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Li P, Chen Y, Xiang Y, Guo R, Li X, Liu J, Zhou Y, Fu X. 17β-estradiol promotes myeloid-derived suppressor cells functions and alleviates inflammatory bowel disease by activation of Stat3 and NF-κB signalings. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 242:106540. [PMID: 38719162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106540] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a group of clinically common autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation, with gender differences in prevalence. Estrogen has been previously shown to exert anti-inflammatory action in IBD development, however, the mechanisms remain obscure. Recent research has revealed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a protective role in IBD pathogenesis. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of estrogen steroid 17β-estradiol (E2) in IBD progression, we established IBD mouse models (DNB-induced) with or without prior ovariectomy (OVX) and E2 implantation. We found that OVX led to worse IBD symptoms and reduced MDSCs frequency, whereas E2 significantly alleviated these effects in vivo. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that E2 promoted the proliferation and immunosuppressive function of MDSCs through phosphorylation of Stat3 and p65. Mechanistically, E2-mediated Stat3/p65 phosphorylation depends on the interaction between HOTAIR, a long non-coding RNA that are well-known in MDSCs proliferation, and Stat3/p65 respectively. In conclusion, our study revealed that E2 promotes the expansion and immunosuppressive function of MDSCs, and thus diminished the occurrence and development of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China; Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, The Sixth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China
| | - Yixiao Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China
| | - Ruixin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosa Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China
| | - Junxiu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China.
| | - Yuting Zhou
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaodong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China; Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, The Sixth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, P.R. China; Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China.
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2
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McGuinness C, Britt KL. Estrogen receptor regulation of the immune microenvironment in breast cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 240:106517. [PMID: 38555985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106517] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common cancer in women and the estrogen receptor (ER)+ subtype is increasing in incidence. There are numerous therapy options available for patients that target the ER, however issues such as innate and acquired treatment resistance, and treatment related side effects justify research into alternative therapeutic options for these patients. Patients of many solid tumour types have benefitted from immunotherapy, however response rates have been generally low in ER+ BCa. We summarise the recent work assessing CDK4/6 inhibitors for ER+ BCa and how they have been shown to prime anti-tumour immune cells and achieve impressive results in preclinical models. A great example of how the immune system might be activated against ER+ BCa. We review the role of estrogen signalling in immune cells, and explore recent data highlighting the hormonal regulation of the immune microenvironment of normal breast, BCa and immune disorders. As recent data has indicated that macrophages are particularly susceptible to estrogen signalling, we highlight macrophage phagocytosis as a key potential target for priming the tumour immune microenvironment. We challenge the generally accepted paradigm that ER+ BCa are "immune-cold" - advocating instead for research into therapies that could be used in combination with targeted therapies and/or immune checkpoint blockade to achieve durable antitumour responses in ER+ BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor McGuinness
- Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Lab, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kara L Britt
- Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Lab, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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3
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Xiao T, Lee J, Gauntner TD, Velegraki M, Lathia JD, Li Z. Hallmarks of sex bias in immuno-oncology: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:338-355. [PMID: 38589557 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences are present across multiple non-reproductive organ cancers, with male individuals generally experiencing higher incidence of cancer with poorer outcomes. Although some mechanisms underlying these differences are emerging, the immunological basis is not well understood. Observations from clinical trials also suggest a sex bias in conventional immunotherapies with male individuals experiencing a more favourable response and female individuals experiencing more severe adverse events to immune checkpoint blockade. In this Perspective article, we summarize the major biological hallmarks underlying sex bias in immuno-oncology. We focus on signalling from sex hormones and chromosome-encoded gene products, along with sex hormone-independent and chromosome-independent epigenetic mechanisms in tumour and immune cells such as myeloid cells and T cells. Finally, we highlight opportunities for future studies on sex differences that integrate sex hormones and chromosomes and other emerging cancer hallmarks such as ageing and the microbiome to provide a more comprehensive view of how sex differences underlie the response in cancer that can be leveraged for more effective immuno-oncology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Xiao
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The James, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Juyeun Lee
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy D Gauntner
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The James, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maria Velegraki
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The James, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumour Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The James, Columbus, OH, USA.
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4
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Cruz de Casas P, Knöpper K, Dey Sarkar R, Kastenmüller W. Same yet different - how lymph node heterogeneity affects immune responses. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:358-374. [PMID: 38097778 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00965-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Lymph nodes are secondary lymphoid organs in which immune responses of the adaptive immune system are initiated and regulated. Distributed throughout the body and embedded in the lymphatic system, local lymph nodes are continuously informed about the state of the organs owing to a constant drainage of lymph. The tissue-derived lymph carries products of cell metabolism, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, pathogens and circulating immune cells. Notably, there is a growing body of evidence that individual lymph nodes differ from each other in their capacity to generate immune responses. Here, we review the structure and function of the lymphatic system and then focus on the factors that lead to functional heterogeneity among different lymph nodes. We will discuss how lymph node heterogeneity impacts on cellular and humoral immune responses and the implications for vaccination, tumour development and tumour control by immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Cruz de Casas
- Max Planck Research Group, Würzburg Institute of Systems Immunology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Konrad Knöpper
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rupak Dey Sarkar
- Max Planck Research Group, Würzburg Institute of Systems Immunology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kastenmüller
- Max Planck Research Group, Würzburg Institute of Systems Immunology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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5
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Kranjčević JK, Čonkaš J, Ozretić P. The Role of Estrogen and Estrogen Receptors in Head and Neck Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1575. [PMID: 38672656 PMCID: PMC11049451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081575] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common histological form of head and neck tumors (HNTs), which originate from the epithelium of the lips and oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, and sinuses. The main risk factors include consumption of tobacco in all forms and alcohol, as well as infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses or the Epstein-Barr virus. Regardless of the etiological agent, the risk of developing different types of HNTs is from two to more than six times higher in males than in females. The reason for such disparities probably lies in a combination of both biological and psychosocial factors. Therefore, it is hypothesized that exposure to female sex hormones, primarily estrogen, provides women with protection against the formation and metastasis of HNTs. In this review, we synthesized available knowledge on the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors (ERs) in the development and progression of HNTs, with special emphasis on membrane ERs, which are much less studied. We can summarize that in addition to epidemiologic studies unequivocally pointing to the protective effect of estrogen in women, an increased expression of both nuclear ERs, ERα, and ERβ, and membrane ERs, ERα36, GPER1, and NaV1.2, was present in different types of HNSCC, for which anti-estrogens could be used as an effective therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (J.Č.)
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6
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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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7
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Sharma S, Singh N, Turk AA, Wan I, Guttikonda A, Dong JL, Zhang X, Opyrchal M. Molecular insights into clinical trials for immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer: Unravelling challenges and future directions. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1815-1835. [PMID: 38659481 PMCID: PMC11036501 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i13.1815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease with diverse etiologies and clinical outcomes. Despite considerable progress in development of CRC therapeutics, challenges remain regarding the diagnosis and management of advanced stage metastatic CRC (mCRC). In particular, the five-year survival rate is very low since mCRC is currently rarely curable. Over the past decade, cancer treatment has significantly improved with the introduction of cancer immunotherapies, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therapies aimed at blocking immune checkpoints such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 target inhibitory pathways of the immune system, and thereby enhance anti-tumor immunity. These therapies thus have shown promising results in many clinical trials alone or in combination. The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy, either alone or in combination with CRC, have been investigated in several clinical trials. Clinical trials, including KEYNOTE-164 and CheckMate 142, have led to Food and Drug Administration approval of the PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab, respectively, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high or deficient mismatch repair CRC. Unfortunately, these drugs benefit only a small percentage of patients, with the benefits of immunotherapy remaining elusive for the vast majority of CRC patients. To this end, primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapy remains a significant issue, and further research is necessary to optimize the use of immunotherapy in CRC and identify biomarkers to predict the response. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC. The underlying rationale, challenges faced, and potential future steps to improve the prognosis and enhance the likelihood of successful trials in this field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sharma
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Naresh Singh
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Anita Ahmed Turk
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Isabella Wan
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Akshay Guttikonda
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Julia Lily Dong
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Xinna Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Mateusz Opyrchal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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8
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Dou T, Li J, Zhang Y, Pei W, Zhang B, Wang B, Wang Y, Jia H. The cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is an important marker for predicting therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368687. [PMID: 38487526 PMCID: PMC10937353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368687] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, the incidence rate of breast cancer ranks first among new-onset malignant tumors in women. The tumor microenvironment is a hot topic in tumor research. There are abundant cells in the tumor microenvironment that play a protumor or antitumor role in breast cancer. During the treatment of breast cancer, different cells have different influences on the therapeutic response. And after treatment, the cellular composition in the tumor microenvironment will change too. In this review, we summarize the interactions between different cell compositions (such as immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes) in the tumor microenvironment and the treatment mechanism of breast cancer. We believe that detecting the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is able to predict the therapeutic efficacy of treatments for breast cancer and benefit to combination administration of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyao Dou
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yaochen Zhang
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wanru Pei
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Binyue Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hongyan Jia
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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9
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Xia G, Zhang Z, Jiang Q, Wang H, Wang J. Predictive value of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36810. [PMID: 38335394 PMCID: PMC10860995 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036810] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The predictive value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer (BC) has received increasing attention. Here, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between the expression of stromal TILs and pathological complete response (pCR) after NAC in BC patients. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched online by using a combination of keywords and free words to screen literature on the expression of stromal TILs and pCR after NAC in patients with BC. The data were extracted and evaluated for quality. Relative risk (RR) was used to evaluate the relationship between the expression of stromal TILs before NAC and pCR in BC patients. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 14.0 software. RESULTS Eleven studies involving 6039 BC patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed a generally high expression of stromal TILs in BC patients, and the pCR rate after NAC in BC patients with a high expression of stromal TILs was significantly higher than that in BC patients with a low expression of stromal TILs [RR = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.69-1.97]. Subgroup analysis based on the molecular subtypes of BC showed that the pCR rate was significantly higher in patients with a high expression of stromal TILs in hormone receptor (HR)-positive BC [RR = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.43-4.30], human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-positive BC [RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.25-1.60], and triple-negative BC [RR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.53-1.90] than in those with a low expression of stromal TILs. Subgroup analysis based on expression threshold showed that the pCR rate was higher in patients with a high expression of stromal TILs than in patients with a low expression of stromal TILs at different expression thresholds (10% [RR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.55-2.55], 20%/30% [RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.37-1.81], 50%/60% [RR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.73-2.11]. CONCLUSION TILs can be used as a predictor of pCR after NAC in patients with BC, and the appropriate high expression threshold of stromal TILs should be selected as the predictive value according to the molecular subtype of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfa Xia
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziran Zhang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 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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Bakhshi P, Ho JQ, Zanganeh S. Sex-specific outcomes in cancer therapy: the central role of hormones. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2024; 6:1320690. [PMID: 38362126 PMCID: PMC10867131 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2024.1320690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones play a pivotal role in modulating various physiological processes, with emerging evidence underscoring their influence on cancer progression and treatment outcomes. This review delves into the intricate relationship between sex hormones and cancer, elucidating the underlying biological mechanisms and their clinical implications. We explore the multifaceted roles of estrogen, androgens, and progesterone, highlighting their respective influence on specific cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial, and prostate. Special attention is given to estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) tumors, androgen receptor signaling, and the dual role of progesterone in both promoting and inhibiting cancer progression. Clinical observations reveal varied treatment responses contingent upon hormonal levels, with certain therapies like tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and anti-androgens demonstrating notable success. However, disparities in treatment outcomes between males and females in hormone-sensitive cancers necessitate further exploration. Therapeutically, the utilization of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during cancer treatments presents both potential risks and benefits. The promise of personalized therapies, tailored to an individual's hormonal profile, offers a novel approach to optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Concurrently, the burgeoning exploration of new drugs and interventions targeting hormonal pathways heralds a future of more effective and precise treatments for hormone-sensitive cancers. This review underscores the pressing need for a deeper understanding of sex hormones in cancer therapy and the ensuing implications for future therapeutic innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Bakhshi
- Research and Development, MetasFree Biopharmaceutical Company, Mansfield, MA, United States
| | - Jim Q. Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Steven Zanganeh
- Research and Development, MetasFree Biopharmaceutical Company, Mansfield, MA, United States
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12
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Nicolini A, Rossi G, Ferrari P. Experimental and clinical evidence in favour of an effective immune stimulation in ER-positive, endocrine-dependent metastatic breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1225175. [PMID: 38332913 PMCID: PMC10850262 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225175] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In ER+ breast cancer, usually seen as the low immunogenic type, the main mechanisms favouring the immune response or tumour growth and immune evasion in the tumour microenvironment (TME) have been examined. The principal implications of targeting the oestrogen-mediated pathways were also considered. Recent experimental findings point out that anti-oestrogens contribute to the reversion of the immunosuppressive TME. Moreover, some preliminary clinical data with the hormone-immunotherapy association in a metastatic setting support the notion that the reversion of immune suppression in TME is likely favoured by the G0-G1 state induced by anti-oestrogens. Following immune stimulation, the reverted immune suppression allows the boosting of the effector cells of the innate and adaptive immune response. This suggests that ER+ breast cancer is a molecular subtype where a successful active immune manipulation can be attained. If this is confirmed by a prospective multicentre trial, which is expected in light of the provided evidence, the proposed hormone immunotherapy can also be tested in the adjuvant setting. Furthermore, the different rationale suggests a synergistic activity of our proposed immunotherapy with the currently recommended regimen consisting of antioestrogens combined with cyclin kinase inhibitors. Overall, this lays the foundation for a shift in clinical practice within this most prevalent molecular subtype of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rossi
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council and Gabriele Monasterio Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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13
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Hunt KS, Alspach E. Battle Within the Sexes: Differences in Male and Female Immunity and the Impact on Antitumor Responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:17-25. [PMID: 37939008 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0005] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The immune system plays critical roles in regulating tumor progression. However, despite established differences in male and female immune cell function, our appreciation of sex as a variable in antitumor immune responses is only beginning to develop. Recent findings in mice have demonstrated for the first time that disparities in cancer incidence between the sexes are driven in part by differences in male and female T-cell responses. This review will discuss the growing body of literature demonstrating that male and female innate and adaptive immune responses against tumors are not equivalent and highlight the impact this may have on tumor responses to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katey S Hunt
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Elise Alspach
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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14
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Hu Y, Xu Y, Zhang T, Han Q, Li L, Liu M, Li N, Shao G. Cisplatin-activated ERβ/DCAF8 positive feedback loop induces chemoresistance in non-small cell lung cancer via PTEN/Akt axis. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 71:101014. [PMID: 37913652 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
High levels of the estrogen receptor β (ERβ) predict poor prognosis following platinum-containing adjuvant chemotherapies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the precise role of ERβ remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that targeting ERβ could significantly increase the cytotoxicity of cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, cisplatin directly binds to ERβ, which facilitates its homodimerization and nuclear translocation. ERβ activation transcriptionally represses the expression of DCAF8, an adaptor of CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase, which in turn attenuates the proteasomal degradation of ERβ, leading to ERβ accumulation; this positive feedback loop results in Akt activation and eventually cisplatin resistance in NSCLC through PTEN inhibition. Moreover, low expression of DCAF8 and high expression of ERβ are associated with treatment resistance in patients receiving cisplatin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy. The present results provide insights into the underlying mechanism of ERβ-induced cisplatin resistance and offer an alternative therapeutic strategy to improve the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Hu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yongjie Xu
- Office of Cancer Screening, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Qianying Han
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mingyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Ni Li
- Office of Cancer Screening, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Genze Shao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
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15
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Varisli L, Dancik GM, Tolan V, Vlahopoulos S. Critical Roles of SRC-3 in the Development and Progression of Breast Cancer, Rendering It a Prospective Clinical Target. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5242. [PMID: 37958417 PMCID: PMC10648290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215242] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumor in women and is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Most breast tumors are hormone-dependent and estrogen signaling plays a critical role in promoting the survival and malignant behaviors of these cells. Estrogen signaling involves ligand-activated cytoplasmic estrogen receptors that translocate to the nucleus with various co-regulators, such as steroid receptor co-activator (SRC) family members, and bind to the promoters of target genes and regulate their expression. SRC-3 is a member of this family that interacts with, and enhances, the transcriptional activity of the ligand activated estrogen receptor. Although SRC-3 has important roles in normal homeostasis and developmental processes, it has been shown to be amplified and overexpressed in breast cancer and to promote malignancy. The malignancy-promoting potential of SRC-3 is diverse and involves both promoting malignant behavior of tumor cells and creating a tumor microenvironment that has an immunosuppressive phenotype. SRC-3 also inhibits the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with effector function and promotes stemness. Furthermore, SRC-3 is also involved in the development of resistance to hormone therapy and immunotherapy during breast cancer treatment. The versatility of SRC-3 in promoting breast cancer malignancy in this way makes it a good target, and methodical targeting of SRC-3 probably will be important for the success of breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokman Varisli
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Dicle University, Diyarbakir 21280, Turkey;
| | - Garrett M. Dancik
- Department of Computer Science, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT 06226, USA;
| | - Veysel Tolan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Dicle University, Diyarbakir 21280, Turkey;
| | - Spiros Vlahopoulos
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon & Levadeias 8, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
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16
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Moisand A, Madéry M, Boyer T, Domblides C, Blaye C, Larmonier N. Hormone Receptor Signaling and Breast Cancer Resistance to Anti-Tumor Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15048. [PMID: 37894728 PMCID: PMC10606577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015048] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancers regroup many heterogeneous diseases unevenly responding to currently available therapies. Approximately 70-80% of breast cancers express hormone (estrogen or progesterone) receptors. Patients with these hormone-dependent breast malignancies benefit from therapies targeting endocrine pathways. Nevertheless, metastatic disease remains a major challenge despite available treatments, and relapses frequently ensue. By improving patient survival and quality of life, cancer immunotherapies have sparked considerable enthusiasm and hope in the last decade but have led to only limited success in breast cancers. In addition, only patients with hormone-independent breast cancers seem to benefit from these immune-based approaches. The present review examines and discusses the current literature related to the role of hormone receptor signaling (specifically, an estrogen receptor) and the impact of its modulation on the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to the effector mechanisms of anti-tumor immune responses and on the capability of breast cancers to escape from protective anti-cancer immunity. Future research prospects related to the possibility of promoting the efficacy of immune-based interventions using hormone therapy agents are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Moisand
- CNRS UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Biological and Medical Sciences Department, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.M.); (M.M.); (T.B.); (C.D.)
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, UB Grad 2.0, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Mathilde Madéry
- CNRS UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Biological and Medical Sciences Department, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.M.); (M.M.); (T.B.); (C.D.)
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, UB Grad 2.0, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas Boyer
- CNRS UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Biological and Medical Sciences Department, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.M.); (M.M.); (T.B.); (C.D.)
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, UB Grad 2.0, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Charlotte Domblides
- CNRS UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Biological and Medical Sciences Department, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.M.); (M.M.); (T.B.); (C.D.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Céline Blaye
- CNRS UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Biological and Medical Sciences Department, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.M.); (M.M.); (T.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Nicolas Larmonier
- CNRS UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Biological and Medical Sciences Department, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.M.); (M.M.); (T.B.); (C.D.)
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, UB Grad 2.0, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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17
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Hermida-Prado F, Xie Y, Sherman S, Nagy Z, Russo D, Akhshi T, Chu Z, Feit A, Campisi M, Chen M, Nardone A, Guarducci C, Lim K, Font-Tello A, Lee I, García-Pedrero J, Cañadas I, Agudo J, Huang Y, Sella T, Jin Q, Tayob N, Mittendorf EA, Tolaney SM, Qiu X, Long H, Symmans WF, Lin JR, Santagata S, Bedrosian I, Yardley DA, Mayer IA, Richardson ET, Oliveira G, Wu CJ, Schuster EF, Dowsett M, Welm AL, Barbie D, Metzger O, Jeselsohn R. Endocrine Therapy Synergizes with SMAC Mimetics to Potentiate Antigen Presentation and Tumor Regression in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3284-3304. [PMID: 37450351 PMCID: PMC10543960 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1711] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies have yet to demonstrate significant efficacy in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Given that endocrine therapy (ET) is the primary approach for treating HR+ breast cancer, we investigated the effects of ET on the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) in HR+ breast cancer. Spatial proteomics of primary HR+ breast cancer samples obtained at baseline and after ET from patients enrolled in a neoadjuvant clinical trial (NCT02764541) indicated that ET upregulated β2-microglobulin and influenced the TME in a manner that promotes enhanced immunogenicity. To gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms, the intrinsic effects of ET on cancer cells were explored, which revealed that ET plays a crucial role in facilitating the chromatin binding of RelA, a key component of the NF-κB complex. Consequently, heightened NF-κB signaling enhanced the response to interferon-gamma, leading to the upregulation of β2-microglobulin and other antigen presentation-related genes. Further, modulation of NF-κB signaling using a SMAC mimetic in conjunction with ET augmented T-cell migration and enhanced MHC-I-specific T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Remarkably, the combination of ET and SMAC mimetics, which also blocks prosurvival effects of NF-κB signaling through the degradation of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, elicited tumor regression through cell autonomous mechanisms, providing additional support for their combined use in HR+ breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Adding SMAC mimetics to endocrine therapy enhances tumor regression in a cell autonomous manner while increasing tumor immunogenicity, indicating that this combination could be an effective treatment for HR+ patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Hermida-Prado
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), IUOPA, Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yingtian Xie
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shira Sherman
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zsuzsanna Nagy
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Douglas Russo
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tara Akhshi
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zhengtao Chu
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Avery Feit
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marco Campisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Minyue Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Agostina Nardone
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cristina Guarducci
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Klothilda Lim
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alba Font-Tello
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Irene Lee
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Juana García-Pedrero
- University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), IUOPA, Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel Cañadas
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Judith Agudo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tal Sella
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Qingchun Jin
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nabihah Tayob
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A. Mittendorf
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara M. Tolaney
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xintao Qiu
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Henry Long
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Jia-Ren Lin
- Ludwig Center at Harvard and Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sandro Santagata
- Ludwig Center at Harvard and Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Isabelle Bedrosian
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Denise A. Yardley
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ingrid A. Mayer
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Edward T. Richardson
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Giacomo Oliveira
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eugene F. Schuster
- The BC Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Ralph Lauren Centre for BC Research, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mitch Dowsett
- The BC Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Ralph Lauren Centre for BC Research, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alana L. Welm
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - David Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Otto Metzger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rinath Jeselsohn
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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18
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Anobile DP, Salaroglio IC, Tabbò F, La Vecchia S, Akman M, Napoli F, Bungaro M, Benso F, Aldieri E, Bironzo P, Kopecka J, Passiglia F, Righi L, Novello S, Scagliotti GV, Riganti C. Autocrine 17-β-Estradiol/Estrogen Receptor-α Loop Determines the Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3958-3973. [PMID: 37285115 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) often differs between genders in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but metanalyses results are controversial, and no clear mechanisms are defined. We aim at clarifying the molecular circuitries explaining the differential gender-related response to anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 agents in NSCLC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We prospectively analyzed a cohort of patients with NSCLC treated with ICI as a first-line approach, and we identified the molecular mechanisms determining the differential efficacy of ICI in 29 NSCLC cell lines of both genders, recapitulating patients' phenotype. We validated new immunotherapy strategies in mice bearing NSCLC patient-derived xenografts and human reconstituted immune system ("immune-PDXs"). RESULTS In patients, we found that estrogen receptor α (ERα) was a predictive factor of response to pembrolizumab, stronger than gender and PD-L1 levels, and was directly correlated with PD-L1 expression, particularly in female patients. ERα transcriptionally upregulated CD274/PD-L1 gene, more in females than in males. This axis was activated by 17-β-estradiol, autocrinely produced by intratumor aromatase, and by the EGFR-downstream effectors Akt and ERK1/2 that activated ERα. The efficacy of pembrolizumab in immune-PDXs was significantly improved by the aromatase inhibitor letrozole, which reduced PD-L1 and increased the percentage of antitumor CD8+T-lymphocytes, NK cells, and Vγ9Vδ2 T-lymphocytes, producing durable control and even tumor regression after continuous administration, with maximal benefit in 17-β-estradiol/ERα highfemale immune-xenografts. CONCLUSIONS Our work unveils that 17-β-estradiol/ERα status predicts the response to pembrolizumab in patients with NSCLC. Second, we propose aromatase inhibitors as new gender-tailored immune-adjuvants in NSCLC. See related commentary by Valencia et al., p. 3832.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabrizio Tabbò
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Muhlis Akman
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Napoli
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Maristella Bungaro
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Benso
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Bironzo
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Passiglia
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Luisella Righi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Novello
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio V Scagliotti
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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19
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Kajihara N, Ge Y, Seino KI. Blocking of oestrogen signals improves anti-tumour effect regardless of oestrogen receptor alpha expression in cancer cells. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:935-946. [PMID: 37537255 PMCID: PMC10491758 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02381-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-oestrogenic therapy has been used for breast cancer patients with oestrogen susceptibility cancer cells. However, little has been known about its potential role for immune cell biology within TME, particularly in cancer patients without oestrogen sensitivity of tumour cells. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of oestrogen on immunity within TME. METHODS Using a clinical dataset, immune cells of humans and mice, female mice with and without ovaries, and several murine ERα-negative cancer cell lines, we evaluated the effect of oestrogen on immunity in TME. RESULTS Clinical data analysis suggested oestrogen's suppressive efficacy against CTLs. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed intra-tumoural CTLs' direct repressive action by oestrogen in both mice and humans; blockade of oestrogen signals cancelled its immunosuppression resulting in tumour growth reduction in vivo. Most notably, immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitor; ICI) combined with anti-oestrogenic therapy exhibited a dramatic anti-tumour effect. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel insights into how oestrogen contributes to tumour progression and a therapeutic rationale for blocking oestrogen signalling to boost the anti-tumour effect of ICI, regardless of tumour cells' ERα expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeel Kajihara
- Division of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Yunqi Ge
- Division of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Seino
- Division of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan.
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20
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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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21
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Marquez-Garban DC, Morales Martinez M, Pietras RJ. Estradiol Induces Neutrophil Expansion to Promote TSC-Null Tumor Progression. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad093. [PMID: 37289038 PMCID: PMC10292810 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Marquez-Garban
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mario Morales Martinez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Richard J Pietras
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cancer Research and Training, Charles Drew University School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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22
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O'Leary KA, Bates AM, Jin WJ, Burkel BM, Sriramaneni RN, Emma SE, Nystuen EJ, Sumiec EG, Ponik SM, Morris ZS, Schuler LA. Estrogen receptor blockade and radiation therapy cooperate to enhance the response of immunologically cold ER+ breast cancer to immunotherapy. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:68. [PMID: 37312163 PMCID: PMC10265911 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01671-y] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer do not respond to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI); the tumor microenvironment (TME) of these cancers is generally immunosuppressive and contains few tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Radiation therapy (RT) can increase tumor inflammation and infiltration by lymphocytes but does not improve responses to ICIs in these patients. This may result, in part, from additional effects of RT that suppress anti-tumor immunity, including increased tumor infiltration by myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. We hypothesized that anti-estrogens, which are a standard of care for ER+ breast cancer, may ameliorate these detrimental effects of RT by reducing the recruitment/ activation of suppressive immune populations in the radiated TME, increasing anti-tumor immunity and responsiveness to ICIs. METHODS To interrogate the effect of the selective estrogen receptor downregulator, fulvestrant, on the irradiated TME in the absence of confounding growth inhibition by fulvestrant on tumor cells, we used the TC11 murine model of anti-estrogen resistant ER+ breast cancer. Tumors were orthotopically transplanted into immunocompetent syngeneic mice. Once tumors were established, we initiated treatment with fulvestrant or vehicle, followed by external beam RT one week later. We examined the number and activity of tumor infiltrating immune cells using flow cytometry, microscopy, transcript levels, and cytokine profiles. We tested whether fulvestrant improved tumor response and animal survival when added to the combination of RT and ICI. RESULTS Despite resistance of TC11 tumors to anti-estrogen therapy alone, fulvestrant slowed tumor regrowth following RT, and significantly altered multiple immune populations in the irradiated TME. Fulvestrant reduced the influx of Ly6C+Ly6G+ cells, increased markers of pro-inflammatory myeloid cells and activated T cells, and augmented the ratio of CD8+: FOXP3+ T cells. In contrast to the minimal effects of ICIs when co-treated with either fulvestrant or RT alone, combinatorial treatment with fulvestrant, RT and ICIs significantly reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival. CONCLUSIONS A combination of RT and fulvestrant can overcome the immunosuppressive TME in a preclinical model of ER+ breast cancer, enhancing the anti-tumor response and increasing the response to ICIs, even when growth of tumor cells is no longer estrogen sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A O'Leary
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amber M Bates
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Won Jong Jin
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brian M Burkel
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghava N Sriramaneni
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sarah E Emma
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Erin J Nystuen
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Sumiec
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suzanne M Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zachary S Morris
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Linda A Schuler
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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23
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Voorwerk L, Sanders J, Keusters MS, Balduzzi S, Cornelissen S, Duijst M, Lips EH, Sonke GS, Linn SC, Horlings HM, Kok M. Immune landscape of breast tumors with low and intermediate estrogen receptor expression. NPJ Breast Cancer 2023; 9:39. [PMID: 37179445 PMCID: PMC10182974 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00543-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is currently approved for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), whereas responses to ICB are also observed in a small subgroup of Estrogen Receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. The cut-off for ER-positivity (≥1%) is based on likelihood of endocrine treatment response, but ER-positive breast cancer represents a very heterogeneous group. This raises the question whether selection based on ER-negativity should be revisited to select patients for ICB treatment in the context of clinical trials. Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) and other immune parameters are higher in TNBC compared to ER-positive breast cancer, but it is unknown whether lower ER levels are associated with more inflamed tumor microenvironments (TME). We collected a consecutive series of primary tumors from 173 HER2-negative breast cancer patients, enriched for tumors with ER expression between 1 and 99% and found levels of stromal TILs, CD8 + T cells, and PD-L1 positivity in breast tumors with ER 1-9% and ER 10-50% to be comparable to tumors with ER 0%. Expression of immune-related gene signatures in tumors with ER 1-9% and ER 10-50% was comparable to ER 0%, and higher than in tumors with ER 51-99% and ER 100%. Our results suggest that the immune landscape of ER low tumors (1-9%) and ER intermediate tumors (10-50%) mimic that of primary TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Voorwerk
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joyce Sanders
- Department of Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Milou S Keusters
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sara Balduzzi
- Department of Biometrics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sten Cornelissen
- Core Facility Molecular Pathology & Biobanking, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maxime Duijst
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Esther H Lips
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gabe S Sonke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine C Linn
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo M Horlings
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen Kok
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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24
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Lin M, Du T, Tang X, Liao Y, Cao L, Zhang Y, Zheng W, Zhou J. An estrogen response-related signature predicts response to immunotherapy in melanoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1109300. [PMID: 37251404 PMCID: PMC10213284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1109300] [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: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Estrogen/estrogen receptor signaling influences the tumor microenvironment and affects the efficacy of immunotherapy in some tumors, including melanoma. This study aimed to construct an estrogen response-related gene signature for predicting response to immunotherapy in melanoma. Methods RNA sequencing data of 4 immunotherapy-treated melanoma datasets and TCGA melanoma was obtained from open access repository. Differential expression analysis and pathway analysis were performed between immunotherapy responders and non-responders. Using dataset GSE91061 as the training group, a multivariate logistic regression model was built from estrogen response-related differential expression genes to predict the response to immunotherapy. The other 3 datasets of immunotherapy-treated melanoma were used as the validation group. The correlation was also examined between the prediction score from the model and immune cell infiltration estimated by xCell in the immunotherapy-treated and TCGA melanoma cases. Results "Hallmark Estrogen Response Late" was significantly downregulated in immunotherapy responders. 11 estrogen response-related genes were significantly differentially expressed between immunotherapy responders and non-responders, and were included in the multivariate logistic regression model. The AUC was 0.888 in the training group and 0.654-0.720 in the validation group. A higher 11-gene signature score was significantly correlated to increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells (rho=0.32, p=0.02). TCGA melanoma with a high signature score showed a significantly higher proportion of immune-enriched/fibrotic and immune-enriched/non-fibrotic microenvironment subtypes (p<0.001)-subtypes with better response to immunotherapy-and significantly better progression-free interval (p=0.021). Conclusion In this study, we identified and verified an 11-gene signature that could predict response to immunotherapy in melanoma and was correlated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Our study suggests targeting estrogen-related pathways may serve as a combination strategy for immunotherapy in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tian Du
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liao
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Cao
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Lee EJ, Lee KJ, Jung S, Park KH, Park SI. Mobilization of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells is regulated by PTH1R activation in bone marrow stromal cells. Bone Res 2023; 11:22. [PMID: 37085481 PMCID: PMC10121701 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-023-00255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are bone marrow (BM)-derived immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment, but the mechanism of MDSC mobilization from the BM remains unclear. We investigated how BM stromal cell activation by PTH1R contributes to MDSC mobilization. PTH1R activation by parathyroid hormone (PTH) or PTH-related peptide (PTHrP), a tumor-derived counterpart, mobilized monocytic (M-) MDSCs from murine BM without increasing immunosuppressive activity. In vitro cell-binding assays demonstrated that α4β1 integrin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, expressed on M-MDSCs and osteoblasts, respectively, are key to M-MDSC binding to osteoblasts. Upon PTH1R activation, osteoblasts express VEGF-A and IL6, leading to Src family kinase phosphorylation in M-MDSCs. Src inhibitors suppressed PTHrP-induced MDSC mobilization, and Src activation in M-MDSCs upregulated two proteases, ADAM-17 and MMP7, leading to VCAM1 shedding and subsequent disruption of M-MDSC tethering to osteoblasts. Collectively, our data provide the molecular mechanism of M-MDSC mobilization in the bones of tumor hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jung Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- The BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Jin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- The BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungpil Jung
- Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Hwa Park
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Serk In Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- The BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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26
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Minor BMN, LeMoine D, Seger C, Gibbons E, Koudouovoh J, Taya M, Kurtz D, Xu Y, Hammes SR. Estradiol Augments Tumor-Induced Neutrophil Production to Promote Tumor Cell Actions in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Models. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad061. [PMID: 37042477 PMCID: PMC10164661 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cystic lung disease caused by smooth muscle cell-like tumors containing tuberous sclerosis (TSC) gene mutations and found almost exclusively in females. Patient studies suggest LAM progression is estrogen dependent, an observation supported by in vivo mouse models. However, in vitro data using TSC-null cell lines demonstrate modest estradiol (E2) responses, suggesting E2 effects in vivo may involve pathways independent of direct tumor stimulation. We previously reported tumor-dependent neutrophil expansion and promotion of TSC2-null tumor growth in an E2-sensitive LAM mouse model. We therefore hypothesized that E2 stimulates tumor growth in part by promoting neutrophil production. Here we report that E2-enhanced lung colonization of TSC2-null cells is indeed dependent on neutrophils. We demonstrate that E2 induces granulopoiesis via estrogen receptor α in male and female bone marrow cultures. With our novel TSC2-null mouse myometrial cell line, we show that factors released from these cells drive E2-sensitive neutrophil production. Last, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from LAM patients and demonstrate the presence of tumor-activated neutrophils. Our data suggest a powerful positive feedback loop whereby E2 and tumor factors induce neutrophil expansion, which in turn intensifies tumor growth and production of neutrophil-stimulating factors, resulting in continued TSC2-null tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briaunna M N Minor
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Dana LeMoine
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Christina Seger
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Erin Gibbons
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Jules Koudouovoh
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Manisha Taya
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UTSW Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Daniel Kurtz
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Divisions of Pulmonary Biology & Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Stephen R Hammes
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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27
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Kajihara N, Kobayashi T, Otsuka R, Nio-Kobayashi J, Oshino T, Takahashi M, Imanishi S, Hashimoto A, Wada H, Seino KI. Tumor-derived interleukin-34 creates an immunosuppressive and chemoresistant tumor microenvironment by modulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells in triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:851-864. [PMID: 36104597 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03293-3] [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: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype characterized by a lack of therapeutic targets. The paucity of effective treatment options motivated a number of studies to tackle this problem. Immunosuppressive cells infiltrated into the tumor microenvironment (TME) of TNBC are currently considered as candidates for new therapeutic targets. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been reported to populate in the TME of TNBC, but their roles in the clinical and biological features of TNBC have not been clarified. This study identified that interleukin-34 (IL-34) released by TNBC cells is a crucial immunomodulator to regulate MDSCs accumulation in the TME. We provide evidence that IL-34 induces a differentiation of myeloid stem cells into monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) that recruits regulatory T (Treg) cells, while suppressing a differentiation into polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs). As a result, the increase in M-MDSCs contributes to the creation of an immunosuppressive TME, and the decrease in PMN-MDSCs suppresses angiogenesis, leading to an acquisition of resistance to chemotherapy. Accordingly, blockade of M-MDSC differentiation with an estrogen receptor inhibitor or anti-IL-34 monoclonal antibody suppressed M-MDSCs accumulation causing retardation of tumor growth and restores chemosensitivity of the tumor by promoting PMN-MDSCs accumulation. This study demonstrates previously poorly understood mechanisms of MDSCs-mediated chemoresistance in the TME of TNBC, which is originated from the existence of IL-34, suggesting a new rationale for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeel Kajihara
- Division of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Takuto Kobayashi
- Division of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Ryo Otsuka
- Division of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Junko Nio-Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Histology and Cytology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Oshino
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hokkaido University Hospital, Kita-14 Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-8648, Japan
| | - Masato Takahashi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hokkaido University Hospital, Kita-14 Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-8648, Japan
| | - Seiichi Imanishi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Nagasone-cho 1179-3, Kita-ku, Sakai city, Osaka, 591-8025, Japan
| | - Ari Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Haruka Wada
- Division of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Seino
- Division of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-0815, Japan.
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28
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Wang W, Spurgeon ME, Pope A, McGregor S, Ward-Shaw E, Gronski E, Lambert PF. Stress keratin 17 and estrogen support viral persistence and modulate the immune environment during cervicovaginal murine papillomavirus infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2214225120. [PMID: 36917668 PMCID: PMC10041145 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214225120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A murine papillomavirus, MmuPV1, infects both cutaneous and mucosal epithelia of laboratory mice and can be used to model high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-associated disease. We have shown that estrogen exacerbates papillomavirus-induced cervical disease in HPV-transgenic mice. We have also previously identified stress keratin 17 (K17) as a host factor that supports MmuPV1-induced cutaneous disease. Here, we sought to test the role of estrogen and K17 in MmuPV1 infection and associated disease in the female reproductive tract. We experimentally infected wild-type and K17 knockout (K17KO) mice with MmuPV1 in the female reproductive tract in the presence or absence of exogenous estrogen for 6 mon. We observed that a significantly higher percentage of K17KO mice cleared the virus as opposed to wild-type mice. In estrogen-treated wild-type mice, the MmuPV1 viral copy number was significantly higher compared to untreated mice by as early as 2 wk postinfection, suggesting that estrogen may help facilitate MmuPV1 infection and/or establishment. Consistent with this, viral clearance was not observed in either wild-type or K17KO mice when treated with estrogen. Furthermore, neoplastic disease progression and cervical carcinogenesis were supported by the presence of K17 and exacerbated by estrogen treatment. Subsequent analyses indicated that estrogen treatment induces a systemic immunosuppressive state in MmuPV1-infected animals and that both estrogen and K17 modulate the local intratumoral immune microenvironment within MmuPV1-induced neoplastic lesions. Collectively, these findings suggest that estrogen and K17 act at multiple stages of papillomavirus-induced disease at least in part via immunomodulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI53705
| | - Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI53705
| | - Ali Pope
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI53705
| | - Stephanie McGregor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI53705
| | - Ella Ward-Shaw
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI53705
| | - Ellery Gronski
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI53705
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI53705
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Tamoxifen Modulates the Immune Landscape of the Tumour Microenvironment: The Paired Siglec-5/14 Checkpoint in Anti-Tumour Immunity in an In Vitro Model of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065512. [PMID: 36982588 PMCID: PMC10057974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the role of sialome–Siglec axis has been described as a regulatory checkpoint of immune homeostasis, the promotion of stimulatory or inhibitory Siglec-related mechanisms is crucial in cancer progression and therapy. Here, we investigated the effect of tamoxifen on the sialic acid–Siglec interplay and its significance in immune conversion in breast cancer. To mimic the tumour microenvironment, we used oestrogen-dependent or oestrogen-independent breast cancer cells/THP-1 monocytes transwell co-cultures exposed to tamoxifen and/or β-estradiol. We found changes in the cytokine profiles accompanied by immune phenotype switching, as measured by the expression of arginase-1. The immunomodulatory effects of tamoxifen in THP-1 cells occurred with the altered SIGLEC5 and SIGLEC14 genes and the expression of their products, as confirmed by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Additionally, exposure to tamoxifen increased the binding of Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 fusion proteins to breast cancer cells; however, these effects appeared to be unassociated with oestrogen dependency. Our results suggest that tamoxifen-induced alterations in the immune activity of breast cancer reflect a crosstalk between the Siglec-expressing cells and the tumour’s sialome. Given the distribution of Siglec-5/14, the expression profile of inhibitory and activatory Siglecs in breast cancer patients may be useful in the verification of therapeutic strategies and predicting the tumour’s behaviour and the patient’s overall survival.
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Hu J, Zhang L, Xia H, Yan Y, Zhu X, Sun F, Sun L, Li S, Li D, Wang J, Han Y, Zhang J, Bian D, Yu H, Chen Y, Fan P, Ma Q, Jiang G, Wang C, Zhang P. Tumor microenvironment remodeling after neoadjuvant immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Genome Med 2023; 15:14. [PMID: 36869384 PMCID: PMC9985263 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but most patients are refractory to immunotherapy or acquire resistance, with the underlying mechanisms remaining to be explored. METHODS We characterized the transcriptomes of ~92,000 single cells from 3 pre-treatment and 12 post-treatment patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade combined with chemotherapy. The 12 post-treatment samples were categorized into two groups based on pathologic response: major pathologic response (MPR; n = 4) and non-MPR (NMPR; n = 8). RESULTS Distinct therapy-induced cancer cell transcriptomes were associated with clinical response. Cancer cells from MPR patients exhibited a signature of activated antigen presentation via major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II). Further, the transcriptional signatures of FCRL4+FCRL5+ memory B cells and CD16+CX3CR1+ monocytes were enriched in MPR patients and are predictors of immunotherapy response. Cancer cells from NMPR patients exhibited overexpression of estrogen metabolism enzymes and elevated serum estradiol. In all patients, therapy promoted expansion and activation of cytotoxic T cells and CD16+ NK cells, reduction of immunosuppressive Tregs, and activation of memory CD8+T cells into an effector phenotype. Tissue-resident macrophages were expanded after therapy, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were remodeled into a neutral instead of an anti-tumor phenotype. We revealed the heterogeneity of neutrophils during immunotherapy and identified an aged CCL3+ neutrophil subset was decreased in MPR patients. The aged CCL3+ neutrophils were predicted to interact with SPP1+ TAMs through a positive feedback loop to contribute to a poor therapy response. CONCLUSIONS Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade combined with chemotherapy led to distinct NSCLC tumor microenvironment transcriptomes that correlated with therapy response. Although limited by a small patient sample size subjected to combination therapy, this study provides novel biomarkers to predict therapy response and suggests potential strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Haoran Xia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yilv Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xinsheng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Fenghuan Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Liangdong Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shuangyi Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Dianke Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ya Han
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Dongliang Bian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Huansha Yu
- Experimental Animal Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Pengyu Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Gening Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- The 1st School of Medicine, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China.
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31
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Terrisse S, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G. Impact of microbiota on breast cancer hormone therapy. Cell Stress 2023; 7:12-19. [PMID: 36926118 PMCID: PMC10012050 DOI: 10.15698/cst2023.03.277] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent observations indicate that the pathogenesis and prognosis of hormone-receptor breast cancer is not only dictated by the properties of the malignant cells but also by immune and microbial parameters. Thus, the immunosurveillance system retards the development of hormone-positive breast cancer and contributes to the therapeutic efficacy of estrogen receptor antagonists and aromatase inhibitors. Moreover, the anticancer immune response is profoundly modulated by the local and intestinal microbiota, which influences cancer cell-intrinsic signaling pathways, affects the composition and function of the immune infiltrate present in the tumor microenvironment and modulates the metabolism of estrogens. Indeed, specific bacteria in the gut produce enzymes that affect the enterohepatic cycle of estrogen metabolites, convert estrogens into androgens or generate estrogen-like molecules. The knowledge of these circuitries is in its infancy, calling for further in-depth analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- INSERM U1015, Equipe Labellisée - Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.,Gustave Roussy, ClinicObiome, Villejuif, France.,Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT) 1428, Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Inserm U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France.,Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
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32
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Chakraborty B, Byemerwa J, Krebs T, Lim F, Chang CY, McDonnell DP. Estrogen Receptor Signaling in the Immune System. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:117-141. [PMID: 35709009 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The immune system functions in a sexually dimorphic manner, with females exhibiting more robust immune responses than males. However, how female sex hormones affect immune function in normal homeostasis and in autoimmunity is poorly understood. In this review, we discuss how estrogens affect innate and adaptive immune cell activity and how dysregulation of estrogen signaling underlies the pathobiology of some autoimmune diseases and cancers. The potential roles of the major circulating estrogens, and each of the 3 estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ, and G-protein coupled receptor) in the regulation of the activity of different immune cells are considered. This provides the framework for a discussion of the impact of ER modulators (aromatase inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and selective estrogen receptor downregulators) on immunity. Synthesis of this information is timely given the considerable interest of late in defining the mechanistic basis of sex-biased responses/outcomes in patients with different cancers treated with immune checkpoint blockade. It will also be instructive with respect to the further development of ER modulators that modulate immunity in a therapeutically useful manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binita Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jovita Byemerwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Taylor Krebs
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Known Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Felicia Lim
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ching-Yi Chang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Donald P McDonnell
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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33
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Onkar SS, Carleton NM, Lucas PC, Bruno TC, Lee AV, Vignali DAA, Oesterreich S. The Great Immune Escape: Understanding the Divergent Immune Response in Breast Cancer Subtypes. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:23-40. [PMID: 36620880 PMCID: PMC9833841 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer, the most common type of cancer affecting women, encompasses a collection of histologic (mainly ductal and lobular) and molecular subtypes exhibiting diverse clinical presentation, disease trajectories, treatment options, and outcomes. Immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment for some solid tumors but has shown limited promise for breast cancers. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the complex interactions between tumor and immune cells in subtypes of breast cancer at the cellular and microenvironmental levels. We aim to provide a perspective on opportunities for future immunotherapy agents tailored to specific features of each subtype of breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Although there are currently over 200 ongoing clinical trials testing immunotherapeutics, such as immune-checkpoint blockade agents, these are largely restricted to the triple-negative and HER2+ subtypes and primarily focus on T cells. With the rapid expansion of new in vitro, in vivo, and clinical data, it is critical to identify and highlight the challenges and opportunities unique for each breast cancer subtype to drive the next generation of treatments that harness the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayali S. Onkar
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Neil M. Carleton
- Women’s Cancer Research Center, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Peter C Lucas
- Women’s Cancer Research Center, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Adrian V Lee
- Women’s Cancer Research Center, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Dario AA Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Women’s Cancer Research Center, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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34
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Hargrove-Wiley E, Fingleton B. Sex Hormones in Breast Cancer Immunity. Cancer Res 2023; 83:12-19. [PMID: 36279153 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormones, such as estrogens and androgens, regulate genomic and cellular processes that contribute to sex-specific disparities in the pathophysiology of various cancers. Sex hormones can modulate the immune signals and activities of tumor cells and tumor-associated leukocytes to support or suppress cancer progression. Therefore, hormonal differences between males and females play a crucial role in cancer immunity and in the response to therapies that exploit the intrinsic immune system to eliminate malignant cells. In this review, we summarize the impact of sex hormones in the breast cancer microenvironment, with a focus on how the hormonal environment affects tumor immunity. We also discuss the potential benefits of endocrine therapy used in combination with immunotherapy to strengthen the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebony Hargrove-Wiley
- Program in Cancer Biology, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Barbara Fingleton
- Program in Cancer Biology, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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35
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Attalla S, Taifour T, Muller W. Tailoring therapies to counter the divergent immune landscapes of breast cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1111796. [PMID: 36910138 PMCID: PMC9992199 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1111796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant clinical concern affecting millions of women worldwide. Immunotherapy is a rapidly growing drug class that has revolutionized cancer treatment but remains marginally successful in breast cancer. The success of immunotherapy is dependent on the baseline immune responses as well as removing the brakes off pre-existing anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we summarize the different types of immune microenvironment observed in breast cancer as well as provide approaches to target these different immune subtypes. Such approaches have demonstrated pre-clinical success and are currently under clinical evaluation. The impact of combination of these approaches with already approved chemotherapies and immunotherapies may improve patient outcome and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Attalla
- Department Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Goodman Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tarek Taifour
- Goodman Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William Muller
- Department Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Goodman Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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36
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Anesi N, Miquel CH, Laffont S, Guéry JC. The Influence of Sex Hormones and X Chromosome in Immune Responses. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:21-59. [PMID: 37695424 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_2] [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] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Males and females differ in their susceptibility to develop autoimmunity and allergy but also in their capacity to cope with infections and cancers. Cellular targets and molecular pathways underlying sexual dimorphism in immunity have started to emerge and appeared multifactorial. It became increasingly clear that sex-linked biological factors have important impact on the development, tissue maintenance and effector function acquisition of distinct immune cell populations, thereby regulating multiple layers of innate or adaptive immunity through distinct mechanisms. This review discusses the recent development in our understanding of the cell-intrinsic actions of biological factors linked to sex, sex hormones and sex chromosome complement, on immune cells, which may account for the sex differences in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and allergies, and the sex-biased responses in natural immunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Anesi
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Charles-Henry Miquel
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Laffont
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France.
- INSERM UMR1291, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Purpan, Place du Dr. Baylac, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.
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37
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Pang B, Hu C, Li H, Nie X, Wang K, Zhou C, Yi H. Myeloidderived suppressor cells: Escorts at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1080391. [PMID: 36817414 PMCID: PMC9932974 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1080391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a novel heterogenous group of immunosuppressive cells derived from myeloid progenitors. Their role is well known in tumors and autoimmune diseases. In recent years, the role and function of MDSCs during reproduction have attracted increasing attention. Improving the understanding of their strong association with recurrent implantation failure, pathological pregnancy, and neonatal health has become a focus area in research. In this review, we focus on the interaction between MDSCs and other cell types (immune and non-immune cells) from embryo implantation to postpartum. Furthermore, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that could facilitate the therapeutic targeting of MDSCs. Therefore, this review intends to encourage further research in the field of maternal-fetal interface immunity in order to identify probable pathways driving the accumulation of MDSCs and to effectively target their ability to promote embryo implantation, reduce pathological pregnancy, and increase neonatal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pang
- Central Laboratory, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.,Cardiology Department, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Cong Hu
- Central Laboratory, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Prenatal Diagnosis Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huimin Li
- Central Laboratory, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinyu Nie
- Central Laboratory, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Prenatal Diagnosis Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Keqi Wang
- Central Laboratory, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.,Cardiology Department, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- General Department, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huanfa Yi
- Central Laboratory, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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38
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Plackoska V, Shaban D, Nijnik A. Hematologic dysfunction in cancer: Mechanisms, effects on antitumor immunity, and roles in disease progression. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1041010. [PMID: 36561751 PMCID: PMC9763314 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1041010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the major advances in cancer immunology and immunotherapy, it is critical to consider that most immune cells are short-lived and need to be continuously replenished from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Hematologic abnormalities are prevalent in cancer patients, and many ground-breaking studies over the past decade provide insights into their underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Such studies demonstrate that the dysfunction of hematopoiesis is more than a side-effect of cancer pathology, but an important systemic feature of cancer disease. Here we review these many advances, covering the cancer-associated phenotypes of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, the dysfunction of myelopoiesis and erythropoiesis, the importance of extramedullary hematopoiesis in cancer disease, and the developmental origins of tumor associated macrophages. We address the roles of many secreted mediators, signaling pathways, and transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms that mediate such hematopoietic dysfunction. Furthermore, we discuss the important contribution of the hematopoietic dysfunction to cancer immunosuppression, the possible avenues for therapeutic intervention, and highlight the unanswered questions and directions for future work. Overall, hematopoietic dysfunction is established as an active component of the cancer disease mechanisms and an important target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Plackoska
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dania Shaban
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anastasia Nijnik
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Anastasia Nijnik,
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39
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Xu Q, Liu H, Qile M, Wuren T. Dynamic changes in myeloid-derived suppressor cells during the menstrual cycle: A pilot study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:940554. [PMID: 36457573 PMCID: PMC9705596 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.940554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Various studies have described the roles of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in pathological conditions, but relatively few have described them under normal physiological conditions. Accumulation of MDSCs is important creating an anti-inflammation environment, which is essential for fertilized egg implantation. This study was designed to record the dynamic changes in MDSC-like cells composition during the menstrual period (MP) and ovulation period (OP) in healthy volunteers over the course of a single menstrual cycle to explore the association between MDSCs and the menstrual cycle under normal physiological conditions. The ratio of MDSC-like cells was higher in MP samples, whereas the activity of Arg-1 was higher during the OP window. There was a negative correlation between the ratio of MDSC-like cells and the percentage of lymphocytes and a positive correlation between MDSC-like cells and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Furthermore, regular changes in the ratio and function of MDSC-like cells in the peripheral blood were observed during menstruation, all of which corresponded to the cycle stage. During menstruation, MDSCs may promote endometrial repair, whereas they promote pregnancy during the OP. These findings may help to better understand the pathophysiology of pregnancy-related complications and lay a foundation for improving perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Huifang Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Muge Qile
- Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Tana Wuren
- Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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Tower H, Dall G, Davey A, Stewart M, Lanteri P, Ruppert M, Lambouras M, Nasir I, Yeow S, Darcy PK, Ingman WV, Parker B, Haynes NM, Britt KL. Estrogen-induced immune changes within the normal mammary gland. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18986. [PMID: 36347875 PMCID: PMC9643548 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21871-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) incidence increases following aberrant hormone exposure, which has been linked to direct effects on estrogen receptor (ER)+ mammary epithelium. While estrogen exposure during mammary involution has been shown to drive tumour growth via neutrophils, the potential for the ER + immune microenvironment to mediate part (in addition to mammary epithelial cells) of hormonally controlled BCa risk during normal development has not been assessed. We collected mammary tissue, lymph nodes and blood from tumour naïve mice treated with, oophorectomy, estrogen (17β estradiol) or Fulvestrant. Flow cytometry was used to examine the impact on the frequency of innate and adaptive immune cells. Oophorectomy and fulvestrant decreased the proportion of macrophages, particularly pro-tumour polarized M2 macrophages and neutrophils. Conversely, dendritic cells were increased by these therapies, as were eosinophils. Estrogen increased the proportion of M2 macrophages and to a lesser extent CD4-CD8- double negative and FoxP3+ regulatory T cells but decreased CD8 + T cells and B cells. Excluding eosinophils, these changes were restricted to the mammary tissue. This suggests that inhibiting estrogen action lowers the immune suppressive myeloid cells, increases in antigen presentation and eosinophil-mediated direct or indirect cytotoxic effects. In contrast, estrogen exposure, which drives BCa risk, increases the suppressive myeloid cells and reduces anti-tumour cytotoxic T cells. The impact of hormonal exposure on BCa risk, may in part be linked to its immune modulatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Tower
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Genevieve Dall
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia ,grid.1042.70000 0004 0432 4889The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Ashleigh Davey
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia ,grid.1042.70000 0004 0432 4889Structural Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, 5052 Australia
| | - Melanie Stewart
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Patrick Lanteri
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Meagan Ruppert
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Maria Lambouras
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University Clayton, Wellington Rd, Clayton, 3800 Australia
| | - Ibraheem Nasir
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Serene Yeow
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Phillip K. Darcy
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1055.10000000403978434Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wendy V. Ingman
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Discipline of Surgical Specialties, Adelaide Medical School, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5011 Australia ,grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia
| | - Belinda Parker
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1055.10000000403978434Cancer Evolution and Metastasis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Nicole M. Haynes
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1055.10000000403978434Cancer Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Kara L. Britt
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University Clayton, Wellington Rd, Clayton, 3800 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC Australia
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He F, Furones AR, Landegren N, Fuxe J, Sarhan D. Sex dimorphism in the tumor microenvironment - From bench to bedside and back. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:166-179. [PMID: 35278635 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer represents a significant cause of death and suffering in both the developed and developing countries. Key underlying issues in the mortality of cancer are delayed diagnosis and resistance to treatments. However, improvements in biomarkers represent one important step that can be taken for alleviating the suffering caused by malignancy. Precision-based medicine is promising for revolutionizing diagnostic and treatment strategies for cancer patients worldwide. Contemporary methods, including various omics and systems biology approaches, as well as advanced digital imaging and artificial intelligence, allow more accurate assessment of tumor characteristics at the patient level. As a result, treatment strategies can be specifically tailored and adapted for individual and/or groups of patients that carry certain tumor characteristics. This includes immunotherapy, which is based on characterization of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and, more specifically, the presence and activity of immune cell subsets. Unfortunately, while it is increasingly clear that gender strongly affects immune regulation and response, there is a knowledge gap concerning differences in sex-specific immune responses and how these contribute to the immunosuppressive TME and the response to immunotherapy. In fact, sex dimorphism is poorly understood in cancer progression and is typically ignored in current clinical practice. In this review, we aim to survey the available literature and highlight the existing knowledge gap in order to encourage further studies that would contribute to understanding both gender-biased immunosuppression in the TME and the driver of tumor progression towards invasive and metastatic disease. The review highlights the need to include sex optimized/genderized medicine as a new concept in future medicine cancer diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Urology, First affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Andrea Rodgers Furones
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; Tumor Immunology Department, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nils Landegren
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 23, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden
| | - Jonas Fuxe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dhifaf Sarhan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Vathiotis IA, Trontzas I, Gavrielatou N, Gomatou G, Syrigos NK, Kotteas EA. Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Resistance Mechanisms and Future Perspectives. Clin Breast Cancer 2022; 22:642-649. [PMID: 35906130 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.06.004] [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: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 immunotherapy has been incorporated in the treatment algorithm of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, clinical trial results for patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive disease appear less compelling. HR-positive tumors exhibit lower levels of programmed death-ligand 1 expression in comparison with their triple-negative counterparts. Moreover, signaling through estrogen receptor alters the immune microenvironment, rendering such tumors immunologically "cold." To explain differential responses to immune checkpoint blockade, this review interrogates differences between HR-positive and TNBC. Starting from distinct genomic features, we further present disparities concerning the tumor microenvironment and finally, we summarize early-phase clinical trial results on promising novel immunotherapy combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Vathiotis
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Attica, Greece; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
| | - Ioannis Trontzas
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Niki Gavrielatou
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Georgia Gomatou
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K Syrigos
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Elias A Kotteas
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Attica, Greece
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Quail DF, Amulic B, Aziz M, Barnes BJ, Eruslanov E, Fridlender ZG, Goodridge HS, Granot Z, Hidalgo A, Huttenlocher A, Kaplan MJ, Malanchi I, Merghoub T, Meylan E, Mittal V, Pittet MJ, Rubio-Ponce A, Udalova IA, van den Berg TK, Wagner DD, Wang P, Zychlinsky A, de Visser KE, Egeblad M, Kubes P. Neutrophil phenotypes and functions in cancer: A consensus statement. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20220011. [PMID: 35522219 PMCID: PMC9086501 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the first responders to infection and inflammation and are thus a critical component of innate immune defense. Understanding the behavior of neutrophils as they act within various inflammatory contexts has provided insights into their role in sterile and infectious diseases; however, the field of neutrophils in cancer is comparatively young. Here, we summarize key concepts and current knowledge gaps related to the diverse roles of neutrophils throughout cancer progression. We discuss sources of neutrophil heterogeneity in cancer and provide recommendations on nomenclature for neutrophil states that are distinct in maturation and activation. We address discrepancies in the literature that highlight a need for technical standards that ought to be considered between laboratories. Finally, we review emerging questions in neutrophil biology and innate immunity in cancer. Overall, we emphasize that neutrophils are a more diverse population than previously appreciated and that their role in cancer may present novel unexplored opportunities to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela F. Quail
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Borko Amulic
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Monowar Aziz
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Betsy J. Barnes
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Pediatrics, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY
| | - Evgeniy Eruslanov
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Zvi G. Fridlender
- Hadassah Medical Center, Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Helen S. Goodridge
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Research Division of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zvi Granot
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andrés Hidalgo
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program and Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Huttenlocher
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Mariana J. Kaplan
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ilaria Malanchi
- Tumour-Host Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Taha Merghoub
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Etienne Meylan
- Lung Cancer and Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Bordet Cancer Research Laboratories, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Anderlecht, Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Vivek Mittal
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neuberger Berman Foundation Lung Cancer Research Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Mikael J. Pittet
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Rubio-Ponce
- Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irina A. Udalova
- University of Oxford, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Oxford, UK
| | - Timo K. van den Berg
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Denisa D. Wagner
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Arturo Zychlinsky
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin E. de Visser
- Division of Tumour Biology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
- Banbury Center meeting organizers, Diverse Functions of Neutrophils in Cancer, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, NY
| | - Mikala Egeblad
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
- Banbury Center meeting organizers, Diverse Functions of Neutrophils in Cancer, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, NY
| | - Paul Kubes
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Banbury Center meeting organizers, Diverse Functions of Neutrophils in Cancer, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, NY
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Läsche M, Gallwas J, Gründker C. Like Brothers in Arms: How Hormonal Stimuli and Changes in the Metabolism Signaling Cooperate, Leading HPV Infection to Drive the Onset of Cervical Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095050. [PMID: 35563441 PMCID: PMC9103757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite all precautionary actions and the possibility of using vaccinations to counteract infections caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs), HPV-related cancers still account for approximately 5% of all carcinomas. Worldwide, many women are still excluded from adequate health care due to their social position and origin. Therefore, immense efforts in research and therapy are still required to counteract the challenges that this disease entails. The special thing about an HPV infection is that it is not only able to trick the immune system in a sophisticated way, but also, through genetic integration into the host genome, to use all the resources available to the host cells to complete the replication cycle of the virus without activating the alarm mechanisms of immune recognition and elimination. The mechanisms utilized by the virus are the metabolic, immune, and hormonal signaling pathways that it manipulates. Since the virus is dependent on replication enzymes of the host cells, it also intervenes in the cell cycle of the differentiating keratinocytes and shifts their terminal differentiation to the uppermost layers of the squamocolumnar transformation zone (TZ) of the cervix. The individual signaling pathways are closely related and equally important not only for the successful replication of the virus but also for the onset of cervical cancer. We will therefore analyze the effects of HPV infection on metabolic signaling, as well as changes in hormonal and immune signaling in the tumor and its microenvironment to understand how each level of signaling interacts to promote tumorigenesis of cervical cancer.
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Fu X, De Angelis C, Schiff R. Interferon Signaling in Estrogen Receptor-positive Breast Cancer: A Revitalized Topic. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6429717. [PMID: 34791151 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunology is the most rapidly expanding field in cancer research, with the importance of immunity in cancer pathogenesis now well accepted including in the endocrine-related cancers. The immune system plays an essential role in the development of ductal and luminal epithelial differentiation in the mammary gland. Originally identified as evolutionarily conserved antipathogen cytokines, interferons (IFNs) have shown important immune-modulatory and antineoplastic properties when administered to patients with various types of cancer, including breast cancer. Recent studies have drawn attention to the role of tumor- and stromal-infiltrating lymphocytes in dictating therapy response and outcome of breast cancer patients, which, however, is highly dependent on the breast cancer subtype. The emerging role of tumor cell-inherent IFN signaling in the subtype-defined tumor microenvironment could influence therapy response with protumor activities in breast cancer. Here we review evidence with new insights into tumor cell-intrinsic and tumor microenvironment-derived IFN signaling, and the crosstalk of IFN signaling with key signaling pathways in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. We also discuss clinical implications and opportunities exploiting IFN signaling to treat advanced ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Fu
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Carmine De Angelis
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Rachel Schiff
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Maharjan CK, Mo J, Wang L, Kim MC, Wang S, Borcherding N, Vikas P, Zhang W. Natural and Synthetic Estrogens in Chronic Inflammation and Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010206. [PMID: 35008370 PMCID: PMC8744660 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic role of estrogen receptor (ER) signaling in breast cancer has long been established. Interaction of estrogen with estrogen receptor (ER) in the nucleus activates genomic pathways of estrogen signaling. In contrast, estrogen interaction with the cell membrane-bound G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) activates the rapid receptor-mediated signaling transduction cascades. Aberrant estrogen signaling enhances mammary epithelial cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis, hence is an important step towards breast cancer initiation and progression. Meanwhile, a growing number of studies also provide evidence for estrogen's pro- or anti-inflammatory roles. As other articles in this issue cover classic ER and GPER signaling mediated by estrogen, this review will discuss the crucial mechanisms by which estrogen signaling influences chronic inflammation and how that is involved in breast cancer. Xenoestrogens acquired from plant diet or exposure to industrial products constantly interact with and alter innate estrogen signaling at various levels. As such, they can modulate chronic inflammation and breast cancer development. Natural xenoestrogens generally have anti-inflammatory properties, which is consistent with their chemoprotective role in breast cancer. In contrast, synthetic xenoestrogens are proinflammatory and carcinogenic compounds that can increase the risk of breast cancer. This article also highlights important xenoestrogens with a particular focus on their role in inflammation and breast cancer. Improved understanding of the complex relationship between estrogens, inflammation, and breast cancer will guide clinical research on agents that could advance breast cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra K. Maharjan
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (C.K.M.); (J.M.); (L.W.); (M.-C.K.)
| | - Jiao Mo
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (C.K.M.); (J.M.); (L.W.); (M.-C.K.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (C.K.M.); (J.M.); (L.W.); (M.-C.K.)
| | - Myung-Chul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (C.K.M.); (J.M.); (L.W.); (M.-C.K.)
| | - Sameul Wang
- Canyonoak Consulting LLC, San Diego, CA 92127, USA;
| | - Nicholas Borcherding
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Praveen Vikas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (C.K.M.); (J.M.); (L.W.); (M.-C.K.)
- Mechanism of Oncogenesis Program, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Correspondence: to: ; Tel.: +1-352-273-6748
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Chakraborty B, Byemerwa J, Shepherd J, Haines CN, Baldi R, Gong W, Liu W, Mukherjee D, Artham S, Lim F, Bae Y, Brueckner O, Tavares K, Wardell SE, Hanks BA, Perou CM, Chang CY, McDonnell DP. Inhibition of estrogen signaling in myeloid cells increases tumor immunity in melanoma. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:151347. [PMID: 34637400 DOI: 10.1172/jci151347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have significantly prolonged patient survival across multiple tumor types, particularly in melanoma. Interestingly, sex-specific differences in response to ICB have been observed, with males receiving a greater benefit from ICB than females, although the mechanism or mechanisms underlying this difference are unknown. Mining published transcriptomic data sets, we determined that the response to ICBs is influenced by the functionality of intratumoral macrophages. This puts into context our observation that estrogens (E2) working through the estrogen receptor α (ERα) stimulated melanoma growth in murine models by skewing macrophage polarization toward an immune-suppressive state that promoted CD8+ T cell dysfunction and exhaustion and ICB resistance. This activity was not evident in mice harboring macrophage-specific depletion of ERα, confirming a direct role for estrogen signaling within myeloid cells in establishing an immunosuppressed state. Inhibition of ERα using fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor downregulator (SERD), decreased tumor growth, stimulated adaptive immunity, and increased the antitumor efficacy of ICBs. Further, a gene signature that determines ER activity in macrophages predicted survival in patients with melanoma treated with ICB. These results highlight the importance of E2/ER signaling as a regulator of intratumoral macrophage polarization, an activity that can be therapeutically targeted to reverse immune suppression and increase ICB efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binita Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jovita Byemerwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jonathan Shepherd
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Corinne N Haines
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert Baldi
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Weida Gong
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Debarati Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sandeep Artham
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Felicia Lim
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yeeun Bae
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Olivia Brueckner
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kendall Tavares
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Suzanne E Wardell
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brent A Hanks
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Charles M Perou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ching-Yi Chang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donald P McDonnell
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Honda C, Kurozumi S, Katayama A, Hanna-Khalil B, Masuda K, Nakazawa Y, Ogino M, Obayashi S, Yajima R, Makiguchi T, Oyama T, Horiguchi J, Shirabe K, Fujii T. Prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in estrogen receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer. Mol Clin Oncol 2021; 15:252. [PMID: 34671471 PMCID: PMC8521382 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a significant prognostic factor in triple-negative breast cancer. However, the clinicopathological significance of TILs in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of TILs in the prognosis of ER-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer. A total of 65 consecutive patients with ER-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer were examined. TILs in stromal tissue (str-TILs) were graded using the International TILs Working Group criteria. The association between several clinicopathological factors and TIL grade were investigated, and the prognostic impact of TILs was compared between luminal A-like and luminal B-like breast cancer. A total of 51 patients (78.5%) had low-grade (0-10%), 11 (16.9%) had intermediate (10-40%) and 3 (4.6%) had high-grade (40-90%) str-TIL levels. There was a significant association between high levels of Ki67 expression and a high str-TIL count. Relapse-free survival was significantly worse in patients with luminal B-like cancer compared with that in patients with luminal A-like cancer. Patients with an intermediate or high str-TIL count had a better prognosis compared with those with a low str-TIL count. All patients with luminal B-like cancer and intermediate or high str-TIL levels developed no recurrence during follow-up. In conclusion, there was a significant correlation between high-grade str-TIL levels and high tumor cell proliferation rate, as well as high levels of Ki67 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikako Honda
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.,Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Gunma University Hospital, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Sasagu Kurozumi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.,Department of Breast Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba 286-8520, Japan
| | - Ayaka Katayama
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Bishoy Hanna-Khalil
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Kei Masuda
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakazawa
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.,Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Gunma University Hospital, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Misato Ogino
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.,Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Gunma University Hospital, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Sayaka Obayashi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.,Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Gunma University Hospital, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Reina Yajima
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.,Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Gunma University Hospital, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takaya Makiguchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Plastic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Oyama
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Jun Horiguchi
- Department of Breast Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba 286-8520, Japan
| | - Ken Shirabe
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takaaki Fujii
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.,Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Gunma University Hospital, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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Gjorgoska M, Rižner TL. Estrogens and the Schrödinger's Cat in the Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13195011. [PMID: 34638494 PMCID: PMC8508344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ovarian cancer is a complex pathology for which we require effective screening and therapeutical strategies. Apart from the cancer cell portion, there exist plastic immune and non-immune cell populations, jointly constituting the context-adaptive tumor microenvironment, which is pivotal in tumorigenesis. Estrogens might be synthesized in the ovarian tumor tissue and actively contribute to the shaping of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Current immune therapies have limited effectiveness as a multitude of factors influence the outcome. A thorough understanding of the ovarian cancer biology is crucial in the efforts to reestablish homeostasis. Abstract Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous disease affecting the aging ovary, in concert with a complex network of cells and signals, together representing the ovarian tumor microenvironment. As in the “Schrödinger’s cat” thought experiment, the context-dependent constituents of the—by the time of diagnosis—well-established tumor microenvironment may display a tumor-protective and -destructive role. Systemic and locally synthesized estrogens contribute to the formation of a pro-tumoral microenvironment that enables the sustained tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Here we focus on the estrogen biosynthetic and metabolic pathways in ovarian cancer and elaborate their actions on phenotypically plastic, estrogen-responsive, aging immune cells of the tumor microenvironment, altogether highlighting the multicomponent-connectedness and complexity of cancer, and contributing to a broader understanding of the ovarian cancer biology.
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Yang Y, Gao L, Weng NN, Li JJ, Liu JL, Zhou Y, Liao R, Xiong QL, Xu YF, Varela-Ramirez A, Zhu Q. Identification of Novel Molecular Therapeutic Targets and Their Potential Prognostic Biomarkers Among Kinesin Superfamily of Proteins in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:708900. [PMID: 34557409 PMCID: PMC8454465 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.708900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Kinesin superfamily of proteins (KIFs) has been broadly reported to play an indispensable role in the biological process. Recently, emerging evidence reveals its oncogenic role in various cancers. However, the prognostic, oncological, and immunological values of KIFs have not been comprehensively explored in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. We aimed to illustrate the relationship between KIFs and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by using bioinformatical analysis. Methods We use GEPIA, Oncomine datasets, cBioPortal, LOGpc, TIMER, and STRING bioinformatics tools and web servers to investigate the aberrant expression, prognostic values, and oncogenic role of KIFs. The two-gene prognostic model and the correlation between KIFs and KRAS and TP53 mutation were performed using an R-based computational framework. Results Our results demonstrated that KIFC1/2C/4A/11/14/15/18A/18B/20B/23 (we name it prognosis-related KIFs) were upregulated and associated with unfavorable clinical outcome in pancreatic cancer patients. KIF21B overexpression is associated with better clinical outcome. The KIFC1/2C/4A/11/14/15/18A/18B/20B/23 profiles were significantly increased compared to grade 1 and grade 2/3. Besides, KIFC1/2C/4A/11/14/15/18A/18B/20B/23 was significantly associated with the mutation status of KRAS and TP53.Notably, most prognosis-related KIFs have strong correlations with tumor growth and myeloid-derived suppressor cells infiltration (MDSCs). A prognostic signature based on KIF20B and KIF21B showed a reliable predictive performance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to assess the predictive power of two-gene signature. Consequently, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that KIF20B and KIF21B’s overexpression was associated with the immunological and oncogenic pathway activation in pancreatic cancer. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was utilized to investigate the expression pattern of KIF20B and KIF21B in pancreatic cancer cell lines and normal pancreatic cell. Conclusions Knowledge of the expression level of the KIFs may provide novel therapeutic molecular targets and potential prognostic biomarkers to pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lanyang Gao
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ning-Na Weng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun-Jun Li
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Lu Liu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Liao
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qun-Li Xiong
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong-Feng Xu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Armando Varela-Ramirez
- Department of Biological Sciences, The Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Qing Zhu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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