Single cell analysis in head and neck cancer reveals potential immune evasion mechanisms during early metastasis.

Profiling tumors at single-cell resolution provides an opportunity to understand complexities underpinning lymph-node metastases in head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma. Single-cell RNAseq (scRNAseq) analysis of cancer-cell trajectories identifies a subpopulation of pre-metastatic cells, driven by actionable pathways including AXL and AURK. Blocking these two proteins blunts tumor invasion in patient-derived cultures. Furthermore, scRNAseq analyses of tumor-infiltrating CD8 + T-lymphocytes show two distinct trajectories to T-cell dysfunction, corroborated by their clonal architecture based on single-cell T-cell receptor sequencing. By determining key modulators of these trajectories, followed by validation using external datasets and functional experiments, we uncover a role for SOX4 in mediating T-cell exhaustion. Finally, interactome analyses between pre-metastatic tumor cells and CD8 + T-lymphocytes uncover a putative role for the Midkine pathway in immune-modulation and this is confirmed by scRNAseq of tumors from humanized mice. Aside from specific findings, this study demonstrates the importance of tumor heterogeneity analyses in identifying key vulnerabilities during early metastasis.

Post-transcriptional regulatory feedback encodes JAK-STAT signal memory of interferon stimulation.

Immune cells fine tune their responses to infection and inflammatory cues. Here, using live-cell confocal microscopy and mathematical modelling, we investigate interferon-induced JAK-STAT signalling in innate immune macrophages. We demonstrate that transient exposure to IFN-γ stimulation induces a long-term desensitisation of STAT1 signalling and gene expression responses, revealing a dose- and time-dependent regulatory feedback that controls JAK-STAT responses upon re-exposure to stimulus. We show that IFN-α/ß1 elicit different level of desensitisation from IFN-γ, where cells refractory to IFN-α/ß1 are sensitive to IFN-γ, but not vice versa. We experimentally demonstrate that the underlying feedback mechanism involves regulation of STAT1 phosphorylation but is independent of new mRNA synthesis and cognate receptor expression. A new feedback model of the protein tyrosine phosphatase activity recapitulates experimental data and demonstrates JAK-STAT network's ability to decode relative changes of dose, timing, and type of temporal interferon stimulation. These findings reveal that STAT desensitisation renders cells with signalling memory of type I and II interferon stimulation, which in the future may improve administration of interferon therapy.

Metabolic regulation of Cathepsin B in tumor macrophages drives their pro-metastatic function.

Tumor macrophages possess tumor-promoting functions, but the mechanism regulating such functions is poorly understood. Providing new insight into such mechanism, Shi et al. in this issue of Cancer Cell identify how metabolic regulation of Cathepsin B and its O-GlcNAcylation by lysosomal O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) in macrophages drives pro-metastatic function.

Organ-specific immune response in lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection by deep spatial phenotyping.

Objectives: Immunopathology of ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic is not limited solely to pulmonary tissue, but is often associated with multi-organ complications, mechanisms of which are intensely being investigated. In this regard, the interplay between immune, stromal cells and cytokines in pulmonary and extrapulmonary infected tissues, especially in young adults (median age 46 years, range 30-53 years) without comorbidities, remains poorly characterised. Methods: We profiled lung, heart and intestinal autopsy samples from five SARS-CoV-2-infected cases for 18-20 targets to detect immune, cytokine and stromal cell status at subcellular resolution by a novel IHC-based deep-phenotyping technique, iSPOT (immunoSpatial histoPhenOmics using TSA-IHC), to assess spatial and functional patterns of immune response in situ, in lethal COVID-19 infection. Results: SARS-CoV-2-infected autopsy samples exhibit skewed counts of immune populations in all samples with organ-specific dysfunctions. Lung and ileal tissue reveal altered architecture with marked loss of tissue integrity, while lung and heart tissue show severe hyperinflammation marked by elevated TNF-α in heart tissue and additionally IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokines in lung samples. Conclusion: With resurgence of infection in younger populations, single-cell cytokine localisation in immune and stromal structures provides important mechanistic insights into organ-specific immunopathology of naïve SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of other comorbidities.

An epithelial Nfkb2 pathway exacerbates intestinal inflammation by supplementing latent RelA dimers to the canonical NF-κB module.

Aberrant inflammation, such as that associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is fueled by the inordinate activity of RelA/NF-κB factors. As such, the canonical NF-κB module mediates controlled nuclear activation of RelA dimers from the latent cytoplasmic complexes. What provokes pathological RelA activity in the colitogenic gut remains unclear. The noncanonical NF-κB pathway typically promotes immune organogenesis involving Nfkb2 gene products. Because NF-κB pathways are intertwined, we asked whether noncanonical signaling aggravated inflammatory RelA activity. Our investigation revealed frequent engagement of the noncanonical pathway in human IBD. In a mouse model of experimental colitis, we established that Nfkb2-mediated regulations escalated the RelA-driven proinflammatory gene response in intestinal epithelial cells, exacerbating the infiltration of inflammatory cells and colon pathologies. Our mechanistic studies clarified that cell-autonomous Nfkb2 signaling supplemented latent NF-κB dimers, leading to a hyperactive canonical RelA response in the inflamed colon. In sum, the regulation of latent NF-κB dimers appears to link noncanonical Nfkb2 signaling to RelA-driven inflammatory pathologies and may provide for therapeutic targets.

IL-10 Enhances Human Natural Killer Cell Effector Functions via Metabolic Reprogramming Regulated by mTORC1 Signaling.

Cell metabolism plays a pivotal role in regulating the effector functions of immune cells. Stimulatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-12 and IL-15, activate glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in natural killer (NK) cells to support their enhanced effector functions. IL-10, a pleiotropic cytokine, is known to suppress macrophage activation but stimulate NK cells. However, it remains unclear if IL-10 has an effect on the metabolism of human NK cells and if so, what metabolic mechanisms are affected, and how these metabolic changes are regulated and contribute to the effector functions of NK cells. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-10 upregulates both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in human NK cells, and these metabolic changes are crucial for the enhanced effector functions of NK cells. Mechanistically, we unravel that IL-10 activates the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) to regulate metabolic reprogramming in human NK cells.

Combinatorial Single-Cell Analyses of Granulocyte-Monocyte Progenitor Heterogeneity Reveals an Early Uni-potent Neutrophil Progenitor.

Granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs) have been previously defined for their potential to generate various myeloid progenies such as neutrophils and monocytes. Although studies have proposed lineage heterogeneity within GMPs, it is unclear if committed progenitors already exist among these progenitors and how they may behave differently during inflammation. By combining single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, we identified the early committed progenitor within the GMPs responsible for the strict production of neutrophils, which we designate as proNeu1. Our dissection of the GMP hierarchy led us to further identify a previously unknown intermediate proNeu2 population. Similar populations could be detected in human samples. proNeu1s, but not proNeu2s, selectively expanded during the early phase of sepsis at the expense of monocytes. Collectively, our findings help shape the neutrophil maturation trajectory roadmap and challenge the current definition of GMPs.

The macrophage tetraspan MS4A4A enhances dectin-1-dependent NK cell-mediated resistance to metastasis.

The plasma membrane tetraspan molecule MS4A4A is selectively expressed by macrophage-lineage cells, but its function is unknown. Here we report that MS4A4A was restricted to murine and human mononuclear phagocytes and was induced during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation in the presence of interleukin 4 or dexamethasone. Human MS4A4A was co-expressed with M2/M2-like molecules in subsets of normal tissue-resident macrophages, infiltrating macrophages from inflamed synovium and tumor-associated macrophages. MS4A4A interacted and colocalized with the ß-glucan receptor dectin-1 in lipid rafts. In response to dectin-1 ligands, Ms4a4a-deficient macrophages showed defective signaling and defective production of effector molecules. In experimental models of tumor progression and metastasis, Ms4a4a deficiency in macrophages had no impact on primary tumor growth, but was essential for dectin-1-mediated activation of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated metastasis control. Thus, MS4A4A is a tetraspan molecule selectively expressed in macrophages during differentiation and polarization, essential for dectin-1-dependent activation of NK cell-mediated resistance to metastasis.

In vitro micro-physiological model of the inflamed human adipose tissue for immune-metabolic analysis in type II diabetes.

Chronic inflammation mediated by the interaction of immune cells and adipocytes is a key underlying factor in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, methods to investigate adipocyte-immune cells interaction and their immuno-metabolic status in obese/T2DM subjects not only serve as an early indicator of disease development but also provide an insight into disease mechanism. A microfluidic-based in vitro model of the human adipose that is interfaced with a co-culture of immune cell has been developed for in vitro immune-metabolic analysis. This miniaturized system integrates a biologically active in vitro cellular system within a perfusion-based microfluidic device for mimicking the major processes that characterize the interaction of adipose tissue with immune cells. A viable immune competent model of the adipocytes/PBMCs co-culture has been demonstrated and characterized. Our testing results showed that the inflammatory cytokine profile obtained from the on-chip culture agrees with those from static transwell based co-culture with more intense responses observed in the chip-based system. The microfluidic chip also allows time-resolved measurement of cytokines that provide reliable data and detailed mechanisms of inflammation. In addition, glucose uptake by the adipocytes from the chip-based cultures showed correlated insulin responsivity/resistivity to the expression of the cytokine profile in different dynamic culture conditions. Testing of the known diabetic drug, metformin, and neutraceutical compound, omega-3, on-chip show agreeable results as compared to the previously reported data. This organotypic culture system offers a physiologically relevant model that exhibits a key characteristic of type 2 diabetic adipose tissues and can be used to study the T2DM mechanisms and diabetic drug screening.

MeSsAGe risk score: tool for renal biopsy decision in steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: A lack of consensus exists as to the timing of kidney biopsy in children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) where minimal change disease (MCD) predominates. This study aimed at examining the applicability of a biomarker-assisted risk score model to select SDNS patients at high risk of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) for biopsy. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with SDNS and biopsy-proven MCD (n = 40) or FSGS (n = 15) were studied. A risk score model was developed with variables consisting of age, sex, eGFR, suPAR levels and percentage of CD8+ memory T cells. Following multivariate regression analysis, total risk score was calculated as sum of the products of odds ratios and corresponding variables. Predictive cut-off point was determined using receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: Plasma suPAR levels in FSGS patients were significantly higher, while percentage of CD45RO+CD8+CD3+ was significantly lower than in MCD patients and controls. ROC analysis suggests the risk score model with threshold score of 16.7 (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.96) was a good predictor of FSGS on biopsy. The 100% PPV cut-off was >24.0, while the 100% NPV was <13.3. CONCLUSION: A suPAR and CD8+ memory T cell percentage-based risk score model was developed to stratify SDNS patients for biopsy and for predicting FSGS.

Developmental Analysis of Bone Marrow Neutrophils Reveals Populations Specialized in Expansion, Trafficking, and Effector Functions.

Neutrophils are specialized innate cells that require constant replenishment from proliferative bone marrow (BM) precursors as a result of their short half-life. Although it is established that neutrophils are derived from the granulocyte-macrophage progenitor (GMP), the differentiation pathways from GMP to functional mature neutrophils are poorly defined. Using mass cytometry (CyTOF) and cell-cycle-based analysis, we identified three neutrophil subsets within the BM: a committed proliferative neutrophil precursor (preNeu) which differentiates into non-proliferating immature neutrophils and mature neutrophils. Transcriptomic profiling and functional analysis revealed that preNeu require the C/EBPε transcription factor for their generation from the GMP, and their proliferative program is substituted by a gain of migratory and effector function as they mature. preNeus expand under microbial and tumoral stress, and immature neutrophils are recruited to the periphery of tumor-bearing mice. In summary, our study identifies specialized BM granulocytic populations that ensure supply under homeostasis and stress responses.

Metabolic regulation of macrophage phenotype and function.

Studies in the last 20 years have given us a remarkable insight into the functional and phenotypic diversity of macrophages which reflects their integral role in host defence, homeostasis and pathogenesis. Mouse genetics, transcriptomic and epigenetic studies have provided an ontogenic and molecular perspective to the phenotypic diversity of these cells. Recently, metabolic studies have revealed the crucial role of metabolism and metabolites in shaping the phenotype and function of macrophages. Evidence pertaining to this aspect will be reviewed here.

CXCR4 identifies transitional bone marrow premonocytes that replenish the mature monocyte pool for peripheral responses.

It is well established that Ly6Chi monocytes develop from common monocyte progenitors (cMoPs) and reside in the bone marrow (BM) until they are mobilized into the circulation. In our study, we found that BM Ly6Chi monocytes are not a homogenous population, as current data would suggest. Using computational analysis approaches to interpret multidimensional datasets, we demonstrate that BM Ly6Chi monocytes consist of two distinct subpopulations (CXCR4hi and CXCR4lo subpopulations) in both mice and humans. Transcriptome studies and in vivo assays revealed functional differences between the two subpopulations. Notably, the CXCR4hi subset proliferates and is immobilized in the BM for the replenishment of functionally mature CXCR4lo monocytes. We propose that the CXCR4hi subset represents a transitional premonocyte population, and that this sequential step of maturation from cMoPs serves to maintain a stable pool of BM monocytes. Additionally, reduced CXCR4 expression on monocytes, upon their exit into the circulation, does not reflect its diminished role in monocyte biology. Specifically, CXCR4 regulates monocyte peripheral cellular activities by governing their circadian oscillations and pulmonary margination, which contributes toward lung injury and sepsis mortality. Together, our study demonstrates the multifaceted role of CXCR4 in defining BM monocyte heterogeneity and in regulating their function in peripheral tissues.

Colonic Macrophages "Remote Control" Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Insulin Resistance.

The early events linking diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance remain poorly understood. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Kawano et al. (2016) show that infiltration of colonic pro-inflammatory macrophages orchestrated by the intestinal CCL2/CCR2 axis kick-starts this process during high-fat-diet feeding.

Tumor-Associated Neutrophils Show Phenotypic and Functional Divergence in Human Lung Cancer.

Studies in murine cancer models have demonstrated the phenotypic and functional divergence of neutrophils; however, their role in pro- or anti-tumor responses in human remains elusive. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Singhal et al. report the existence of specialized subsets of neutrophils in human lung cancer with diverging functions.

Rewiring macrophages for anti-tumour immunity.

Tumour-associated macrophages facilitate cancer progression, but whether they can be reprogrammed to elicit an anti-tumour response remains unclear. Deletion of the microRNA-processing enzyme Dicer is now shown to rewire macrophages to an anti-tumour mode, leading to an enhanced response to immunotherapy and inhibition of tumour progression.

TLR7 and TLR9 ligands regulate antigen presentation by macrophages.

The toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important innate receptors recognizing potentially pathogenic material. However, they also play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, autoimmunity and the susceptibility to viral infections. Macrophages are essential for an effective immune response to foreign material and the resolution of inflammation. In these studies, we examined the impact of different TLR ligands on macrophage cell function. We demonstrate that stimulation of all TLRs tested increases the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages. TLR7 and TLR9 ligation decreased the levels of the surface co-expression molecules CD86 and MHCII, which was associated with a concomitant reduction in antigen presentation and proliferation of T cells. This down-regulation in macrophage function was not due to an increase in cell death. In fact, exposure to TLR7 or TLR9 ligands promoted cell viability for up to 9 days, in contrast to TLR3 or TLR4. Additionally, macrophages exposed to TLR7/TLR9 ligands had a significantly lower ratio of Il-12/Il-10 mRNA expression compared with those treated with the TLR4 ligand, LPS. Taken together, these data demonstrate that TLR7/TLR9 ligands push the macrophage into a phagocytic long-lived cell, with a decreased capacity of antigen presentation and reminiscent of the M2 polarized state.

New insights into the multidimensional concept of macrophage ontogeny, activation and function.

Macrophages have protective roles in immunity to pathogens, tissue development, homeostasis and repair following damage. Maladaptive immunity and inflammation provoke changes in macrophage function that are causative of disease. Despite a historical wealth of knowledge about macrophages, recent advances have revealed unknown aspects of their development and function. Following development, macrophages are activated by diverse signals. Such tissue microenvironmental signals together with epigenetic changes influence macrophage development, activation and functional diversity, with consequences in disease and homeostasis. We discuss here how recent discoveries in these areas have led to a multidimensional concept of macrophage ontogeny, activation and function. In connection with this, we also discuss how technical advances facilitate a new roadmap for the isolation and analysis of macrophages at high resolution.

Patrolling monocytes control tumor metastasis to the lung.

The immune system plays an important role in regulating tumor growth and metastasis. Classical monocytes promote tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis, but how nonclassical "patrolling" monocytes (PMo) interact with tumors is unknown. Here we show that PMo are enriched in the microvasculature of the lung and reduce tumor metastasis to lung in multiple mouse metastatic tumor models. Nr4a1-deficient mice, which specifically lack PMo, showed increased lung metastasis in vivo. Transfer of Nr4a1-proficient PMo into Nr4a1-deficient mice prevented tumor invasion in the lung. PMo established early interactions with metastasizing tumor cells, scavenged tumor material from the lung vasculature, and promoted natural killer cell recruitment and activation. Thus, PMo contribute to cancer immunosurveillance and may be targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Metabolic Reprogramming of Immune Cells in Cancer Progression.

Immune cells play a key role in host defense against infection and cancer. Upon encountering danger signals, these cells undergo activation leading to a modulation in their immune functions. However, recent studies reveal that immune cells upon activation also show distinct metabolic changes that impact their immune functions. Such metabolic reprogramming and its functional effects are well known for cancer cells. Given that immune cells have emerged as crucial players in cancer progression, it is important to understand whether immune cells also undergo metabolic reprogramming in tumors and how this might affect their contribution in cancer progression. This emerging aspect of tumor-associated immune cells is reviewed here, discussing metabolic reprogramming of different immune cell types, the key pathways involved, and its impact on tumor progression.