focusing on these cells would be a promising approach for treating ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Okła
- The First Department of Oncologic Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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27
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Liu H, Wang Z, Zhou Y, Yang Y. MDSCs in breast cancer: an important enabler of tumor progression and an emerging therapeutic target. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1199273. [PMID: 37465670 PMCID: PMC10350567 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Women worldwide are more likely to develop breast cancer (BC) than any other type of cancer. The treatment of BC depends on the subtype and stage of the cancer, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, advanced or metastatic BC presents a poor prognosis, due to drug resistance and recurrences. During embryonic development, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) develop that suppress the immune system. By inhibiting anti-immune effects and promoting non-immune mechanisms such as tumor cell stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and angiogenesis, MDSCs effectively promote tumor growth and metastasis. In various BC models, peripheral tissues, and tumor microenvironments (TME), MDSCs have been found to amplification. Clinical progression or poor prognosis are strongly associated with increased MDSCs. In this review, we describe the activation, recruitment, and differentiation of MDSCs production in BC, the involvement of MDSCs in BC progression, and the clinical characteristics of MDSCs as a potential BC therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuntao Zhou
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanming Yang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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28
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Chen J, Wu S, Peng Y, Zhao Y, Dong Y, Ran F, Geng H, Zhang K, Li J, Huang S, Wang Z. Constructing a cancer stem cell related prognostic model for predicting immune landscape and drug sensitivity in colorectal cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1200017. [PMID: 37377935 PMCID: PMC10292801 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1200017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks the second malignancy with high incidence and mortality worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) function critically in cancer progression and metastasis via the interplay with immune cells in tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to identify important CSC marker genes and parsed the role of these marker genes in CRC. Materials and methods: CRC samples' single-cell RNA sequencing data and bulk transcriptome data were utilized. Seurat R package annotated CSCs and identified CSC marker genes. Consensus clustering subtyped CRC samples based on CSC marker genes. Immune microenvironment, pathway and oxidative stress analysis was performed using ESTIMATE, MCP-counter analysis and ssGSEA analysis. A prognostic model was established by Lasso and stepAIC. Sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs was determined by the biochemical half maximal inhibitory concentration with pRRophetic R package. Results: We identified a total of 29 CSC marker genes related to disease-specific survival (DSS). Two clusters (CSC1 and CSC2) were determined, and CSC2 showed shorter DSS, a larger proportion of late-stage samples, and higher oxidative stress response. Two clusters exhibited differential activation of biological pathways associated with immune response and oncogenic signaling. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that 44 chemotherapy drugs were more sensitive to CSC2 that those in CSC1. We constructed a seven-gene prognostic model (DRD4, DPP7, UCN, INHBA, SFTA2, SYNPO2, and NXPH4) that was effectively to distinguish high-risk and low-risk patients. 14 chemotherapy drugs were more sensitive to high-risk group and 13 chemotherapy drugs were more sensitive to low-risk group. Combination of higher oxidative stress and risk score indicated dismal prognosis. Conclusion: The CSC marker genes we identified may help to further decipher the role of CSCs in CRC development and progression. The seven-gene prognostic model could serve as an indicator for predicting the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy as well as prognosis of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jianjun Li
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Li, ; Shuo Huang, ; Zhe Wang,
| | - Shuo Huang
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Li, ; Shuo Huang, ; Zhe Wang,
| | - Zhe Wang
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Li, ; Shuo Huang, ; Zhe Wang,
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29
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Du P, Zheng J, Wang S, Lou Y, Zhang Z, Wang J, Zhu Y, You J, Zhang A, Liu P. Combining Cryo-Thermal Therapy with Anti-IL-6 Treatment Promoted the Maturation of MDSCs to Induce Long-Term Survival in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087018. [PMID: 37108179 PMCID: PMC10138396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression plays a significant role in tumor recurrence and metastasis, ultimately causing poor survival outcomes. Overcoming immunosuppression and stimulating durable antitumor immunity are essential for tumor treatment. In our previous study, a novel cryo-thermal therapy involving liquid nitrogen freezing and radiofrequency heating could reduce the proportion of Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), but the remaining MDSCs produced IL-6 by the NF-κB pathway, resulting in an impaired therapeutic effect. Therefore, here we combined cryo-thermal therapy with anti-IL-6 treatment to target the MDSC-dominant immunosuppressive environment, thereby optimizing the efficacy of cryo-thermal therapy. We found that combinational treatment significantly increased the long-term survival rate of breast cancer-bearing mice. Mechanistic investigation revealed that combination therapy was capable of reducing the proportion of MDSCs in the spleen and blood while promoting their maturation, which resulted in increased Th1-dominant CD4+ T-cell differentiation and enhancement of CD8+ T-mediated tumor killing. In addition, CD4+ Th1 cells promoted mature MDSCs to produce IL-7 through IFN-γ, indirectly contributing to the maintenance of Th1-dominant antitumor immunity in a positive feedback loop. Our work suggests an attractive immunotherapeutic strategy targeting the MDSC-dominant immunosuppressive environment, which would offer exciting opportunities for highly immunosuppressive and unresectable tumors in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishan Du
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jiamin Zheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shicheng Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yue Lou
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zelu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yongxin Zhu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jiaqi You
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Aili Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ping Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
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30
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Zhao Y, Du J, Shen X. Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor immunotherapy: Current, future and beyond. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1157537. [PMID: 37006306 PMCID: PMC10063857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1157537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are one of the major negative regulators in tumor microenvironment (TME) due to their potent immunosuppressive capacity. MDSCs are the products of myeloid progenitor abnormal differentiation in bone marrow, which inhibits the immune response mediated by T cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells; promotes the generation of regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages; drives the immune escape; and finally leads to tumor progression and metastasis. In this review, we highlight key features of MDSCs biology in TME that are being explored as potential targets for tumor immunotherapy. We discuss the therapies and approaches that aim to reprogram TME from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory circumstance, which prevents MDSC immunosuppression activity; promotes MDSC differentiation; and impacts MDSC recruitment and abundance in tumor site. We also summarize current advances in the identification of rational combinatorial strategies to improve clinical efficacy and outcomes of cancer patients, via deeply understanding and pursuing the mechanisms and characterization of MDSCs generation and suppression in TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Junfeng Du
- Department of General Surgery, The 7th Medical Center, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfeng Du, ; Xiaofei Shen,
| | - Xiaofei Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfeng Du, ; Xiaofei Shen,
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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Segal BH, Giridharan T, Suzuki S, Khan ANH, Zsiros E, Emmons TR, Yaffe MB, Gankema AAF, Hoogeboom M, Goetschalckx I, Matlung HL, Kuijpers TW. Neutrophil interactions with T cells, platelets, endothelial cells, and of course tumor cells. Immunol Rev 2023; 314:13-35. [PMID: 36527200 PMCID: PMC10174640 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophils sense microbes and host inflammatory mediators, and traffic to sites of infection where they direct a broad armamentarium of antimicrobial products against pathogens. Neutrophils are also activated by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are products of cellular injury that stimulate the innate immune system through pathways that are similar to those activated by microbes. Neutrophils and platelets become activated by injury, and cluster and cross-signal to each other with the cumulative effect of driving antimicrobial defense and hemostasis. In addition, neutrophil extracellular traps are extracellular chromatin and granular constituents that are generated in response to microbial and damage motifs and are pro-thrombotic and injurious. Although neutrophils can worsen tissue injury, neutrophils may also have a role in facilitating wound repair following injury. A central theme of this review relates to how critical functions of neutrophils that evolved to respond to infection and damage modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) in ways that can promote or limit tumor progression. Neutrophils are reprogrammed by the TME, and, in turn, can cross-signal to tumor cells and reshape the immune landscape of tumors. Importantly, promising new therapeutic strategies have been developed to target neutrophil recruitment and function to make cancer immunotherapy more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahm H Segal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Thejaswini Giridharan
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sora Suzuki
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Anm Nazmul H Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Emese Zsiros
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Tiffany R Emmons
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael B Yaffe
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Angela A F Gankema
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Hoogeboom
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ines Goetschalckx
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanke L Matlung
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Taco W Kuijpers
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Disease, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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PMN-MDSCs modulated by CCL20 from cancer cells promoted breast cancer cell stemness through CXCL2-CXCR2 pathway. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:97. [PMID: 36859354 PMCID: PMC9977784 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have showed that C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) advanced tumor progression and enhanced the chemoresistance of cancer cells by positively regulating breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) self-renewal. However, it is unclear whether CCL20 affects breast cancer progression by remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we observed that polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) were remarkably enriched in TME of CCL20-overexpressing cancer cell orthotopic allograft tumors. Mechanistically, CCL20 activated the differentiation of granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs) via its receptor C-C motif chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) leading to the PMN-MDSC expansion. PMN-MDSCs from CCL20-overexpressing cell orthotopic allograft tumors (CCL20-modulated PMN-MDSCs) secreted amounts of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2) and increased ALDH+ BCSCs via activating CXCR2/NOTCH1/HEY1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) antagonist SB225002 enhanced the docetaxel (DTX) effects on tumor growth by decreasing BCSCs in CCL20high-expressing tumors. These findings elucidated how CCL20 modulated the TME to promote cancer development, indicating a new therapeutic strategy by interfering with the interaction between PMN-MDSCs and BCSCs in breast cancer, especially in CCL20high-expressing breast cancer.
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Wu B, Shi X, Jiang M, Liu H. Cross-talk between cancer stem cells and immune cells: potential therapeutic targets in the tumor immune microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:38. [PMID: 36810098 PMCID: PMC9942413 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01748-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research has revealed that the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is one of the biggest obstacles in the current cancer therapy. CSCs make an influential function in tumor progression, recurrence and chemoresistance due to their typical stemness characteristics. CSCs are preferentially distributed in niches, and those niche sites exhibit characteristics typical of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The complex interactions between CSCs and TME illustrate these synergistic effects. The phenotypic heterogeneity within CSCs and the spatial interactions with the surrounding tumor microenvironment led to increased therapeutic challenges. CSCs interact with immune cells to protect themselves against immune clearance by exploiting the immunosuppressive function of multiple immune checkpoint molecules. CSCs also can protect themselves against immune surveillance by excreting extracellular vesicles (EVs), growth factors, metabolites and cytokines into the TME, thereby modulating the composition of the TME. Therefore, these interactions are also being considered for the therapeutic development of anti-tumor agents. We discuss here the immune molecular mechanisms of CSCs and comprehensively review the interplay between CSCs and the immune system. Thus, studies on this topic seem to provide novel ideas for reinvigorating therapeutic approaches to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Xiang Shi
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Meixi Jiang
- grid.412644.10000 0004 5909 0696Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032 China
| | - Hongxu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.
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Dianat-Moghadam H, Sharifi M, Salehi R, Keshavarz M, Shahgolzari M, Amoozgar Z. Engaging stemness improves cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 554:216007. [PMID: 36396102 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intra-tumoral immune cells promote the stemness of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). CSCs promote tumor progression, relapse, and resistance to immunotherapy. Cancer stemness induces the expression of neoantigens and neo-properties in CSCs, creating an opportunity for targeted immunotherapies. Isolation of stem-like T cells or retaining stemness in T clonotypes strategies produces exhaustion-resistance T cells with superior re-expansion capacity and long-lasting responses after adoptive cell therapies. Stem cells-derived NK cells may be the next generation of NK cell products for immunotherapy. Here, we have reviewed mechanisms by which stemness factors modulated the immunoediting of the TME and summarized the potentials of CSCs in the development of immunotherapy regimens, including CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells, cancer vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies. We have discussed the natural or genetically engineered stem-like T cells and stem cell-derived NK cells with increased cytotoxicity to tumor cells. Finally, we have provided a perspective on approaches that may improve the therapeutic efficacy of these novel adoptive cell-based products in targeting immunosuppressive TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Dianat-Moghadam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Sharifi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Salehi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Keshavarz
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shahgolzari
- Dental Implants Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zohreh Amoozgar
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Cancer Stem Cell Relationship with Pro-Tumoral Inflammatory Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010189. [PMID: 36672697 PMCID: PMC9855358 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory processes and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are increasingly recognized as factors in the development of tumors. Emerging evidence indicates that CSCs are associated with cancer properties such as metastasis, treatment resistance, and disease recurrence. However, the precise interaction between CSCs and the immune microenvironment remains unexplored. Although evasion of the immune system by CSCs has been extensively studied, new research demonstrates that CSCs can also control and even profit from the immune response. This review provides an overview of the reciprocal interplay between CSCs and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, collecting pertinent data about how CSCs stimulate leukocyte reprogramming, resulting in pro-tumor immune cells that promote metastasis, chemoresistance, tumorigenicity, and even a rise in the number of CSCs. Tumor-associated macrophages, neutrophils, Th17 and regulatory T cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as the signaling pathways involved in these pro-tumor activities, are among the immune cells studied. Although cytotoxic leukocytes have the potential to eliminate CSCs, immune evasion mechanisms in CSCs and their clinical implications are also known. We intended to compile experimental findings that provide direct evidence of interactions between CSCs and the immune system and CSCs and the inflammatory milieu. In addition, we aimed to summarize key concepts in order to comprehend the cross-talk between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment as a crucial process for the effective design of anti-CSC therapies.
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37
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Wang YY, Wang WD, Sun ZJ. Cancer stem cell-immune cell collusion in immunotherapy. Int J Cancer 2023. [PMID: 36602290 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has pioneered a new era of tumor treatment, in which the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) exerts significant superiority in overcoming tumor immune escape. However, the formation of an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and the lack of effective activation of the immune response have become major obstacles limiting its development. Emerging reports indicate that cancer stem cells (CSCs) potentially play important roles in treatment resistance and progressive relapse, while current research is usually focused on CSCs themselves. In this review, we mainly emphasize the collusions between CSCs and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We focus on the summary of CSC-immune cell crosstalk signaling pathways in ICB resistance and highlight the application of targeted drugs to improve the ICB response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Da Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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38
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Zhu M, Li S, Cao X, Rashid K, Liu T. The STAT family: Key transcription factors mediating crosstalk between cancer stem cells and tumor immune microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:18-31. [PMID: 36410636 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins compose a family of transcription factors critical for cancer stem cells (CSCs), and they are involved in maintaining stemness properties, enhancing cell proliferation, and promoting metastasis. Recent studies suggest that STAT proteins engage in reciprocal communication between CSCs and infiltrate immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Emerging evidence has substantiated the influence of immune cells, including macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and T cells, on CSC survival through the regulation of STAT signaling. Conversely, dysregulation of STATs in CSCs or immune cells contributes to the establishment of an immunosuppressive TME. Thus, STAT proteins are promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, especially when used in combination with immunotherapy. From this perspective, we discuss the complex roles of STATs in CSCs and highlight their functions in the crosstalk between CSCs and the immune microenvironment. Finally, cutting-edge clinical trial progress with STAT signaling inhibitors is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxuan Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suyao Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Cao
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Cancer Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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39
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Tumor immunology. Clin Immunol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818006-8.00003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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40
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An J, Hu X, Liu F. Current understanding of cancer stem cells: Immune evasion and targeted immunotherapy in gastrointestinal malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1114621. [PMID: 36910604 PMCID: PMC9996315 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1114621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As a relatively rare population of cancer cells existing in the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess properties of immune privilege to evade the attack of immune system, regulated by the microenvironment of CSCs, the so-called CSCs niche. The bidirectional interaction of CSCs with tumor microenvironment (TME) components favors an immunosuppressive shelter for CSCs' survival and maintenance. Gastrointestinal cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are broadly regarded to be intimately involved in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence, with elevated tumor resistance to conventional therapies, which pose a major hindrance to the clinical efficacy for treated patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Thus, a multitude of efforts have been made to combat and eradicate GCSCs within the tumor mass. Among diverse methods of targeting CSCs in gastrointestinal malignancies, immunotherapy represents a promising strategy. And the better understanding of GCSCs immunomodulation and immunoresistance mechanisms is beneficial to guide and design novel GCSCs-specific immunotherapies with enhanced immune response and clinical efficacy. In this review, we have gathered available and updated information to present an overview of the immunoevasion features harbored by cancer stem cells, and we focus on the description of immune escape strategies utilized by CSCs and microenvironmental regulations underlying CSCs immuno-suppression in the context of gastrointestinal malignancies. Importantly, this review offers deep insights into recent advances of CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic approaches in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi An
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Zhang L, Chen W, Liu S, Chen C. Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:552-570. [PMID: 36632469 PMCID: PMC9830502 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential roles of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) in tumor initiation and recurrence have been recognized for many decades. Due to their strong capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, BCSCs are the major reasons for poor clinical outcomes and low therapeutic response. Several hypotheses on the origin of cancer stem cells have been proposed, including critical gene mutations in stem cells, dedifferentiation of somatic cells, and cell plasticity remodeling by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment, including cellular components and cytokines, modulates the self-renewal and therapeutic resistance of BCSCs. Small molecules, antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells targeting BCSCs have been developed, and their applications in combination with conventional therapies are undergoing clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the features of BCSCs, emphasize the major factors and tumor environment that regulate the stemness of BCSCs, and discuss potential BCSC-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenmin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Kunming College of Life Sciences, the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China.,The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
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Muller AJ, Mondal A, Dey S, Prendergast GC. IDO1 and inflammatory neovascularization: bringing new blood to tumor-promoting inflammation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1165298. [PMID: 37182174 PMCID: PMC10172587 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1165298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In parallel with the genetic and epigenetic changes that accumulate in tumor cells, chronic tumor-promoting inflammation establishes a local microenvironment that fosters the development of malignancy. While knowledge of the specific factors that distinguish tumor-promoting from non-tumor-promoting inflammation remains inchoate, nevertheless, as highlighted in this series on the 'Hallmarks of Cancer', it is clear that tumor-promoting inflammation is essential to neoplasia and metastatic progression making identification of specific factors critical. Studies of immunometabolism and inflamometabolism have revealed a role for the tryptophan catabolizing enzyme IDO1 as a core element in tumor-promoting inflammation. At one level, IDO1 expression promotes immune tolerance to tumor antigens, thereby helping tumors evade adaptive immune control. Additionally, recent findings indicate that IDO1 also promotes tumor neovascularization by subverting local innate immunity. This newly recognized function for IDO1 is mediated by a unique myeloid cell population termed IDVCs (IDO1-dependent vascularizing cells). Initially identified in metastatic lesions, IDVCs may exert broader effects on pathologic neovascularization in various disease settings. Mechanistically, induction of IDO1 expression in IDVCs by the inflammatory cytokine IFNγ blocks the antagonistic effect of IFNγ on neovascularization by stimulating the expression of IL6, a powerful pro-angiogenic cytokine. By contributing to vascular access, this newly ascribed function for IDO1 aligns with its involvement in other cancer hallmark functionalities, (tumor-promoting inflammation, immune escape, altered cellular metabolism, metastasis), which may stem from an underlying role in normal physiological functions such as wound healing and pregnancy. Understanding the nuances of how IDO1 involvement in these cancer hallmark functionalities varies between different tumor settings will be crucial to the future development of successful IDO1-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Muller
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Alexander J. Muller,
| | - Arpita Mondal
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., Warminster, PA, United States
| | - Souvik Dey
- Wuxi Advanced Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - George C. Prendergast
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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43
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Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 375:33-92. [PMID: 36967154 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which originated from hematopoietic stem cells, are heterogeneous population of cells that have different differentiation patterns and widely presented in tumor microenvironment. For tumor research, myeloid suppressor cells have received extensive attention since their discovery due to their specific immunosuppressive properties, and the mechanisms of immunosuppression and therapeutic approaches for MDSCs have been investigated in a variety of different types of malignancies. To improve the efficacy of treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a disease with a high occurrence, immunotherapy has gradually emerged in after traditional surgery and subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and has made some progress. In this review, we introduced the mechanisms on the development, differentiation, and elimination of MDSCs and provided a detailed overview of the mechanisms behind the immunosuppressive properties of MDSCs. We summarized the recent researches on MDSCs in HNSCC, especially for targeting-MDSCs therapy and combination with other types of therapy such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Furthermore, we looked at drug delivery patterns and collected the current diverse drug delivery systems for the improvement that contributed to therapy against MDSCs in HNSCC. Most importantly, we made possible outlooks for the future research priorities, which provide a basis for further study on the clinical significance and therapeutic value of MDSCs in HNSCC.
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Zhang J, Hu Z, Horta CA, Yang J. Regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by tumor microenvironmental signals and its implication in cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:46-66. [PMID: 36521737 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in various aspects of tumor development, including tumor invasion and metastasis, cancer stemness, and therapy resistance. Diverse stroma cell types along with biochemical and biophysical factors in the tumor microenvironment impinge on the EMT program to impact tumor progression. Here we provide an in-depth review of various tumor microenvironmental signals that regulate EMT in cancer. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of EMT in therapy resistance and highlight new therapeutic approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment to impact EMT and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhimin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Calista A Horta
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:44. [PMID: 36517618 PMCID: PMC9751255 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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Lou Y, Peng P, Wang S, Wang J, Du P, Zhang Z, Zheng J, Liu P, Xu LX. Combining all-trans retinoid acid treatment targeting myeloid-derived suppressive cells with cryo-thermal therapy enhances antitumor immunity in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1016776. [PMID: 36389684 PMCID: PMC9664198 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1016776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) has been considered a potential strategy in tumor therapy. However, a single drug targeting MDSCs remains a challenge in the clinic. An increasing number of studies have shown that combination agents targeting MDSCs and immunotherapy may provide exciting new insights and avenues to explore in tumor therapy. In our previous study, a novel cryo-thermal therapy was developed for metastatic tumors that systematically activate innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, cryo-thermal therapy was shown to dramatically decrease the levels of MDSCs and induce their differentiation toward potent antigen-presenting cells. However, the therapeutic effects of cryo-thermal therapy on the 4T1 mouse breast cancer model were still not satisfactory because of the high level of MDSCs before and after treatment. Therefore, in this study, we combined cryo-thermal therapy with all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA), a small molecule drug that can induce the inflammatory differentiation of MDSCs. We found that combination therapy notably upregulated the long-term survival rate of mice. Mechanically, combination therapy promoted the phenotype and functional maturation of MDSCs, efficiently decreasing suppressive molecule expression and inhibiting glutamine and fatty acid metabolism. Moreover, MDSCs at an early stage after combination therapy significantly decreased the proportions of Th2 and Treg subsets, which eventually resulted in Th1-dominant CD4+ T-cell differentiation, as well as enhanced cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells at the late stage. This study suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for combination ATRA treatment targeting MDSCs with cryo-thermal therapy to overcome the resistance of MDSC-induced immunosuppression in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ping Liu
- *Correspondence: Lisa X. Xu, ; Ping Liu,
| | - Lisa X. Xu
- *Correspondence: Lisa X. Xu, ; Ping Liu,
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47
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Jungles KM, Holcomb EA, Pearson AN, Jungles KR, Bishop CR, Pierce LJ, Green MD, Speers CW. Updates in combined approaches of radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1022542. [PMID: 36387071 PMCID: PMC9643771 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1022542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent non-skin cancer diagnosed in females and developing novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes is crucial. The immune system plays an integral role in the body’s response to breast cancer and modulating this immune response through immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic option. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors were recently approved for the treatment of breast cancer patients, not all patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors as a monotherapy, highlighting the need to better understand the biology underlying patient response. Additionally, as radiotherapy is a critical component of breast cancer treatment, understanding the interplay of radiation and immune checkpoint inhibitors will be vital as recent studies suggest that combined therapies may induce synergistic effects in preclinical models of breast cancer. This review will discuss the mechanisms supporting combined approaches with radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer. Moreover, this review will analyze the current clinical trials examining combined approaches of radiotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Finally, this review will evaluate data regarding treatment tolerance and potential biomarkers for these emerging therapies aimed at improving breast cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassidy M. Jungles
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Erin A. Holcomb
- Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ashley N. Pearson
- Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kalli R. Jungles
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Caroline R. Bishop
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lori J. Pierce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Michael D. Green
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael D. Green, ; Corey W. Speers,
| | - Corey W. Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael D. Green, ; Corey W. Speers,
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Cancer Stem Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Molecular Mechanisms in Stemness Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012327. [PMID: 36293184 PMCID: PMC9604119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most predominant type of liver cancer with an extremely poor prognosis due to its late diagnosis and high recurrence rate. One of the culprits for HCC recurrence and metastasis is the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a small subset of cancer cells possessing robust stem cell properties within tumors. CSCs play crucial roles in tumor heterogeneity constitution, tumorigenesis, tumor relapse, metastasis, and resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Elucidation of how these CSCs maintain their stemness features is essential for the development of CSCs-based therapy. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge of intrinsic molecules and signaling pathways involved in hepatic CSCs, especially the CSC surface markers and associated signaling in regulating the stemness characteristics and the heterogeneous subpopulations within the CSC pool. In addition, we recapitulate the effects of crucial extrinsic cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, including stromal cells and immune cells, on the modulation of hepatic CSCs. Finally, we synopsize the currently valuable CSCs-targeted therapy strategies based on intervention in these intrinsic and extrinsic molecular mechanisms, in the hope of shedding light on better clinical management of HCC patients.
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Faraj JA, Al-Athari AJH, Mohie SED, Kadhim IK, Jawad NM, Abbas WJ, Jalil AT. Reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:239. [PMID: 36175691 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The immunotherapeutic approaches based on checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccination, immune cell-based therapy, and cytokines were developed to engage the patient's immune system against cancer and better survival of them. While potent, however, preclinical and clinical data have identified that abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the efficacy of immunotherapies in some cancers. It is therefore imperative to develop new therapeutic interventions that will enable to overcome tumor-supportive TME and restrain anti-tumor immunity in patients that acquire resistance to current immunotherapies. Therefore, recognition of the essential nature of the tolerogenic TME may lead to a shift from the immune-suppressive TME to an immune-stimulating phenotype. Here, we review the composition of the TME and its effect on tumor immunoediting and then present how targeted monotherapy or combination therapies can be employed for reprogramming educated TME to improve current immunotherapies outcomes or elucidate potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jabar A Faraj
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hilla, Babylon, 51001, Iraq
| | | | - Sharaf El Din Mohie
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hilla, Babylon, 51001, Iraq
| | - Iman Kareem Kadhim
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hilla, Babylon, 51001, Iraq
| | - Noor Muhsen Jawad
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hilla, Babylon, 51001, Iraq
| | - Weaam J Abbas
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hilla, Babylon, 51001, Iraq
| | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hilla, Babylon, 51001, Iraq.
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50
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van Geffen C, Heiss C, Deißler A, Kolahian S. Pharmacological modulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells to dampen inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:933847. [PMID: 36110844 PMCID: PMC9468781 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.933847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous cell population with potent suppressive and regulative properties. MDSCs’ strong immunosuppressive potential creates new possibilities to treat chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases or induce tolerance towards transplantation. Here, we summarize and critically discuss different pharmacological approaches which modulate the generation, activation, and recruitment of MDSCs in vitro and in vivo, and their potential role in future immunosuppressive therapy.
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