Macrophage type 2 differentiation in a patient with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma to the cervical lymph nodes

The role and therapeutic potential of macrophages in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical role played by macrophages and their underlying mechanisms in the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). It begins by discussing the origins and diverse subtypes of macrophages, elucidating their spatial distribution and modes of intercellular communication, thereby emphasizing their significance in the pathogenesis of DCM. The review then delves into the intricate relationship between macrophages and the onset of DCM, particularly focusing on the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms employed by macrophages in the context of DCM condition. Additionally, the review discusses various therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting macrophages to manage DCM. It specifically highlights the potential of natural food components in alleviating diabetic microvascular complications and examines the modulatory effects of existing hypoglycemic drugs on macrophage activity. These findings, summarized in this review, not only provide fresh insights into the role of macrophages in diabetic microvascular complications but also offer valuable guidance for future therapeutic research and interventions in this field.

Tumor-associated macrophages and PD-L1 in prostate cancer: a possible key to unlocking immunotherapy efficacy

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer (PCa) is often considered as a "cold" tumor with low responsiveness to immunotherapy. Recent evidence suggests the activation of specific immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), could potentially influence the efficacy of immunotherapy in PCa. However, the relationship between TAMs and PD-L1, a significant regulator in immunotherapy, within PCa remains unexplored.

METHODS

In this study, we assessed TAM infiltration and PD-L1 expression levels in a local cohort of 95 PCa tissue samples and two publicly available PCa datasets. We employed a combination of bioinformatics and experimental techniques, including gene set enrichment analysis, CIBERSORTx, tissue microarray, immunohistochemistry staining, and analysis of single-cell sequencing datasets, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the association between PD-L1 and TAMs in the PCa microenvironment.

RESULTS

The study showed that CD68+ TAMs and CD163+ TAMs (M2-TAMs) were more abundant in the tumor microenvironment than in non-cancerous surrounding tissues. The infiltration of CD163+ TAMs was significantly associated with the Gleason score and risk stratification of PCa. Importantly, elevated PD-L1 expression correlated significantly with high infiltration of CD163+ TAMs. Furthermore, patients displaying high levels of CD163+ TAMs and PD-L1 expression exhibited shorter times to biochemical recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that CD163+ TAMs are closely associated with PD-L1 expression and can act as a valuable prognostic indicator for PCa. The high infiltration of M2-TAMs, coupled with the overexpression of PD-L1, may contribute to immune escape mechanisms in PCa, thereby influencing disease prognosis.

Macrophage/microglia polarization for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Macrophages/microglia are immune system defense and homeostatic cells that develop from bone marrow progenitor cells. According to the different phenotypes and immune responses of macrophages (Th1 and Th2), the two primary categories of polarized macrophages/microglia are those conventionally activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2). Macrophage/microglial polarization is a key regulating factor in the development of inflammatory disorders, cancers, metabolic disturbances, and neural degeneration. Macrophage/microglial polarization is involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, pathological angiogenesis, and tissue healing processes in ocular diseases, particularly in diabetic retinopathy (DR). The functional phenotypes of macrophages/microglia affect disease progression and prognosis, and thus regulate the polarization or functional phenotype of microglia at different DR stages, which may offer new concepts for individualized therapy of DR. This review summarizes the involvement of macrophage/microglia polarization in physiological situations and in the pathological process of DR, and discusses the promising role of polarization in personalized treatment of DR.

An immunohistochemical evaluation of tumor-associated macrophages (M1 and M2) in carcinoma prostate - An institutional study

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are the main component of inflammation along with leukocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts together form a tumor microenvironment, with immune cells representing its vital component. Many studies suggested that TAMs cumulating in tumors correlate with a poor prognosis. In prostate cancer, TAMs can increase cancer cell invasion by stimulating tumor angiogenesis, degrading the extracellular matrix, and also suppresses the antitumor functions of cytotoxic T cells resulting in poor prognosis.

Aims and Objectives

: 1. To determine the expression of M1 (CD68) and M2 (CD163) in prostate carcinoma (Pca). 2. To find the association between M1, M2 macrophage with Gleason's score and stage of Pca.

Materials and Methods

: This is a retrospective observational study. All transurethral resection prostatic (TURP) chips positive for Pca and the clinical details were collected. Radiologic findings with respect to stage of disease, size of lesion, were noted.

Results

Among the 62 cases studied, majority of the cases were in-between the age of 61-70 years. Highest cases were seen in Gleason's score 8, 9, and 10 (62%), prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels 20-80 ng/mL (64%), tumor size 3-6 cm (51.6%), T3 stage (40.3%), N1 lymph node stage (70.9%). M1 stage of (31%). CD68 and CD163 expression was analyzed with Gleason's score, TNM stage and PSA levels. CD68 score 3 correlated with low distant and nodal metastasis 6.2% and 6.8%, respectively. CD163 score 3 correlated with high metastasis to lymph nodes and distant metastasis of 86.3% and 25%, respectively. On further analysis, statistically convincing association between the CD163 expression and Gleason's score, PSA levels, nodal and distant metastasis was found.

Conclusion

CD68 expression was correlated with good prognosis with less nodal and distant metastasis and Cd163 expression has poor outcome with increased chances of nodal and distant metastasis. Further exploration of TAM mechanisms and immune checkpoints in the prostate tumor microenvironment can furnish new light and motives for the treatment of Pca.

Tumor-regulated macrophage type 2 differentiation promotes immunosuppression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

AIMS

Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) residing in tumor microenvironment as the major niche cell made remarkable contribution to tumor growth. However, the functional role of macrophage and its different differentiating state as well as the regulating mechanism in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains not fully clear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LSCC samples were collected from patients. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from volunteers' blood, and used for macrophage induction. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was performed to detect proinflammatory cytokines. Immunostaining was prepared to observe tumor tissues.

KEY FINDINGS

Here, we found the number of type 2 macrophage (MΦ2) and PDL-1 expression was increased in LSCC that was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with LSCC. Tumor cells induced macrophage into type 2 differentiation by TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. The primed MΦ2 produced IL-10 by activating JAK/STAT signaling that promoted PDL-1 expression in tumor cells leading to its immunosuppression. Inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling promoted tumor cells death from immune cells killing by regulating PDL-1 expression. Targeting cytokines TGF-β or IL-10 synergistically enhances the sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy in vivo.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, our findings showed tumor cells and MΦ2 were bilaterally regulated through cytokines production that integrally advanced tumor progression through boosting anti-tumor immunity. It provides insight to develop immune strategies synergy with chemotherapy in treating laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Multi-lectin Affinity Chromatography and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveal Differential Glycoform Levels between Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Sera

Currently prostate-specific antigen is used for prostate cancer (PCa) screening, however it lacks the necessary specificity for differentiating PCa from other diseases of the prostate such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), presenting a clinical need to distinguish these cases at the molecular level. Protein glycosylation plays an important role in a number of cellular processes involved in neoplastic progression and is aberrant in PCa. In this study, we systematically interrogate the alterations in the circulating levels of hundreds of serum proteins and their glycoforms in PCa and BPH samples using multi-lectin affinity chromatography and quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Specific lectins (AAL, PHA-L and PHA-E) were used to target and chromatographically separate core-fucosylated and highly-branched protein glycoforms for analysis, as differential expression of these glycan types have been previously associated with PCa. Global levels of CD5L, CFP, C8A, BST1, and C7 were significantly increased in the PCa samples. Notable glycoform-specific alterations between BPH and PCa were identified among proteins CD163, C4A, and ATRN in the PHA-L/E fraction and among C4BPB and AZGP1 glycoforms in the AAL fraction. Despite these modest differences, substantial similarities in glycoproteomic profiles were observed between PCa and BPH sera.