Direct and Indirect Effect of TGFβ on Treg Transendothelial Recruitment in HCC Tissue Microenvironment

Expression of PSMD2 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma and its correlation with immune checkpoints and prognosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and fatal tumor globally, characterized by a complex pathogenesis and poor prognosis. Despite significant advancements in the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer treatment, the efficacy of immunotherapy in HCC remains suboptimal. PSMD2, a crucial regulator of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, has attracted increasing attention for its involvement in various cancers; however, its functions and mechanisms in HCC are still poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the expression of PSMD2 in HCC, its association with prognosis, and its interaction with immune checkpoints, thus establishing a foundation for further exploration of its role in immune evasion in HCC. We analyzed the expression levels of PSMD2 in HCC and adjacent normal tissues utilizing the GEPIA and TIMER databases. Cox regression analysis was performed using R software to evaluate the relationship between PSMD2 expression and prognosis. Furthermore, we assessed the correlation between PSMD2 and immune cell infiltration, as well as immune checkpoints, including PD1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, using R tools. Additionally, we examined the association between PSMD2 expression and immune therapy response through Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis. Finally, we constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database and Cytoscape software, followed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). PSMD2 was significantly overexpressed in HCC and was closely correlated with poor prognosis (HR = 1.61, P = 2.0e-4). Immune infiltration analysis demonstrated that PSMD2 was positively correlated with several immune checkpoint genes, including PD1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, as well as various immune cell types. TIDE analysis indicated that elevated PSMD2 expression was significantly associated with increased immune evasion potential and a poor response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, GSEA enrichment analysis revealed that PSMD2 is primarily enriched in the p53 signaling pathway, the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathway, and other cancer-related pathways. The elevated expression of PSMD2 in HCC is not only correlated with poor prognosis but may also play a role in immune evasion by modulating tumor immunity, thereby affecting patient responses to immunotherapy. Consequently, PSMD2 presents a promising novel therapeutic target and potential biomarker for immunotherapy in HCC.

Targeting glutamine metabolism crosstalk with tumor immune response

Glutamine, akin to glucose, is a fundamental nutrient for human physiology. Tumor progression is often accompanied by elevated glutamine consumption, resulting in a disrupted nutritional balance and metabolic reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, immune cells, which depend on glutamine for metabolic support, may experience functional impairments and dysregulation. Although the role of glutamine in tumors has been extensively studied, the specific impact of glutamine competition on immune responses, as well as the precise cellular alterations within immune cells, remains incompletely understood. In this review, we summarize the consequences of glutamine deprivation induced by tumor-driven glutamine uptake on immune cells, assessing the underlying mechanisms from the perspective of various components of the immune microenvironment. Additionally, we discuss the potential synergistic effects of glutamine supplementation and immunotherapy, offering insights into future research directions. This review provides compelling evidence for the integration of glutamine metabolism and immunotherapy as a promising strategy in cancer therapy.

Advances in the research of immunomodulatory mechanism of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells on periodontal tissue regeneration

Periodontal disease is a highly prevalent disease worldwide that seriously affects people's oral health, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Although the current treatment of periodontal disease can achieve good control of inflammation, it is difficult to regenerate the periodontal supporting tissues to achieve a satisfactory therapeutic effect. In recent years, due to the good tissue regeneration ability, the research on Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived exosomes has been gradually deepened, especially its ability to interact with the microenvironment of the body in the complex immunoregulatory network, which has led to many new perspectives on the therapeutic strategies for many diseases. This paper systematically reviews the immunomodulatory (including bone immunomodulation) properties of MSCs and their role in the periodontal inflammatory microenvironment, summarizes the pathways and mechanisms by which MSCs and MSC-EVs have promoted periodontal regeneration in recent years, lists potential areas for future research, and describes the issues that should be considered in future basic research and the direction of development of "cell-free therapies" for periodontal regeneration.

The pan-cancer landscape of crosstalk between leukocyte transendothelial migration-related genes and tumor microenvironment relevant to prognosis and immunotherapy response

Background

Leukocyte transendothelial migration-related genes (LTEMGs) play a crucial role in the immune response and have been extensively studied in various pathological conditions, including inflammation, infection, and cancer. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to understanding the biological mechanisms of LTEMGs in the context of tumor progression and metastasis. The potential function of LTEMGs in cancer progression remains unclear. The aim of this study is to systematically delineate the relationship between LTEMGs and tumor prognosis and immune microenvironment at the pan-cancer level, providing new biomarkers for personalized immunotherapy.

Methods

The gene alteration, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, and prognostic value of LTEMGs in pan-cancer were evaluated using Bulk and single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequence data. The LTEMGs score was calculated by R package "GSVA". The association of LTEMGs score with tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy response were deeply explored.

Results

We assessed the mRNA expression of 114 LTEMGs across various cancers, finding significant upregulation in acute myeloid leukemia (LAML) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Prognostic analysis indicated most LTEMGs were risk factors in low-grade glioma (LGG), PAAD, uveal melanoma (UVM), and LAML. The LTEMGs score, highest in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and lowest in UVM, was higher in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues in several cancers. The score was a risk factor for overall survival (OS) in LGG, UVM, and others, but protective in KIRC and some others. LTEMGs score correlated positively with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling, apoptosis, and immune responses. It also correlated with immune and stromal scores, and immune-related pathways. Higher LTEMGs score was linked to greater immune cell infiltration and poorer immunotherapy outcomes. Single-cell analysis revealed higher LTEMGs score in endothelial and monocyte cells, consistent with reduced immunotherapy responsiveness.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that LTEMGs are closely associated with tumor microenvironment. Patients with high LTEMGs score might be resistant to immunotherapy.

Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines: the hidden keys to autoimmune gastritis therapy

Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of gastric parietal cells and atrophy of the oxyntic mucosa which induces intrinsic factor deficiency and hypo-achlorhydria. AIG predominantly affects the antral mucosa with AIG patients experiencing increased inflammation and a predisposition toward the development of gastric adenocarcinoma and type I neuroendocrine tumors. The exact pathogenesis of this autoimmune disorder is incompletely understood although dysregulated immunological mechanisms appear to major contributors. This review of autoimmune gastritis, an unmet medical need, summarizes current knowledge on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and strategies for the discovery of novel biomarkers and potential pharmacological targets.

Prognostic and therapeutic potential of imbalance between PD-1+CD8 and ICOS+Treg cells in advanced HBV-HCC

Over 50% of patients with hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which is characterized by immune imbalance between CD8+ T cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells that accelerates disease progression. However, there is no imbalance indicator to predict clinical outcomes. Here, we show that the proportion of CD8+ T cells decreases and Treg cells increases in advanced HBV-HCC patients. During this stage, CD8+ T cells and Treg cells expressed the coinhibitory molecule PD-1 and the costimulatory molecule ICOS, respectively. Additionally, the ratio between PD-1+CD8 and ICOS+Tregs showed significant changes. Patients were further divided into high- and low-ratio groups: PD-1+CD8 and ICOS+Tregs high- (PD-1/ICOShi) and low-ratio (PD-1/ICOSlo) groups according to ratio median. Compared with PD-1/ICOSlo patients, the PD-1/ICOShi group had better clinical prognosis and weaker CD8+ T cells exhaustion, and the T cell-killing and proliferation functions were more conservative. Surprisingly, the small sample analysis found that PD-1/ICOShi patients exhibited a higher proportion of tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells and had more stable killing capacity and lower apoptosis capacity than PD-1/ICOSlo advanced HBV-HCC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In conclusion, the ratio between PD-1+CD8 and ICOS+Tregs was associated with extreme immune imbalance and poor prognosis in advanced HBV-HCC. These findings provide significant clinical implications for the prognosis of advanced HBV-HCC and may serve as a theoretical basis for identifying new targets in immunotherapy.

Autotaxin-Lysophosphatidate Axis: Promoter of Cancer Development and Possible Therapeutic Implications

Autotaxin (ATX) is a member of the ectonucleotide pyrophosphate/phosphodiesterase (ENPP) family; it is encoded by the ENPP2 gene. ATX is a secreted glycoprotein and catalyzes the hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is responsible for the transduction of various signal pathways through the interaction with at least six G protein-coupled receptors, LPA Receptors 1 to 6 (LPAR1-6). The ATX-LPA axis is involved in various physiological and pathological processes, such as angiogenesis, embryonic development, inflammation, fibrosis, and obesity. However, significant research also reported its connection to carcinogenesis, immune escape, metastasis, tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells, and therapeutic resistance. Moreover, several studies suggested ATX and LPA as relevant biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. In this review of the literature, we aimed to deepen knowledge about the role of the ATX-LPA axis as a promoter of cancer development, progression and invasion, and therapeutic resistance. Finally, we explored its potential application as a prognostic/predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for tumor treatment.

Colorectal Liver Metastasis: Can Cytokines Make the Difference?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Metastasis is the prime driver of CRC-related mortality, and the liver is the organ most frequently involved. Despite the overall success of current treatments, colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is associated with poor prognoses and a survival rate of only 14%. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the crosstalk within it in determining the invasion of distant organs by circulating cancer cells. In the TME, cellular communication is mediated via soluble molecules, among which cytokines have recently emerged as key regulators, involved in every aspect of tumor progression and the metastatic cascade. Indeed, in the serum of CRC patients elevated levels of several cytokines are associated with cancer development and progression. The current review evaluates the role of different cytokines during CRLM development. Additionally, considering the increasing amount of data concerning the importance of cytokine complex networks, we outline the potential of combination treatments using targeted cytokines together with other well-established therapies, such as immune checkpoint blockades, chemotherapy, or gene therapy, to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Co-Delivery Nanomicelles for Potentiating TNBC Immunotherapy by Synergetically Reshaping CAFs-Mediated Tumor Stroma and Reprogramming Immunosuppressive Microenvironment

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have received the most attention for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), while the response rate to ICI remains limited due to insufficient T cell infiltration. It is therefore essential that alternative strategies are developed to improve the therapeutic outcomes of ICI in non-responsive TNBC cases. The efficacy of pH-responsive nanomicelles (P/A/B@NM) co-loaded with paclitaxel (PTX), CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100, and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-1 activating the T cell-mediated antitumor immune response were evaluated using a 4T1 antiPD-1-resistance breast tumor model.

Methods

In vitro, pH-responsive antitumor effect of P/A/B@NM was investigated by assessing cell viability, migration and invasion. In vivo, the distribution of P/A/B@NM was visualized in 4T1 orthotopic TNBC model using an IVIS spectrum imaging instrument. The efficacy of the co-delivery nanocarriers was evaluated by monitoring mouse survival, tumor growth and metastasis, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-mediated tumor stroma and immunosuppressive microenvironment components, and the recruitment and infiltration of CD8+ T cells.

Results

The prepared P/A/B@NM in acid microenvironment demonstrates remarkable cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells, with an IC50 of 105 μg/mL. Additionally, it exhibits substantial inhibition of tumor cell migration and invasion. The P/A/B@NM based on co-delivery nanocarriers efficiently accumulate at the tumor site and release the drugs in a pH-responsive controlled manner. The nanomedicine-PTX, AMD3100, and BMS-1 formulation significantly inhibits tumor growth and lung/liver metastasis by inducing antitumor immune responses via CXCL12/CXCR4 axis blockade, and immunogenic cell death to reprogramme both tumor stroma and immunosuppressive microenvironment. As a result, CD8+ T cell infiltration is triggered into the tumor site, boosting the efficacy of ICI therapy synergistically.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that combination therapy using P/A/B@NM reshapes CAFs-mediated tumor stroma and immunosuppressive microenvironment, which can enhance the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, thereby reactivating anti-tumor immunity for non-responsive TNBC cases.

Interaction of peripheral CD4+CD25+CD127− Tregs with prolactin in HCV hepatocellular carcinoma: oncogenic or immunogenic mechanisms

Background and objective

There is little and conflicting data about the peripheral CD4+CD25+CD127− Tregs in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of various etiologies. The expressed membrane-bound transforming growth factor (mTGF-β1) on these Tregs is a marker of their suppressive function. Prolactin suppresses Tregs function in healthy subjects but enhances local Tregs in breast cancer. Our study is the first to assess the frequency and function of CD4+CD25+CD127−Tregs and their association with clinicopathological features and staging in HCV-related HCC and to determine whether prolactin acts as an oncogenic growth factor or participates in the regulation of the immune response mediated by peripheral Tregs. In patients with HCV- elated HCC, HCV-cirrhotic patients, and healthy subjects, we measured the frequency of peripheral traditional CD4+ CD25+ Tregs and well-characterized CD4+CD25+CD127−Tregs and their mTGF-β1 using flow cytometric analysis and measured serum prolactin level.

Results

The frequency of CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+CD25+CD127− Tregs was comparable between HCC and cirrhotic patients and healthy subjects. Serum prolactin and mTGF-β1 on traditional and CD4+CD25+CD127− Tregs were significantly higher in HCC and cirrhotic patients than healthy subjects with an insignificant difference between HCC and cirrhotic patients. Roc curve analysis revealed that cutoff value for mTGF-β1 on Tregs ≥ 13.5% is a good specific (87%) but low sensitive (54%) test in discriminating HCC patients from healthy subjects. The frequency of Tregs and mTGF-β1 were not correlated to clinicopathological characteristics or staging of HCC. Prolactin was higher in the multifocal lesions and negatively correlated to expressed mTGFβ1. The expressed mTGF-β1 was positively correlated with hemoglobin and alanine transaminase. The traditional Tregs was positively correlated with hemoglobin and albumin.

Conclusion

mTGFβ1, as a marker for suppressive function of peripheral CD4 + CD25 + CD127-Tregs, has a diagnostic role in discriminating HCV-related HCC patient from healthy subjects, unfortunately not from HCV-related cirrhotic patients. Serum prolactin has an oncogenic role as it is correlated to multiple focal lesions. It also impedes the suppressive function of peripheral Tregs as an immunogenic role. mTGF-β1 is related to hemoglobin and hepatic inflammation.

Secretome of Stromal Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs): Relevance in Cancer

The cancer secretome reflects the assortment of proteins released by cancer cells. Investigating cell secretomes not only provides a deeper knowledge of the healthy and transformed state but also helps in the discovery of novel biomarkers. Secretomes of cancer cells have been studied in the past, however, the secretome contribution of stromal cells needs to be studied. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the predominantly present cell populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs play key role in functions associated with matrix deposition and remodeling, reciprocal exchange of nutrients, and molecular interactions and signaling with neighboring cells in the TME. Investigating CAFs secretomes or CAFs-secreted factors would help in identifying novel CAF-specific biomarkers, unique druggable targets, and an improved understanding for personalized cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, we have tried to include all studies available in PubMed with the keywords "CAFs Secretome". We aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the studies investigating role of the CAF secretome on cancer development, progression, and therapeutic outcome. However, challenges associated with this process have also been addressed in the later sections. We have highlighted the functions and clinical relevance of secretome analysis in stromal CAF-rich cancer types. This review specifically discusses the secretome of stromal CAFs in cancers. A deeper understanding of the components of the CAF secretome and their interactions with cancer cells will help in the identification of personalized biomarkers and a more precise treatment plan.

Regulatory T-cells-related signature for identifying a prognostic subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma with an exhausted tumor microenvironment

Regulatory T-Cells (Tregs) are important in the progression of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). The goal of this work was to look into Tregs-related genes and develop a Tregs-related prognostic model. We used the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to look for Tregs-related genes in the TCGA, ICGC, and GSE14520 cohorts and then used the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm to find Tregs-related subpopulations. The LASSO-Cox regression approach was used to determine Tregs-related genes, which were then condensed into a risk score. A total of 153 overlapping genes among the three cohorts were considered Tregs-related genes. Based on these genes, two Tregs-associated clusters that varied in both prognostic and biological characteristics were identified. When compared with Cluster 1, Cluster 2 was a TME-exhausted HCC subpopulation with substantial immune cell infiltration but a poor prognosis. Five Tregs-related genes including HMOX1, MMP9, CTSC, SDC3, and TNFRSF11B were finally used to construct a prognostic model, which could accurately predict the prognosis of HCC patients in the three datasets. Patients in the high-risk scores group with bad survival outcomes were replete with immune/inflammatory responses, but exhausted T cells and elevated PD-1 and PD-L1 expression. The results of qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) analysis in clinical tissue samples confirmed the above findings. Moreover, the signature also accurately predicted anti-PD-L1 antibody responses in the IMvigor210 dataset. Finally, HMOX1, MMP9, and TNFRSF11B were expressed differently in Hep3B and Huh7 cells after being treated with a PD1/PD-L1 inhibitor. In conclusion, our study uncovered a Tregs-related prognostic model that could identify TME- exhausted subpopulations and revealed that PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors could alter the expression levels of HMOX1, MMP9, and TNFRSF11B in Hep3B and Huh7 cells, which might help us better understand Tregs infiltration and develop personalized immunotherapy treatments for HCC patients.

Regulatory T cells and their associated factors in hepatocellular carcinoma development and therapy

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide with primary type hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Factors, including carcinogens, infection of hepatitis viruses, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can induce HCC initiation and promote HCC progression. The prevalence of NAFLD accompanying the increased incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes becomes the most increasing factor causing HCC worldwide. However, the benefit of current therapeutic options is still limited. Intrahepatic immunity plays critically important roles in HCC initiation, development, and progression. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their associated factors such as metabolites and secreting cytokines mediate the immune tolerance of the tumor microenvironment in HCC. Therefore, targeting Tregs and blocking their mediated factors may prevent HCC progression. This review summarizes the functions of Tregs in HCC-inducing factors including alcoholic and NAFLD, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and viral infections. Overall, a better understanding of the role of Tregs in the development and progression of HCC provides treatment strategies for liver cancer treatment.

Proteoglycans in Cancer: Friends or Enemies? A Special Focus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Simple Summary

Proteoglycans affect multiple molecular and cellular processes during the progression of solid tumors with a highly desmoplastic stroma, such as HCC. Due to their role in enhancing or limiting the traits of cancer cells underlying their aggressiveness, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, these macromolecules could be exploited as molecular targets or therapeutic agents. Proteoglycans, such as biglycan, versican, syndecan-1, glypican-3, and agrin, promote HCC cell proliferation, EMT, and angiogenesis, while endostatin and proteoglycan 4 were shown to impair cancer neovascularization or to enhance the sensitivity of HCC cells to drugs, such as sorafenib and regorafenib. Based on this evidence, interventional strategies involving the use of humanized monoclonal antibodies, T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors, or recombinant proteins mimicking potentially curative proteoglycans, are being employed or may be adopted in the near future for the treatment of HCC.

Abstract

Proteoglycans are a class of highly glycosylated proteins expressed in virtually all tissues, which are localized within membranes, but more often in the pericellular space and extracellular matrix (ECM), and are involved in tissue homeostasis and remodeling of the stromal microenvironment during physiological and pathological processes, such as tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and cancer. In general, proteoglycans can perform signaling activities and influence a range of physical, chemical, and biological tissue properties, including the diffusivity of small electrolytes and nutrients and the bioavailability of growth factors. While the dysregulated expression of some proteoglycans is observed in many cancers, whether they act as supporters or limiters of neoplastic progression is still a matter of controversy, as the tumor promoting or suppressive function of some proteoglycans is context dependent. The participation of multiple proteoglycans in organ regeneration (as demonstrated for the liver in hepatectomy mouse models) and in cancer suggests that these molecules actively influence cell growth and motility, thus contributing to key events that characterize neoplastic progression. In this review, we outline the main roles of proteoglycans in the physiology and pathology of cancers, with a special mention to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting the translational potential of proteoglycans as targets or therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease.