Granulocytes and Cells of Granulocyte Origin-The Relevant Players in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancy and cause of cancer death worldwide, and it still remains a therapeutic challenge for western medicine. There is strong evidence that, in addition to genetic predispositions, environmental factors have also a substantial impact in CRC development. The risk of CRC is attributed, among others to dietary habits, alcohol consumption, whereas physical activity, food containing dietary fiber, dairy products, and calcium supplements have a protective effect. Despite progress in the available therapies, surgery remains a basic treatment option for CRC. Implementation of additional methods of treatment such as chemo- and/or targeted immunotherapy, improved survival rates, however, the results are still far from satisfactory. One of the reasons may be the lack of deeper understanding of the interactions between the tumor and different types of cells, including tumor infiltrating granulocytes. While the role of neutrophils is quite well explored in many cancers, role of eosinophils and basophils is often underestimated. As part of this review, we focused on the function of different granulocyte subsets in CRC, emphasizing the beneficial role of eosinophils and basophils, as well as dichotomic mode of neutrophils action. In addition, we addressed the current knowledge on cells of granulocyte origin, specifically granulocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (Gr-MDSCs) and their role in development and progression of CRC.

Fancy-Shaped Gold-Platinum Nanocauliflowers for Improved Proton Irradiation Effect on Colon Cancer Cells.

Enhancing the effectiveness of colorectal cancer treatment is highly desirable. Radiation-based anticancer therapy-such as proton therapy (PT)-can be used to shrink tumors before subsequent surgical intervention; therefore, improving the effectiveness of this treatment is crucial. The addition of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs), acting as radiosensitizers, increases the PT therapeutic effect. Thus, in this paper, the effect of novel, gold-platinum nanocauliflowers (AuPt NCs) on PT efficiency is determined. For this purpose, crystalline, 66-nm fancy shaped, bimetallic AuPt NCs were synthesized using green chemistry method. Then, physicochemical characterization of the obtained AuPt NCs by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and UV-Vis spectra measurements was carried out. Fully characterized AuPt NCs were placed into a cell culture of colon cancer cell lines (HCT116, SW480, and SW620) and a normal colon cell line (FHC) and subsequently subjected to proton irradiation with a total dose of 15 Gy. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) test, performed after 18-h incubation of the irradiated cell culture with AuPt NCs, showed a significant reduction in cancer cell viability compared to normal cells. Thus, the radio-enhancing features of AuPt NCs indicate their potential application for the improvement in effectiveness of anticancer proton therapy.

Similarities in the General Chemical Composition of Colon Cancer Cells and Their Microvesicles Investigated by Spectroscopic Methods-Potential Clinical Relevance.

Colon cancer constitutes 33% of all cancer cases in humans and the majority of patients with metastatic colon cancer still have poor prognosis. An important role in cancer development is the communication between cancer and normal cells. This may occur, among others, through extracellular vesicles (including microvesicles) (MVs), which are being released by both types of cells. MVs may regulate a diverse range of biological processes and are considered as useful cancer biomarkers. Herein, we show that similarity in the general chemical composition between colon cancer cells and their corresponding tumor-derived microvesicles (TMVs) does exist. These results have been confirmed by spectroscopic methods for four colon cancer cell lines: HCT116, LoVo, SW480, and SW620 differing in their aggressiveness/metastatic potential. Our results show that Raman and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) analysis of the cell lines and their corresponding TMVs did not differ significantly in the characterization of their chemical composition. However, hierarchical cluster analysis of the data obtained by both of the methods revealed that only Raman spectroscopy provides results that are in line with the molecular classification of colon cancer, thus having potential clinical relevance.

Control of Arms of Au Stars Size and its Dependent Cytotoxicity and Photosensitizer Effects in Photothermal Anticancer Therapy.

Gold nanostars (AuS NPs) are a very attractive nanomaterial, which is characterized by high effective transduction of the electromagnetic radiation into heat energy. Therefore, AuS NPs can be used as photosensitizers in photothermal therapy (PTT). However, understanding the photothermal conversion efficiency in nanostars is very important to select the most appropriate shape and size of AuS NPs. Therefore, in this article, the synthesis of AuS NPs with different lengths of star arms for potential application in PTT was investigated. Moreover, the formation mechanism of these AuS NPs depending on the reducer concentration is proposed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected area diffraction (SEAD) and X-ray diffraction (X-Ray) showed that all the obtained AuS NPs are crystalline and have cores with similar values of the diagonal (parameter d), from 140 nm to 146 nm. However, the widths of the star arm edges (parameter c) and the lengths of the arms (parameter a) vary between 3.75 nm and 193 nm for AuS1 NPs to 6.25 nm and 356 nm for AuS4 NPs. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra revealed that, with increasing edge widths and lengths of the star arms, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak is shifted to the higher wavelengths, from 640 nm for AuS1 NPs to 770 nm for AuS4 NPs. Moreover, the increase of temperature in the AuS NPs solutions as well as the values of calculated photothermal efficiency grew with the elongation of the star arms. The potential application of AuS NPs in the PTT showed that the highest decrease of viability, around 75%, of cells cultured with AuS NPs and irradiated by lasers was noticed for AuS4 NPs with the longest arms, while the smallest changes were visible for gold nanostars with the shortest arms. The present study shows that photothermal properties of AuS NPs depend on edge widths and lengths of the star arms and the values of photothermal efficiency are higher with the increase of the arm lengths, which is correlated with the reducer concentration.

Secretion of tumoricidal human tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) by recombinant Lactococcus lactis: optimization of in vitro synthesis conditions.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively eliminates tumor cells. However, the short biological half-life of this molecule limits its potential use in the clinic. Our aim was to construct a recombinant strain of nonpathogenic Lactococcus lactis bacteria as a vector for effective and prolonged human TRAIL production. Herein, we examined the expression and secretion conditions leading to the production of biologically active protein in vitro. RESULTS: The human soluble TRAIL-cDNA (hsTRAIL-cDNA) with optimized codons was designed to fit the codon usage pattern (codon bias) of the L. lactis host. This cDNA construct was synthesized and cloned in lactococcal plasmid secretion vector pNZ8124 under the control of the nisin-induced PnisA promoter. The pNZ8124-hsTRAIL plasmid vector was transformed into the L. lactis NZ9000 host strain cells by electroporation. Secretion of the protein occurred at the neutral pH during induction, with optimized concentration of the inducer and presence of serine proteases inhibitor. Using Western blotting and amino acid sequencing method we found that TRAIL was secreted in two forms, as visualized by the presence of two distinct molecular size bands, both deprived of the usp45 protein, the bacterial signal peptide. By the use of MTS assay we were able to prove that hsTRAIL present in supernatant from L. lactis (hsTRAIL+) broth culture was cytotoxic to human HCT116 colon cancer cells but not to normal human fibroblasts. Flow cytometry analysis revealed TRAIL-induced apoptosis of cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: We designed recombinant L. lactis bacteria, which efficiently produce biologically active, anti-tumorigenic human TRAIL in vitro. Further studies in tumor-bearing NOD-SCID mice will reveal whether the TRAIL-secreting L. lactis bacteria can be used as a safe carrier of this protein, capable of inducing effective elimination of human colon cancer cells in vivo.

Applications of Noble Metal-Based Nanoparticles in Medicine.

Nanoparticles have unique, size-dependent properties, which means they are widely used in various branches of industry. The ability to control the properties of nanoparticles makes these nanomaterials very interesting for medicine and pharmacology. The application of nanoparticles in medicine is associated with the design of specific nanostructures, which can be used as novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. There are a lot of applications of nanoparticles, e.g., as drug delivery systems, radiosensitizers in radiation or proton therapy, in bioimaging, or as bactericides/fungicides. This paper aims to introduce the characteristics of noble metal-based nanoparticles with particular emphasis on their applications in medicine and related sciences.

The level of myeloid-derived suppressor cells positively correlates with regulatory T cells in the blood of children with transient hypogammaglobulinaemia of infancy.

INTRODUCTION: Transient hypogammaglobulinaemia of infancy (THI) is a primary immunodeficiency characterised by low levels of immunoglobulin G (often with concomitant decrease of IgA and sometimes also of IgM) with still unknown exact reason. A delayed normalisation of the immunoglobulin level in THI may be associated with a transiently elevated number of regulatory T cells (Treg). Although in cancer and chronic inflammation it was shown that the level of Treg cells can be increased by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), until now no studies have been performed in the context of the role of MDSCs in THI and their correlation with Treg cells. Consequently, we aimed to determine the occurrence of MDSCs in the peripheral blood of children with THI and correlate their level with the level of Treg cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Flow cytometry analyses of Mo-MDSCs and Gr-MDSCs, characterised as HLA-DR-CD11b+CD15-CD14+ and HLA-DR-CD11b+CD15+CD14-, respectively, and Treg (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) cells were performed. RESULTS: The proportion of Mo-MDSCs and Gr-MDSCs was significantly higher in the group of THI patients with elevated level of Treg cells (from the 95% confidence interval level of healthy controls). The cells with Mo-MDSC and Gr-MDSC characteristics positively correlated with the level of Treg cells. Moreover, children with a higher proportion of circulating Treg cells, and thereby higher level of MDSCs, showed delayed normalisation of IgG level and recovery. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show for the first time that MDSCs may be involved in the pathomechanism of THI, probably acting through the induction of Treg cells.

The Methods of Choice for Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) Characterization.

In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a subject of intense study. These membrane-enclosed spherical structures are secreted by almost every cell type and are engaged in the transport of cellular content (cargo) from parental to target cells. The impact of EVs transfer has been observed in many vital cellular processes including cell-to-cell communication and immune response modulation; thus, a fast and precise characterization of EVs may be relevant for both scientific and diagnostic purposes. In this review, the most popular analytical techniques used in EVs studies are presented with the emphasis on exosomes and microvesicles characterization.

Colorectal cancer-derived microvesicles modulate differentiation of human monocytes to macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Tumour-derived microvesicles (TMVs) are important players in tumour progression, modulating biological activity of immune cells e.g. lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages. This phenomenon is particularly interesting in the progression of colon cancer, as macrophages in this type of tumour are relevant for the recovery processes. In the present study, the role of colon cancer cell-derived microvesicles in monocyte differentiation and activity profile (polarization) was investigated. METHODS: Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) were differentiated in vitro in the presence of TMVs obtained from colon cancer: Caco-2, SW620, LoVo or SW480 cell lines and analysed according to their morphology and biological functions, as defined by cytokine secretion, reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production and cytotoxic activity against respective colon cancer cells. RESULTS: Monocytes differentiated with TMVs exhibited morphological and phenotypical characteristics of macrophages. An early contact (beginning with the first day of the in vitro culture) of monocytes with TMVs resulted in increased IL-10 secretion and only slightly elevated TNF release. Early, or prolonged contact resulted in low ROI production and low cytotoxicity against tumour cells. On the other hand, late contact of MDM with TMVs, stimulated MDM to significant TNF and IL-12 secretion, ROI production and enhanced cytotoxicity against tumour cells in vitro. In addition, differences in MDM response to TMVs from different cell lines were observed (according to cytokine secretion, ROI production and cytotoxicity against tumour cells in vitro). Biological activity, STATs phosphorylation and microRNA profiling of MDMs indicated differences in their polarization/activation status which may suggest mixed polarization type M1/M2 with the predominance of proinflammatory cells after late contact with TMVs. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophage activity (polarization status) may be regulated by contact with not only tumour cells but also with TMVs. Their final polarization status depends on the contact time, and probably on the vesicle "cargo", as signified by the distinct impact of TMVs which enabled the switching of MDM maturation to regulatory macrophages.

Elevated level of some chemokines in plasma of gastric cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancer-related causes of death. This is mainly due to the lack of good noninvasive method/biomarkers suitable for early-tumour diagnosis and planning of further therapy modalities. Chemokines play an important role in cancer progression and metastasis formation. In gastric cancer patients, clinical relevance of CXCL12 and CCL5 level has been postulated. AIM OF THE STUDY: Efforts were undertaken to examine whether expanded chemokine range may be relevant for evaluation of preoperative staging of gastric cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plasma from 66 gastric cancer patients and 11 healthy controls was obtained, and CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 levels were determined by flow cytometry FlexSet system. RESULTS: In gastric cancer patients' plasma an increased level of CCL2, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 was observed. In the case of CCL2, CXCL9, and CXCL10, the chemokine levels correlated with advanced (III and IV in TNM classification) disease stage. In the case of CCL4, CCL5, and CXCL8, elevated levels were observed in all cancer patients in comparison to healthy donors. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of preoperative diagnosis in gastric cancer may include the monitoring of a wide range of chemokines in patients' plasma. Increased levels of chemokines may warn that the disease is more advanced than conventional diagnostic procedures suggest.

Human Soluble TRAIL Secreted by Modified Lactococcus lactis Bacteria Promotes Tumor Growth in the Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively induces apoptosis of sensitive cancer cells, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to its short biological half-life after intravenous administration and related clinical ineffectiveness, novel formulations of TRAIL need to be developed. Here we propose Lactococcus lactis bacteria as a vehicle for local delivery of human soluble TRAIL (hsTRAIL) in CRC. The use of common probiotics targeting guts as carriers for TRAIL could ensure its sustained release at the tumor site and extend the duration of its activity. We have already engineered hsTRAIL-secreting L.lactis bacteria and showed their effectiveness in elimination of human CRC cells in vitro and in vivo in a mouse subcutaneous model. Here, L.lactis(hsTRAIL+) were administered by gastric gavage to SCID mice with orthotopically developed HCT116 tumor in cecum, in monotherapy or in combination with metformin (MetF), already shown to enhance the hsTRAIL anti-tumor activity in subcutaneous CRC model. Oral administration of L.lactis(hsTRAIL+) resulted in significant progression of HCT116 tumors and shortening of the colon crypts. Secretion of hsTRAIL in the colon was accompanied by infiltration of the primary tumor with M2-macrophages, while MetF promoted transient colonization of the gut by L.lactis. Our study indicates that L.lactis bacteria after oral administration enable delivery of biologically active hsTRAIL to colon, however its potential therapeutic effect in CRC treatment is abolished by its pro-tumorigenic signalling, leading to the recruitment of M2-macrophages and tumor growth promotion.

Air pollution induces pyroptosis of human monocytes through activation of inflammasomes and Caspase-3-dependent pathways.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is one of the most serious threats for our planet. Despite a growing public awareness of the harmful effects of air pollution on human health, the specific influence of particulate matter (PM) on human immune cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of PM on peripheral blood monocytes in vitro. Monocytes from healthy donors (HD) were exposed to two types of PM: NIST (SRM 1648a, standard urban particulate matter from the US National Institute for Standards and Technology) and LAP (SRM 1648a with the organic fraction removed). The exposure to PM-induced mitochondrial ROS production followed by the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1), Caspase-9, and Caspase-3, leading to the cleavage of Gasdermin E (GSDME), and initiation of pyroptosis. Further analysis showed a simultaneous PM-dependent activation of inflammasomes, including NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3) and Caspase-1, followed by cleavage of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and secretion of IL-1ß. These observations suggest that PM-treated monocytes die by pyroptosis activated by two parallel signaling pathways, related to the inorganic and organic PM components. The release of IL-1ß and expression of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by pyroptotic cells further activated the remnant viable monocytes to produce inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) and protected them from death induced by the second challenge with PM.In summary, our report shows that PM exposure significantly impacts monocyte function and induces their death by pyroptosis. Our observations indicate that the composition of PM plays a crucial role in this process-the inorganic fraction of PM is responsible for the induction of the Caspase-3-dependent pyroptotic pathway. At the same time, the canonical inflammasome path is activated by the organic components of PM, including LPS (Lipopolysaccharide/endotoxin). PM-induced pyroptosis of human monocytes. Particulate matter (PM) treatment affects monocytes viability already after 15 min of their exposure to NIST or LAP in vitro. The remnant viable monocytes in response to danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) release pro-inflammatory cytokines and activate Th1 and Th17 cells. The mechanism of PM-induced cell death includes the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production followed by collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), activation of Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3, leading to activation of Caspase-3-dependent pyroptotic pathway, where Caspase-3 cleaves Gasdermin E (GSDME) to produce a N-terminal fragment responsible for the switch from apoptosis to pyroptosis. At the same time, PM activates the canonical inflammasome pathway, where activated Caspase-1 cleaves the cytosolic Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to produce N-terminal domain allowing IL-1ß secretion. As a result, PM-treated monocytes die by pyroptosis activated by two parallel pathways-Caspase-3-dependent pathway related to the inorganic fraction of PM and the canonical inflammasome pathway dependent on the organic components of PM.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells as Key Players and Promising Therapy Targets in Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most often diagnosed malignancy in men and one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide. Despite genetic predispositions, environmental factors, including a high-fat diet, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, infections of the prostate, and exposure to chemicals or ionizing radiation, play a crucial role in PC development. Moreover, due to a lack of, or insufficient T-cell infiltration and its immunosuppressive microenvironment, PC is frequently classified as a "cold" tumor. This is related to the absence of tumor-associated antigens, the lack of T-cell activation and their homing into the tumor bed, and the presence of immunological cells with regulatory functions, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Treg), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). All of them, by a variety of means, hamper anti-tumor immune response in the tumor microenvironment (TME), stimulating tumor growth and the formation of metastases. Therefore, they emerge as potential anti-cancer therapy targets. This article is focused on the function and role of MDSCs in the initiation and progression of PC. Clinical trials directly targeting this cell population or affecting its biological functions, thus limiting its pro-tumorigenic activity, are also presented.

Mo-MDSCs are pivotal players in colorectal cancer and may be associated with tumor recurrence after surgery.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy. Its development and progression is associated with natural immunosuppression related, among others, to myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Overall, 54 patients in different stage of CRC, before any treatment were recruited into the study. The analysis included flow cytometry evaluation of blood MDSCs subsets, correlation their level with the tumor stage and T cell subsets. In the case of 11 patients, MDSCs level was evaluated before and 3 days after surgery, and these patients were monitored for cancer recurrence over 5 years. The results showed that frequency of circulating MDSCs subsets is increased significantly in CRC patients, with highest level detected in most advanced tumor stages. Moreover, only monocytic MDSCs (Mo-MDSCs) positively correlate with regulatory Treg, and negatively with tumor Her2/neu specific CD8+ T cells. Circulating MDSCs, in contrast to tumor resident (mostly Mo-MDSCs), are negative for PD-L1 expression. Additionally, after surgery the blood level of Mo-MDSCs increases significantly, and this is associated with tumor recurrence during a 5-year follow-up. In conclusion, Mo-MDSCs are pivotal players in CRC-related immunosuppression and may be associated with the risk of tumor recurrence after surgery.

Improving the Effect of Cancer Cells Irradiation with X-rays and High-Energy Protons Using Bimetallic Palladium-Platinum Nanoparticles with Various Nanostructures.

Nano-sized radiosensitizers can be used to increase the effectiveness of radiation-based anticancer therapies. In this study, bimetallic, ~30 nm palladium-platinum nanoparticles (PdPt NPs) with different nanostructures (random nano-alloy NPs and ordered core-shell NPs) were prepared. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), zeta potential measurements, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were used to provide the physicochemical characteristics of PdPt NPs. Then, PdPt NPs were added to the cultures of colon cancer cells and normal colon epithelium cells in individually established non-toxic concentrations and irradiated with the non-harmful dose of X-rays/protons. Cell viability before and after PdPt NPs-(non) assisted X-ray/proton irradiation was evaluated by MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell apoptosis. The results showed that PdPt NPs significantly enhanced the effect of irradiation on cancer cells. It was noticed that nano-alloy PdPt NPs possess better radiosensitizing properties compared to PtPd core-shell NPs, and the combined effect against cancer cells was c.a. 10% stronger for X-ray than for proton irradiation. Thus, the radio-enhancing features of differently structured PdPt NPs indicate their potential application for the improvement of the effectiveness of radiation-based anticancer therapies.

Transcriptional Response of Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders Exposed to "Krakow Smog".

Despite the general awareness of the need to reduce air pollution, the efforts were undertaken in Poland to eliminate the pollutants and their harmful effect on human health seem to be insufficient. Moreover, the latest data indicate that the city of Krakow is at the forefront of the most polluted cities worldwide. Hence, in this report, we investigated the impact of particulate matter isolated from the air of Krakow (PM KRK) on the gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy donors (HD) and patients with atherosclerosis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS), after in vitro exposure. Blood samples were collected in two seasons, differing in the concentration of PM in the air (below or above a daily limit of 50 µg/m3 for PM 10). Data show that PBMCs exposed in vitro to PM KRK upregulated the expression of genes involved, among others, in pro-inflammatory response, cell motility, and regulation of cell metabolism. The transcriptional effects were observed predominantly in the group of patients with AS and MS. The observed changes seem to be dependent on the seasonal concentration of PM in the air of Krakow and may suggest their important role in the progression of AS, MS, and RA in the residents of Krakow.

The Anti-Tumor Effect of Lactococcus lactis Bacteria-Secreting Human Soluble TRAIL Can Be Enhanced by Metformin Both In Vitro and In Vivo in a Mouse Model of Human Colorectal Cancer.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis of many cancer cells, including CRC cells, being non-harmful for normal ones. However, recombinant form of human TRAIL failed in clinical trial when administered intravenously. To assess the importance of TRAIL in CRC patients, new form of TRAIL delivery would be required. Here we used genetically modified, non-pathogenic Lactococcus lactis bacteria as a vehicle for local delivery of human soluble TRAIL (hsTRAIL) in CRC. Operating under the Nisin Controlled Gene Expression System (NICE), the modified bacteria (L. lactis(hsTRAIL+)) were able to induce cell death of HCT116 and SW480 human cancer cells and reduce the growth of HCT116-tumor spheres in vitro. This effect was cancer cell specific as the cells of normal colon epithelium (FHC cells) were not affected by hsTRAIL-producing bacteria. Metformin (MetF), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and irinotecan (CPT-11) enhanced the anti-tumor actions of hsTRAIL in vitro. In the NOD-SCID mouse model, treatment of subcutaneous HCT116-tumors with L. lactis(hsTRAIL+) bacteria given intratumorally, significantly reduced the tumor growth. This anti-tumor activity of hsTRAIL in vivo was further enhanced by oral administration of MetF. These findings indicate that L. lactis bacteria could be suitable for local delivery of biologically active human proteins. At the same time, we documented that anti-tumor activity of hsTRAIL in experimental therapy of CRC can be further enhanced by MetF given orally, opening a venue for alternative CRC-treatment strategies.

Mild and Asymptomatic COVID-19 Convalescents Present Long-Term Endotype of Immunosuppression Associated With Neutrophil Subsets Possessing Regulatory Functions.

The SARS-CoV-2 infection [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] is associated with severe lymphopenia and impaired immune response, including expansion of myeloid cells with regulatory functions, e.g., so-called low-density neutrophils, containing granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (LDNs/PMN-MDSCs). These cells have been described in both infections and cancer and are known for their immunosuppressive activity. In the case of COVID-19, long-term complications have been frequently observed (long-COVID). In this context, we aimed to investigate the immune response of COVID-19 convalescents after a mild or asymptomatic course of disease. We enrolled 13 convalescents who underwent a mild or asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2, confirmed by a positive result of the PCR test, and 13 healthy donors without SARS-CoV-2 infection in the past. Whole blood was used for T-cell subpopulation and LDNs/PMN-MDSCs analysis. LDNs/PMN-MDSCs and normal density neutrophils (NDNs) were sorted out by FACS and used for T-cell proliferation assay with autologous T cells activated with anti-CD3 mAb. Serum samples were used for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing IgG and GM-CSF concentration. Our results showed that in convalescents, even 3 months after infection, an elevated level of LDNs/PMN-MDSCs is still maintained in the blood, which correlates negatively with the level of CD8+ and double-negative T cells. Moreover, LDNs/PMN-MDSCs and NDNs showed a tendency for affecting the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 neutralizing antibodies. Surprisingly, our data showed that in addition to LDNs/PMN-MDSCs, NDNs from convalescents also inhibit proliferation of autologous T cells. Additionally, in the convalescent sera, we detected significantly higher concentrations of GM-CSF, indicating the role of emergency granulopoiesis. We conclude that in mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 convalescents, the neutrophil dysfunction, including propagation of PD-L1-positive LDNs/PMN-MDSCs and NDNs, is responsible for long-term endotype of immunosuppression.

Gold-Decorated Platinum and Palladium Nanoparticles as Modern Nanocomplexes to Improve the Effectiveness of Simulated Anticancer Proton Therapy.

Noble metal nanoparticles, such as gold (Au NPs), platinum (Pt NPs), or palladium (Pd NPs), due to their highly developed surface, stability, and radiosensitizing properties, can be applied to support proton therapy (PT) of cancer. In this paper, we investigated the potential of bimetallic, c.a. 30 nm PtAu and PdAu nanocomplexes, synthesized by the green chemistry method and not used previously as radiosensitizers, to enhance the effect of colorectal cancer PT in vitro. The obtained nanomaterials were characterized by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. The effect of PtAu and PdAu NPs in PT was investigated on colon cancer cell lines (SW480, SW620, and HCT116), as well as normal colon epithelium cell line (FHC). These cells were cultured with both types of NPs and then irradiated by proton beam with a total dose of 15 Gy. The results of the MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) test showed that the NPs-assisted PT resulted in a better anticancer effect than PT used alone; however, there was no significant difference in the radiosensitizing properties between tested nanocomplexes. The MTS results were further verified by defining the cell death as apoptosis (Annexin V binding assay). Furthermore, the data showed that such a treatment was more selective for cancer cells, as normal cell viability was only slightly affected.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common malignancies diagnosed worldwide. The pathogenesis of CRC is complex and involves, among others, accumulation of genetic predispositions and epigenetic factors, dietary habits, alterations in gut microbiota, and lack of physical activity. A growing body of evidence suggests that immune cells play different roles in CRC, comprising both pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions. Immunosuppression observed during cancer development and progression is a result of the orchestration of many cell types, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs, along with other cells, stimulate tumor growth, angiogenesis, and formation of metastases. This article focuses on MDSCs in relation to their role in the initiation and progression of CRC. Possible forms of immunotherapies targeting MDSCs in CRC are also discussed.