Mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles in urological cancers: Prostate, bladder, and kidney.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recognized for their remarkable ability to differentiate into multiple cell types. They are also known to possess properties that can fight cancer, leading to attempts to modify MSCs for use in anticancer treatments. However, MSCs have also been found to participate in pathways that promote tumor growth. Many studies have been conducted to explore the potential of MSCs for clinical applications, but the results have been inconclusive, possibly due to the diverse nature of MSC populations. Furthermore, the conflicting roles of MSCs in inhibiting tumors and promoting tumor growth hinder their adaptation to anticancer therapies. Antitumorigenic and protumorigenic properties of MSCs in urological cancers such as bladder, prostate, and renal are not as well established, and data comparing them are still limited. MSCs hold significant promise as a vehicle for delivering anticancer agents and suicide genes to tumors. Presently, numerous studies have concentrated on the products derived from MSCs, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a form of cell-free therapy. This work aimed to review and discuss the current knowledge of MSCs and their EVs in urological cancer therapy.

Atypical chemokine receptor 4 (ACKR4/CCX-CKR): A comprehensive exploration across physiological and pathological landscapes in contemporary research.

Atypical chemokine receptor 4 (ACKR4), also known as CCX-CKR, is a member of the chemokine receptor family that lacks typical G protein signaling activity. Instead, ACKR4 functions as a scavenger receptor that can bind and internalize a wide range of chemokines, influencing their availability and activity in the body. ACKR4 is involved in various physiological processes, such as immune cell trafficking and the development of thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. Moreover, ACKR4 has been implicated in several pathological conditions, including cancer, heart and lung diseases. In cancer, ACKR4 plays a complex role, acting as a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. For instance, ACKR4 may inhibit the growth and metastasis of breast cancer, but it may also promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer. In inflammatory situations, ACKR4 has been found to modulate the recruitment and activation of immune cells, contributing to the pathogenesis of diseases such as myocardial infraction and pulmonary sarcoidosis. The study of ACKR4 is still ongoing, and further research is needed to fully understand its role in different physiological and pathological contexts. Nonetheless, ACKR4 represents a promising target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for various diseases.

Natural killer cell-mediated immune surveillance in cancer: Role of tumor microenvironment.

In the immunological surveillance against cancer, natural killer (NK) cells are essential effectors that help eradicate altered cells. The complex interactions that occur between NK cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are thoroughly examined in this review. The review examines how cytokine stimulation affects NK cell activation, focusing on the dynamic modulation of NK cell function within the TME. It looks at NK cell-related biomarkers such as PD-1/PD-L1, methylation HOXA9 (Homeobox A9), Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA), and NKG2A/HLA-E, providing critical information about prognosis and treatment outcomes. The changing landscape of immunotherapies-including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-NK cells, and cytokine-based interventions-is examined in the context of enhancing NK cell activity. The review highlights the potential pathways for precision medicine going forward, focusing on customized immunotherapies based on unique biomarker profiles and investigating combination medicines to produce more robust anti-tumor responses.