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Fei Q, Jin K, Shi S, Li T, Guo D, Lin M, Yu X, Wu W, Ye L. Suppression of pancreatic cancer proliferation through TXNIP-mediated inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:513-524. [PMID: 38229544 PMCID: PMC11094629 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023286] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a crucial thioredoxin-binding protein that is recognized as a tumor suppressor in diverse malignancies, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. However, the specific role and molecular mechanisms of TXNIP in the pathogenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer cells have not been determined. In this study, we investigate the relationship between TXNIP expression and overall survival prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. Mechanistic studies are conducted to reveal the role of TXNIP in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and regulation during malignancy. Our findings indicate that patients with high TXNIP expression have a more favorable prognosis. In vitro experiments with pancreatic cell lines show that overexpression of TXNIP suppresses the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, we find that TXNIP inhibits the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby decreasing the malignant potential of pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, our study reveals TXNIP as a promising new predictive marker and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglin Fei
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032China
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Kaizhou Jin
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032China
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Saimeng Shi
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032China
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Tianjiao Li
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032China
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Duancheng Guo
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032China
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Mengxiong Lin
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032China
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032China
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Weiding Wu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032China
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Longyun Ye
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032China
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
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Yang J, Qu X, Jiang F, Qiao HM, Zhao J, Zhang JR, Yan LJ, Zheng AJ, Ning P. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be the best neoadjuvant therapy modality for non-metastatic pancreatic cancer: a population based study. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1370009. [PMID: 38665957 PMCID: PMC11045179 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1370009] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Currently, there are no studies showing which neoadjuvant therapy modality can provide better prognosis for patients after pancreatic cancer surgery. This study explores the optimal neoadjuvant therapy model by comparing the survival differences between patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer (cT1-4N0-1M0) who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NARCT). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 723 patients with cT1-4N0-1M0 pancreatic cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. After propensity score matching (PSM), we compared the effects of NACT and NARCT on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer, and then performed subgroup analyze. Finally, we used univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis to explore potential risk factors for OS and CSS in patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with preoperative neoadjuvant therapy. Result Before PSM, mOS (30.0 months VS 26.0 months, P=0.122) and mCSS (30.0 months VS 26.0 months, P=0.117) were better in patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with NACT compared with NARCT, but this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). After PSM, mOS (30.0 months VS 25.0 months, P=0.032) and mCSS (33.0 months VS 26.0 months, P=0.028) were better in patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with NACT compared with NARCT, and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that age, lymph node positivity, and NARCT were independent adverse prognostic factors for OS and CSS in patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer. Conclusion The study results show that compared with NARCT, NACT is the best preoperative neoadjuvant therapy mode for patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer. This result still needs to be confirmed by more prospective randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - An-jie Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Baoji Gaoxin Hospital, Baoji, China
| | - Peng Ning
- Department of Oncology, Baoji Gaoxin Hospital, Baoji, China
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Kulkarni T, Robinson OM, Dutta A, Mukhopadhyay D, Bhattacharya S. Machine learning-based approach for automated classification of cell and extracellular matrix using nanomechanical properties. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:100970. [PMID: 38312803 PMCID: PMC10835007 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.100970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis characterized by excess accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) due to complex cell-ECM interactions plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis. Herein, we employ the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) model to investigate dynamic alterations in nanomechanical attributes arising from the cell-ECM interactions to study the fibrosis paradigm. Several segregated studies performed on cellular and ECM components fail to recapitulate their complex collaboration. We utilized collagen and fibronectin, the two most abundant PDAC ECM components, and studied their nanomechanical attributes. We demonstrate alteration in morphology and nanomechanical attributes of collagen with varying thicknesses of collagen gel. Furthermore, by mixing collagen and fibronectin in various stoichiometry, their nanomechanical attributes were observed to vary. To demonstrate the dynamicity and complexity of cell-ECM, we utilized Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells with or without collagen. We observed that Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells interact differently with collagen and vice versa, evident from their alteration in nanomechanical properties. Further, using nanomechanics data, we demonstrate that ML-based techniques were able to classify between ECM as well as cell, and cell subtypes in the presence/absence of collagen with higher accuracy. This work demonstrates a promising avenue to explore other ECM components facilitating deeper insights into tumor microenvironment and fibrosis paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Olivia-Marie Robinson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ayan Dutta
- School of Computing, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224 USA
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
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Mishra S, Telang G, Bennur D, Chougule S, Dandge PB, Joshi S, Vyas N. T Cell Exhaustion and Activation Markers in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review. J Gastrointest Cancer 2024; 55:77-95. [PMID: 37672169 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-023-00965-w] [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] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell exhaustion and activation markers are helpful in determining the therapies and predicting the overall survival in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. PURPOSE In this systematic review, we have addressed two questions, how do these markers differ in their expression levels in PC patients and healthy individual and correlating the expression level of these markers with the cancer stage. METHODS The systematic review was registered with Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with registration number "CRD42022246780." All the included articles were obtained from three databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane, published from January 2010 to 26th May 2022. Two independent reviewers followed the PRISM protocol and reviewed and extracted data from the included articles. RESULTS PD-1 and CTLA-4 were the most studied markers in this field. A clear elevation in the expression of PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, and TIGIT was found in most of the studies. CD69, CD25, and HLA-DR expression was found to be upregulated after chemotherapy and immunotherapy. CD25 was the only marker analyzed against cancer progression, in a single study. No study compared the expression of exhaustion and activation markers (except CD69) with the cancer progression of the tumor stage. CONCLUSION Since the exhaustion markers are upregulated in patients, single or multiple markers can be targeted in immunotherapies. Knowledge of the dynamics of these markers at various cancer stages will help in determining the right immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer patients. Stage-wise comparison could also be made possible by developing in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Mishra
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gaurang Telang
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India
| | - Darpan Bennur
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shruti Chougule
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India
| | - P B Dandge
- Department of Biochemistry, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shantanu Joshi
- Acuere Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411043, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nishant Vyas
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India.
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Rezagholizadeh F, Tajik F, Talebi M, Taha SR, Shariat Zadeh M, Farhangnia P, Hosseini HS, Nazari A, Mollazadeh Ghomi S, Kamrani Mousavi SM, Haeri Moghaddam N, Khorramdelazad H, Joghataei MT, Safari E. Unraveling the potential of CD8, CD68, and VISTA as diagnostic and prognostic markers in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1283364. [PMID: 38357542 PMCID: PMC10865497 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1283364] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic cancer is a truculent disease with limited treatment options and a grim prognosis. Immunotherapy has shown promise in treating various types of cancer, but its effectiveness in pancreatic cancer has been lacking. As a result, it is crucial to identify markers associated with immunological pathways in order to improve the treatment outcomes for this deadly cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of three markers, CD8, CD68, and VISTA, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common subtype of pancreatic cancer. Methods We analyzed gene expression data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database using bioinformatics tools. We also utilized the STRING online tool and Funrich software to study the protein-protein interactions and transcription factors associated with CD8, CD68, and VISTA. In addition, tissue microarray (TMA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were performed on 228 samples of PDAC tissue and 10 samples of normal pancreatic tissue to assess the expression levels of the markers. We then correlated these expression levels with the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and evaluated their survival rates. Results The analysis of the GEO data revealed slightly elevated levels of VISTA in PDAC samples compared to normal tissues. However, there was a significant increase in CD68 expression and a notable reduction in CD8A expression in pancreatic cancer. Further investigation identified potential protein-protein interactions and transcription factors associated with these markers. The IHC staining of PDAC tissue samples showed an increased expression of VISTA, CD68, and CD8A in pancreatic cancer tissues. Moreover, we found correlations between the expression levels of these markers and certain clinicopathological features of the patients. Additionally, the survival analysis revealed that high expression of CD8 was associated with better disease-specific survival and progression-free survival in PDAC patients. Conclusion These findings highlight the potential of CD8, CD68, and VISTA as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Rezagholizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tajik
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Talebi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Human and Animal Cell Bank, Iranian Biological Resource Center (IBRC), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Taha
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Pooya Farhangnia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamideh Sadat Hosseini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aram Nazari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Mollazadeh Ghomi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyede Mahtab Kamrani Mousavi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Haeri Moghaddam
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Safari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Cheng D, Hu J, Wu X, Wang B, Chen R, Zhao W, Fang C, Ji M. PD-1 blockade combined with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel is superior to chemotherapy alone in the management of unresectable stage III/IV pancreatic cancer: a retrospective real-world study. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1281545. [PMID: 37965469 PMCID: PMC10641475 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1281545] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer (PC) is widely recognized as one of the most malignant forms of cancer worldwide. Monotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has shown limited efficacy in treating this disease. There was controversy surrounding whether combining ICI with chemotherapy provided superior outcomes compared to chemotherapy alone. Methods In this study, patients diagnosed with unresectable stage III/IV pancreatic cancer (PC) were classified as receiving programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade plus gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (AG regimen) (PD-1/chemo, n=27, 50.9%) or chemotherapy alone (chemo, n=26, 49.1%) arm. The primary study endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), with an additional assessment of treatment-related adverse events graded as three or higher. Chi-square (χ2) statistics were employed to analyze the clinical differences between the two groups, while Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the difference in PFS and OS. Statistical significance was defined as P-values less than 0.05 (P < 0.05). Results The median follow-up duration was 22 months (range 1-28 months). In the PD-1/chemo arm, the median PFS was eight months, whereas it was 3.5 months in the chemo arm (HR=0.459, 95% CI: 0.252-0.846, P=0.002). Furthermore, the median OS was 15 months in the PD-1/chemo arm and eight months in the chemo arm (HR=0.345, 95% CI: 0.183-0.653, P<0.001). Within the PD-1/chemo arm, 15 (55.6%) patients experienced grade 3 treatment-related adverse events, compared to 13 (50.0%) patients in the chemo arm. Conclusions PD-1 blockade combined with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine demonstrated superior efficacy to chemotherapy alone for unresectable stage III/IV PC patients. Future studies were warranted to identify immunosensitive patient subgroups within the PC population, ultimately leading to the development of more efficacious therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cheng Fang
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Mei Ji
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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Raman V, Howell LM, Bloom SMK, Hall CL, Wetherby VE, Minter LM, Kulkarni AA, Forbes NS. Intracellular Salmonella delivery of an exogenous immunization antigen refocuses CD8 T cells against cancer cells, eliminates pancreatic tumors and forms antitumor immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228532. [PMID: 37868996 PMCID: PMC10585021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunotherapies have shown great promise, but are not effective for all tumors types and are effective in less than 3% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). To make an immune treatment that is effective for more cancer patients and those with PDAC specifically, we genetically engineered Salmonella to deliver exogenous antigens directly into the cytoplasm of tumor cells. We hypothesized that intracellular delivery of an exogenous immunization antigen would activate antigen-specific CD8 T cells and reduce tumors in immunized mice. Methods To test this hypothesis, we administered intracellular delivering (ID) Salmonella that deliver ovalbumin as a model antigen into tumor-bearing, ovalbumin-vaccinated mice. ID Salmonella delivers antigens by autonomously lysing in cells after the induction of cell invasion. Results We showed that the delivered ovalbumin disperses throughout the cytoplasm of cells in culture and in tumors. This delivery into the cytoplasm is essential for antigen cross-presentation. We showed that co-culture of ovalbumin-recipient cancer cells with ovalbumin-specific CD8 T cells triggered a cytotoxic T cell response. After the adoptive transfer of OT-I CD8 T cells, intracellular delivery of ovalbumin reduced tumor growth and eliminated tumors. This effect was dependent on the presence of the ovalbumin-specific T cells. Following vaccination with the exogenous antigen in mice, intracellular delivery of the antigen cleared 43% of established KPC pancreatic tumors, increased survival, and prevented tumor re-implantation. Discussion This response in the immunosuppressive KPC model demonstrates the potential to treat tumors that do not respond to checkpoint inhibitors, and the response to re-challenge indicates that new immunity was established against intrinsic tumor antigens. In the clinic, ID Salmonella could be used to deliver a protein antigen from a childhood immunization to refocus pre-existing T cell immunity against tumors. As an off-the-shelf immunotherapy, this bacterial system has the potential to be effective in a broad range of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Raman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
- Ernest Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Hadley, MA, United States
| | - Lars M. Howell
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Shoshana M. K. Bloom
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Christopher L. Hall
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
- Ernest Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Hadley, MA, United States
| | | | - Lisa M. Minter
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
- Institute for Applied Life Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Ashish A. Kulkarni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
- Institute for Applied Life Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Neil S. Forbes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
- Institute for Applied Life Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
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8
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Wieder R. Fibroblasts as Turned Agents in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072014. [PMID: 37046676 PMCID: PMC10093070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated epithelial cells reside in the homeostatic microenvironment of the native organ stroma. The stroma supports their normal function, their G0 differentiated state, and their expansion/contraction through the various stages of the life cycle and physiologic functions of the host. When malignant transformation begins, the microenvironment tries to suppress and eliminate the transformed cells, while cancer cells, in turn, try to resist these suppressive efforts. The tumor microenvironment encompasses a large variety of cell types recruited by the tumor to perform different functions, among which fibroblasts are the most abundant. The dynamics of the mutual relationship change as the sides undertake an epic battle for control of the other. In the process, the cancer “wounds” the microenvironment through a variety of mechanisms and attracts distant mesenchymal stem cells to change their function from one attempting to suppress the cancer, to one that supports its growth, survival, and metastasis. Analogous reciprocal interactions occur as well between disseminated cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment, where the microenvironment attempts to eliminate cancer cells or suppress their proliferation. However, the altered microenvironmental cells acquire novel characteristics that support malignant progression. Investigations have attempted to use these traits as targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Du J, Lu C, Mao L, Zhu Y, Kong W, Shen S, Tang M, Bao S, Cheng H, Li G, Chen J, Li Q, He J, Li A, Qiu X, Gu Q, Chen D, Qi C, Song Y, Qian X, Wang L, Qiu Y, Liu B. PD-1 blockade plus chemoradiotherapy as preoperative therapy for patients with BRPC/LAPC: A biomolecular exploratory, phase II trial. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:100972. [PMID: 36889321 PMCID: PMC10040412 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.100972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
This is a phase II study of PD-1 blockade plus chemoradiotherapy as preoperative therapy for patients with locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC or BRPC, respectively). Twenty-nine patients are enrolled in the study. The objective response rate (ORR) is 60%, and the R0 resection rate is 90% (9/10). The 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate and 12-month overall survival (OS) rate are 64% and 72%, respectively. Grade 3 or higher adverse events are anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (8%), and jaundice (8%). Circulating tumor DNA analysis reveals that patients with a >50% decline in maximal somatic variant allelic frequency (maxVAF) between the first clinical evaluation and baseline have a longer survival outcome and a higher response rate and surgical rate than those who are not. PD-1 blockade plus chemoradiotherapy as preoperative therapy displays promising antitumor activity, and multiomics potential predictive biomarkers are identified and warrant further verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Du
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Changchang Lu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Liang Mao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yahui Zhu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Weiwei Kong
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Shanshan Shen
- Digestive Department of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Min Tang
- Imaging Department of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Shanhua Bao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Pathology Department of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qi Li
- Pathology Department of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jian He
- Nuclear Medicine Department of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Aimei Li
- Nuclear Medicine Department of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xin Qiu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qing Gu
- National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Dongsheng Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Chuang Qi
- The State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yunjie Song
- The State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Xiaoping Qian
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Digestive Department of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Yudong Qiu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
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10
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Beckinger S, Daunke T, Aldag L, Krüger S, Heckl S, Wesch D, Schäfer H, Röcken C, Rahn S, Sebens S. Hepatic myofibroblasts exert immunosuppressive effects independent of the immune checkpoint regulator PD-L1 in liver metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1160824. [PMID: 37207152 PMCID: PMC10189124 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1160824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents the 4th most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Western countries. Most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, often already with metastases. The main site of metastasis is the liver and hepatic myofibroblasts (HMF) play a pivotal role in metastatic outgrowth. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) or programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) improved treatment of several cancers but not of PDAC. Therefore, this study aimed to better understand the impact of HMF on PD-L1 expression and immune evasion of PDAC cells during liver metastasis. Methods Formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded biopsy samples or diagnostic resection specimens from liver metastases of 15 PDAC patients were used for immunohistochemical analyses. Serial sections were stained with antibodies directed against Pan-Cytokeratin, αSMA, CD8, and PD-L1. To investigate whether the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and HMF contribute to immune escape of PDAC liver metastases, a stroma enriched 3D spheroid coculture model was established in vitro, using two different PDAC cell lines, HMF, and CD8+ T cells. Here, functional and flow cytometry analyses were conducted. Results Immunohistochemical analysis of liver tissue sections of PDAC patients revealed that HMF represent an abundant stroma population in liver metastases, with clear differences in the spatial distribution in small (1500 µm) and large (> 1500 μm) metastases. In the latter, PD-L1 expression was mainly located at the invasion front or evenly distributed, while small metastases either lacked PD-L1 expression or showed mostly weak expression in the center. Double stainings revealed that PD-L1 is predominantly expressed by stromal cells, especially HMF. Small liver metastases with no or low PD-L1 expression comprised more CD8+ T cells in the tumor center, while large metastases exhibiting stronger PD-L1 expression comprised less CD8+ T cells being mostly located at the invasion front. HMF-enriched spheroid cocultures with different ratios of PDAC cells and HMF well mimicking conditions of hepatic metastases in situ. Here, HMF impaired the release of effector molecules by CD8+ T cells and the induction of PDAC cell death, an effect that was dependent on the amount of HMF but also of PDAC cells. ICI treatment led to elevated secretion of distinct CD8+ T cell effector molecules but did not increase PDAC cell death under either spheroid condition. Conclusion Our findings indicate a spatial reorganization of HMF, CD8+ T cells, and PD-L1 expression during progression of PDAC liver metastases. Furthermore, HMF potently impair the effector phenotype of CD8+ T cells but the PD-L1/PD-1 axis apparently plays a minor role in this scenario suggesting that immune evasion of PDAC liver metastases relies on other immunosuppressive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silje Beckinger
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tina Daunke
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Leon Aldag
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sandra Krüger
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Steffen Heckl
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Daniela Wesch
- Institute of Immunology, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Heiner Schäfer
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christoph Röcken
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sascha Rahn
- Institute of Biochemistry, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- *Correspondence: Susanne Sebens,
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11
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Iwasa S, Koyama T, Nishino M, Kondo S, Sudo K, Yonemori K, Yoshida T, Tamura K, Shimizu T, Fujiwara Y, Kitano S, Shimomura A, Sato J, Yokoyama F, Iida H, Kondo M, Yamamoto N. First-in-human study of ONO-4578, an antagonist of prostaglandin E 2 receptor 4, alone and with nivolumab in solid tumors. Cancer Sci 2022; 114:211-220. [PMID: 36082616 PMCID: PMC9807514 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
EP4, a prostaglandin E2 receptor, has shown an immunosuppressive activity on cancer cells. This first-in-human study evaluated ONO-4578, a highly selective EP4 antagonist, as monotherapy and in combination with nivolumab in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. A daily dose ranging from 30 mg to 100 mg of ONO-4578 monotherapy and that ranging from 2 mg to 60 mg of ONO-4578 with biweekly nivolumab 240 mg were administered. A total of 31 patients were enrolled, 10 receiving monotherapy and 21 receiving combination therapy. Overall, 26 patients experienced treatment-related adverse events. Dose-limiting toxicities were observed in three patients; one of six patients receiving 100 mg monotherapy developed grade 3 duodenal ulcer and two of six patients receiving 60 mg combination therapy developed either grade 3 erythema multiforme or grade 3 increased amylase and grade 4 increased lipase. One patient with small-cell lung cancer who received 40 mg combination therapy had a partial response, and three patients with monotherapy and six patients with combination therapy had stable disease. Pharmacodynamics analyses showed that ONO-4578 had EP4 antagonistic activity at doses as low as 2 mg. In conclusion, the maximum tolerated dose of ONO-4578 alone or in combination with nivolumab was not reached. ONO-4578 was well tolerated at the tested doses and showed signs of antitumor activity. Considering safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics results, ONO-4578 40 mg daily with nivolumab 240 mg biweekly was selected as the recommended dose for future clinical trials. (Registration: JapicCTI-173,496 and NCT03155061).
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Iwasa
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Takafumi Koyama
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Makoto Nishino
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Shunsuke Kondo
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Kazuki Sudo
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Kan Yonemori
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan,Department of Medical OncologyNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Tatsuya Yoshida
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan,Department of Thoracic OncologyNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Kenji Tamura
- Department of Breast and Medical OncologyNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan,Present address:
Department of Medical OncologyShimane University HospitalShimaneJapan
| | - Toshio Shimizu
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan,Present address:
Department of Medical Oncology/Cancer CenterWakayama Medical University HospitalWakayamaJapan
| | - Yutaka Fujiwara
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan,Present address:
Department of Thoracic OncologyAichi Cancer Center HospitalAichiJapan
| | - Shigehisa Kitano
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan,Present address:
Advanced Medical Development CenterCancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Akihiko Shimomura
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan,Present address:
Department of Breast and Medical OncologyCenter Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Jun Sato
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Fumiharu Yokoyama
- Translational Research LaboratoriesOno Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.OsakaJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Iida
- Clinical PharmacologyOno Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.OsakaJapan
| | - Maki Kondo
- Oncology Clinical DevelopmentOno Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.OsakaJapan
| | - Noboru Yamamoto
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
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12
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Taherian M, Wang H, Wang H. Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Molecular Pathology and Predictive Biomarkers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193068. [PMID: 36231030 PMCID: PMC9563270 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an extremely poor prognosis due to the lack of methods or biomarkers for early diagnosis and its resistance to conventional treatment modalities, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. PDACs are a heterogenous group of malignant epithelial neoplasms with various histomorphological patterns and complex, heterogenous genetic/molecular landscapes. The newly proposed molecular classifications of PDAC based on extensive genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and epigenetic data have provided significant insights into the molecular heterogeneity and aggressive biology of this deadly disease. Recent studies characterizing the tumor microenvironment (TME) have shed light on the dynamic interplays between the tumor cells and the immunosuppressive TME of PDAC, which is essential to disease progression, as well as its resistance to chemotherapy, newly developed targeted therapy and immunotherapy. There is a critical need for the development of predictive markers that can be clinically utilized to select effective personalized therapies for PDAC patients. In this review, we provide an overview of the histological and molecular heterogeneity and subtypes of PDAC, as well as its precursor lesions, immunosuppressive TME, and currently available predictive molecular markers for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Taherian
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-563-1846; Fax: +1-713-563-1848
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13
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Hung YH, Chen LT, Hung WC. The Trinity: Interplay among Cancer Cells, Fibroblasts, and Immune Cells in Pancreatic Cancer and Implication of CD8 + T Cell-Orientated Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040926. [PMID: 35453676 PMCID: PMC9026398 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment in tumors is complicated and is constituted by different cell types and stromal proteins. Among the cell types, the abundance of cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells is high and these cells work as the “Trinity” in promoting tumorigenesis. Although unidirectional or bidirectional crosstalk between two independent cell types has been well characterized, the multi-directional interplays between cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells in vitro and in vivo are still unclear. We summarize recent studies in addressing the interaction of the “Trinity” members in the tumor microenvironment and propose a functional network for how these members communicate with each other. In addition, we discuss the underlying mechanisms mediating the interplay. Moreover, correlations of the alterations in the distribution and functionality of cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells under different circumstances are reviewed. Finally, we point out the future application of CD8+ T cell-oriented therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (L.-T.C.); (W.-C.H.)
| | - Wen-Chun Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (L.-T.C.); (W.-C.H.)
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14
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Tang P, Qu W, Wu D, Chen S, Liu M, Chen W, Ai Q, Tang H, Zhou H. Identifying and Validating an Acidosis-Related Signature Associated with Prognosis and Tumor Immune Infiltration Characteristics in Pancreatic Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:3821055. [PMID: 34993253 PMCID: PMC8727107 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3821055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acidosis in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is involved in tumor immune dysfunction and tumor progression. We attempted to develop an acidosis-related index (ARI) signature to improve the prognostic prediction of pancreatic carcinoma (PC). METHODS Differential gene expression analyses of two public datasets (GSE152345 and GSE62452) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were performed to identify the acidosis-related genes. The Cancer Genome Atlas-pancreatic carcinoma (TCGA-PAAD) cohort in the TCGA database was set as the discovery dataset. Univariate Cox regression and the Kaplan-Meier method were applied to screen for prognostic genes. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was used to establish the optimal model. The tumor immune infiltrating pattern was characterized by the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) method, and the prediction of immunotherapy responsiveness was conducted using the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm. RESULTS We identified 133 acidosis-related genes, of which 37 were identified as prognostic genes by univariate Cox analysis in combination with the Kaplan-Meier method (p values of both methods < 0.05). An acidosis-related signature involving seven genes (ARNTL2, DKK1, CEP55, CTSV, MYEOV, DSG2, and GBP2) was developed in TCGA-PAAD and further validated in GSE62452. Patients in the acidosis-related high-risk group consistently showed poorer survival outcomes than those in the low-risk group. The 5-year AUCs (areas under the curve) for survival prediction were 0.738 for TCGA-PAAD and 0.889 for GSE62452, suggesting excellent performance. The low-risk group in TCGA-PAAD showed a higher abundance of CD8+ T cells and activated natural killer cells and was predicted to possess an elevated proportion of immunotherapeutic responders compared with the high-risk counterpart. CONCLUSIONS We developed a reliable acidosis-related signature that showed excellent performance in prognostic prediction and correlated with tumor immune infiltration, providing a new direction for prognostic evaluation and immunotherapy management in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingfei Tang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Weiming Qu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Dajun Wu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Shihua Chen
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Minji Liu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Weishun Chen
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Qiongjia Ai
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Haijuan Tang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Hongbing Zhou
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
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15
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Prognostic Implications of Intratumoral and Peritumoral Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:4367-4376. [PMID: 34898543 PMCID: PMC8628731 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28060371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the prognostic implications of intratumoral and peritumoral infiltrating T-lymphocytes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) through a meta-analysis. A total of 18 eligible studies and 2453 PDAC patients were included in the present study. Intratumoral and peritumoral infiltrating lymphocytes were evaluated using various markers, such as CD3, CD4, CD8, FOXP3, and immune cell score. The correlations between these parameters and overall and disease-free survival were investigated and used in the meta-analysis. High intratumoral infiltration of CD3-, CD4-, and CD8-expressing lymphocytes was significantly correlated with better overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0.747, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.620-0.900, HR 0.755, 95% CI 0.632-0.902, and HR 0.754, 95% CI 0.611-0.930, respectively). However, there was no significant correlation between PDAC prognosis and intratumoral FOXP3 or immune cell score (HR 1.358, 95% CI 1.115-1.655 and HR 0.776, 95% CI 0.566-1.065, respectively). Moreover, there was no significant correlation between the prognosis and peritumoral infiltrating T-lymphocytes. In evaluations of disease-free survival, only high intratumoral CD4 infiltration was correlated with a better prognosis (HR 0.525, 95% CI 0.341-0.810). Our results showed that high intratumoral infiltrating lymphocytes were significantly correlated with a better PDAC prognosis. However, among the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, CD3, CD4, and CD8 had prognostic implications, but not FOXP3 and immune cell score.
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