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Swatler J, De Luca M, Rotella I, Lise V, Mazza EMC, Lugli E. CD4+ Regulatory T Cells in Human Cancer: Subsets, Origin, and Molecular Regulation. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:393-399. [PMID: 38562083 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0517] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) play major roles in the maintenance of immune tolerance, prevention of inflammation, and tissue homeostasis and repair. In contrast with these beneficial roles, Tregs are abundant in virtually all tumors and have been mechanistically linked to disease progression, metastases development, and therapy resistance. Tregs are thus recognized as a major target for cancer immunotherapy. Compared with other sites in the body, tumors harbor hyperactivated Treg subsets whose molecular characteristics are only beginning to be elucidated. Here, we describe current knowledge of intratumoral Tregs and discuss their potential cellular and tissue origin. Furthermore, we describe currently recognized molecular regulators that drive differentiation and maintenance of Tregs in cancer, with a special focus on those signals regulating their chronic immune activation, with relevant implications for cancer progression and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Swatler
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
| | - Marco De Luca
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
| | - Ivano Rotella
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
| | - Veronica Lise
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
| | | | - Enrico Lugli
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
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2
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Mortezaee K. Selective targeting or reprogramming of intra-tumoral Tregs. Med Oncol 2024; 41:71. [PMID: 38341821 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02300-0] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical immunosuppressive cells that are frequently present in the tumor microenvironment of solid cancers and enable progression of tumors toward metastasis. The cells expand in response to tumor-associated antigens and are actively involved in bypassing immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors through integrating numerous environmental signals. A point here is that Tregs are clonally distinct in peripheral blood from tumor area. Currently, an effective and novel task in cancer immunotherapy is to selectively destabilize or deplete intra-tumoral Tregs in order to avoid systemic inflammatory events. Helios is a transcription factor expressed selectively by Tregs and promotes their stabilization, and Trps1 is a master regulator of intra-tumoral Tregs. Anti-CCR8 and the IL-2Rβγ agonist Bempegaldesleukin selectively target intra-tumoral Treg population, with the former approved to not elicit autoimmunity. Disarming Treg-related immunosuppression in tumors through diverting their reprogramming or promoting naïve T cell differentiation into cells with effector immune activating profile is another promising area of research in cancer immunotherapy. Blimp-1 inhibitors and glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein agonists are example approaches that can be used for diverting Treg differentiation into Th1-like CD4+ T cells, thereby powering immunogenicity against cancer. Finally, selective target of intra-tumoral Tregs and their reprogramming into effector T cells is applicable using low-dose chemotherapy, and high-salt and high-tryptophan diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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3
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Li T, Ran J, Miao Z, Yang M, Mou D, Jiang Y, Xu X, Xie Q, Jin K. Deficiency of inflammation-sensing protein neuropilin-2 in myeloid-derived macrophages exacerbates colitis via NF-κB activation. J Pathol 2024; 262:175-188. [PMID: 37946610 DOI: 10.1002/path.6221] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a multifunctional protein engaged in the regulation of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, axon guidance, and tumor metastasis, but its function in colitis remains unclear. Here, we found that NRP2 was an inflammation-sensing protein rapidly and dramatically induced in myeloid cells, especially in macrophages, under inflammatory contexts. NRP2 deficiency in myeloid cells exacerbated dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced experimental colitis by promoting polarization of M1 macrophages and colon injury. Mechanistically, NRP2 could be induced via NF-κB activation by TNF-α in macrophages, but exerted an inhibitory effect on NF-κB signaling, forming a negative feedback loop with NF-κB to sense and alleviate inflammation. Deletion of NRP2 in macrophages broke this negative feedback circuit, leading to NF-κB overactivation, inflammatory exacerbation, and more severe colitis. Collectively, these findings reveal inflammation restriction as a role for NRP2 in macrophages under inflammation contexts and suggest that NRP2 in macrophages may relieve inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, PR China
- West China Medical Publishers, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Jingjing Ran
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Miao
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Dachao Mou
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yunhan Jiang
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xiaoqiu Xu
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Qibing Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Ke Jin
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
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Rodrigues EM, Giovanini AF, Ribas CAPM, Malafaia O, Roesler R, Isolan GR. The Nervous System Development Regulator Neuropilin-1 as a Potential Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target in Brain Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4922. [PMID: 37894289 PMCID: PMC10605093 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204922] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilins are transmembrane glycoproteins that regulate developmental processes in the nervous system and other tissues. Overexpression of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) occurs in many solid tumor types and, in several instances, may predict patient outcome in terms of overall survival. Experimental inhibition of NRP1 activity can display antitumor effects in different cancer models. Here, we review NRP1 expression and function in adult and pediatric brain cancers, particularly glioblastomas (GBMs) and medulloblastomas, and present analyses of NRP1 transcript levels and their association with patient survival in GBMs. The case of NRP1 highlights the potential of regulators of neurodevelopment as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Mello Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil; (E.M.R.)
- The Center for Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery (CEANNE), Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
| | - Allan Fernando Giovanini
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil; (E.M.R.)
| | | | - Osvaldo Malafaia
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil; (E.M.R.)
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo R. Isolan
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil; (E.M.R.)
- The Center for Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery (CEANNE), Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Spalt Therapeutics, Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
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5
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Fard D, Giraudo E, Tamagnone L. Mind the (guidance) signals! Translational relevance of semaphorins, plexins, and neuropilins in pancreatic cancer. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:817-829. [PMID: 37598000 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.009] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of demise worldwide. Although key associated genetic changes have been discovered, disease progression is sustained by pathogenic mechanisms that are poorly understood at the molecular level. In particular, the tissue microenvironment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is usually characterized by high stromal content, scarce recruitment of immune cells, and the presence of neuronal fibers. Semaphorins and their receptors, plexins and neuropilins, comprise a wide family of regulatory signals that control neurons, endothelial and immune cells, embryo development, and normal tissue homeostasis, as well as the microenvironment of human tumors. We focus on the role of these molecular signals in pancreatic cancer progression, as revealed by experimental research and clinical studies, including novel approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Fard
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Giraudo
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Waldner MJ, Neurath MF. TGFβ and the Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081139. [PMID: 37190048 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081139] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence supports an important role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Resident cells such as fibroblasts or immune cells infiltrating into the TME maintain continuous crosstalk with cancer cells and thereby regulate CRC progression. One of the most important molecules involved is the immunoregulatory cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). TGFβ is released by various cells in the TME, including macrophages and fibroblasts, and it modulates cancer cell growth, differentiation, and cell death. Mutations in components of the TGF pathway, including TGFβ receptor type 2 or SMAD4, are among the most frequently detected mutations in CRC and have been associated with the clinical course of disease. Within this review, we will discuss our current understanding about the role of TGFβ in the pathogenesis of CRC. This includes novel data on the molecular mechanisms of TGFβ signaling in TME, as well as possible strategies for CRC therapy targeting the TGFβ pathway, including potential combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian J Waldner
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus F Neurath
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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Ruffin AT, Li H, Vujanovic L, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL, Bruno TC. Improving head and neck cancer therapies by immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:173-188. [PMID: 36456755 PMCID: PMC9992112 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Targeted immunotherapy has improved patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20% of patients produce a durable response to these treatments. Thus, new immunotherapies that consider all key players of the complex HNSCC tumour microenvironment (TME) are necessary to further enhance tumour-specific T cell responses in patients. HNSCC is an ideal tumour type in which to evaluate immune and non-immune cell differences because of two distinct TME aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative disease), multiple anatomic sites for tumour growth, and clear distinctions between patients with locally advanced disease and those with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Recent technological and scientific advancements have provided a more complete picture of all cellular constituents within this complex TME and have evaluated the interplay of both immune and non-immune cells within HNSCC. Here, we include a comprehensive analysis of the complete ecosystem of the HNSCC TME, performed utilizing data-rich resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, and cutting-edge techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional flow cytometry and spatial multispectral imaging, to generate improved treatment strategies for this diverse disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Housaiyin Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Zhang P, Chen L, Zhou F, He Z, Wang G, Luo Y. NRP1 promotes prostate cancer progression via modulating EGFR-dependent AKT pathway activation. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:159. [PMID: 36841806 PMCID: PMC9958327 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05696-1] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant tumor with a high global incidence in males. The mechanism underlying PCa progression is still not clear. This study observed that NRP1 was highly expressed in PCa and associated with poor prognosis in PCa patients. Functionally, NRP1 depletion attenuated the proliferation and migration ability of PCa cells in vitro and in vivo, while NRP1 overexpression promoted PCa cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, it was observed that NRP1 depletion induced G1 phase arrest in PCa cells. Mechanistically, HIF1α is bound to the specific promoter region of NRP1, thereby regulating its transcriptional activation. Subsequently, NRP1 interacted with EGFR, leading to EGFR phosphorylation. This study also provided evidence that the b1/b2 domain of NRP1 was responsible for the interaction with the extracellular domain of EGFR. Moreover, EGFR mediated NRP1-induced activation of the AKT signaling pathway, which promoted the malignant progression of PCa. In addition, the administration of NRP1 inhibitor EG01377 significantly inactivated the EGFR/AKT signaling axis, thereby suppressing PCa progression. In conclusion, the findings from this study highlighted the molecular mechanism underlying NRP1 expression in PCa and provide a potential predictor and therapeutic target for clinical prognosis and treatment of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Chen
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fenfang Zhou
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiwen He
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. .,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China. .,Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yongwen Luo
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. .,Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. .,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China. .,Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. .,Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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10
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Stirm K, Leary P, Wüst D, Stark D, Joller N, Karakus U, Boyman O, Tzankov A, Müller A. Treg-selective IL-2 starvation synergizes with CD40 activation to sustain durable responses in lymphoma models. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006263. [PMID: 36822670 PMCID: PMC9950978 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006263] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Roughly half of all diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) are infiltrated by large numbers of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Although the presence of 'effector' Tregs in particular is associated with an inferior prognosis in patients on standard rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) immunochemotherapy, the role of this cell type during lymphoma initiation and progression is poorly understood. METHODS Here, we use tissue microarrays containing prospectively collected DLBCL patient specimens, as well as data from publicly available cohorts to explore the mutational landscape of Treg-infiltrated DLBCL. We further take advantage of a model of MYC-driven lymphoma to mechanistically dissect the contribution of Tregs to lymphoma pathogenesis and to develop a strategy of Treg-selective interleukin-2 (IL-2) starvation to improve immune control of MYC-driven lymphoma. RESULTS We find that all genetic DLBCL subtypes, except for one characterized by co-occurring MYD88/CD79 mutations, are heavily infiltrated by Tregs. Spectral flow cytometry and scRNA-sequencing reveal the robust expression of functional and immunosuppressive markers on Tregs infiltrating MYC-driven lymphomas; notably, we find that intratumoral Tregs arise due to local conversion from naïve CD4+ precursors on tumor contact. Treg ablation in Foxp3iDTR mice, or by antibody-mediated Treg-selective blockade of IL-2 signaling, strongly reduces the lymphoma burden. We identify lymphoma B-cells as a major source of IL-2, and show that the effects of Treg depletion are reversed by the simultaneous depletion of Foxp3-negative CD4+ T-cells, but not CD8+ T-cells or natural killer (NK) cells. The inhibition of ATP hydrolyzation and adenosine production by Tregs at least partly phenocopies the effects of Treg depletion. Treg depletion further synergizes with pro-apoptotic CD40 activation to sustain durable responses. CONCLUSION The combined data implicate Tregs as a potential therapeutic target in DLBCL, especially in combination with other immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Stirm
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Leary
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daria Wüst
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Stark
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Joller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ufuk Karakus
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandar Tzankov
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne Müller
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Wang Z, Ge Y, Li H, Fei G, Wang S, Wei P. Identification and validation of a genomic mutation signature as a predictor for immunotherapy in NSCLC. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:BSR20220892. [PMID: 36305643 PMCID: PMC9702799 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy prediction via emerging biomarkers have been identified, and the association between genomic mutation signatures (GMS) and immunotherapy benefits has been widely recognized as well. However, the evidence about non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains limited. We analyzed 310 immunotherapy patients with NSCLC from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) cohort. Lasso Cox regression was used to construct a GMS, and the prognostic value of GMS could be able to verify in the Rizvi cohort (N=240) and Hellmann cohort (N=75). We further conducted immunotherapy-related characteristics analysis in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (N=1052). A total of seven genes (ZFHX3, NTRK3, EPHA7, MGA, STK11, EPHA5, TP53) were identified for GMS model construction. Compared with GMS-high patients, patients with GMS-low had longer overall survival (OS; P<0.001) in the MSKCC cohort and progression-free survival (PFS; P<0.001) in the validation cohort. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that GMS was an independent predictive factor for NSCLC patients in both the MSKCC and validation cohort. Meanwhile, we found that GMS-low patients reflected enhanced antitumor immunity in TCGA cohort. The results indicated that GMS had not only potential predictive value for the benefit of immunotherapy but also may serve as a potential biomarker to guide clinical ICI treatment decisions for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - You Ge
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gaoqiang Fei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pingmin Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Shan F, Somasundaram A, Bruno TC, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA. Therapeutic targeting of regulatory T cells in cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:944-961. [PMID: 35853825 PMCID: PMC9588644 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The success of immunotherapy in oncology underscores the vital role of the immune system in cancer development. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain a fine balance between autoimmunity and immune suppression. They have multiple roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME) but act particularly in suppressing T cell activation. This review focuses on the detrimental and sometimes beneficial roles of Tregs in tumors, our current understanding of recruitment and stabilization of Tregs within the TME, and current Treg-targeted therapeutics. Research identifying subpopulations of Tregs and their respective functions and interactions within the complex networks of the TME will be crucial to develop the next generation of immunotherapies. Through these advances, Treg-targeted immunotherapy could have important implications for the future of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shan
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Ashwin Somasundaram
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
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Wei Q, Taskén K. Immunoregulatory signal networks and tumor immune evasion mechanisms: insights into therapeutic targets and agents in clinical development. Biochem J 2022; 479:2219-2260. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Through activation of immune cells, the immune system is responsible for identifying and destroying infected or otherwise damaged cells including tumorigenic cells that can be recognized as foreign, thus maintaining homeostasis. However, tumor cells have evolved several mechanisms to avoid immune cell detection and killing, resulting in tumor growth and progression. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor infiltrating immune cells are inactivated by soluble factors or tumor promoting conditions and lose their effects on tumor cells. Analysis of signaling and crosstalk between immune cells and tumor cells have helped us to understand in more detail the mechanisms of tumor immune evasion and this forms basis for drug development strategies in the area of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we will summarize the dominant signaling networks involved in immune escape and describe the status of development of therapeutic strategies to target tumor immune evasion mechanisms with focus on how the tumor microenvironment interacts with T cells.
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Abstract
The concept of cancer immunotherapy has gained immense momentum over the recent years. The advancements in checkpoint blockade have led to a notable progress in treating a plethora of cancer types. However, these approaches also appear to have stalled due to factors such as individuals' genetic make-up, resistant tumor sub-types and immune related adverse events (irAE). While the major focus of immunotherapies has largely been alleviating the cell-intrinsic defects of CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), amending the relationship between tumor specific CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells has started driving attention as well. A major roadblock to improve the cross-talk between CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells is the immune suppressive action of tumor infiltrating T regulatory (Treg) cells. Despite their indispensable in protecting tissues against autoimmune threats, Tregs have also been under scrutiny for helping tumors thrive. This review addresses how Tregs establish themselves at the TME and suppress anti-tumor immunity. Particularly, we delve into factors that promote Treg migration into tumor tissue and discuss the unique cellular and humoral composition of TME that aids survival, differentiation and function of intratumoral Tregs. Furthermore, we summarize the potential suppression mechanisms used by intratumoral Tregs and discuss ways to target those to ultimately guide new immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayley R. McRitchie
- Department of Neurology, The College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Billur Akkaya
- Department of Neurology, The College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,*Correspondence: Billur Akkaya,
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Kono M, Saito S, Egloff AM, Allen CT, Uppaluri R. The mouse oral carcinoma (MOC) model: A 10-year retrospective on model development and head and neck cancer investigations. Oral Oncol 2022; 132:106012. [PMID: 35820346 PMCID: PMC9364442 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.106012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical models of cancer have long been paramount to understanding tumor development and advancing the treatment of cancer. Creating preclinical models that mimic the complexity and heterogeneity of human tumors is a key challenge in the advancement of cancer therapy. About ten years ago, we created the mouse oral carcinoma (MOC) cell line models that were derived from 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced mouse oral squamous cell cancers. This model has been used in numerous investigations, including studies on tumor biology and therapeutics. We have seen remarkable progress in cancer immunology in recent years, and these cell lines, which are syngeneic to C57BL/6 background, have also been used to study the anti-tumor immune response. Herein, we aim to review the MOC model from its development and characterization to its use in non-immunological and immunological preclinical head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) studies. Integrating and refining these MOC model studies and extending findings to other systems will provide crucial insights for translational approaches aimed at improving head and neck cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihisa Kono
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.
| | - Shin Saito
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ann Marie Egloff
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States.
| | - Clint T Allen
- Section on Translational Tumor Immunology, National Institutes on Deafness and Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States.
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