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Tang J, Zhang J, Zhang G, Peng W, Ling N, Zhou Y, Xu H, Ren H, Chen M. Stat3 activation-triggered transcriptional networks govern the early stage of HBV-induced hepatic inflammation. mBio 2024; 15:e0306823. [PMID: 38440978 PMCID: PMC11005361 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03068-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The chronic carrier state of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) often leads to the development of liver inflammation as carriers age. However, the exact mechanisms that trigger this hepatic inflammation remain poorly defined. We analyzed the sequential processes during the onset of liver inflammation based on time-course transcriptome and transcriptional regulatory networks in an HBV transgenic (HBV-Tg) mice model and chronic HBV-infected (CHB) patients (data from GSE83148). The key transcriptional factor (TF) responsible for hepatic inflammation occurrence was identified and then validated both in HBV-Tg mice and liver specimens from young CHB patients. By time-course analysis, an early stage of hepatic inflammation was demonstrated in 3-month-old HBV-Tg mice: a marked upregulation of genes related to inflammation (Saa1/2, S100a8/9/11, or Il1β), innate immunity (Tlr2, Tlr7, or Tlr8), and cells chemotaxis (Ccr2, Cxcl1, Cxcl13, or Cxcl14). Within CHB samples, a unique early stage of inflammation activation was discriminated from immune tolerance and immune activation groups based on distinct gene expression patterns. Enhanced activation of TF Stat3 was strongly associated with increased inflammatory gene expression in this early stage of inflammation. Expression of phosphorylated Stat3 was higher in liver specimens from young CHB patients with relatively higher alanine aminotransferase levels. Specific inhibition of Stat3 activation significantly attenuated the degree of liver inflammation, the expression of inflammation-related genes, and the inflammatory monocytes and macrophages in 3-month-old HBV-Tg mice. Stat3 activation is essential for hepatic inflammation occurrence and is a novel indicator of early-stage immune activation in chronic HBV carriers. IMPORTANCE Until now, it remains a mystery that chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients in the "immune tolerance phase" will transition to the "immune activation phase" as they age. In this study, we reveal that Stat3 activation-triggered hepatic transcriptional alterations are distinctive characteristics of the early stage of immune/inflammation activation in chronic HBV infection. For the first time, we discover a mechanism that might trigger the transition from immune tolerance to immune activation in chronic HBV carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaxuan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaoli Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenhui Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ning Ling
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingzhi Zhou
- Department of Infection, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Infection, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Li R, Wang J, Li X, Liang Y, Jiang Y, Zhang Y, Xu P, Deng L, Wang Z, Sun T, Wu J, Xie H, Wang Y. T-cell receptor sequencing reveals hepatocellular carcinoma immune characteristics according to Barcelona Clinic liver cancer stages within liver tissue and peripheral blood. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:94-108. [PMID: 37962061 PMCID: PMC10823291 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Analysis of T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires in different stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) might help to elucidate its pathogenesis and progression. This study aimed to investigate TCR profiles in liver biopsies and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in different Barcelona Clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stages of HCC. Ten patients in early stage (BCLC_A), 10 patients in middle stage (BCLC_B), and 10 patients in late stage (BCLC_C) cancer were prospectively enrolled. The liver tumor tissues, adjacent tissues, and PBMCs of each patient were collected and examined by TCR β sequencing. Based on the ImMunoGeneTics (IMGT) database, we aligned the V, D, J, and C gene segments and identified the frequency of CDR3 sequences and amino acids sequence. Diversity of TCR in PBMCs was higher than in both tumor tissues and adjacent tissues, regardless of BCLC stage and postoperative recurrence. TCR clonality was increased in T cells from peripheral blood in advanced HCC, compared with the early and middle stages. No statistical differences were observed between different BCLC stages, either in tumors or adjacent tissues. TCR clonality revealed no significant difference between recurrent tumor and non-recurrent tumor, therefore PBMCs was better to be representative of TCR characteristics in different stages of HCC compared to tumor tissues. Clonal expansion of T cells was associated with low risk of recurrence in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- School of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Junxiao Wang
- Interventional Radiology, The Fifth Medical CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Aerospace Medical Center, Aerospace Center HospitalPeking University Aerospace Clinical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xiubin Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yining Liang
- School of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Yiyun Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- School of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Hangzhou ImmuQuad BiotechnologiesHangzhouChina
| | - Ling Deng
- Hangzhou ImmuQuad BiotechnologiesHangzhouChina
| | - Zhe Wang
- School of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Tao Sun
- Hangzhou ImmuQuad BiotechnologiesHangzhouChina
- Institute of Wenzhou, Zhejiang UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Hui Xie
- Interventional Radiology, The Fifth Medical CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
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Tang L, Li Q, Chen L, Li X, Gu S, He W, Pan Q, Wang L, Sun J, Yi X, Li Y. IL-21 collaborates with anti-TIGIT to restore NK cell function in chronic HBV infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29142. [PMID: 37815034 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Available therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are not satisfying, and interleukin-21 (IL-21) and checkpoint inhibitors are potential therapeutic options. However, the mechanism underlying IL-21 and checkpoint inhibitors in treating chronic HBV infection is unclear. To explore whether IL-21 and checkpoint inhibitors promote HBV clearance by modulating the function of natural killer (NK) cells, we measured the phenotypes and functions of NK cells in chronic HBV-infected patients and healthy controls on mRNA and protein levels. We found that chronic HBV infection disturbed the transcriptome of NK cells, including decreased expression of KLRK1, TIGIT, GZMA, PRF1, and increased expression of CD69. We also observed altered phenotypes and functions of NK cells in chronic HBV-infected patients, characterized by decreased NKG2D expression, increased TIGIT expression and impaired interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. Furthermore, these alterations cannot be restored by telbivudine treatment but can be partially restored by IL-21 and anti-TIGIT stimulation. IL-21 upregulated the expression of activating receptor CD16, CD69, and NKG2D on NK cells, enhanced IFN-γ production, cytolysis, and proliferation of NK cells, while anti-TIGIT promoted IFN-γ production in CD56dim subset exclusively in chronic HBV infected patients. Additionally, IL-21 was indispensable for anti-TIGIT in HBsAg clearance in mice bearing HBV. It enhanced IFN-γ production in splenic NK cells rather than intrahepatic NK cells, indicating a brand-new mechanism of IL-21 in HBV clearance when combined with anti-TIGIT. Overall, our findings contribute to the design of immunotherapy through enhancing the antiviral efficacy of NK cells in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanrun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Infectious Diseases Laboratory (Preparatory) of Yunnan Provincial Department of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Yunnan Provincial Clinical Medical Center (Branch) for Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Dali University, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuqin Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiying He
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianru Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Yi
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Zheng HC, Xue H, Yun WJ. An overview of mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Infect Agent Cancer 2023; 18:49. [PMID: 37670307 PMCID: PMC10481604 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-023-00524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a severe burden on global health due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. However, effective treatments for HCC are limited. The lack of suitable preclinical models may contribute to a major failure of drug development for HCC. Here, we overview several well-established mouse models of HCC, including genetically engineered mice, chemically-induced models, implantation models, and humanized mice. Immunotherapy studies of HCC have been a hot topic. Therefore, we will introduce the application of mouse models of HCC in immunotherapy. This is followed by a discussion of some other models of HCC-related liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis B and C virus infection, and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Together these provide researchers with a current overview of the mouse models of HCC and assist in the application of appropriate models for their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Chuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China.
| | - Hang Xue
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| | - Wen-Jing Yun
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
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5
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Weng W, Zhang D, Li S. Life span-associated ferroptosis-related genes identification and validation for hepatocellular carcinoma patients as hepatitis B virus carriers. J Clin Lab Anal 2023; 37:e24930. [PMID: 37461802 PMCID: PMC10492458 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected population accounts for approximately 50% of all hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases and has a relatively poor prognosis. Although the significant role of ferroptosis in the development and therapeutic response of various cancers has been validated, the key ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) on the stratification of HBV-associated HCC are still unclear. METHODS Through the random forest, GSVA and Cox regression analyses, we established a comprehensive prognostic system covering multiple FRGs to elevate the predictive accuracy for the survival rate of HBV-related HCC using information obtained from public databases. The association between key FRGs and the immune microenvironment was evaluated, and the molecular mechanism was identified by GSEA and SNV analyses. Finally, the differential expression of key FRGs was validated by immunohistochemistry staining of patient tissue microarrays. RESULTS Within the top 10 key FRGs, EPAS1 and GABARAPL1 were taken as protective factors, and SQLE, RAD51AP1, RPL8, CAPG, RRM2, SLC1A5, SLC38A1, and SRC were the other eight dangerous markers. Cox regression analysis combined with clinicopathological features indicated the independent prognostic efficacy of GSVA complex score based on these FRGs. In addition, key FRGs were related to immune and metabolic-related functions. Especially, the immunohistochemical analysis of SQLE in 50 clinical samples showed significantly higher expression in HBV+ HCC tissues. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that 10 FRGs may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for long-term survival in HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Weng
- The third people's hospital health care group of CixiCixiChina
| | - Defa Zhang
- Tianjin Second People HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Shuang Li
- Tianjin Second People HospitalTianjinChina
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Zhao J, Li L, Yin H, Feng X, Lu Q. TIGIT: An emerging immune checkpoint target for immunotherapy in autoimmune disease and cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110358. [PMID: 37262959 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (ICs), also referred to as co-inhibitory receptors (IRs), are essential for regulating immune cell function to maintain tolerance and prevent autoimmunity. IRs, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), have been shown to possess immunoregulatory properties that are relevant to various autoimmune diseases and cancers. Tumors are characterized by suppressive microenvironments with elevated levels of IRs on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Therefore, IR blockade has shown great potential in cancer therapy and has even been approved for clinical use. However, other IRs, including cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), may also represent promising targets for anti-tumor therapy. The increasing importance of IRs in autoimmune diseases has become apparent. In mouse models, TIGIT pathway blockade or TIGIT deficiency has been linked to T cell overactivation and proliferation, exacerbation of inflammation, and increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders. On the other hand, TIGIT activation has been shown to alleviate autoimmune disorders in murine models. Given these findings, we examine the effects of TIGIT and its potential as a therapeutic target for both autoimmune diseases and cancers. It is clear that TIGIT represents an emerging and exciting target for immunotherapy in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhao
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Li
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiqi Yin
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwei Feng
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
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7
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Dumolard L, Aspord C, Marche PN, Macek Jilkova Z. Immune checkpoints on T and NK cells in the context of HBV infection: Landscape, pathophysiology and therapeutic exploitation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148111. [PMID: 37056774 PMCID: PMC10086248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the interplay between the virus and the host immune system is crucial in determining the pathogenesis of the disease. Patients who fail to mount a sufficient and sustained anti-viral immune response develop chronic hepatitis B (CHB). T cells and natural killer (NK) cells play decisive role in viral clearance, but they are defective in chronic HBV infection. The activation of immune cells is tightly controlled by a combination of activating and inhibitory receptors, called immune checkpoints (ICs), allowing the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Chronic exposure to viral antigens and the subsequent dysregulation of ICs actively contribute to the exhaustion of effector cells and viral persistence. The present review aims to summarize the function of various ICs and their expression in T lymphocytes and NK cells in the course of HBV infection as well as the use of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting ICs in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Dumolard
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Aspord
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- R&D Laboratory, Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrice N. Marche
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- *Correspondence: Zuzana Macek Jilkova,
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Zhang J, Hu C, Xie X, Qi L, Li C, Li S. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in HBV-Caused Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030614. [PMID: 36992198 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, with high incidence and mortality worldwide. Surgery, liver transplantation, and ablation therapies have been used to treat early HBV-caused HCC (HBV-HCC); meanwhile, in the advanced stage, chemoradiotherapy and drug-targeted therapy are regularly considered, but with limited efficacy. Recently, immunotherapies, such as tumor vaccine therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, have demonstrated promising efficacy in cancer treatment. In particular, immune checkpoint inhibitors can successfully prevent tumors from achieving immune escape and promote an anti-tumor response, thereby boosting the therapeutic effect in HBV-HCC. However, the advantages of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of HBV-HCC remain to be exploited. Here, we describe the basic characteristics and development of HBV-HCC and introduce current treatment strategies for HBV-HCC. Of note, we review the principles of immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) in HBV-HCC, as well as related inhibitors being considered in the clinic. We also discuss the benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of HBV-HCC and the efficacy of those inhibitors in HCC with various etiologies, aiming to provide insights into the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of HBV-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Changwei Hu
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Xie
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Linzhi Qi
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Chuanzhou Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shangze Li
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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9
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Tourkochristou E, Assimakopoulos SF, Thomopoulos K, Marangos M, Triantos C. NAFLD and HBV interplay - related mechanisms underlying liver disease progression. Front Immunol 2022; 13:965548. [PMID: 36544761 PMCID: PMC9760931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.965548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) constitute common chronic liver diseases with worldwide distribution. NAFLD burden is expected to grow in the coming decade, especially in western countries, considering the increased incidence of diabetes and obesity. Despite the organized HBV vaccinations and use of anti-viral therapies globally, HBV infection remains endemic and challenging public health issue. As both NAFLD and HBV have been associated with the development of progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the co-occurrence of both diseases has gained great research and clinical interest. The causative relationship between NAFLD and HBV infection has not been elucidated so far. Dysregulated fatty acid metabolism and lipotoxicity in NAFLD disease seems to initiate activation of signaling pathways that enhance pro-inflammatory responses and disrupt hepatocyte cell homeostasis, promoting progression of NAFLD disease to NASH, fibrosis and HCC and can affect HBV replication and immune encountering of HBV virus, which may further have impact on liver disease progression. Chronic HBV infection is suggested to have an influence on metabolic changes, which could lead to NAFLD development and the HBV-induced inflammatory responses and molecular pathways may constitute an aggravating factor in hepatic steatosis development. The observed altered immune homeostasis in both HBV infection and NAFLD could be associated with progression to HCC development. Elucidation of the possible mechanisms beyond HBV chronic infection and NAFLD diseases, which could lead to advanced liver disease or increase the risk for severe complications, in the case of HBV-NAFLD co-existence is of high clinical significance in the context of designing effective therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Tourkochristou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Stelios F. Assimakopoulos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece,*Correspondence: Stelios F. Assimakopoulos,
| | - Konstantinos Thomopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Markos Marangos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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10
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Tian Y, Wang J, Qin X, Li S, Lan C, Sun X. Narciclasine ameliorated T cell mediated acute liver injury through activating AMPK pathway. Cell Immunol 2022; 382:104631. [PMID: 36272268 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis is closely related to cirrhosis and liver cancer, and it is vital that we develop new drugs and identify new drug targets. Traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated excellent curative effects on liver diseases. The ingredients from Chinese herbals are important source for drug development in the treatment of hepatitis. Here, we found that narciclasine (NCS), a major component extracted from narcissus bulbs, showed hepatoprotective effect against concanavalin A (Con A) induced hepatitis. NCS treatment significantly reduced hepatocyte death, hepatic inflammatory cells infiltration, and serum cytokine levels in Con A challenged mice. We further observed that NCS directly inhibited Con A induced splenocytes proliferation and cytokine production in vitro. RNA-seq results showed that genes related to immune response were upregulated in Con A treated CD4+ T cells, which were down-regulated in the presence of NCS. Moreover, the AMPK pathway had been found activated in response to NCS treatment, suggesting a potential target for NCS targets. In conclusion, our results reveal that NCS is a powerful immunosuppressor against T cell activation, thus leading to protection against Con A induced liver injury in mice. These findings provide new insights into the use of natural products in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital/ Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570311, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hainan General Hospital/ Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570311, China
| | - Xiaori Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital/ Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570311, China
| | - Shibing Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hainan General Hospital/ Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570311, China
| | - Cheng Lan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital/ Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570311, China.
| | - Xiaoning Sun
- Clinical College, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570100, China.
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11
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Zhang W, Sun H, Sun R, Lian Z, Wei H, Tian Z, Chen Y. HBV immune tolerance of HBs-transgenic mice observed through parabiosis with WT mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993246. [PMID: 36203595 PMCID: PMC9530942 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It was extensively recognized that central tolerance to HBV exists in HBs-transgenic (Tg) mice, however, the immune response to HBV vaccine may be inspired in adult HBs-Tg mice after boosting with potent adjuvants, leaving a mystery to explore its immune tolerance. Here, WT-HBs-Tg parabiotic mice model was generated by conjoining WT (donor) and HBs-Tg (host) mouse via parabiotic surgery, in order to see how immunocompetent WT mice naturally respond to HBV, and how tolerant HBs-Tg mice influence the anti-HBV immunity from WT mice. It was found that WT CD8+ T cells markedly accumulated into the liver of HBs-Tg parabionts, and importantly, almost all HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells derived from WT but not HBs-Tg mice, making a clear separation of a normal immune response from WT donor and a tolerant response by recipient host. Further, in the absence of host but not donor spleen, HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells disappeared, indicating that host spleen was the indispensable site for donor HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cell priming though its mechanisms need further study. We found that donor CD4+ T helper cells were necessary for donor HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cell response by CD4-deficiency in WT or in HBs-Tg mice, indicating that an immune response was elicited between CD4+ T helper cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells of donor in the host but not donor spleen. It was noted that compared to donor CD4+ T cells, host CD4+ T cells were characterized with more tolerant features by harboring more CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs with higher expression of PD-1 and TIGIT in the spleen of HBs-Tg parabionts, which exhibited suppressive function on CD8+ T cells directly. Moreover, the Th1/Treg ratio was enhanced after parabiosis, suggesting that donor T helper cells may overcome the negative regulation of host Tregs in host spleen. In conclusion, both incompetent anti-HBV CD8+ T cells and insufficient help from CD4+ T cells are the major mechanisms underlying immune tolerance in HBs-Tg mice which helps explain HBV persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haoyu Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhexiong Lian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhigang Tian, ; Yongyan Chen,
| | - Yongyan Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhigang Tian, ; Yongyan Chen,
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12
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Yu L, Guan Y, Li L, Lu N, Zhang C. The transcription factor Eomes promotes expression of inhibitory receptors on hepatic CD8
+
T cells during HBV persistence. FEBS J 2022; 289:3241-3261. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.16342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Yu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Yun Guan
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
- Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital China
| | - Lei Li
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Nan Lu
- Institute of Diagnostics School of Medicine Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
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13
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Wang D, Gu Y, Yan X, Huo C, Wang G, Zhao Y, Teng M, Li Y. Role of CD155/TIGIT in Digestive Cancers: Promising Cancer Target for Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:844260. [PMID: 35433470 PMCID: PMC9005749 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.844260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment restricts the function and survival of various immune cells by up-regulating inhibitory immune checkpoints, and participates in the immune escape of tumors. The development of immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death receptor 1 antibody and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 antibody, has provided many options for cancer treatment. The efficacy of other immune checkpoint inhibitors is also under development and research. Among them, T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) has shown excellent clinical application prospects. Correspondingly, poliovirus receptor (PVR, CD155), one of the main ligands of TIGIT, is mainly expressed in various human malignant tumors and myeloid cells. CD155 interacts with TIGIT on natural killer cells and T cells, mediating inhibitory immunomodulatory regulation. This study summarized the mechanism of CD155/TIGIT in regulating immune cells and its role in the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors, aiming to provide a new perspective for immunotherapy of digestive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daijun Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Gu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Yan
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chengdong Huo
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guan Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Muzhou Teng
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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14
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饶 晶, 曾 凤, 姬 满, 徐 祥, 余 春, 杨 靖, 刘 龙, 刘 志. [PreS1 Antigen of HBV Down-Regulates MHC-Ⅰ on the Surface of Hepatocytes and Promotes Hepatocarcinogenesis]. Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 53:285-290. [PMID: 35332731 PMCID: PMC10409352 DOI: 10.12182/20220360509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective To explore the internal mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Methods L02, HepG2 and Huh7 cells stably overexpressing HBV preS1 antigen were analyzed by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and tumorigenesis in nude mice to evaluate the effect of preS1 antigen in HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis. Results Our results showed that the expression of cancer stem cell (CSCs) related factors and cell surface markers in preS1 overexpressing cells were up-regulated, and the tumorigenicity of these cells was enhanced in nude mice. In addition, preS1 overexpression could down-regulate the expression of major histocompatibility complex Ⅰ (MHC-Ⅰ). The expression of MHC-Ⅰ on the cell surface could be restored by adding interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the process of cell culturing and the tumorigenicity of cells in nude mice could thus be reduced. Conclusion Based on the above results, we believe that preS1 is a carcinogen of HBV and that it promotes the formation of liver cancer through down regulating MHC-Ⅰ on the surface of hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- 晶晶 饶
- 湖北医药学院基础医学院 医学微生物教研室 (十堰 442000)Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 凤 曾
- 湖北医药学院基础医学院 医学微生物教研室 (十堰 442000)Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 满山 姬
- 湖北医药学院基础医学院 医学微生物教研室 (十堰 442000)Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 祥 徐
- 湖北医药学院基础医学院 医学微生物教研室 (十堰 442000)Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 春芳 余
- 湖北医药学院基础医学院 医学微生物教研室 (十堰 442000)Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 靖 杨
- 湖北医药学院基础医学院 医学微生物教研室 (十堰 442000)Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 龙 刘
- 湖北医药学院基础医学院 医学微生物教研室 (十堰 442000)Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 志新 刘
- 湖北医药学院基础医学院 医学微生物教研室 (十堰 442000)Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
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15
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Zaki MYW, Fathi AM, Samir S, Eldafashi N, William KY, Nazmy MH, Fathy M, Gill US, Shetty S. Innate and Adaptive Immunopathogeneses in Viral Hepatitis; Crucial Determinants of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1255. [PMID: 35267563 PMCID: PMC8909759 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections remain the most common risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and their heterogeneous distribution influences the global prevalence of this common type of liver cancer. Typical hepatitis infection elicits various immune responses within the liver microenvironment, and viral persistence induces chronic liver inflammation and carcinogenesis. HBV is directly mutagenic but can also cause low-grade liver inflammation characterized by episodes of intermittent high-grade liver inflammation, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis, which can progress to decompensated liver disease and HCC. Equally, the absence of key innate and adaptive immune responses in chronic HCV infection dampens viral eradication and induces an exhausted and immunosuppressive liver niche that favors HCC development and progression. The objectives of this review are to (i) discuss the epidemiological pattern of HBV and HCV infections, (ii) understand the host immune response to acute and chronic viral hepatitis, and (iii) explore the link between this diseased immune environment and the development and progression of HCC in preclinical models and HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Y. W. Zaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ahmed M. Fathi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Samara Samir
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
| | - Nardeen Eldafashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Kerolis Y. William
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt;
| | - Maiiada Hassan Nazmy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Moustafa Fathy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Upkar S. Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK;
| | - Shishir Shetty
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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16
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Wei YY, Fan J, Shan MX, Yin DD, Wang LL, Ye W, Zhao W. TIGIT marks exhausted T cells and serves as a target for immune restoration in patients with chronic HBV infection. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:942-954. [PMID: 35273697 PMCID: PMC8902551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic HBV infection is a serious worldwide health problem that mainly causes liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Few studies have explored how T cell exhaustion helps HBV avoid immune system attack and how to reverse that exhaustion. Recently, T cell immunoglobulin and immune receptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) have been identified as coinhibitory receptors, similar to PD-1. This study explores the expression of TIGIT and the T cell function changes in patients with chronic HBV infection. RESULTS In this study, we found that the expression of TIGIT on T cells increased significantly in patients with chronic HBV infection. High expression of TIGIT on T cells is associated with functional exhaustion. Importantly, this study demonstrates that blocking TIGIT can reverse T cell exhaustion and restore function in patients with chronic HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS HBV induces T cell exhaustion by up-regulating the expression of TIGIT. Blocking the TIGIT/PVR signaling pathway can reverse T cell exhaustion, so this discovery provides an immunotherapy target to battle chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yan Wei
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Fan
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng-Xuan Shan
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan-Dan Yin
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-Li Wang
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Ye
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210003, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Tian T, Wang J, Yin F, Wu M, He W, Wang X, Zha Z, Wang H. Activation of Cascade-Like Antitumor Immune Responses through In Situ Doxorubicin Stimulation and Blockade of Checkpoint Coinhibitory Receptor TIGIT. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102080. [PMID: 34655464 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although T cell centered immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have shown unprecedented success in various cancer types, only a minority of patients benefit from these treatments due to the lack of neoantigen burden and exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating immune stimulating cells. Inspired by the crucial role of NK cell based immunity and potential immunostimulating effect of chemotherapeutic drugs, the therapeutic efficiency on tumor inhibition through combination of doxorubicin (DOX) and blockade of TIGIT (T-cell Ig and ITIM domain), a coinhibitory receptor expressed by both NK and T cells, in a matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2)-degradable hydrogel is thoroughly evaluated in this study. Due to the distinct release kinetics from destructed framework of hydrogels, the differentially released DOX and anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody (aTIGIT) molecules can elicit immunogenic tumor microenvironment and reverse the exhaustion of NK and effector T cells to realize not only durable localized tumor inhibition but also systemic and long-lasting immune memory responses. Thus, this work pioneers the union of chemotherapeutic drugs and NK cell centered ICB therapies for activating cascade-like antitumor immune responses through eliciting immunogenic tumor microenvironment and boosting both innate and adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Department of Oncology The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230022 China
| | - Jingguo Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering Hefei University of Technology Hefei Anhui 230009 China
| | - Fan Yin
- School of Pharmacy Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
| | - Miaomiao Wu
- School of Pharmacy Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
| | - Wei He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
| | - Xuefu Wang
- School of Pharmacy Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
| | - Zhengbao Zha
- School of Food and Biological Engineering Hefei University of Technology Hefei Anhui 230009 China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230022 China
- School of Pharmacy Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
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18
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Li W, Wei W, Hou F, Xu H, Cui X. The integration model of hepatitis B virus genome in hepatocellular carcinoma cells based on high-throughput long-read sequencing. Genomics 2021; 114:23-30. [PMID: 34843903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
HBV integration and function has gradually been expanding. However, the exact mode of HBV integration remains unclear. In our research, the high-throughput long-read sequencing was combined with bioinformatics to study the complete mode of HBV integration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The results demonstrated that: 1) The HBV insertion sequences of HBV integration events accounted for 49.5% of the total HBV sequences. 2) Short insertion segments with the length of 0-1 kbp accounted for 50% and the long insertion segments (>3 kbp) accounted for 25% of HBV insertion events. 3)There were different HBV insertion length in the breakpoints formed within different regions. 4) The occurrence of HBV integration events was accompanied by more frequent structural variations. 5)Furthermore, multiple HBV integration patterns were confirmed based on complete HBV insertion sequences. Our research not only clarified a variety of perfect HBV integration models but also determined multiple specific features of HBV integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyang Li
- Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China
| | - Fei Hou
- Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China
| | - Hanshi Xu
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Xiaofang Cui
- Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China.
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Wu Y, Ma R, Long C, Shu Y, He P, Zhou Y, Xiang Y, Wang Y. The protective effect of cannabinoid type II receptor agonist AM1241 on ConA-induced liver injury in mice via mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 35:20587384211035251. [PMID: 34384259 PMCID: PMC8366113 DOI: 10.1177/20587384211035251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating the immune responses in inflammation. At present, there are no good clinical drugs for many immune liver diseases. Methods We explored the protective effect of the cannabinoid type II (CB2) receptor agonist AM1241 on the liver of mice with acute liver injury caused by concanavalin from the perspective of inflammation and immunity. Pathological evaluation in hepatic tissue was examined by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and the levels of biochemical parameters in the serum were measured by automatic biochemical analysis. The content of inflammatory factors was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The liver apoptosis-related proteins were observed by immunohistochemistry. The expression of liver injury-related proteins was analysed by Western blot. Immune cells were isolated from the liver of mice and studied in vitro. Results Reduced levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were observed in ConA-induced liver injury mice treated with AM1241, together with attenuated liver damage evidenced by H&E staining. Moreover, AM1241 inhibited the protein and gene expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ in the livers of mice. The phosphorylation levels of p38, JNK, ERK1/2, P65 and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the mouse were significantly reduced in AM1241 pretreatment, while the level of p-JNK increased. In addition, the P/T-P65 and P/T-CREB of the AM1241 pretreatment group were significantly reduced. The results of immunohistochemistry measurement are consistent with those of Western blotting. The CB2-mediated effect is through macrophage-like Kupffer cells. Conclusion Our study suggests that the ConA-induced liver injury model in mice is protected by CB2 agonist AM1241 by modulation of CB2 receptor-rich immune cells, for example, Kupffer cells. Reduced inflammatory responses regulate apoptosis/cell death in the liver particularly hepatocytes and other parenchymal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafeng Wu
- Department of Center for Clinical Laboratories, 74628The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China.,Department of School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth People's Hospital of Ya'an City, Ya'an, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Run Ma
- Department of Center for Clinical Laboratories, 74628The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Cuizhen Long
- Department of Center for Clinical Laboratories, 74628The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yuanhui Shu
- Department of Center for Clinical Laboratories, 74628The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Center for Clinical Laboratories, 74628The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Center for Clinical Laboratories, 74628The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yining Xiang
- Department of Pathology, 74628The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Center for Clinical Laboratories, 74628The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
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20
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Lu H, Yi W, Sun F, Zeng Z, Zhang L, Li M, Xie Y. Comprehensive investigation of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma and choice of anti-HBV therapy. Biosafety and Health 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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21
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Cho HJ, Cheong JY. Role of Immune Cells in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158011. [PMID: 34360777 PMCID: PMC8348470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops almost entirely in the presence of chronic inflammation. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with recurrent immune-mediated liver damage ultimately leads to cirrhosis and HCC. It is widely accepted that HBV infection induces the dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immune responses that engage various immune cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are associated with early antiviral and antitumor properties. On the other hand, inflammatory cells release various cytokines and chemokines that may promote HCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressive cells play a critical role in hepatocarcinogenesis. HBV-specific CD8+ T cells have been identified as pivotal players in antiviral responses, whilst extremely activated CD8+ T cells induce enormous inflammatory responses, and chronic inflammation can facilitate hepatocarcinogenesis. Controlling and maintaining the balance in the immune system is an important aspect in the management of HBV-related HCC. We conducted a review of the current knowledge on the immunopathogenesis of HBV-induced inflammation and the role of such immune activation in the tumorigenesis of HCC based on the recent studies on innate and adaptive immune cell dysfunction in HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jae-Youn Cheong
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-219-6939; Fax: +82-31-219-5999
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22
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Ho DW, Tsui YM, Chan LK, Sze KM, Zhang X, Cheu JW, Chiu YT, Lee JM, Chan AC, Cheung ET, Yau DT, Chia NH, Lo IL, Sham PC, Cheung TT, Wong CC, Ng IO. Single-cell RNA sequencing shows the immunosuppressive landscape and tumor heterogeneity of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3684. [PMID: 34140495 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Interaction between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment is important in cancer development. Immune cells interact with the tumor cells to shape this process. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to delineate the immune landscape and tumor heterogeneity in a cohort of patients with HBV-associated human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that tumor-associated macrophages suppress tumor T cell infiltration and TIGIT-NECTIN2 interaction regulates the immunosuppressive environment. The cell state transition of immune cells towards a more immunosuppressive and exhaustive status exemplifies the overall cancer-promoting immunocellular landscape. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of global molecular profiles reveals co-existence of intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral heterogeneity, but is more apparent in the latter. This analysis of the immunosuppressive landscape and intercellular interactions provides mechanistic information for the design of efficacious immune-oncology treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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23
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Ho DWH, Tsui YM, Chan LK, Sze KMF, Zhang X, Cheu JWS, Chiu YT, Lee JMF, Chan ACY, Cheung ETY, Yau DTW, Chia NH, Lo ILO, Sham PC, Cheung TT, Wong CCL, Ng IOL. Single-cell RNA sequencing shows the immunosuppressive landscape and tumor heterogeneity of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3684. [PMID: 34140495 PMCID: PMC8211687 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment is important in cancer development. Immune cells interact with the tumor cells to shape this process. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to delineate the immune landscape and tumor heterogeneity in a cohort of patients with HBV-associated human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that tumor-associated macrophages suppress tumor T cell infiltration and TIGIT-NECTIN2 interaction regulates the immunosuppressive environment. The cell state transition of immune cells towards a more immunosuppressive and exhaustive status exemplifies the overall cancer-promoting immunocellular landscape. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of global molecular profiles reveals co-existence of intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral heterogeneity, but is more apparent in the latter. This analysis of the immunosuppressive landscape and intercellular interactions provides mechanistic information for the design of efficacious immune-oncology treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lo-Kong Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karen Man-Fong Sze
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Yung-Tuen Chiu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joyce Man-Fong Lee
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Albert Chi-Yan Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | - Nam-Hung Chia
- Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Irene Lai-Oi Lo
- Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pak-Chung Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tan-To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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24
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Khanam A, Chua JV, Kottilil S. Immunopathology of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Role of Innate and Adaptive Immune Response in Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5497. [PMID: 34071064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 250 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B despite the availability of highly effective vaccines and oral antivirals. Although innate and adaptive immune cells play crucial roles in controlling hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, they are also accountable for inflammation and subsequently cause liver pathologies. During the initial phase of HBV infection, innate immunity is triggered leading to antiviral cytokines production, followed by activation and intrahepatic recruitment of the adaptive immune system resulting in successful virus elimination. In chronic HBV infection, significant alterations in both innate and adaptive immunity including expansion of regulatory cells, overexpression of co-inhibitory receptors, presence of abundant inflammatory mediators, and modifications in immune cell derived exosome release and function occurs, which overpower antiviral response leading to persistent viral infection and subsequent immune pathologies associated with disease progression towards fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of innate and adaptive immune cells transformations that are associated with immunopathogenesis and disease outcome in CHB patients.
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25
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy, and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is its major pathogenic factor. Over the past decades, it has been confirmed that HBV infection could promote disease progression through a variety of mechanisms, ultimately leading to the malignant transformation of liver cells. Many factors have been identified in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC), including HBV gene integration, genomic instability caused by mutation, and activation of cancer-promoting signaling pathways. As research in the progression of HBV-HCC progresses, the role of many new mechanisms, such as epigenetics, exosomes, autophagy, metabolic regulation, and immune suppression, is also being continuously explored. The occurrence of HBV-HCC is a complex process caused by interactions across multiple genes and multiple steps, where the synergistic effects of various cancer-promoting mechanisms accelerate the process of disease evolution from inflammation to tumorigenesis. In this review, we aim to provide a brief overview of the mechanisms involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-HCC, which may contribute to a better understanding of the role of HBV in the occurrence and development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
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26
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Meng Y, Zhao Q, An L, Jiao S, Li R, Sang Y, Liao J, Nie P, Wen F, Ju J, Zhou Z, Wei L. A TNFR2-hnRNPK Axis Promotes Primary Liver Cancer Development via Activation of YAP Signaling in Hepatic Progenitor Cells. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3036-3050. [PMID: 33619115 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Most primary liver cancer (PLC) cases progress mainly due to underlying chronic liver inflammation, yet the underlying mechanisms of inflammation-mediated PLC remain unclear. Here we uncover a TNF receptor II (TNFR2)-hnRNPK-YAP signaling axis in hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) essential for PLC development. TNFR2, but not TNF receptor I (TNFR1), was required for TNFα-induced activation of YAP during malignant transformation of HPCs and liver tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein K (hnRNPK) acted downstream of TNFα-TNFR2 signaling to directly interact with and stabilize YAP on target gene promoters genome-wide, therefore coregulating the expression of YAP target genes. Single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed the association of TNFR2-hnRNPK with YAP expression and the pathologic importance of HPC. Accordingly, expressions of TNFR2, hnRNPK, and YAP were all upregulated in PLC tissues and were strongly associated with poor prognosis of PLC including patient survival. Collectively, this study clarifies the differential roles of TNFRs in HPC-mediated tumorigenesis, uncovering a TNFR2-hnRNPK-centered mechanistic link between the TNFα-mediated inflammatory milieu and YAP activation in HPCs during PLC development. SIGNIFICANCE: This work defines how hnRNPK links TNFα signaling and Hippo pathway transcription coactivator YAP in hepatic progenitor cells during primary liver tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Meng
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiudong Zhao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwei An
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Li
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Sang
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Liao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingping Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuping Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Ju
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Wei
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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27
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Abstract
Viral infections are very common, and in most cases, the virus is well controlled and eliminated by the immune system. Nevertheless, in some cases, damage of the host tissue inflicted by the virus itself or by the elicited immune response may result in severe disease courses. Thus, regulatory mechanisms are necessary to control virus‐induced and immune pathology. This ensures immune responses are elicited in a potent but controlled manner. In this review, we will outline how immune regulation may contribute to this process. We focus on regulatory T cells and co‐inhibitory receptors and outline how these two regulatory immune components allow for and may even promote potent but not pathologic immune responses. By enabling a balanced immune response, regulatory mechanisms can thus contribute to pathogen control as well as tissue and host protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Panetti
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kung-Chi Kao
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Joller
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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Hong GQ, Cai D, Gong JP, Lai X. Innate immune cells and their interaction with T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:57. [PMID: 33281968 PMCID: PMC7709558 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor and is associated with necroinflammation driven by various immune cells, such as dendritic cells, macrophages and natural killer cells. Innate immune cells can directly affect HCC or regulate the T-cell responses that mediate HCC. In addition, innate immune cells and T cells are not isolated, which means the interaction between them is important in the HCC microenvironment. Considering the current unsatisfactory efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with HCC, understanding the relationship between innate immune cells and T cells is necessary. In the present review the roles and clinical value of innate immune cells that have been widely reported to be involved in HCC, including dendritic cells, macrophages (including kupffer cells), neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and innate lymphoid cells and the crosstalk between the innate and adaptive immune responses in the antitumor process have been discussed. The present review will facilitate researchers in understanding the importance of innate immune cells in HCC and lead to innovative immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qing Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Thyroid Breast Surgery, Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing 402660, P.R. China
| | - Dong Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ping Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Xing Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Thyroid Breast Surgery, Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing 402660, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Xing Lai, Department of Hepatobiliary and Thyroid Breast Surgery, Tongnan District People's Hospital, 271 Datong, Tongnan, Chongqing 402660, P.R. China, E-mail:
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29
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Golonka RM, Vijay-Kumar M. Atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer: Deciphering the role of gut microbiome. Adv Cancer Res 2021; 149:171-255. [PMID: 33579424 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Much recent research has delved into understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of HCC pathogenesis, which has revealed to be heterogenous and complex. Two major hallmarks of HCC include: (i) a hijacked immunometabolism and (ii) a reprogramming in metabolic processes. We posit that the gut microbiota is a third component in an entanglement triangle contributing to HCC progression. Besides metagenomic studies highlighting the diagnostic potential in the gut microbiota profile, recent research is pinpointing the gut microbiota as an instigator, not just a mere bystander, in HCC. In this chapter, we discuss mechanistic insights on atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in HCC, including the examination of tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (e.g., T-cell exhaustion, regulatory T-cells, natural killer T-cells), the Warburg effect, rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and glutamine addiction. We further discuss the potential involvement of the gut microbiota in these characteristics of hepatocarcinogenesis. An immediate highlight is that microbiota metabolites (e.g., short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids) can impair anti-tumor responses, which aggravates HCC. Lastly, we describe the rising 'new era' of immunotherapies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell transfer) and discuss for the potential incorporation of gut microbiota targeted therapeutics (e.g., probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation) to alleviate HCC. Altogether, this chapter invigorates for continuous research to decipher the role of gut microbiome in HCC from its influence on immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming.
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30
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Cai H, Liu G, Zhong J, Zheng K, Xiao H, Li C, Song X, Li Y, Xu C, Wu H, He Z, Zhu Q. Immune Checkpoints in Viral Infections. Viruses 2020; 12:E1051. [PMID: 32967229 DOI: 10.3390/v12091051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As evidence has mounted that virus-infected cells, such as cancer cells, negatively regulate the function of T-cells via immune checkpoints, it has become increasingly clear that viral infections similarly exploit immune checkpoints as an immune system escape mechanism. Although immune checkpoint therapy has been successfully used in cancer treatment, numerous studies have suggested that such therapy may also be highly relevant for treating viral infection, especially chronic viral infections. However, it has not yet been applied in this manner. Here, we reviewed recent findings regarding immune checkpoints in viral infections, including COVID-19, and discussed the role of immune checkpoints in different viral infections, as well as the potential for applying immune checkpoint blockades as antiviral therapy.
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31
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Patel K, Lamm R, Altshuler P, Dang H, Shah AP. Hepatocellular Carcinoma-The Influence of Immunoanatomy and the Role of Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186757. [PMID: 32942580 PMCID: PMC7555667 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease, limiting their options for treatment. While current treatments are adequate for lower staged disease, available systemic treatments are limited, with marginal benefit at best. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, effective in treating liquid tumors such as B-cell lymphoma, presents a potentially promising treatment option for advanced HCC. However, new challenges specific to solid tumors, such as tumor immunoanatomy or the immune cell presence and position anatomically and the tumor microenvironment, need to be defined and overcome. Immunotherapy currently in use must be re-engineered and re-envisioned to treat HCC with the hopes of ushering in an answer to advanced stage solid tumor disease processes. Future therapy options must address the uniqueness of the tumors under the umbrella of HCC. This review strives to summarize HCC, its staging system, current therapy and immunotherapy medications currently being utilized or studied in the treatment of HCC with the hopes of highlighting what is being done and suggesting what needs to be done in the future to champion this therapy as an effective option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyur Patel
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
| | - Ryan Lamm
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
| | - Peter Altshuler
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
| | - Hien Dang
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Correspondence: (H.D.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Ashesh P. Shah
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence: (H.D.); (A.P.S.)
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32
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Wei D, Hou J, Zheng K, Jin X, Xie Q, Cheng L, Sun X. Suicide Gene Therapy Against Malignant Gliomas by the Local Delivery of Genetically Engineered Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Cellular Vehicles. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:330-341. [PMID: 31657679 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666191028103703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant tumor that is difficult to eliminate, and new therapies are thus strongly desired. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to locate to injured tissues, inflammation sites and tumors and are thus good candidates for carrying antitumor genes for the treatment of tumors. Treating GBM with MSCs that have been transduced with the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene has brought significant advances because MSCs can exert a bystander effect on tumor cells upon treatment with the prodrug ganciclovir (GCV). OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to determine whether HSV-TK-expressing umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCTKs) together with prodrug GCV treatment could exert a bystander killing effect on GBM. METHODS AND RESULTS Compared with MSCTK: U87 ratio at 1:10,1:100 and 1:100, GCV concentration at 2.5µM or 250µM, when MSCTKs were cocultured with U87 cells at a ratio of 1:1, 25 µM GCV exerted a more stable killing effect. Higher amounts of MSCTKs cocultured with U87 cells were correlated with a better bystander effect exerted by the MSCTK/GCV system. We built U87-driven subcutaneous tumor models and brain intracranial tumor models to evaluate the efficiency of the MSCTK/GCV system on subcutaneous and intracranial tumors and found that MSCTK/GCV was effective in both models. The ratio of MSCTKs and tumor cells played a critical role in this therapeutic effect, with a higher MSCTK/U87 ratio exerting a better effect. CONCLUSION This research suggested that the MSCTK/GCV system exerts a strong bystander effect on GBM tumor cells, and this system may be a promising assistant method for GBM postoperative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wei
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - JiaLi Hou
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lamei Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuan Sun
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
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33
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Chiu DKC, Yuen VWH, Cheu JWS, Wei LL, Ting V, Fehlings M, Sumatoh H, Nardin A, Newell EW, Ng IOL, Yau TCC, Wong CM, Wong CCL. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Up-regulate PVRL1, Stabilizing PVR and Inhibiting the Cytotoxic T-Cell Response via TIGIT to Mediate Tumor Resistance to PD1 Inhibitors in Mice. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:609-623. [PMID: 32275969 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.03.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in the treatment of some hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), but these tumors do not always respond to inhibitors of programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1, also called PD1). We investigated mechanisms of resistance of liver tumors in mice to infiltrating T cells. METHODS Mice were given hydrodynamic tail vein injections of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) and transposon vectors to disrupt Trp53 and overexpress C-Myc (Trp53KO/C-MycOE mice). Pvrl1 and Pvrl3 were knocked down in Hepa1-6 cells by using short hairpin RNAs. Hepa1-6 cells were injected into livers of C57BL/6 mice; some mice were given intraperitoneal injections of antibodies against PD1, T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), or CD8 before the cancer cells were injected. Liver tissues were collected from mice and analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; tumors were analyzed by mass cytometry using markers to detect T cells and other lymphocytes. We obtained HCC and nontumorous liver tissues and clinical data from patients who underwent surgery in Hong Kong and analyzed the tissues by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Trp53KO/C-MycOE mice developed liver tumors in 3-5 weeks; injections of anti-PD1 did not slow tumor development. Tumors from mice given anti-PD1 had larger numbers of memory CD8+ T cells (CD44+CD62L-KLRG1int) and T cells that expressed PD1, lymphocyte activating 3 (LAG3), and TIGIT compared with mice not given the antibody. HCC tissues from patients had higher levels of PVRL1 messenger RNA and protein than nontumorous tissues. Increased PVRL1 was associated with shorter times of disease-free survival. Knockdown of Pvrl1 in Hepa1-6 cells caused them to form smaller tumors in mice, infiltrated by higher numbers of CD8+ T cells that expressed the inhibitory protein TIGIT; these effects were not observed in mice with depletion of CD8+ T cells. In Hepa1-6 cells, PVRL1 stabilized cell surface PVR, which interacted with TIGIT on CD8+ T cells; knockdown of Pvrl1 reduced cell-surface levels of PVR but not levels of Pvr messenger RNA. In Trp53KO/C-MycOE mice and mice with tumors grown from Hepa1-6 cells, injection of the combination of anti-PD1 and anti-TIGIT significantly reduced tumor growth, increased the ratio of cytotoxic to regulatory T cells in tumors, and prolonged survival. CONCLUSIONS PVRL1, which is up-regulated by HCC cells, stabilizes cell surface PVR, which interacts with TIGIT, an inhibitory molecule on CD8+ effector memory T cells. This suppresses the ant-tumor immune response. Inhibitors of PVRL1/TIGIT, along with anti-PD1 might be developed for treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Larry Lai Wei
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vox Ting
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | - Evan W Newell
- ImmunoSCAPE Pte Ltd, Singapore; Vaccine and Infections Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Thomas Chung-Cheung Yau
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Ming Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Zheng Q, Xu J, Gu X, Wu F, Deng J, Cai X, Wang G, Li G, Chen Z. Immune checkpoint targeting TIGIT in hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:3212-3224. [PMID: 32774695 PMCID: PMC7407725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has an extremely poor prognosis and is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Immune checkpoint suppression has become the most effective treatment option for liver cancer. The strategies used for immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting cancer therapies have been affected by some significant successes, including blocking the advanced-stage malignant tumor by death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand (PDL-1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) pathways. T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domains (TIGIT) is an immune checkpoint that participates in tumor immune surveillance. Mainly expressed on T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and other antigen-presenting cells (APCs), it diminishes cytokine production and exhibits strong suppressive properties. TIGIT achieves a more active antitumor immune response and highlights a pivotal role for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical studies have found inhibitory effects using a targeted approach. Monotherapy targeting TIGIT or in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of patients with advanced solid malignancies have demonstrated improved antitumor immune responses. Due to the high tumor heterogeneity of liver cancer, immune checkpoint suppression therapy still needs further exploration. Therefore, we provide insights into the characteristics of TIGIT and the immune system in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxian Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fengtian Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingwen Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaopeng Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guojun Li
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Third People’s HospitalShenzhen, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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35
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with rising incidence rates, is the most commonly occurring malignancy of the liver that exerts a heavy disease burden particularly in developing countries. A dynamic cross-talk between immune cells and malignant cells in tumor microenvironment governs the hepatocarcinogenesis. Monitoring immune contexture as prognostic markers is quite relevant and essential to evaluate clinical outcomes and to envisage response to therapy. In this review, we present an overview of the prognostic value of various tumor infiltrating immune cells and the continually evolving immune checkpoints as novel biomarkers during HCC. Tumor infiltration by immune cells such as T cells, NK cells and dendritic cells is linked with improved prognosis and favorable outcome, while the intra-tumoral presence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) or myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) on the other hand is associated with poor clinical outcome. In addition to these, the overexpression of negative regulatory molecules on tumor cells also provides inhibitory signals to T cells and is associated with poor prognosis. The limitation of a single marker can be overcome by advanced prognostication models and algorithms that evaluate multiple prognostic factors and ultimately aid the clinician in improving the disease free and overall survival of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Sachdeva
- Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil K Arora
- Department of Immunopathology & Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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36
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Tan AT, Schreiber S. Adoptive T-cell therapy for HBV-associated HCC and HBV infection. Antiviral Res 2020; 176:104748. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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37
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Burwitz BJ, Hashiguchi PK, Mansouri M, Meyer C, Gilbride RM, Biswas S, Womack JL, Reed JS, Wu HL, Axthelm MK, Hansen SG, Picker LJ, Früh K, Sacha JB. MHC-E-Restricted CD8 + T Cells Target Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Human Hepatocytes. J Immunol 2020; 204:2169-2176. [PMID: 32161099 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Currently 247 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB), and the development of novel curative treatments is urgently needed. Immunotherapy is an attractive approach to treat CHB, yet therapeutic approaches to augment the endogenous hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cell response in CHB patients have demonstrated little success. In this study, we show that strain 68-1 rhesus macaque (RM) CMV vaccine vectors expressing HBV Ags engender HBV-specific CD8+ T cells unconventionally restricted by MHC class II and the nonclassical MHC-E molecule in RM. Surface staining of human donor and RM primary hepatocytes (PH) ex vivo revealed the majority of PH expressed MHC-E but not MHC class II. HBV-specific, MHC-E-restricted CD8+ T cells from RM vaccinated with RM CMV vaccine vectors expressing HBV Ags recognized HBV-infected PH from both human donor and RM. These results provide proof-of-concept that MHC-E-restricted CD8+ T cells could be harnessed for the treatment of CHB, either through therapeutic vaccination or adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Burwitz
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006.,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006; and
| | - Patrick K Hashiguchi
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | - Mandana Mansouri
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | | | - Roxanne M Gilbride
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | - Sreya Biswas
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | - Jennie L Womack
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | - Jason S Reed
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | - Helen L Wu
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | - Michael K Axthelm
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006.,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006; and
| | - Scott G Hansen
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006.,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006; and
| | - Louis J Picker
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006.,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006; and
| | - Klaus Früh
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006; .,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006; and
| | - Jonah B Sacha
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006; .,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006; and
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38
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Schorer M, Rakebrandt N, Lambert K, Hunziker A, Pallmer K, Oxenius A, Kipar A, Stertz S, Joller N. TIGIT limits immune pathology during viral infections. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1288. [PMID: 32152316 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15025-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-inhibitory pathways have a fundamental function in regulating T cell responses and control the balance between promoting efficient effector functions and restricting immune pathology. The TIGIT pathway has been implicated in promoting T cell dysfunction in chronic viral infection. Importantly, TIGIT signaling is functionally linked to IL-10 expression, which has an effect on both virus control and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. However, whether TIGIT has a function in viral persistence or limiting tissue pathology is unclear. Here we report that TIGIT modulation effectively alters the phenotype and cytokine profile of T cells during influenza and chronic LCMV infection, but does not affect virus control in vivo. Instead, TIGIT has an important effect in limiting immune pathology in peripheral organs by inducing IL-10. Our data therefore identify a function of TIGIT in limiting immune pathology that is independent of viral clearance. TIGIT is a lymphocyte co-inhibitory receptor that can limit type 1 and cytotoxic T cell responses and maintain immunological tolerance. Here the authors show that TIGIT also limits immune pathology during LCMV or influenza infections in mice by driving IL-10 expression without negatively affecting the viral load.
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39
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Hou J, Zhang H, Sun B, Karin M. The immunobiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in humans and mice: Basic concepts and therapeutic implications. J Hepatol 2020; 72:167-182. [PMID: 31449859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Basic and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of immunotherapy, a technical and conceptual breakthrough that has revolutionised cancer treatment. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a deadly malignancy with aetiologic diversity and a chronic course, is strongly influenced by the immune system, and was recently found to partially benefit from immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Notably, HCC onco-immunology depends on diverse genetic and environmental factors that together shape cancer-promoting inflammation and immune dysfunction - critical processes that control HCC malignant progression and response to therapy. Herein, we summarise the current understanding of liver and HCC onco-immunology obtained through basic studies with mouse models and clinical practice in humans. In particular, we discuss preclinical and clinical findings that implicate immunomodulation as a major factor in HCC development and explain the basis for HCC-targeting immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Hou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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40
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Hakim MS, Rahmadika N, Jariah ROA. Expressions of inhibitory checkpoint molecules in acute and chronic HBV and HCV infections: Implications for therapeutic monitoring and personalized therapy. Rev Med Virol 2019; 30:e2094. [DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad S. Hakim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and NursingUniversitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta Indonesia
| | - Nofri Rahmadika
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas Padjadjaran Bandung Indonesia
| | - Rizka O. A. Jariah
- Department of Health Science, Faculty of Vocational StudiesUniversitas Airlangga Surabaya Indonesia
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41
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Hao X, Chen Y, Bai L, Wei H, Sun R, Tian Z. HBsAg-specific CD8 + T cells as an indispensable trigger to induce murine hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Mol Immunol 2019; 18:128-137. [PMID: 31767976 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-019-0330-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mediated by an inappropriate attack by HBV-specific T cells in patients. However, this immunopathogenic process has not been clarified because of the lack of a suitable animal model. Here, we used immunocompetent Fah-/- mice as the recipients in the adoptive transfer of HBsAg+ hepatocytes from HBs-Tg mice to replace the recipient hepatocytes (HBs-HepR). HBs-HepR mice exhibited persistent HBsAg expression with chronic hepatitis and eventually developed HCC with a prevalence of 100%. HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells were generated and specifically and continuously induced hepatocyte apoptosis with progressive chronic inflammation, and the depletion of CD8+ T cells or their deficiency prevented HCC, which could then be reproduced by the transfer of HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells. In summary, our results demonstrated that CD8+ T cells plays a critical role in HBsAg-driven inflammtion and HCC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Hao
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yongyan Chen
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China. .,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China. .,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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42
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Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the dominant causes of cancer-related mortality, and the survival rate of liver cancer is among the lowest for all cancers. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has yielded some encouraging results, but the percentage of patients responding to single-agent therapies remains low. Therefore, potential directions for improved immunotherapies include identifying new immune targets and checkpoints and customizing treatment procedures for individual patients. The development of combination therapies for HCC is also crucial and urgent and, thus, further studies are required. Mice have been utilized in immunotherapy research due to several advantages, for example, being low in cost, having high success rates for inducing tumor growth, and so on. Moreover, immune-competent mice are used in immunotherapy research to clarify the role that the immune system plays in cancer growth. In this review paper, the advantages and disadvantages of mouse models for immunotherapy, the equipment that are used for monitoring HCC, and the cell strains used for inducing HCC are reviewed.
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43
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Bai L, Peng H, Hao X, Tang L, Sun C, Zheng M, Liu F, Lian Z, Bai L, Wei H, Sun R, Tian Z. CD8 + T Cells Promote Maturation of Liver-Resident NK Cells Through the CD70-CD27 axis. Hepatology 2019; 70:1804-1815. [PMID: 31077406 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Liver-resident natural killer (LrNK) cells are a unique subset of NK cells that are distinct from conventional NK cells. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which LrNK cells mature. In this study, we discovered that LrNK cells exhibit a relatively immature phenotype and impaired cytotoxic capacity in the absence of CD8+ T cells. The provision of CD8+ T cells to Cd8-/- or Rag1-/- mice led to the restoration of LrNK cell maturation. Furthermore, co-culture with CD8+ T cells induced immature CD27+ LrNK cells to convert into mature CD27- LrNK cells, whereas blocking the interaction of CD70 and CD27 abrogated the ability of CD8+ T cells to promote the maturation of LrNK cells. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that CD8+ T cells promote the maturation of LrNK cells through the CD70-CD27 axis, and therefore highlight a previously unknown mechanism responsible for the mediation of LrNK cell maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Bai
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaolei Hao
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ling Tang
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Organ Transplant Center & Immunology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Meijuan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fubao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhexiong Lian
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Li Bai
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institue of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Abstract
Multiple new therapeutic approaches are currently being developed to achieve sustained, off-treatment suppression of HBV, a persistent hepatotropic infection that kills ~2,000 people a day. A fundamental therapeutic goal is the restoration of robust HBV-specific adaptive immune responses that are able to maintain prolonged immunosurveillance of residual infection. Here, we provide insight into key components of successful T cell and B cell responses to HBV, discussing the importance of different specificities and effector functions, local intrahepatic immunity and pathogenic potential. We focus on the parallels and interactions between T cell and B cell responses, highlighting emerging areas for future investigation. We review the potential for different immunotherapies in development to restore or release endogenous adaptive immunity by direct or indirect approaches, including limitations and risks. Finally, we consider an alternative HBV treatment strategy of replacing failed endogenous immunity with infusions of highly targeted T cells or antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alice R Burton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
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Macek Jilkova Z, Kurma K, Decaens T. Animal Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of Immune System and Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1487. [PMID: 31581753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer in adults and has one of the highest mortality rates of solid cancers. Ninety percent of HCCs are associated with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis developed from chronic liver injuries. The immune system of the liver contributes to the severity of the necrotic-inflammatory tissue damage, the establishment of fibrosis and cirrhosis, and the disease progression towards HCC. Immunotherapies have emerged as an exciting strategy for HCC treatment, but their effect is limited, and an extensive translation research is urgently needed to enhance anti-tumor efficacy and clinical success. Establishing HCC animal models that are analogous to human disease settings, i.e., mimicking the tumor microenvironment of HCC, is extremely challenging. Hence, this review discusses different animal models of HCC by summarizing their advantages and their limits with a specific focus on the role of the immune system and tumor microenvironment.
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the high-risk factors for human HCC. Despite the integration of virus DNA and the oncoprotein HBx, chronic necroinflammation and hepatocellular regeneration account for hepatocarcinogenesis. As a non-cytopathic virus, HBV is extensively recognized to mediate chronic liver damage through abnormal immune attack. However, the mechanisms driving HBV infection to HCC are poorly understood. During chronic HBV infection in humans, the adaptive immunity changes from immune tolerance to progressive immune activation, inactivation, reactivation and exhaustion, all of which may be the immune pathogenic factors for the development of HCC. Recently, the immunopathogenic mechanisms were described in mouse HBV-induced HCC models, which is absolutely dependent on the presence of HBV-specific T cell response and NK cell-derived IFN-γ, findings which are consistent with the observations from CHB and HCC patients. In this review, we summarize recent research progression on the HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, and also CD4+ T cells, B cells and non-specific immune cells and molecules underlying chronic HBV infection and eventual HCC development to demonstrate the pathogenesis of HBV-induced immune imbalance. Based on the progression, we discussed the potential of immune-based therapies and their challenges in the treatment of HBV-related HCC, including the checkpoint inhibition, genetically modified T cell transfer, therapeutic vaccines and metabolic modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyan Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and various pathogenic factors can lead to its occurrence and development. Among all primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common. With extensive studies, an increasing number of molecular mechanisms that promote HCC are being discovered. Surgical resection is still the most effective treatment for patients with early HCC. However, early detection and treatment are difficult for most HCC patients, and the postoperative recurrence rate is high, resulting in poor clinical prognosis of HCC. Although immunotherapy takes longer than conventional chemotherapy to produce therapeutic effects, it persists for longer. In recent years, the emergence of many new immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, has given new hope for the treatment of HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Disease Progression
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/immunology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention & control
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qiu-Ju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
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Sung PS, Park DJ, Kim JH, Han JW, Lee EB, Lee GW, Nam HC, Jang JW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Shin EC, Park SH, Yoon SK. Ex vivo Detection and Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus-Specific CD8 + T Cells in Patients Considered Immune Tolerant. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1319. [PMID: 31244857 PMCID: PMC6563765 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to detect and characterize ex vivo virus-specific CD8+ T cells in patients with immune-tolerant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We investigated a Korean chronic hepatitis B cohort composed of 15 patients in the immune-tolerant phase, 17 in the immune-active phase, and 13 under antiviral treatment. We performed enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays ex vivo and intracellular cytokine staining after in vitro culture. We also performed ex vivo multimer staining assays and examined the expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and CD127 in pentamer-positive cells. Ex vivo ELISpot revealed that HBV-specific T cell function was weaker in immune-tolerant patients than in those under antiviral treatment. In vitro culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 10 days revealed that HBV-specific CD8+ T cells produced interferon-γ in some immune-tolerant patients. We detected HBV-specific CD8+ T cells ex vivo (using the HBV core18-27 pentamer) in patients from all three groups. The PD-1+ subset of pentamer+ CD8+ T cells was smaller ex vivo in the immune-tolerant phase than in the immune-active phase or under antiviral treatment. Interestingly, the proportion of PD-1+ CD8+ T cells in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells correlated with patient age when all enrolled patients were analyzed. Overall, HBV-specific CD8+ T cells are present in patients considered as immune-tolerant, although their ex vivo functionality is significantly weaker than that in patients under antiviral treatment (P < 0.05). Despite the high viral load, the proportion of PD-1 expression in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells is lower in the immune-tolerant phase than in other phases. Our results indicate appropriate stimulation may enhance the effector function of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells in patients considered as being in the immune-tolerant phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Jun Park
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun Byul Lee
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gil Won Lee
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Chul Nam
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
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Boni C, Barili V, Acerbi G, Rossi M, Vecchi A, Laccabue D, Penna A, Missale G, Ferrari C, Fisicaro P. HBV Immune-Therapy: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2754. [PMID: 31195619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a worldwide public health concern with approximately 250 million people chronically infected and at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUC) are the most widely used therapies for HBV infection, but they often require long-lasting administration to avoid the risk of HBV reactivation at withdrawal. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel treatments to shorten the duration of NUC therapy by accelerating virus control, and to complement the effect of available anti-viral therapies. In chronic HBV infection, virus-specific T cells are functionally defective, and this exhaustion state is a key determinant of virus persistence. Reconstitution of an efficient anti-viral T cell response may thus represent a rational strategy to treat chronic HBV patients. In this perspective, the enhancement of adaptive immune responses by a checkpoint inhibitor blockade, specific T cell vaccines, lymphocyte metabolism targeting, and autologous T cell engineering, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and TCR-redirected T cells, constitutes a promising immune modulatory approach for a therapeutic restoration of protective immunity. The advances of the emerging immune-based therapies in the setting of the HBV research field will be outlined.
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