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Maduabuchi WO, Tansi FL, Faenger B, Southern P, Pankhurst QA, Steiniger F, Westermann M, Hilger I. Local Magnetic Hyperthermia and Systemic Gemcitabine/Paclitaxel Chemotherapy Triggers Neo-Angiogenesis in Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors without Involvement of Auto/Paracrine Tumor Cell VEGF Signaling and Hypoxia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:33. [PMID: 38201461 PMCID: PMC10778317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010033] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in exploring the therapeutically mediated modulation of tumor vascularization of pancreatic cancer, which is known for its poorly perfused tumor microenvironment limiting the delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumor site. Here, we assessed how magnetic hyperthermia in combination with chemotherapy selectively affects growth, the vascular compartment of tumors, and the presence of tumor cells expressing key regulators of angiogenesis. To that purpose, a orthotopic PANC-1 (fluorescent human pancreatic adenocarcinoma) mouse tumor model (Rj:Athym-Foxn1nu/nu) was used. Magnetic hyperthermia was applied alone or in combination with systemic chemotherapy (gemcitabine 50 mg per kg body weight, nab-pacitaxel 30 mg/kg body weight) on days 1 and 7 following magnetic nanoparticle application (dose: 1 mg per 100 mm3 of tumor). We used ultrasound imaging, immunohistochemistry, multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT), and hematology to assess the biological parameters mentioned above. We found that magnetic hyperthermia in combination with gemcitabine/paclitaxel chemotherapy was able to impact tumor growth (decreased volumes and Ki67 expression) and to trigger neo-angiogenesis (increased small vessel diameter) as a result of the therapeutically mediated cell damages/stress in tumors. The applied stressors activated specific pro-angiogenic mechanisms, which differed from those seen in hypoxic conditions involving HIF-1α, since (a) treated tumors showed a significant decrease of cells expressing VEGF, CD31, HIF-1α, and neuropilin-1; and (b) the relative tumor blood volume and oxygen level remained unchanged. Neo-angiogenesis seems to be the result of the activation of cell stress pathways, like MAPK pathways (high number of pERK-expressing tumor cells). In the long term, the combination of magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy could potentially be applied to transiently modulate tumor angiogenesis and to improve drug accessibility during oncologic therapies of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisdom O. Maduabuchi
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany (F.L.T.); (B.F.)
| | - Felista L. Tansi
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany (F.L.T.); (B.F.)
| | - Bernd Faenger
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany (F.L.T.); (B.F.)
| | - Paul Southern
- Resonant Circuits Limited, 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS, UK; (P.S.); (Q.A.P.)
- Healthcare Biomagnetics Laboratory, University College London, 21 Albemarle St., London W1S 4BS, UK
| | - Quentin A. Pankhurst
- Resonant Circuits Limited, 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS, UK; (P.S.); (Q.A.P.)
- Healthcare Biomagnetics Laboratory, University College London, 21 Albemarle St., London W1S 4BS, UK
| | - Frank Steiniger
- Center for Electron Microscopy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Ziegelmuehlenweg 1, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.S.); (M.W.)
| | - Martin Westermann
- Center for Electron Microscopy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Ziegelmuehlenweg 1, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.S.); (M.W.)
| | - Ingrid Hilger
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany (F.L.T.); (B.F.)
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Gamradt P, Thierry K, Masmoudi M, Wu Z, Hernandez-Vargas H, Bachy S, Antonio T, Savas B, Hussain Z, Tomasini R, Milani P, Bertolino P, Hennino A. Stiffness-induced cancer-associated fibroblasts are responsible for immunosuppression in a platelet-derived growth factor ligand-dependent manner. PNAS Nexus 2023; 2:pgad405. [PMID: 38111825 PMCID: PMC10727001 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad405] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with a vast stromal reaction that arises mainly from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and promotes both immune escape and tumor growth. Here, we used a mouse model with deletion of the activin A receptor ALK4 in the context of the KrasG12D mutation, which strongly drives collagen deposition that leads to tissue stiffness. By ligand-receptor analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data, we identified that, in stiff conditions, neoplastic ductal cells instructed CAFs through sustained platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling. Tumor-associated tissue rigidity resulted in the emergence of stiffness-induced CAFs (siCAFs) in vitro and in vivo. Similar results were confirmed in human data. siCAFs were able to strongly inhibit CD8+ T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo, promoting local immunosuppression. More importantly, targeting PDGF signaling led to diminished siCAF and reduced tumor growth. Our data show for the first time that early paracrine signaling leads to profound changes in tissue mechanics, impacting immune responses and tumor progression. Our study highlights that PDGF ligand neutralization can normalize the tissue architecture independent of the genetic background, indicating that finely tuned stromal therapy may open new therapeutic avenues in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Gamradt
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
| | - Kevin Thierry
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
| | - Melissa Masmoudi
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
- StromaCare, Lyon F-69008, France
| | - Zhichong Wu
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hector Hernandez-Vargas
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
| | - Sophie Bachy
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
- StromaCare, Lyon F-69008, France
| | - Tiffanie Antonio
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
| | - Berkan Savas
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Bertolino
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
| | - Ana Hennino
- Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon F-69373, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon F-69008, France
- StromaCare, Lyon F-69008, France
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Karaisz FG, Elkelany OO, Davies B, Lozanski G, Krishna SG. A Review on Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation (EUS-RFA) of Pancreatic Lesions. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030536. [PMID: 36766643 PMCID: PMC9914142 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030536] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity associated with pancreatectomies limits surgical options for high-risk patients with pancreatic neoplasms that warrant resection. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) offers a minimally invasive and potentially definitive means to treat pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and precancerous pancreatic cystic lesions. In addition, EUS-RFA may play a role in the treatment and palliation of non-surgical cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The efficacy of RFA appears to be further enhanced by systemic immunomodulatory effects. Here, we review current studies on the developing role of EUS-RFA in these pancreatic pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred G. Karaisz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Osama O. Elkelany
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Benjamin Davies
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Gerard Lozanski
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus OH 43210, USA
| | - Somashekar G. Krishna
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence:
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D’Alterio C, Giardino A, Scognamiglio G, Butturini G, Portella L, Guardascione G, Frigerio I, Montella M, Gobbo S, Martignoni G, Napolitano V, De Vita F, Tatangelo F, Franco R, Scala S. CXCR4-CXCL12-CXCR7 and PD-1/PD-L1 in Pancreatic Cancer: CXCL12 Predicts Survival of Radically Resected Patients. Cells 2022; 11:3340. [PMID: 36359736 PMCID: PMC9655815 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213340] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently the most deadly cancer. Although characterized by 5-20% of neoplastic cells in the highly fibrotic stroma, immunotherapy is not a valid option in PDAC treatment. As CXCR4-CXCL12 regulates tumor invasion and T-cell access and PD-1/PD-L1 controls immune tolerance, 76 PDACs were evaluated for CXCR4-CXCL12-CXCR7 and PD-1/PD-L1 in the epithelial and stromal component. Neoplastic CXCR4 and CXCL12 discriminated PDACs for recurrence-free survival (RFS), while CXCL12 and CXCR7 discriminated patients for cancer-specific survival (CSS). Interestingly, among patients with radical resection (R0), high tumor CXCR4 clustered patients with worse RFS, high CXCL12 identified poor prognostic patients for both RFS and CSS, while stromal lymphocytic-monocytic PD-L1 associated with improved RFS and CSS. PD-1 was only sporadically expressed (<1%) in focal lymphocyte infiltrate and does not impact prognosis. In multivariate analysis, tumoral CXCL12, perineural invasion, and AJCC lymph node status were independent prognostic factors for RFS; tumoral CXCL12, AJCC Stage, and vascular invasion were independent prognostic factors for CSS. CXCL12's poor prognostic meaning was confirmed in an additional perspective-independent 13 fine-needle aspiration cytology advanced stage-PDACs. Thus, CXCR4-CXCL12 evaluation in PDAC identifies prognostic categories and could orient therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crescenzo D’Alterio
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giardino
- Unit of HPB Surgery, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, 37019 Verona, Italy
| | - Giosuè Scognamiglio
- Pathology Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Butturini
- Unit of HPB Surgery, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, 37019 Verona, Italy
| | - Luigi Portella
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guardascione
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Isabella Frigerio
- Unit of HPB Surgery, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, 37019 Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Montella
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Gobbo
- Department of Pathology, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, 37019 Verona, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Guido Martignoni
- Department of Pathology, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, 37019 Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Napolitano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando De Vita
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Tatangelo
- Pathology Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Xi Q, Chen Y, Yang GZ, Zhang JY, Zhang LJ, Guo XD, Zhao JY, Xue ZY, Li Y, Zhang R. miR-128 Regulates Tumor Cell CD47 Expression and Promotes Anti-tumor Immunity in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:890. [PMID: 32536914 PMCID: PMC7267029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly fatal disease worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could regulate the protein-coding RNAs related to tumor growth, invasion, and immune evasion. Therefore, the investigation of novel miRNAs may be helpful in the development of more effective therapies for PDAC. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of action of miR-128 in PDAC. By using bioinformatics methods, we found that decreased expression of miR-128 was associated with poor overall survival of PDAC. miR-128 was inversely correlated with cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47), which was positively related to zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in PDAC. Through in vivo experiments, we found that miR-128 could suppress the growth and metastasis of PDAC. Analysis of the immune microenvironment demonstrated that overexpression of miR-128 on tumor cells could increase the percentages of dendritic cells (DCs), CD8+ T lymphocytes, and natural killer T cells (NKT) in the tumor and spleen, consequently enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In vitro assays showed that miR-128 could inhibit cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, and invasion in Panc02 cells and could also enhance the phagocytosis of macrophages and the activity of DCs. Western blot and qRT-PCR confirmed that miR-128 could regulate ZEB1 and further inhibit CD47 in pancreatic cancer cells. Therefore, we identified a novel regulatory anti-tumor mechanism by miR-128 in PDAC, which may serve as a novel therapy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xi
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang-Ze Yang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie-You Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Guo
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing-Yi Zhao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Yi Xue
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Rozich NS, Jones CE, Morris KT. Malnutrition, frailty, and sarcopenia in pancreatic cancer patients: assessments and interventions for the pancreatic surgeon. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 2. [PMID: 33554109 DOI: 10.21037/apc.2019.02.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this article is to review the available literature examining the impact of malnutrition, frailty, and sarcopenia on surgical morbidity among pancreatic cancer patients. We examine definitions used to diagnose and quantify these conditions and review the differences between them with regards to preoperative assessment and postoperative outcomes. The most relevant scoring systems are summarized. Lastly, we summarize current knowledge regarding effectiveness of specific interventions aimed at malnutrition, frailty, and sarcopenia for patients undergoing pancreatic cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah S Rozich
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Caitlin E Jones
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Katherine T Morris
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Castino GF, Cortese N, Capretti G, Serio S, Di Caro G, Mineri R, Magrini E, Grizzi F, Cappello P, Novelli F, Spaggiari P, Roncalli M, Ridolfi C, Gavazzi F, Zerbi A, Allavena P, Marchesi F. Spatial distribution of B cells predicts prognosis in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1085147. [PMID: 27141376 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1085147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [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: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell responses are emerging as critical regulators of cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the role of B lymphocytes in the microenvironment of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), in a retrospective consecutive series of 104 PDAC patients and in PDAC preclinical models. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that B cells occupy two histologically distinct compartments in human PDAC, either scatteringly infiltrating (CD20-TILs), or organized in tertiary lymphoid tissue (CD20-TLT). Only when retained within TLT, high density of B cells predicted longer survival (median survival 16.9 mo CD20-TLThi vs. 10.7 mo CD20-TLTlo; p = 0.0085). Presence of B cells within TLT associated to a germinal center (GC) immune signature, correlated with CD8-TIL infiltration, and empowered their favorable prognostic value. Immunotherapeutic vaccination of spontaneously developing PDAC (KrasG12D-Pdx1-Cre) mice with α-enolase (ENO1) induced formation of TLT with active GCs and correlated with increased recruitment of T lymphocytes, suggesting induction of TLT as a strategy to favor mobilization of immune cells in PDAC. In contrast, in an implanted tumor model devoid of TLT, depletion of B cells with an anti-CD20 antibody reinstated an antitumor immune response. Our results highlight B cells as an essential element of the microenvironment of PDAC and identify their spatial organization as a key regulator of their antitumor function. A mindfully evaluation of B cells in human PDAC could represent a powerful prognostic tool to identify patients with distinct clinical behaviors and responses to immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Cortese
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Capretti
- Section of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Simone Serio
- Operational Unit of Milano; Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research, National Research Council and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Caro
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Rossana Mineri
- Molecular Biology Section, Clinical Investigation Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Elena Magrini
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Paola Cappello
- Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino and Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino and Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Spaggiari
- Department of Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Department of Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Cristina Ridolfi
- Section of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Francesca Gavazzi
- Section of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zerbi
- Section of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Paola Allavena
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Italy
| | - Federica Marchesi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
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