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Bay M, Seval GC, Coskun O, Gurman G, Erdas NO. Phosphatidylserine and Tyro3-Axl-Mertk Receptor Tyrosine Kinase level detection in plasma and on plasma-derived extracellular vesicle surface in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4035. [PMID: 38715180 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4035] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by monoclonal B cell proliferation. Studies carried out in recent years suggest that extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be a potential biomarker in cancer. Tyro3-Axl-Mertk (TAM) Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) and Phosphatidylserine (PS) have crucial roles in macrophage-mediated immune response under normal conditions. In the tumor microenvironment, these molecules contribute to immunosuppressive signals and prevent the formation of local and systemic antitumor immune responses. Based on this, we aimed to evaluate the amount of PS and TAM RTK in plasma and on the surface of EVs in CLL patients and healthy volunteers in this study. In this study, 25 CLL (11 F/14 M) patients in the Rai (O-I) stage, newly diagnosed or followed up without treatment, and 15 healthy volunteers (11 F/4 M) as a control group were included. For all samples, PS and TAM RTK levels were examined first in the plasma and then in the EVs obtained from the plasma. We detected a significant decrease in plasma PS, and TAM RTK levels in CLL patients compared to the control. Besides, we determined a significant increase in TAM RTK levels on the EV surface in CLL, except for PS. In conclusion, these receptor levels measured by ELISA in plasma may not be effective for the preliminary detection of CLL. However, especially TAM RTKs on the surface of EVs may be good biomarkers and potential targets for CLL therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/blood
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism
- Extracellular Vesicles/chemistry
- Female
- Phosphatidylserines/metabolism
- Phosphatidylserines/blood
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/blood
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Aged
- Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/blood
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Adult
- c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase/metabolism
- Aged, 80 and over
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Bay
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Oznur Coskun
- Department of Genetics, Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gunhan Gurman
- Losante Children's and Adult Hospital Cancer Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nesrin Ozsoy Erdas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Grøndal SM, Tutusaus A, Boix L, Reig M, Blø M, Hodneland L, Gausdal G, Jackson A, Garcia de Frutos P, Lorens JB, Morales A, Marí M. Dynamic changes in immune cell populations by AXL kinase targeting diminish liver inflammation and fibrosis in experimental MASH. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400553. [PMID: 38817615 PMCID: PMC11137289 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400553] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant health concern with limited treatment options. AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase activated by the GAS6 ligand, promotes MASH through activation of hepatic stellate cells and inflammatory macrophages. This study identified cell subsets affected by MASH progression and the effect of AXL inhibition. Methods Mice were fed chow or different fat-enriched diets to induce MASH, and small molecule AXL kinase inhibition with bemcentinib was evaluated. Gene expression was measured by qPCR. Time-of-flight mass cytometry (CyTOF) used single cells from dissociated livers, acquired on the Fluidigm Helios, and cell populations were studied using machine learning. Results In mice fed different fat-enriched diets, liver steatosis alone was insufficient to elevate plasma soluble AXL (sAXL) levels. However, in conjunction with inflammation, sAXL increases, serving as an early indicator of steatohepatitis progression. Bemcentinib, an AXL inhibitor, effectively reduced proinflammatory responses in MASH models, even before fibrosis appearance. Utilizing CyTOF analysis, we detected a decreased population of Kupffer cells during MASH while promoting infiltration of monocytes/macrophages and CD8+ T cells. Bemcentinib partially restored Kupffer cells, reduced pDCs and GzmB- NK cells, and increased GzmB+CD8+ T cells and LSECs. Additionally, AXL inhibition enhanced a subtype of GzmB+CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells characterized by CX3CR1 expression. Furthermore, bemcentinib altered the transcriptomic landscape associated with MASH progression, particularly in TLR signaling and inflammatory response, exhibiting differential cytokine expression in the plasma, consistent with liver repair and decreased inflammation. Conclusion Our findings highlight sAXL as a biomarker for monitoring MASH progression and demonstrate that AXL targeting shifted liver macrophages and CD8+ T-cell subsets away from an inflammatory phenotype toward fibrotic resolution and organ healing, presenting a promising strategy for MASH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sturla Magnus Grøndal
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Tutusaus
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Loreto Boix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Reig
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Pablo Garcia de Frutos
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Unidad Asociada (IMIM), Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - James Bradley Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- BerGenBio ASA, Bergen, Norway
| | - Albert Morales
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
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Lahey KC, Varsanyi C, Wang Z, Aquib A, Gadiyar V, Rodrigues AA, Pulica R, Desind S, Davra V, Calianese DC, Liu D, Cho JH, Kotenko SV, De Lorenzo MS, Birge RB. Regulation of Mertk Surface Expression via ADAM17 and γ-Secretase Proteolytic Processing. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4404. [PMID: 38673989 PMCID: PMC11050108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084404] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mertk, a type I receptor tyrosine kinase and member of the TAM family of receptors, has important functions in promoting efferocytosis and resolving inflammation under physiological conditions. In recent years, Mertk has also been linked to pathophysiological roles in cancer, whereby, in several cancer types, including solid cancers and leukemia/lymphomas. Mertk contributes to oncogenic features of proliferation and cell survival as an oncogenic tyrosine kinase. In addition, Mertk expressed on macrophages, including tumor-associated macrophages, promotes immune evasion in cancer and is suggested to act akin to a myeloid checkpoint inhibitor that skews macrophages towards inhibitory phenotypes that suppress host T-cell anti-tumor immunity. In the present study, to better understand the post-translational regulation mechanisms controlling Mertk expression in monocytes/macrophages, we used a PMA-differentiated THP-1 cell model to interrogate the regulation of Mertk expression and developed a novel Mertk reporter cell line to study the intracellular trafficking of Mertk. We show that PMA treatment potently up-regulates Mertk as well as components of the ectodomain proteolytic processing platform ADAM17, whereas PMA differentially regulates the canonical Mertk ligands Gas6 and Pros1 (Gas6 is down-regulated and Pros1 is up-regulated). Under non-stimulated homeostatic conditions, Mertk in PMA-differentiated THP1 cells shows active constitutive proteolytic cleavage by the sequential activities of ADAM17 and the Presenilin/γ-secretase complex, indicating that Mertk is cleaved homeostatically by the combined sequential action of ADAM17 and γ-secretase, after which the cleaved intracellular fragment of Mertk is degraded in a proteasome-dependent mechanism. Using chimeric Flag-Mertk-EGFP-Myc reporter receptors, we confirm that inhibitors of γ-secretase and MG132, which inhibits the 26S proteasome, stabilize the intracellular fragment of Mertk without evidence of nuclear translocation. Finally, the treatment of cells with active γ-carboxylated Gas6, but not inactive Warfarin-treated non-γ-carboxylated Gas6, regulates a distinct proteolytic itinerary-involved receptor clearance and lysosomal proteolysis. Together, these results indicate that pleotropic and complex proteolytic activities regulate Mertk ectodomain cleavage as a homeostatic negative regulatory event to safeguard against the overactivation of Mertk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C. Lahey
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Christopher Varsanyi
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Ziren Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Ahmed Aquib
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Varsha Gadiyar
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Alcina A. Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Rachael Pulica
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Samuel Desind
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Viralkumar Davra
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - David C. Calianese
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA; (D.L.); (J.-H.C.)
| | - Jong-Hyun Cho
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA; (D.L.); (J.-H.C.)
| | - Sergei V. Kotenko
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Mariana S. De Lorenzo
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Raymond B. Birge
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
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Asadian N, Aprico A, Chen M, Yuen D, Johnston APR, Kilpatrick TJ, Binder MD. The therapeutic effect of GAS6 in remyelination is dependent upon Tyro3. Glia 2024. [PMID: 38572807 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by demyelination, axonal damage and, for the majority of people, a decline in neurological function in the long-term. Remyelination could assist in the protection of axons and their functional recovery, but such therapies are not, as yet, available. The TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and MERTK) receptor ligand GAS6 potentiates myelination in vitro and promotes recovery in pre-clinical models of MS. However, it has remained unclear which TAM receptor is responsible for transducing this effect and whether post-translational modification of GAS6 is required. In this study, we show that the promotion of myelination requires post-translational modification of the GLA domain of GAS6 via vitamin K-dependent γ-carboxylation. We also confirmed that the intracerebroventricular provision of GAS6 for 2 weeks to demyelinated wild-type (WT) mice challenged with cuprizone increased the density of myelinated axons in the corpus callosum by over 2-fold compared with vehicle control. Conversely, the provision of GAS6 to Tyro3 KO mice did not significantly improve the density of myelinated axons. The improvement in remyelination following the provision of GAS6 to WT mice was also accompanied by an increased density of CC1+ve mature oligodendrocytes compared with vehicle control, whereas this improvement was not observed in the absence of Tyro3. This effect occurs independent of any influence on microglial activation. This work therefore establishes that the remyelinative activity of GAS6 is dependent on Tyro3 and includes potentiation of oligodendrocyte numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Asadian
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Aprico
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Moore Chen
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Yuen
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angus P R Johnston
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Trevor J Kilpatrick
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michele D Binder
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Zhang J, Cheng F, Rong G, Tang Z, Gui B. IDN5706 Inhibits Synovial Inflammation via Inducing M2 Polarization of Synovial Macrophages in Osteoarthritis Rats. Pharmacology 2024; 109:156-168. [PMID: 38565085 DOI: 10.1159/000538452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION IDN5706 is a tetrahydro derivative of hyperforin. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of IDN5706 on synovial macrophages in osteoarthritis (OA) rats and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS OA rats were employed for the in vivo experiments, and RAW264.7 cells were employed for the in vitro experiments. Histopathological changes in synovium were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Cell apoptosis in synovium was assessed by TUNEL staining. Macrophage polarization was determined by immunohistochemical analysis and flow cytometry. The mRNA expression and protein level of genes were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The efferocytosis of macrophages was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS IDN5706 reversed the increased CD86-positive cells (M1 macrophages) and decreased CD206-positive cells (M2 macrophages), both in synovium and synovial fluid of OA rats. The in vitro experiments further confirmed the promotion effect of IDN5706 on M2 macrophages, accompanied by the elevated Arg-1 and reduced iNOS. Also, the upregulated p-mTOR in synovium and synovial fluid of OA rats were reversed by IDN5706, and the decreased M1 macrophages and increased M2 macrophages induced by IDN5706 were reversed by the mTOR activator. IDN5706 enhanced the efferocytosis of IL-4-treated RAW264.7 cells, and the animal experiments further revealed the involvement of efferocytosis in the improvement of OA by IDN5706. CONCLUSIONS IDN5706 enhanced the efferocytosis of synovial macrophages by inducing M2 polarization via inhibiting p-mTOR, thus suppressing synovial inflammation and OA development, providing a theoretical basis for IDN5706 as a clinical drug for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fangyue Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Genxiang Rong
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Binjie Gui
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Moon DO. Curcumin in Cancer and Inflammation: An In-Depth Exploration of Molecular Interactions, Therapeutic Potentials, and the Role in Disease Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2911. [PMID: 38474160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052911] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper delves into the diverse and significant roles of curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from the Curcuma longa plant, in the context of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Distinguished by its unique molecular structure, curcumin exhibits potent biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer effects. The research comprehensively investigates curcumin's molecular interactions with key proteins involved in cancer progression and the inflammatory response, primarily through molecular docking studies. In cancer, curcumin's effectiveness is determined by examining its interaction with pivotal proteins like CDK2, CK2α, GSK3β, DYRK2, and EGFR, among others. These interactions suggest curcumin's potential role in impeding cancer cell proliferation and survival. Additionally, the paper highlights curcumin's impact on inflammation by examining its influence on proteins such as COX-2, CRP, PDE4, and MD-2, which are central to the inflammatory pathway. In vitro and clinical studies are extensively reviewed, shedding light on curcumin's binding mechanisms, pharmacological impacts, and therapeutic application in various cancers and inflammatory conditions. These studies are pivotal in understanding curcumin's functionality and its potential as a therapeutic agent. Conclusively, this review emphasizes the therapeutic promise of curcumin in treating a wide range of health issues, attributed to its complex chemistry and broad pharmacological properties. The research points towards curcumin's growing importance as a multi-faceted natural compound in the medical and scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Oh Moon
- Department of Biology Education, Daegu University, 201, Daegudae-ro, Gyeongsan-si 38453, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Miao YR, Rankin EB, Giaccia AJ. Therapeutic targeting of the functionally elusive TAM receptor family. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:201-217. [PMID: 38092952 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00846-8] [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: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The TAM receptor family of TYRO3, AXL and MERTK regulates tissue and immune homeostasis. Aberrant TAM receptor signalling has been linked to a range of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and viral infections. Specifically, the dysregulation of TAM receptors can enhance tumour growth and metastasis due to their involvement in multiple oncogenic pathways. For example, TAM receptors have been implicated in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, maintaining the stem cell phenotype, immune modulation, proliferation, angiogenesis and resistance to conventional and targeted therapies. Therapeutically, multiple TAM receptor inhibitors are in preclinical and clinical development for cancers and other indications, with those targeting AXL being the most clinically advanced. Although there has been notable clinical advancement in recent years, challenges persist. This Review aims to provide both biological and clinical insights into the current therapeutic landscape of TAM receptor inhibitors, and evaluates their potential for the treatment of cancer and non-malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Rebecca Miao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erinn B Rankin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Hemmati S, Saeidikia Z, Seradj H, Mohagheghzadeh A. Immunomodulatory Peptides as Vaccine Adjuvants and Antimicrobial Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:201. [PMID: 38399416 PMCID: PMC10892805 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020201] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The underdevelopment of adjuvant discovery and diversity, compared to core vaccine technology, is evident. On the other hand, antibiotic resistance is on the list of the top ten threats to global health. Immunomodulatory peptides that target a pathogen and modulate the immune system simultaneously are promising for the development of preventive and therapeutic molecules. Since investigating innate immunity in insects has led to prominent achievements in human immunology, such as toll-like receptor (TLR) discovery, we used the capacity of the immunomodulatory peptides of arthropods with concomitant antimicrobial or antitumor activity. An SVM-based machine learning classifier identified short immunomodulatory sequences encrypted in 643 antimicrobial peptides from 55 foe-to-friend arthropods. The critical features involved in efficacy and safety were calculated. Finally, 76 safe immunomodulators were identified. Then, molecular docking and simulation studies defined the target of the most optimal peptide ligands among all human cell-surface TLRs. SPalf2-453 from a crab is a cell-penetrating immunoadjuvant with antiviral properties. The peptide interacts with the TLR1/2 heterodimer. SBsib-711 from a blackfly is a TLR4/MD2 ligand used as a cancer vaccine immunoadjuvant. In addition, SBsib-711 binds CD47 and PD-L1 on tumor cells, which is applicable in cancer immunotherapy as a checkpoint inhibitor. MRh4-679 from a shrimp is a broad-spectrum or universal immunoadjuvant with a putative Th1/Th2-balanced response. We also implemented a pathway enrichment analysis to define fingerprints or immunological signatures for further in vitro and in vivo immunogenicity and reactogenicity measurements. Conclusively, combinatorial machine learning, molecular docking, and simulation studies, as well as systems biology, open a new opportunity for the discovery and development of multifunctional prophylactic and therapeutic lead peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Zahra Saeidikia
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran;
| | - Hassan Seradj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran;
| | - Abdolali Mohagheghzadeh
- Department of Phytopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran;
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Tutusaus A, Morales A, García de Frutos P, Marí M. GAS6/TAM Axis as Therapeutic Target in Liver Diseases. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:99-114. [PMID: 38395061 PMCID: PMC11027478 DOI: 10.1055/a-2275-0408] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
TAM (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) protein tyrosine kinase membrane receptors and their vitamin K-dependent ligands GAS6 and protein S (PROS) are well-known players in tumor biology and autoimmune diseases. In contrast, TAM regulation of fibrogenesis and the inflammation mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), cirrhosis, and, ultimately, liver cancer has recently been revealed. GAS6 and PROS binding to phosphatidylserine exposed in outer membranes of apoptotic cells links TAMs, particularly MERTK, with hepatocellular damage. In addition, AXL and MERTK regulate the development of liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic liver diseases. Acute hepatic injury is also mediated by the TAM system, as recent data regarding acetaminophen toxicity and acute-on-chronic liver failure have uncovered. Soluble TAM-related proteins, mainly released from activated macrophages and hepatic stellate cells after hepatic deterioration, are proposed as early serum markers for disease progression. In conclusion, the TAM system is becoming an interesting pharmacological target in liver pathology and a focus of future biomedical research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Barcelona, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Manesia JK, Maganti HB, Almoflehi S, Jahan S, Hasan T, Pasha R, McGregor C, Dumont N, Laganière J, Audet J, Pineault N. AA2P-mediated DNA demethylation synergizes with stem cell agonists to promote expansion of hematopoietic stem cells. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100663. [PMID: 38070507 PMCID: PMC10783628 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules have enabled expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), but limited knowledge is available on whether these agonists can act synergistically. In this work, we identify a stem cell agonist in AA2P and optimize a series of stem cell agonist cocktails (SCACs) to help promote robust expansion of human HSPCs. We find that SCACs provide strong growth-promoting activities while promoting retention and function of immature HSPC. We show that AA2P-mediated HSPC expansion is driven through DNA demethylation leading to enhanced expression of AXL and GAS6. Further, we demonstrate that GAS6 enhances the serial engraftment activity of HSPCs and show that the GAS6/AXL pathway is critical for robust HSPC expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed K Manesia
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Harinad B Maganti
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Department, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sakhar Almoflehi
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Department, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Suria Jahan
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Department, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tanvir Hasan
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Department, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Roya Pasha
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chelsea McGregor
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Julie Audet
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicolas Pineault
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Department, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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11
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Gao M, Huang J, Yang B, Liu Q, Luo M, Yang B, Li X, Liu X. Identification of efferocytosis-related subtypes in gliomas and elucidating their characteristics and clinical significance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1295891. [PMID: 38161335 PMCID: PMC10757721 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1295891] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Gliomas, the most prevalent tumors of the central nervous system, are known for their aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The heterogeneity among gliomas leads to varying responses to the same treatments, even among similar glioma types. In our study, we efferocytosis-related subtypes and explored their characteristics in terms of immune landscape, intercellular communication, and metabolic processes, ultimately elucidating their potential clinical implications. Methods and Results: We first identified efferocytosis-related subtypes in Bulk RNA-seq using the NMF algorithm. We then preliminarily demonstrated the correlation of these subtypes with efferocytosis by examining enrichment scores of cell death pathways, macrophage infiltration, and the expression of immune ligands. Our analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data further supported the association of these subtypes with efferocytosis. Through enrichment analysis, we found that efferocytosis-related subtypes differ from other types of gliomas in terms of immune landscape, intercellular communication, and substance metabolism. Moreover, we found that the efferocytosis-related classification is a prognostic factor with robust predictive performance by calculating the AUC values. We also found that efferocytosis-related subtypes, when compared with other gliomas in drug sensitivity, survival, and TIDE scores, show a clear link to the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy in glioma patients. Discussion: We identified efferocytosis-related subtypes in gliomas by analyzing the expression of 137 efferocytosis-associated genes, exploring their characteristics in immune landscape, intercellular communication, metabolic processes, and genomic variations. Moreover, we discovered that the classification of efferocytosis-related subtypes has a strong prognostic predictive power and holds potential significance in guiding clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengge Gao
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miaoqing Luo
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biying Yang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xujia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Liu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Tang J, Jin Y, Jia F, Lv T, Manaenko A, Zhang LF, Zhang Z, Qi X, Xue Y, Zhao B, Zhang X, Zhang JH, Lu J, Hu Q. Gas6 Promotes Microglia Efferocytosis and Suppresses Inflammation Through Activating Axl/Rac1 Signaling in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Mice. Transl Stroke Res 2023; 14:955-969. [PMID: 36324028 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01099-0] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is characterized by rapid development of neuron apoptosis and dysregulated inflammatory response. Microglia efferocytosis plays a critical role in the clearance of apoptotic cells, attenuation of inflammation, and minimizing brain injury in various pathological conditions. Here, using a mouse SAH model, we aim to investigate whether microglia efferocytosis is involved in post-SAH inflammation and to determine the underlying signaling pathway. We hypothesized that TAM receptors and their ligands regulate this process. To prove our hypothesis, the expression and cellular location of TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk) receptors and their ligands growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) and Protein S (ProS1) were examined by PCR, western blots, and fluorescence immunostaining. Thirty minutes after SAH, mice received an intraventricular injection of recombinant Gas6 (rGas6) or recombinant ProS1 (rPros1) and underwent evaluations of inflammatory mediator expression, neurological deficits, and blood-brain barrier integrity at 24 h. Microglia efferocytosis of apoptotic neurons was analyzed in vivo and in vitro. The potential mechanism was determined by inhibiting or knocking down TAM receptors and Rac1 by specific inhibitors or siRNA. SAH induced upregulation of Axl and its ligand Gas6. The administration of rGas6 but not rPros1 promoted microglia efferocytosis, alleviated inflammation, and ameliorated SAH-induced BBB breakdown and neurological deficits. The beneficial effects of rGas6 were arrogated by inhibiting or knocking down Axl and Rac1. We concluded that rGas6 attenuated the development of early brain injury in mice after SAH by facilitating microglia efferocytosis and preventing inflammatory response, which is partly dependent on activation of Axl and Rac1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjia Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yichao Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Feng Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Tao Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Anatol Manaenko
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin-Feng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xin Qi
- Discipline of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology and Anatomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yajun Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Jianfei Lu
- Discipline of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology and Anatomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201600, China.
| | - Qin Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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13
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Patil D, Bhatt LK. Novel Therapeutic Avenues for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2023; 23:623-640. [PMID: 37670168 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00609-1] [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: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complicated, heterogeneous genetic condition that causes left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, hypercontractility, and decreased compliance. Despite the advances made over the past 3 decades in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms aggravating HCM, the relationship between pathophysiological stress stimuli and distinctive myocyte growth profiles is still imprecise. Currently, mavacamten, a selective and reversible inhibitor of cardiac myosin ATPase, is the only drug approved by the US FDA for the treatment of HCM. Thus, there is an unmet need for developing novel disease-specific therapeutic approaches. This article provides an overview of emerging therapeutic targets for the treatment of HCM based on various molecular pathways and novel developments that are hopefully soon to enter the clinical study. These newly discovered targets include the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1B, the absence of the melanoma 1 inflammasome, the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 enzyme, and the cluster of differentiation 147.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400056, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400056, India.
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14
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DeRyckere D, Huelse JM, Earp HS, Graham DK. TAM family kinases as therapeutic targets at the interface of cancer and immunity. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:755-779. [PMID: 37667010 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00813-7] [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] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Novel treatment approaches are needed to overcome innate and acquired mechanisms of resistance to current anticancer therapies in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment. The TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are potential therapeutic targets in a wide range of cancers. In cancer cells, TAM RTKs activate signalling pathways that promote cell survival, metastasis and resistance to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies. TAM RTKs also function in innate immune cells, contributing to various mechanisms that suppress antitumour immunity and promote resistance to immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, TAM antagonists provide an unprecedented opportunity for both direct and immune-mediated therapeutic activity provided by inhibition of a single target, and are likely to be particularly effective when used in combination with other cancer therapies. To exploit this potential, a variety of agents have been designed to selectively target TAM RTKs, many of which have now entered clinical testing. This Review provides an essential guide to the TAM RTKs for clinicians, including an overview of the rationale for therapeutic targeting of TAM RTKs in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment, a description of the current preclinical and clinical experience with TAM inhibitors, and a perspective on strategies for continued development of TAM-targeted agents for oncology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Justus M Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Shelton Earp
- Department of Medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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15
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Vago JP, Valdrighi N, Blaney-Davidson EN, Hornikx DLAH, Neefjes M, Barba-Sarasua ME, Thielen NGM, van den Bosch MHJ, van der Kraan PM, Koenders MI, Amaral FA, van de Loo FAJ. Gas6/Axl Axis Activation Dampens the Inflammatory Response in Osteoarthritic Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes and Synovial Explants. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050703. [PMID: 37242486 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease, and it is characterized by cartilage degeneration, synovitis, and bone sclerosis, resulting in swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl, and Mer) play an important role in regulating immune responses, clearing apoptotic cells, and promoting tissue repair. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a TAM receptor ligand, i.e., growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6), in synovial fibroblasts from OA patients. TAM receptor expression was determined in synovial tissue. Soluble Axl (sAxl), a decoy receptor for the ligand Gas6, showed concentrations 4.6 times higher than Gas6 in synovial fluid of OA patients. In OA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (OAFLS) exposed to inflammatory stimuli, the levels of sAxl in the supernatants were increased, while the expression of Gas6 was downregulated. In OAFLS under TLR4 stimulation by LPS (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide), the addition of exogenous Gas6 by Gas6-conditioned medium (Gas6-CM) reduced pro-inflammatory markers including IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, CCL2, and CXCL8. Moreover, Gas6-CM downregulated IL-6, CCL2, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated OA synovial explants. Pharmacological inhibition of TAM receptors by a pan inhibitor (RU301) or by a selective Axl inhibitor (RU428) similarly abrogated Gas6-CM anti-inflammatory effects. Mechanistically, Gas6 effects were dependent on Axl activation, determined by Axl, STAT1, and STAT3 phosphorylation, and by the downstream induction of the suppressors of the cytokine signaling family (SOCS1 and SOCS3). Taken together, our results showed that Gas6 treatment dampens inflammatory markers of OAFLS and synovial explants derived from OA patients associated with SOCS1/3 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana P Vago
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Natália Valdrighi
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esmeralda N Blaney-Davidson
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel L A H Hornikx
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Margot Neefjes
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - María E Barba-Sarasua
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie G M Thielen
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn H J van den Bosch
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M van der Kraan
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marije I Koenders
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Flávio A Amaral
- Departament of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fons A J van de Loo
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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16
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Zhou S, Li Y, Zhang Z, Yuan Y. An insight into the TAM system in Alzheimer's disease. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109791. [PMID: 36738678 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109791] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The TAM receptors may help delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common neurodegenerative disease associated with human aging. The TAM receptors, derived from the first letter of its three constituents -Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk, are associated with immune responses, cellular differentiation and migration, and clearance of apoptotic cells and debris, with the two canonical ligands, Growth Arrest Specific 6 (Gas6) and ProS1. Several kinds of research have indicated the participation of the TAM system in AD pathology. Also, the TAMs regulate multiple features of microglia, the significant sensors of disorder in the central nervous system (CNS). In this review, we describe the biology of the TAM receptors and ligands in the CNS. Then, we discuss the relationship between the TAM system and AD, specially focusing on its functional expression in the microglia. Finally, we also summarize some agents that could interfere with the TAM signaling pathways and discuss potential difficulties and strategies for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yanyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Zhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yuhe Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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17
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Phosphatidylserine in the Nervous System: Cytoplasmic Regulator of the AKT and PKC Signaling Pathways and Extracellular "Eat-Me" Signal in Microglial Phagocytosis. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1050-1066. [PMID: 36401705 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03133-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) is an important anionic phospholipid found in eukaryotic cells and has been proven to serve as a beneficial factor in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. PtdSer resides in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, where it is involved in regulating the AKT and PKC signaling pathways; however, it becomes exposed to the extracellular leaflet during neurodevelopmental processes and neurodegenerative diseases, participating in microglia-mediated synaptic and neuronal phagocytosis. In this paper, we review several characteristics of PtdSer, including the synthesis and translocation of PtdSer, the functions of cytoplasmic and exposed PtdSer, and different PtdSer-detection materials used to further understand the role of PtdSer in the nervous system.
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18
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Rizzi M, Tonello S, D’Onghia D, Sainaghi PP. Gas6/TAM Axis Involvement in Modulating Inflammation and Fibrosis in COVID-19 Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020951. [PMID: 36674471 PMCID: PMC9861142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020951] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gas6 (growth arrest-specific gene 6) is a widely expressed vitamin K-dependent protein that is involved in many biological processes such as homeostatic regulation, inflammation and repair/fibrotic processes. It is known that it is the main ligand of TAMs, a tyrosine kinase receptor family of three members, namely MerTK, Tyro-3 and Axl, for which it displays the highest affinity. Gas6/TAM axis activation is known to be involved in modulating inflammatory responses as well as fibrotic evolution in many different pathological conditions. Due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, this review will focus on Gas6/TAM axis activation in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where de-regulated inflammatory responses and fibrosis represent a relevant feature of severe disease manifestation. Furthermore, this review will highlight the most recent scientific evidence supporting an unsuspected role of Axl as a SARS-CoV-2 infection driver, and the potential therapeutic advantages of the use of existing Axl inhibitors in COVID-19 management. From a physiological point of view, the Gas6/TAM axis plays a dual role, fostering the tissue repair processes or leading to organ damage and loss of function, depending on the prevalence of its anti-inflammatory or profibrotic properties. This review makes a strong case for further research focusing on the Gas6/TAM axis as a pharmacological target to manage different disease conditions, such as chronic fibrosis or COVID-19.
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19
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Bellomo G, Rainer C, Quaranta V, Astuti Y, Raymant M, Boyd E, Stafferton R, Campbell F, Ghaneh P, Halloran CM, Hammond DE, Morton JP, Palmer D, Vimalachandran D, Jones R, Mielgo A, Schmid MC. Chemotherapy-induced infiltration of neutrophils promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis via Gas6/AXL signalling axis. Gut 2022; 71:2284-2299. [PMID: 35022267 PMCID: PMC9554050 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic disease and cytotoxic chemotherapy is the standard of care treatment for patients with advanced disease. Here, we investigate how the microenvironment in PDAC liver metastases reacts to chemotherapy and its role in metastatic disease progression post-treatment, an area which is poorly understood. DESIGN The impact of chemotherapy on metastatic disease progression and immune cell infiltrates was characterised using flow and mass cytometry combined with transcriptional and histopathological analysis in experimental PDAC liver metastases mouse models. Findings were validated in patient derived liver metastases and in an autochthonous PDAC mouse model. Human and murine primary cell cocultures and ex vivo patient-derived liver explants were deployed to gain mechanistical insights on whether and how chemotherapy affects the metastatic tumour microenvironment. RESULTS We show that in vivo, chemotherapy induces an initial infiltration of proinflammatory macrophages into the liver and activates cytotoxic T cells, leading only to a temporary restraining of metastatic disease progression. However, after stopping treatment, neutrophils are recruited to the metastatic liver via CXCL1 and 2 secretion by metastatic tumour cells. These neutrophils express growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) which leads to AXL receptor activation on tumour cells enabling their regrowth. Disruption of neutrophil infiltration or inhibition of the Gas6/AXL signalling axis in combination with chemotherapy inhibits metastatic growth. Chemotherapy increases Gas6 expression in circulating neutrophils from patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and recombinant Gas6 is sufficient to promote tumour cell proliferation ex vivo, in patient-derived metastatic liver explants. CONCLUSION Combining chemotherapy with Gas6/AXL or neutrophil targeted therapy could provide a therapeutic benefit for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Bellomo
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Carolyn Rainer
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Valeria Quaranta
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Yuliana Astuti
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Meirion Raymant
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Elzbieta Boyd
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ruth Stafferton
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Fiona Campbell
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paula Ghaneh
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Dean E Hammond
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jennifer P Morton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniel Palmer
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dale Vimalachandran
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robert Jones
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ainhoa Mielgo
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael C Schmid
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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20
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Lo CF, Chiu TY, Liu YT, Pan PY, Liu KL, Hsu CY, Fang MY, Huang YC, Yeh TK, Hsu TA, Chen CT, Huang LR, Tsou LK. Targeting the Phosphatidylserine-Immune Checkpoint with a Small-Molecule Maytansinoid Conjugate. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12802-12824. [PMID: 36153998 PMCID: PMC9574934 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Ligand-targeting drug delivery systems have made significant
strides
for disease treatments with numerous clinical approvals in this era
of precision medicine. Herein, we report a class of small molecule-based
immune checkpoint-targeting maytansinoid conjugates. From the ligand
targeting ability, pharmacokinetics profiling, in vivo anti-pancreatic cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and sorafenib-resistant
liver cancer efficacies with quantitative mRNA analysis of treated-tumor
tissues, we demonstrated that conjugate 40a not only
induced lasting regression of tumor growth, but it also rejuvenated
the once immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to an “inflamed
hot tumor” with significant elevation of gene expressions that
were not accessible in the vehicle-treated tumor. In turn, the immune
checkpoint-targeting small molecule drug conjugate from this work
represents a new pharmacodelivery strategy that can be expanded with
combination therapy with existing immune-oncology treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Fu Lo
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tai-Yu Chiu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Tzu Liu
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Yun Pan
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuan-Liang Liu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Yu Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Yu Fang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Chen Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Teng-Kuang Yeh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsu-An Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chiung-Tong Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Li-Rung Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Lun Kelvin Tsou
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli35053, Taiwan, ROC
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21
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Szondy Z, Al-Zaeed N, Tarban N, Fige É, Garabuczi É, Sarang Z. Involvement of phosphatidylserine receptors in the skeletal muscle regeneration: therapeutic implications. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022; 13:1961-1973. [PMID: 35666022 PMCID: PMC9397555 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength with a risk of adverse outcomes such as disability, poor quality of life, and death. Increasing evidence indicates that diminished ability of the muscle to activate satellite cell-dependent regeneration is one of the factors that might contribute to its development. Skeletal muscle regeneration following myogenic cell death results from the proliferation and differentiation of myogenic stem cells, called satellite cells, located beneath the basal lamina of the muscle fibres. Satellite cell differentiation is not a satellite cell-autonomous process but depends on signals provided by the surrounding cells. Infiltrating macrophages play a key role in the process partly by clearing the necrotic cell debris, partly by producing cytokines and growth factors that guide myogenesis. At the beginning of the muscle regeneration process, macrophages are pro-inflammatory, and the cytokines produced by them trigger the proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells. Following the uptake of dead cells, however, a transcriptionally regulated phenotypic change (macrophage polarization) is induced in them resulting in their transformation into healing macrophages that guide resolution of inflammation, completion of myoblast differentiation, myoblast fusion and growth, and return to homeostasis. Impaired efferocytosis results in delayed cell death clearance, delayed macrophage polarization, prolonged inflammation, and impaired muscle regeneration. Thus, proper efferocytosis by macrophages is a determining factor during muscle repair. Here we review that both efferocytosis and myogenesis are dependent on the cell surface phosphatidylserine (PS), and surprisingly, these two processes share a number of common PS receptors and signalling pathways. Based on these findings, we propose that stimulating the function of PS receptors for facilitating muscle repair following injury could be a successful approach, as it would enhance efferocytosis and myogenesis simultaneously. Because increasing evidence indicates a pathophysiological role of impaired efferocytosis in the development of chronic inflammatory conditions, as well as in impaired muscle regeneration both contributing to the development of sarcopenia, improving efferocytosis should be considered also in its management. Again applying or combining those treatments that target PS receptors would be expected to be the most effective, because they would also promote myogenesis. A potential PS receptor-triggering candidate molecule is milk fat globule-EGF-factor 8 (MFG-E8), which not only stimulates PS-dependent efferocytosis and myoblast fusion but also promotes extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt activation-mediated cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in myoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Szondy
- Section of Dental Biochemistry, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nour Al-Zaeed
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nastaran Tarban
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Fige
- Section of Dental Biochemistry, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Garabuczi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Sarang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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22
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Two-Front War on Cancer-Targeting TAM Receptors in Solid Tumour Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102488. [PMID: 35626092 PMCID: PMC9140196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of TAM kinases in both normal and neoplastic cells. In this review, we present and discuss the role of the TAM family (AXL, MERTK, TYRO3) of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as a dual target in cancer, due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment. This review presents the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, focusing on the distinct structures of TAM receptor tyrosine kinases. We analyse and compare different strategies of TAM inhibition, for a full perspective of current and future battlefields in the war with cancer. Abstract Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors that bind growth factors and cytokines and contain a regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain. RTKs play an important role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells, and their encoding genes belong to the most frequently affected genes in cancer cells. The TAM family proteins (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are involved in diverse biological processes: immune regulation, clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Recent studies show that TAMs share overlapping functions in tumorigenesis and suppression of antitumour immunity. MERTK and AXL operate in innate immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses and promote an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, while AXL expression correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and motility in tumours. Therefore, TAM RTKs represent a dual target in cancer due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. We critically assess and compare current approaches to target TAM RTKs in solid tumours and the development of new inhibitors for both extra- and intracellular domains of TAM receptor kinases.
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23
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Engelsen AST, Lotsberg ML, Abou Khouzam R, Thiery JP, Lorens JB, Chouaib S, Terry S. Dissecting the Role of AXL in Cancer Immune Escape and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2022; 13:869676. [PMID: 35572601 PMCID: PMC9092944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.869676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in clinical oncology have significantly improved the survival of a subset of cancer patients with metastatic disease previously considered uniformly lethal. However, the low response rates and the low number of patients with durable clinical responses remain major concerns and underscore the limited understanding of mechanisms regulating anti-tumor immunity and tumor immune resistance. There is an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of ICI in the clinic, and for predictive tools that can accurately predict ICI responders based on the composition of their tumor microenvironment. The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL has been associated with poor prognosis in numerous malignancies and the emergence of therapy resistance. AXL is a member of the TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) kinase family. Upon binding to its ligand GAS6, AXL regulates cell signaling cascades and cellular communication between various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Converging evidence points to AXL as an attractive molecular target to overcome therapy resistance and immunosuppression, supported by the potential of AXL inhibitors to improve ICI efficacy. Here, we review the current literature on the prominent role of AXL in regulating cancer progression, with particular attention to its effects on anti-tumor immune response and resistance to ICI. We discuss future directions with the aim to understand better the complex role of AXL and TAM receptors in cancer and the potential value of this knowledge and targeted inhibition for the benefit of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnete S. T. Engelsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria L. Lotsberg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
| | - James B. Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
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24
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Owlett LD, Karaahmet B, Le L, Belcher EK, Dionisio-Santos D, Olschowka JA, Elliott MR, O'Banion MK. Gas6 induces inflammation and reduces plaque burden but worsens behavior in a sex-dependent manner in the APP/PS1 model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:38. [PMID: 35130912 PMCID: PMC8822838 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02397-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. TAM receptor tyrosine kinases (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) are known for their role in engagement of phagocytosis and modulation of inflammation, and recent evidence suggests a complex relationship between Axl, Mer, and microglial phagocytosis of amyloid plaques in AD. Gas6, the primary CNS TAM ligand, reduces neuroinflammation and improves outcomes in murine models of CNS disease. Therefore, we hypothesized that AAV-mediated overexpression of Gas6 would alleviate plaque pathology, reduce neuroinflammation, and improve behavior in the APP/PS1 model of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS Adeno-associated viral vectors were used to overexpress Gas6 in the APP/PS1 model of Alzheimer's disease. Nine-month-old male and female APP/PS1 and nontransgenic littermates received bilateral stereotactic hippocampal injections of AAV-Gas6 or AAV-control, which expresses a non-functional Gas6 protein. One month after injections, mice underwent a battery of behavioral tasks to assess cognitive function and brains were processed for immunohistochemical and transcriptional analyses. RESULTS Gas6 overexpression reduced plaque burden in male APP/PS1 mice. However, contrary to our hypothesis, Gas6 increased pro-inflammatory microglial gene expression and worsened contextual fear conditioning compared to control-treated mice. Gas6 overexpression appeared to have no effect on phagocytic mechanisms in vitro or in vivo as measured by CD68 immunohistochemistry, microglial methoxy-04 uptake, and primary microglial uptake of fluorescent fibrillar amyloid beta. CONCLUSION Our data describes a triad of worsened behavior, reduced plaque number, and an increase in proinflammatory signaling in a sex-specific manner. While Gas6 has historically induced anti-inflammatory signatures in the peripheral nervous system, our data suggest an alternative, proinflammatory role in the context of Alzheimer's disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Owlett
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Berke Karaahmet
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Linh Le
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Belcher
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Dawling Dionisio-Santos
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - John A Olschowka
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Michael R Elliott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - M Kerry O'Banion
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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25
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Zhang Y, Ding J, Wang Y, Feng X, Du M, Liu P. Guanxinkang Decoction Attenuates the Inflammation in Atherosclerosis by Regulating Efferocytosis and MAPKs Signaling Pathway in LDLR -/- Mice and RAW264.7 Cells. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:731769. [PMID: 34950025 PMCID: PMC8688952 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.731769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanxinkang decoction (GXK), a traditional Chinese medicinal drug, is used to treat cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of GXK on inflammation in LDLR−/− mice and RAW264.7 cells. Fed with high fat diet for 12 weeks, the mice were randomly divided into six groups, then administered with oral 0.9% saline or GXK (7.24, 14.48, and 28.96 g/kg) or Atorvastatin (1.3 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. RAW 264.7 cells were induced with ox-LDL or ox-LDL plus different concentrations of GXK (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μg/ml), or ox-LDL plus GXK plus MAPKs activators. Serum lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA, gene expression by RT-qPCR, plaque sizes by Oil Red O, α-SMA, caspase 3, NF-κB p65 and TNF-α production by immunofluorescence staining, and protein expression by Western Blot. The phagocytic ability of cells was determined by neutral red uptake assay. Efferocytosis-related proteins (AML, MERTK, TYRO3 and MFGE8) and MAPKs pathways were detected by Western Blot. Compared to mice fed with high fat diet, the mice with GXK showed lower cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, smaller plaque sizes, higher α-SMA, and lower caspase 3 and NF-κB p65 in aortic roots. RAW264.7 cells treated with ox-LDL plus GXK had lower IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. GXK also increased the phagocytic ability of cells. High levels of AML, MERTK, TYRO3 and MFGE8, and decreased levels of iNOS, VCAM-1, LOX-1 and MCP-1, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, p38, and NF-κB were detected in GXK-treated group. MAPKs activators reversed the effects of GXK in repressing inflammation and promoting phagocytosis. These results suggested that GXK could attenuate atherosclerosis and resolve inflammation via efferocytosis and MAPKs signaling pathways in LDLR−/− mice and RAW264.7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiru Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoteng Feng
- Department of Cardiology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Du
- Department of Cardiology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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26
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Zhao J, Zhang W, Wu T, Wang H, Mao J, Liu J, Zhou Z, Lin X, Yan H, Wang Q. Efferocytosis in the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:773344. [PMID: 34926460 PMCID: PMC8678611 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.773344] [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: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The effective clearance of apoptotic cells is essential for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and restoring homeostasis after injury. In most cases of physiological apoptotic cell death, efferocytosis prevents inflammation and other pathological conditions. When apoptotic cells are not effectively cleared, destruction of the integrity of the apoptotic cell membrane integrity, leakage of intracellular contents, and secondary necrosis may occur. Efferocytosis is the mechanism by which efferocytes quickly remove apoptotic cells from tissues before they undergo secondary necrosis. Cells with efferocytosis functions, mainly microglia, help to eliminate apoptotic cells from the CNS. Here, we discuss the impacts of efferocytosis on homeostasis, the mechanism of efferocytosis, the associations of efferocytosis failure and CNS diseases, and the current clinical applications of efferocytosis. We also identify efferocytosis as a novel potential target for exploring the causes and treatments of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Zhao
- Department of Anesthesia, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongyi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jialiang Mao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ziheng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xianfeng Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huige Yan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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27
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Ding J, Liu P. Efferocytosis in multisystem diseases (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 25:13. [PMID: 34779503 PMCID: PMC8600411 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12529] [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] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Efferocytosis, the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells performed by both specialized phagocytes (such as macrophages) and non‑specialized phagocytes (such as epithelial cells), is involved in tissue repair and homeostasis. Effective efferocytosis prevents secondary necrosis, terminates inflammatory responses, promotes self‑tolerance and activates pro‑resolving pathways to maintain homeostasis. When efferocytosis is impaired, apoptotic cells that could not be cleared in time aggregate, resulting in the necrosis of apoptotic cells and release of pro‑inflammatory factors. In addition, defective efferocytosis inhibits the intracellular cholesterol reverse transportation pathways, which may lead to atherosclerosis, lung damage, non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease and neurodegenerative diseases. The uncleared apoptotic cells can also release autoantigens, which can cause autoimmune diseases. Cancer cells escape from phagocytosis via efferocytosis. Therefore, new treatment strategies for diseases related to defective efferocytosis are proposed. This review illustrated the mechanisms of efferocytosis in multisystem diseases and organismal homeostasis and the pathophysiological consequences of defective efferocytosis. Several drugs and treatments available to enhance efferocytosis are also mentioned in the review, serving as new evidence for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yiru Wang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jie Ding
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Ping Liu
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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28
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Geng K. Post-translational modifications of the ligands: Requirement for TAM receptor activation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 357:35-55. [PMID: 33234244 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) receptors are three homologous Type I Receptor Tyrosine Kinases that have important homeostatic functions in multicellular organisms by regulating the clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis). Pathologically, TAM receptors are overexpressed in a wide array of human cancers, and often associated with aggressive tumor grade and poor overall survival. In addition to their expression on tumor cells, TAMs are also expressed on infiltrating myeloid-derived cells in the tumor microenvironment, where they appear to act akin to negative immune checkpoints that impair host anti-tumor immunity. The ligands for TAMs are two endogenous proteins, Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6) and Protein S (Pros1), that function as bridging molecules between externalized phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) on apoptotic cells and the TAM ectodomains. One interesting feature of TAMs biology is that their ligand proteins require specific post-translational modifications to acquire activities. This chapter summarized these important modifications and explained the molecular mechanisms behind such phenomenon. Current evidences suggest that these modifications help Gas6/Pros1 to achieve optimal PtdSer-binding capacities. In addition, this chapter included recent discovery of regulating machineries of PtdSer dynamic across the plasma membrane, as well as their potential impacts in the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, this review highlights the importance of the upstream PtdSer and Gas6 in regulating TAMs' function and hope to provide researchers with new perspectives to inspire future studies of TAM receptors in human disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Geng
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States.
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29
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Accelerating AXL targeting for TNBC therapy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 139:106057. [PMID: 34403827 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor AXL of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family is considered as a promising therapeutic target for different hematological cancers and solid tumors. AXL is involved in multiple pro-tumorigenic processes including cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, and recent studies demonstrated its impact on cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Extensive studies on AXL have highlighted its unique characteristics and physiological functions and suggest that targeting of AXL could be beneficial in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. In this mini review, we discuss possible outcomes of AXL targeting either alone or together with other therapeutic agents and emphasize its impact on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
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30
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Aberrant environment and PS-binding to calnuc C-terminal tail drives exosomal packaging and its metastatic ability. Biochem J 2021; 478:2265-2283. [PMID: 34047336 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The characteristic features of cancer cells are aberrant (acidic) intracellular pH and elevated levels of phosphatidylserine. The primary focus of cancer research is concentrated on the discovery of biomarkers directed towards early diagnosis and therapy. It has been observed that azoxymethane-treated mice demonstrate an increased expression of calnuc (a multi-domain, Ca2+- and DNA-binding protein) in their colon, suggesting it to be a good biomarker of carcinogenesis. We show that culture supernatants from tumor cells have significantly higher amounts of secreted calnuc compared to non-tumor cells, selectively packaged into exosomes. Exosomal calnuc is causal for epithelial-mesenchymal transition and atypical migration in non-tumor cells, which are key events in tumorigenesis and metastasis. In vitro studies reveal a significant affinity for calnuc towards phosphatidylserine, specifically to its C-terminal region, leading to the formation of 'molten globule' conformation. Similar structural changes are observed at acidic pH (pH 4), which demonstrates the role of the acidic microenvironment in causing the molten globule conformation and membrane interaction. On a precise note, we propose that the molten globule structure of calnuc caused by aberrant conditions in cancer cells to be the causative mechanism underlying its exosome-mediated secretion, thereby driving metastasis.
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Schouest B, Beddingfield BJ, Gilbert MH, Bohm RP, Schiro F, Aye PP, Panganiban AT, Magnani DM, Maness NJ. Zika virus infection during pregnancy protects against secondary infection in the absence of CD8 + cells. Virology 2021; 559:100-110. [PMID: 33865073 PMCID: PMC8212702 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
While T cell immunity is an important component of the immune response to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection generally, the efficacy of these responses during pregnancy remains unknown. Here, we tested the capacity of CD8 lymphocytes to protect from secondary challenge in four macaques, two of which were depleted of CD8+ cells prior to rechallenge with a heterologous ZIKV isolate. The initial challenge during pregnancy produced transcriptional signatures suggesting complex patterns of immune modulation as well as neutralizing antibodies that persisted until rechallenge, which all animals efficiently controlled, demonstrating that the primary infection conferred adequate protection. The secondary challenge promoted activation of innate and adaptive immune cells, possibly suggesting a brief period of infection prior to clearance. These data confirm that ZIKV infection during pregnancy induces sufficient immunity to protect from a secondary challenge and suggest that this protection is not dependent on CD8 T cells. Zika infection during pregnancy provides protection from secondary infection. CD8 T cell responses are not needed for protection from secondary infection. Zika infection during pregnancy results in immunomodulatory transcriptional signatures but little IFN response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Schouest
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, USA; Biomedical Sciences Training Program, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Margaret H Gilbert
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Rudolf P Bohm
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Faith Schiro
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Pyone P Aye
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Antonito T Panganiban
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Diogo M Magnani
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Maness
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Du W, Zhu J, Zeng Y, Liu T, Zhang Y, Cai T, Fu Y, Zhang W, Zhang R, Liu Z, Huang JA. KPNB1-mediated nuclear translocation of PD-L1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation via the Gas6/MerTK signaling pathway. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:1284-1300. [PMID: 33139930 PMCID: PMC8027631 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00651-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the role of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in facilitating tumour cells escape from immune surveillance, it is considered as a crucial effector in transducing intrinsic signals to promote tumour development. Our previous study has pointed out that PD-L1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell proliferation, but the mechanism remains elusive. Here we first demonstrated that PD-L1 expression levels were positively correlated with p-MerTK levels in patient samples and NSCLC cell lines. In addition, PD-L1 knockdown led to the reduced phosphorylation level of MerTK in vitro. We next showed that PD-L1 regulated NSCLC cell proliferation via Gas6/MerTK signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we unexpectedly found that PD-L1 translocated into the nucleus of cancer cells which was facilitated through the binding of Karyopherin β1 (KPNB1). Nuclear PD-L1 (nPD-L1), coupled with transcription factor Sp1, regulated the synthesis of Gas6 mRNA and promoted Gas6 secretion to activate MerTK signaling pathway. Taken together, our results shed light on the novel role of nPD-L1 in NSCLC cell proliferation and reveal a new molecular mechanism underlying nPD-L1-mediated Gas6/MerTK signaling activation. All above findings provide the possible combinational implications for PD-L1 targeted immunotherapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Du
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Jianjie Zhu
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China ,grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zeng
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China ,grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Ting Liu
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Cai
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Yulong Fu
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Ruochen Zhang
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Zeyi Liu
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China ,grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Jian-an Huang
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China ,grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China
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Post SM, Andreeff M, DiNardo C, Khoury JD, Ruvolo PP. TAM kinases as regulators of cell death. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:118992. [PMID: 33647320 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.118992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases are critical regulators of signal transduction that support cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of normal Receptor Tyrosine Kinase function by mutation or other activity-altering event can be oncogenic or can impact the transformed malignant cell so it becomes particularly resistant to stress challenge, have increased proliferation, become evasive to immune surveillance, and may be more prone to metastasis of the tumor to other organ sites. The TAM family of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK) is emerging as important components of malignant cell survival in many cancers. The TAM kinases are important regulators of cellular homeostasis and proper cell differentiation in normal cells as receptors for their ligands GAS6 and Protein S. They also are critical to immune and inflammatory processes. In malignant cells, the TAM kinases can act as ligand independent co-receptors to mutant Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and in some cases (e.g. FLT3-ITD mutant) are required for their function. They also have a role in immune checkpoint surveillance. At the time of this review, the Covid-19 pandemic poses a global threat to world health. TAM kinases play an important role in host response to many viruses and it is suggested the TAM kinases may be important in aspects of Covid-19 biology. This review will cover the TAM kinases and their role in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Post
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America; Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Courtney DiNardo
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Joseph D Khoury
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Peter P Ruvolo
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America; Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America.
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Gadiyar V, Patel G, Davra V. Immunological role of TAM receptors in the cancer microenvironment. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 357:57-79. [PMID: 33234245 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
TAM receptors belong to the family of receptor tyrosine kinases, comprising of Tyro3, Axl and Mertk receptors (TAMs) and are important homeostatic regulators of inflammation in higher eukaryotes. Along with their ligands, Gas6 and ProteinS, TAMs acts as receptors to phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), an anionic phospholipid that becomes externalized on the surface of apoptotic and stressed cells. TAM receptors, specially Mertk, have been well established to play a role in the process of efferocytosis, the engulfment of dying cells. Besides being efferocytic receptors, TAMs are pleiotropic immune modulators as the lack of TAM receptors in various mouse models lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Owing to their immune modulatory role, the PtdSer-TAM receptor signaling axis has been well characterized as a global immune-suppressive signal, and in cancers, and emerging literature implicates TAM receptors in cancer immunology and anti-tumor therapeutics. In the tumor microenvironment, immune-suppressive signals, such as ones that originate from TAM receptor signaling can be detrimental to anti-tumor therapy. In this chapter, we discuss immune modulatory functions of TAM receptors in the tumor microenvironment as well role of differentially expressed TAM receptors and their interactions with immune and tumor cells. Finally, we describe current strategies being utilized for targeting TAMs in several cancers and their implications in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Gadiyar
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Gopi Patel
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
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35
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Cai B, Kasikara C. TAM receptors and their ligand-mediated activation: Role in atherosclerosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 357:21-33. [PMID: 33234243 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
TAM family tyrosine kinase receptors including Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK are the key efferocytosis receptors presenting on antigen-presenting cell that mediate the clearance of apoptotic cells. They are thought to regulate inflammatory diseases by modulating inflammatory response and efferocytosis. Recent studies have revealed novel roles of TAM receptors in the biosynthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and inflammation resolution. In this chapter, we discuss the central roles of TAM signaling in atherosclerosis focusing on their regulation in efferocytosis and inflammation resolution and highlight the unique therapeutic potential of SPMs in blocking the progression of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishuang Cai
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Canan Kasikara
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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36
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Gadiyar V, Lahey KC, Calianese D, Devoe C, Mehta D, Bono K, Desind S, Davra V, Birge RB. Cell Death in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102207. [PMID: 33003477 PMCID: PMC7599747 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiological fate of cells that die by apoptosis is their prompt and efficient removal by efferocytosis. During these processes, apoptotic cells release intracellular constituents that include purine nucleotides, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) that induce migration and chemo-attraction of phagocytes as well as mitogens and extracellular membrane-bound vesicles that contribute to apoptosis-induced compensatory proliferation and alteration of the extracellular matrix and the vascular network. Additionally, during efferocytosis, phagocytic cells produce a number of anti-inflammatory and resolving factors, and, together with apoptotic cells, efferocytic events have a homeostatic function that regulates tissue repair. These homeostatic functions are dysregulated in cancers, where, aforementioned events, if not properly controlled, can lead to cancer progression and immune escape. Here, we summarize evidence that apoptosis and efferocytosis are exploited in cancer, as well as discuss current translation and clinical efforts to harness signals from dying cells into therapeutic strategies.
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37
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Giroud P, Renaudineau S, Gudefin L, Calcei A, Menguy T, Rozan C, Mizrahi J, Caux C, Duong V, Valladeau-Guilemond J. Expression of TAM-R in Human Immune Cells and Unique Regulatory Function of MerTK in IL-10 Production by Tolerogenic DC. Front Immunol 2020; 11:564133. [PMID: 33101282 PMCID: PMC7546251 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.564133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells are a key component of the immune infiltrate often correlated with a poor prognosis due to their capacities to sustain an immunosuppressive environment. Among membrane receptors implicated in myeloid cell functions, Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK, which are a family of tyrosine kinase receptors (TAM-R), have been described in the regulation of innate cell functions. Here, we have identified MerTK among TAM-R as the major marker of both human M2 macrophages and tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC). In situ, MerTK expression was found within the immune infiltrate in multiple solid tumors, highlighting its potential role in cancer immunity. TAM-R ligands Gas6 and PROS1 were found to be constitutively produced by myeloid cells in vitro. Importantly, we describe a novel function of MerTK/PROS1 axis in the regulation of IL-10 production by tolerogenic DC. Finally, the analysis of TAM-R expression within the lymphoid compartment following activation revealed that MerTK, but not Axl or Tyro3, is expressed on activated B lymphocytes and regulatory T cells, as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, our findings deepen the implication of MerTK in the regulation of myeloid cell-mediated immunosuppression and identified new cellular targets expressing MerTK that could participate in the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Giroud
- Elsalys Biotech SA, Lyon, France.,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christophe Caux
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Jenny Valladeau-Guilemond
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
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38
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The Multifaceted Roles of TAM Receptors during Viral Infection. Virol Sin 2020; 36:1-12. [PMID: 32720213 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00264-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (TAM) receptors play multiple roles in a myriad of physiological and pathological processes, varying from promoting the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, sustaining the immune and inflammatory homeostasis, maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, to mediating cancer malignancy and chemoresistance. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) and protein S (Pros1) are the two ligands that activate TAM receptors. Recently, TAM receptors have been reported to mediate cell entry and infection of multitudinous enveloped viruses in a manner called apoptotic mimicry. Moreover, TAM receptors are revitalized during viral entry and infection, which sequesters innate immune and inflammatory responses, facilitating viral replication and immune evasion. However, accumulating evidence have now proposed that TAM receptors are not required for the infection of these viruses in vivo. In addition, TAM receptors protect mice against the CNS infection of neuroinvasive viruses and relieve the brain lesions during encephalitis. These protective effects are achieved through maintaining BBB integrity, attenuating proinflammatory cytokine production, and promoting neural cell survival. TAM receptors also regulate the programmed cell death modes of virus-infected cells, which have profound impacts on the pathogenesis and outcome of infection. Here, we systematically review the functionalities and underlying mechanisms of TAM receptors and propose the potential application of TAM agonists to prevent severe viral encephalitis.
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Chang W, Fa H, Xiao D, Wang J. Targeting phosphatidylserine for Cancer therapy: prospects and challenges. Theranostics 2020; 10:9214-9229. [PMID: 32802188 PMCID: PMC7415799 DOI: 10.7150/thno.45125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite major improvements in current therapeutic methods, ideal therapeutic strategies for improved tumor elimination are still lacking. Recently, immunotherapy has attracted much attention, and many immune-active agents have been approved for clinical use alone or in combination with other cancer drugs. However, some patients have a poor response to these agents. New agents and strategies are needed to overcome such deficiencies. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an essential component of bilayer cell membranes and is normally present in the inner leaflet. In the physiological state, PS exposure on the external leaflet not only acts as an engulfment signal for phagocytosis in apoptotic cells but also participates in blood coagulation, myoblast fusion and immune regulation in nonapoptotic cells. In the tumor microenvironment, PS exposure is significantly increased on the surface of tumor cells or tumor cell-derived microvesicles, which have innate immunosuppressive properties and facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. To date, agents targeting PS have been developed, some of which are under investigation in clinical trials as combination drugs for various cancers. However, controversial results are emerging in laboratory research as well as in clinical trials, and the efficiency of PS-targeting agents remains uncertain. In this review, we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the physiological and pathological roles of PS, with a focus on immune suppressive features. In addition, we discuss current drug developments that are based on PS-targeting strategies in both experimental and clinical studies. We hope to provide a future research direction for the development of new agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguang Chang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, College of medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongge Fa
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, College of medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dandan Xiao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, College of medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianxun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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40
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Chaib M, Chauhan SC, Makowski L. Friend or Foe? Recent Strategies to Target Myeloid Cells in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:351. [PMID: 32509781 PMCID: PMC7249856 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex network of epithelial and stromal cells, wherein stromal components provide support to tumor cells during all stages of tumorigenesis. Among these stromal cell populations are myeloid cells, which are comprised mainly of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), dendritic cells (DC), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), and tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN). Myeloid cells play a major role in tumor growth through nurturing cancer stem cells by providing growth factors and metabolites, increasing angiogenesis, as well as promoting immune evasion through the creation of an immune-suppressive microenvironment. Immunosuppression in the TME is achieved by preventing critical anti-tumor immune responses by natural killer and T cells within the primary tumor and in metastatic niches. Therapeutic success in targeting myeloid cells in malignancies may prove to be an effective strategy to overcome chemotherapy and immunotherapy limitations. Current therapeutic approaches to target myeloid cells in various cancers include inhibition of their recruitment, alteration of function, or functional re-education to an antitumor phenotype to overcome immunosuppression. In this review, we describe strategies to target TAMs and MDSCs, consisting of single agent therapies, nanoparticle-targeted approaches and combination therapies including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. We also summarize recent molecular targets that are specific to myeloid cell populations in the TME, while providing a critical review of the limitations of current strategies aimed at targeting a single subtype of the myeloid cell compartment. The goal of this review is to provide the reader with an understanding of the critical role of myeloid cells in the TME and current therapeutic approaches including ongoing or recently completed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Chaib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Subhash C Chauhan
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, United States
| | - Liza Makowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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41
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Ibrahim AM, Gray Z, Gomes AM, Myers L, Behbod F, Machado HL. Gas6 expression is reduced in advanced breast cancers. NPJ Precis Oncol 2020; 4:9. [PMID: 32352034 PMCID: PMC7181799 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-020-0116-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) is a cytokine that binds to receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl, and Mer. Numerous studies have suggested that macrophage-derived Gas6 interacts with Axl to promote cancer progression, and Axl has been associated with poor clinical outcome. However, the expression and relevance of Gas6 in human breast cancer patients has not been studied. Analysis of tissue microarrays showed that Gas6 was highly expressed in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) but markedly decreased in invasive breast cancer. Gas6 and Axl were weakly correlated, suggesting that their functions may not exclusively rely on each other. Analyses of publicly available databases showed significantly improved overall and relapse-free survival in patients with high Gas6 mRNA, particularly in luminal A breast cancers. These findings indicate that tumor-derived Gas6 is not overexpressed in invasive breast cancer, and may not be a negative prognostic factor in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman M. Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Zane Gray
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Angelica M. Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Leann Myers
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Fariba Behbod
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | - Heather L. Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
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42
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Tormoen GW, Blair TC, Bambina S, Kramer G, Baird J, Rahmani R, Holland JM, McCarty OJT, Baine MJ, Verma V, Nabavizadeh N, Gough MJ, Crittenden M. Targeting MerTK Enhances Adaptive Immune Responses After Radiation Therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 108:93-103. [PMID: 32311417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of MerTK, a member of the Tyro3-Axl-MerTK family of receptor tyrosine kinase, in the immune response to radiation therapy (RT) is unclear. We investigated immune-mediated tumor control after RT in murine models of colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma using MerTK wild-type and knock-out hosts and whether inhibition of MerTK signaling with warfarin could replicate MerTK knock-out phenotypes. METHODS AND MATERIALS Wild-type and MerTK-/- BALB/c mice were grafted in the flanks with CT26 tumors and treated with computed tomography guided RT. The role of macrophages and CD8 T cells in the response to radiation were demonstrated with cell depletion studies. The role of MerTK in priming immune responses after RT alone and with agonist antibodies to the T cell costimulatory molecule OX40 was evaluated in a Panc02-SIY model antigen system. The effect of warfarin therapy on the in-field and abscopal response to RT was demonstrated in murine models of colorectal adenocarcinoma. The association between warfarin and progression-free survival for patients treated with SABR for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer was evaluated in a multi-institutional retrospective study. RESULTS MerTK-/- hosts had better tumor control after RT compared with wild-type mice in a macrophage and CD8 T cell-dependent manner. MerTK-/- mice showed increased counts of tumor antigen-specific CD8 T cells in the peripheral blood after tumor-directed RT alone and in combination with agonist anti-OX40. Warfarin therapy phenocopied MerTK-/- for single-flank tumors treated with RT and improved abscopal responses for RT combined with anti-CTLA4. Patients on warfarin therapy when treated with SABR for non-small cell lung cancer had higher progression-free survival rates compared with non-warfarin users. CONCLUSIONS MerTK inhibits adaptive immune responses after SABR. Because warfarin inhibits MerTK signaling and phenocopies genetic deletion of MerTK in mice, warfarin therapy may have beneficial effects in combination with SABR and immune therapy in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth W Tormoen
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
| | - Tiffany C Blair
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Shelly Bambina
- Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, OR
| | - Gwen Kramer
- Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, OR
| | - Jason Baird
- Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, OR
| | - Ramtin Rahmani
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - John M Holland
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Owen J T McCarty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR; Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Michael J Baine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Vivek Verma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Alleghany General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nima Nabavizadeh
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Michael J Gough
- Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, OR
| | - Marka Crittenden
- Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, OR; The Oregon Clinic, Portland, Oregon
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Boada-Romero E, Martinez J, Heckmann BL, Green DR. The clearance of dead cells by efferocytosis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:398-414. [PMID: 32251387 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-0232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 362] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple modes of cell death have been identified, each with a unique function and each induced in a setting-dependent manner. As billions of cells die during mammalian embryogenesis and daily in adult organisms, clearing dead cells and associated cellular debris is important in physiology. In this Review, we present an overview of the phagocytosis of dead and dying cells, a process known as efferocytosis. Efferocytosis is performed by macrophages and to a lesser extent by other 'professional' phagocytes (such as monocytes and dendritic cells) and 'non-professional' phagocytes, such as epithelial cells. Recent discoveries have shed light on this process and how it functions to maintain tissue homeostasis, tissue repair and organismal health. Here, we outline the mechanisms of efferocytosis, from the recognition of dying cells through to phagocytic engulfment and homeostatic resolution, and highlight the pathophysiological consequences that can arise when this process is abrogated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Boada-Romero
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer Martinez
- Inflammation & Autoimmunity Group, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bradlee L Heckmann
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Douglas R Green
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Ireland L, Luckett T, Schmid MC, Mielgo A. Blockade of Stromal Gas6 Alters Cancer Cell Plasticity, Activates NK Cells, and Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:297. [PMID: 32174917 PMCID: PMC7056881 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the deadliest cancers due to its aggressive and metastatic nature. PDA is characterized by a rich tumor stroma with abundant macrophages, fibroblasts, and collagen deposition that can represent up to 90% of the tumor mass. Activation of the tyrosine kinase receptor AXL and expression of its ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) correlate with a poor prognosis and increased metastasis in pancreatic cancer patients. Gas6 is a multifunctional protein that can be secreted by several cell types and regulates multiple processes, including cancer cell plasticity, angiogenesis, and immune cell functions. However, the role of Gas6 in pancreatic cancer metastasis has not been fully investigated. In these studies we find that, in pancreatic tumors, Gas6 is mainly produced by tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and that pharmacological blockade of Gas6 signaling partially reverses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells and supports NK cell activation, thereby inhibiting pancreatic cancer metastasis. Our data suggest that Gas6 simultaneously acts on both the tumor cells and the NK cells to support pancreatic cancer metastasis. This study supports the rationale for targeting Gas6 in pancreatic cancer and use of NK cells as a potential biomarker for response to anti-Gas6 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ainhoa Mielgo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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AXL as a Target in Breast Cancer Therapy. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:5291952. [PMID: 32148495 PMCID: PMC7042526 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5291952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that has been implicated in diverse tumor-promoting processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, survival, and apoptosis. AXL therefore plays a role in cancer progression, and AXL has been implicated in a wide variety of malignancies from solid tumors to hematopoietic cancers where it is often associated with poor prognosis. In cancer, AXL has been shown to promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis formation, drug resistance, and a role for AXL in modulation of the tumor microenvironment and immune response has been identified. In light of these activities multiple AXL inhibitors have been developed, and several of these have entered clinical trials in the U.S. In breast cancer, high levels of AXL expression have been observed. The role of AXL in cancer with a focus on therapeutic implications for breast cancer is discussed.
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Burstyn-Cohen T, Maimon A. TAM receptors, Phosphatidylserine, inflammation, and Cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:156. [PMID: 31775787 PMCID: PMC6881992 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0461-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract The numerous and diverse biological roles of Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) are featured in this special issue. This review will focus on PtdSer as a cofactor required for stimulating TYRO3, AXL and MERTK – comprising the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases by their ligands Protein S (PROS1) and growth-arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) in inflammation and cancer. As PtdSer binding to TAMs is a requirement for their activation, the biological repertoire of PtdSer is now recognized to be broadened to include functions performed by TAMs. These include key homeostatic roles necessary for preserving a healthy steady state in different tissues, controlling inflammation and further additional roles in diseased states and cancer. The impact of PtdSer on inflammation and cancer through TAM signaling is a highly dynamic field of research. This review will focus on PtdSer as a necessary component of the TAM receptor-ligand complex, and for maximal TAM signaling. In particular, interactions between tumor cells and their immediate environment - the tumor microenvironment (TME) are highlighted, as both cancer cells and TME express TAMs and secrete their ligands, providing a nexus for a multifold of cross-signaling pathways which affects both immune cells and inflammation as well as tumor cell biology and growth. Here, we will highlight the current and emerging knowledge on the implications of PtdSer on TAM signaling, inflammation and cancer. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Burstyn-Cohen
- Institute for Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Avi Maimon
- Institute for Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
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47
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Dihingia A, Ozah D, Borah T, Kalita J, Manna P. Gamma‐glutamyl–carboxylated Gas6 mediates positive role of vitamin K on lowering hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1462:104-117. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anjum Dihingia
- Biotechnology Group, Biological Science and Technology DivisionCSIR‐North East Institute of Science and Technology Jorhat Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative ResearchCSIR‐NEIST Jorhat Assam India
| | - Dibyajyoti Ozah
- Clinical CentreCSIR‐North East Institute of Science and Technology Jorhat Assam India
| | - Thaneswar Borah
- Clinical CentreCSIR‐North East Institute of Science and Technology Jorhat Assam India
| | - Jatin Kalita
- Biotechnology Group, Biological Science and Technology DivisionCSIR‐North East Institute of Science and Technology Jorhat Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative ResearchCSIR‐NEIST Jorhat Assam India
| | - Prasenjit Manna
- Biotechnology Group, Biological Science and Technology DivisionCSIR‐North East Institute of Science and Technology Jorhat Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative ResearchCSIR‐NEIST Jorhat Assam India
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48
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Holtzhausen A, Harris W, Ubil E, Hunter DM, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Liu Q, Wang X, Graham DK, Frye SV, Earp HS. TAM Family Receptor Kinase Inhibition Reverses MDSC-Mediated Suppression and Augments Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Melanoma. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1672-1686. [PMID: 31451482 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid cell receptor tyrosine kinases TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK and their ligands, GAS6 and PROTEIN S, physiologically suppress innate immune responses, including in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we showed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) dramatically upregulated TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK and their ligands [monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSC)>20-fold, polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSC)>15-fold] in tumor-bearing mice. MDSCs from tumor-bearing Mertk-/-, Axl-/- , and Tyro3-/- mice exhibited diminished suppressive enzymatic capabilities, displayed deficits in T-cell suppression, and migrated poorly to tumor-draining lymph nodes. In coimplantation experiments using TYRO3-/-, AXL-/-, and MERTK-/- MDSCs, we showed the absence of these RTKs reversed the protumorigenic properties of MDSCs in vivo Consistent with these findings, in vivo pharmacologic TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK inhibition diminished MDSC suppressive capability, slowed tumor growth, increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and augmented anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. Mechanistically, MERTK regulated MDSC suppression and differentiation in part through regulation of STAT3 serine phosphorylation and nuclear localization. Analysis of metastatic melanoma patients demonstrated an enrichment of circulating MERTK+ and TYRO3+ M-MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs, and early-stage MDSCs (e-MDSC) relative to these MDSC populations in healthy controls. These studies demonstrated that TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK control MDSC functionality and serve as promising pharmacologic targets for regulating MDSC-mediated immune suppression in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Holtzhausen
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - William Harris
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Eric Ubil
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Debra M Hunter
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jichen Zhao
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Yuewei Zhang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dehui Zhang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Qingyang Liu
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephen V Frye
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - H Shelton Earp
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. .,Department of Medicine, Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Sjogren's Syndrome and TAM Receptors: A Possible Contribution to Disease Onset. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:4813795. [PMID: 31214622 PMCID: PMC6535826 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4813795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease featuring both organ-specific and systemic manifestations, the most frequent being dry mouth and dry eyes resulting from lymphocytic infiltration into the salivary and lacrimal glands. Like the related autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), SS patients and mouse models display accumulation of apoptotic cells and a Type I interferon (IFN) signature. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) of the Tyro3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) family are present on the surface of macrophages and dendritic cells and participate in phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) and inhibition of Type I IFN signaling. This review examines the relationship between TAM receptor dysfunction and SS and explores the potential contributions of TAM defects on macrophages to SS development.
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50
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Kasikara C, Davra V, Calianese D, Geng K, Spires TE, Quigley M, Wichroski M, Sriram G, Suarez-Lopez L, Yaffe MB, Kotenko SV, De Lorenzo MS, Birge RB. Pan-TAM Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor BMS-777607 Enhances Anti–PD-1 mAb Efficacy in a Murine Model of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2019; 79:2669-2683. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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