ABSTRACT
The primary impediment to the success of immunotherapy lies in the immune evasion orchestrated by tumors, contributing to the suboptimal overall response rates observed. Despite this recognition, the intricacies of the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Through preliminary detection of clinical patient tissues, we have found that ALDH1A1 was a key gene for the prognosis of cancer patients and tumor glycolysis. In vitro experiments and tumor formation in nude mice suggested that targeting ALDH1A1 could inhibit tumor growth. Through further analysis of xenograft tumor models in immune-normal mice and flow cytometry, we found that deficiency in ALDH1A1 could promote immune system suppression of tumors in vivo. Specifically, RNA-seq analysis, combined with qPCR and western blot, identified the transcription factor ZBTB7B as downstream of ALDH1A1. The binding sites of the transcription factor ZBTB7B on the LDHA promoter region, which is responsible for regulating the rate-limiting enzyme gene LDHA in glycolysis, were determined using luciferase reporter gene detection and Chip-qPCR, respectively. In addition, the increased SUMOylation of ZBTB7B stabilized its transcriptional activity. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that the combination of targeting ALDH1A1 and ZBTB7B with immune checkpoint inhibitors could synergistically inhibit tumors in vivo. Finally, after conducting additional verification of patient tissue and clinical data, we have confirmed the potential translational value of targeting ALDH1A1 and ZBTB7B for tumor immunotherapy. These results emphasize the potential translational significance of targeting ALDH1A1 and ZBTB7B in the realm of tumor immunotherapy. The convergence of ALDH1A1 inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade, particularly with PD-L1/PD-1 mAb, presents a compelling avenue for curtailing tumor immune escape.
Subject(s)
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family , Glycolysis , Mice, Nude , Retinal Dehydrogenase , Tumor Escape , Humans , Animals , Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family/metabolism , Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family/genetics , Retinal Dehydrogenase/metabolism , Retinal Dehydrogenase/genetics , Mice , Cell Line, Tumor , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/pathology , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/genetics , Female , Xenograft Model Antitumor AssaysABSTRACT
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a complex immune evasion mechanism posing a challenge to treatment. The role of the S100A10 gene in various cancers has garnered significant attention. This study aims to elucidate the impact of S100A10 on CD8+ T cell exhaustion via the cPLA2 and 5-LOX axis, thereby elucidating its role in immune evasion in HCC. By analyzing the HCC-related data from the GEO and TCGA databases, we identified differentially expressed genes associated with lipid metabolism and developed a prognostic risk model. Subsequently, through RNA-seq and PPI analyses, we determined vital lipid metabolism genes and downstream factors S100A10, ACOT7, and SMS, which were significantly correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration. Given the most significant expression differences, we selected S100A10 for further investigation. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted, including co-culture experiments of CD8+ T cells with MHCC97-L cells, Co-IP experiments, and validation in an HCC mouse model. S100A10 was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues and potentially regulates CD8+ T cell exhaustion and lipid metabolism reprogramming through the cPLA2 and 5-LOX axis. Silencing S100A10 could inhibit CD8+ T cell exhaustion, further suppressing immune evasion in HCC. S100A10 may activate the cPLA2 and 5-LOX axis, initiating lipid metabolism reprogramming and upregulating LTB4 levels, thus promoting CD8+ T cell exhaustion in HCC tissues, facilitating immune evasion by HCC cells, ultimately impacting the growth and migration of HCC cells. This research highlights the critical role of S100A10 via the cPLA2 and 5-LOX axis in immune evasion in HCC, providing new theoretical foundations and potential targets for diagnosing and treating HCC.
Subject(s)
Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Liver Neoplasms , Tumor Escape , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Liver Neoplasms/immunology , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/genetics , Humans , Animals , Mice , Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase/metabolism , Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , S100 Proteins/metabolism , S100 Proteins/genetics , Phospholipases A2, Cytosolic/metabolism , Phospholipases A2, Cytosolic/genetics , Male , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Mice, Inbred C57BL , T-Cell ExhaustionABSTRACT
Liver cancer, which most commonly manifests as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most common cancer in the world. In HCC, the immune system plays a crucial role in the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. HCC achieve immune escape through the tumor microenvironment, which significantly promotes the development of this cancer. Here, this article introduces and summarizes the functions and effects of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment, highlighting how Tregs inhibit and regulate the functions of immune and tumor cells, cytokines, ligands and receptors, etc, thereby promoting tumor immune escape. In addition, it discusses the mechanism of CAR-T therapy for HCC and elaborate on the relationship between CAR-T and Tregs.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Immunotherapy, Adoptive , Liver Neoplasms , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory , Tumor Escape , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology , Liver Neoplasms/immunology , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Tumor Escape/immunology , Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods , Animals , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/geneticsABSTRACT
Metabolic reprogramming is a k`ey hallmark of tumors, developed in response to hypoxia and nutrient deficiency during tumor progression. In both cancer and immune cells, there is a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect, which then leads to lactate acidification, increased lipid synthesis, and glutaminolysis. This reprogramming facilitates tumor immune evasion and, within the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer and immune cells collaborate to create a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The growing interest in the metabolic reprogramming of the TME, particularly its significance in colorectal cancer (CRC)-one of the most prevalent cancers-has prompted us to explore this topic. CRC exhibits abnormal glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and increased lipid synthesis. Acidosis in CRC cells hampers the activity of anti-tumor immune cells and inhibits the phagocytosis of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), while nutrient deficiency promotes the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2-like macrophages. In CRC cells, activation of G-protein coupled receptor 81 (GPR81) signaling leads to overexpression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and reduces the antigen presentation capability of dendritic cells. Moreover, the genetic and epigenetic cell phenotype, along with the microbiota, significantly influence CRC metabolic reprogramming. Activating RAS mutations and overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) occur in approximately 50% and 80% of patients, respectively, stimulating glycolysis and increasing levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and MYC proteins. Certain bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which activate CD8+ cells and genes involved in antigen processing and presentation, while other mechanisms support pro-tumor activities. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in selected CRC patients has shown promise, and the combination of these with drugs that inhibit aerobic glycolysis is currently being intensively researched to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms , Immunotherapy , Tumor Escape , Tumor Microenvironment , Animals , Humans , Colorectal Neoplasms/immunology , Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy , Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism , Disease Progression , Immunotherapy/methods , Metabolic Reprogramming/immunology , Tumor Microenvironment/immunologyABSTRACT
The interaction between the gut microbiota and invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells plays a pivotal role in colorectal cancer (CRC). The pathobiont Fusobacterium nucleatum influences the anti-tumor functions of CRC-infiltrating iNKT cells. However, the impact of other bacteria associated with CRC, like Porphyromonas gingivalis, on their activation status remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that mucosa-associated P. gingivalis induces a protumour phenotype in iNKT cells, subsequently influencing the composition of mononuclear-phagocyte cells within the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that P. gingivalis reduces the cytotoxic functions of iNKT cells, hampering the iNKT cell lytic machinery through increased expression of chitinase 3-like-1 protein (CHI3L1). Neutralization of CHI3L1 effectively restores iNKT cell cytotoxic functions suggesting a therapeutic potential to reactivate iNKT cell-mediated antitumour immunity. In conclusion, our data demonstrate how P. gingivalis accelerates CRC progression by inducing the upregulation of CHI3L1 in iNKT cells, thus impairing their cytotoxic functions and promoting host tumor immune evasion.
Subject(s)
Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1 , Colorectal Neoplasms , Natural Killer T-Cells , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Colorectal Neoplasms/immunology , Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology , Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology , Porphyromonas gingivalis/immunology , Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1/metabolism , Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1/genetics , Humans , Animals , Mice , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Immune Evasion , Tumor Escape , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology , Cell Line, Tumor , Bacteroidaceae Infections/immunology , Bacteroidaceae Infections/microbiology , Female , Mice, Inbred C57BL , MaleABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been implicated as critical regulators of cancer tumorigenesis and progression. However, their functions and molecular mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) still remain to be further elucidated. METHODS: LINC00460 was identified by differential analysis between human CRC and normal tissues and verified by in situ hybridization (ISH) and qRT-PCR. We investigated the biological functions of LINC00460 in CRC by in vitro and in vivo experiments. We predicted the mechanism and downstream functional molecules of LINC00460 by bioinformatics analysis, and confirmed them by dual luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, etc. RESULTS: LINC00460 was found to be significantly overexpressed in CRC and associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of LINC00460 promoted CRC cell immune escape and remodeled a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment, thereby promoting CRC proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistic studies showed that LINC00460 served as a molecular sponge for miR-186-3p, and then promoted the expressions of MYC, CD47 and PD-L1 to facilitate CRC cell immune escape. We also demonstrated that MYC upregulated LINC00460 expression at the transcriptional level and formed a positive feedback loop. CONCLUSIONS: The LINC00460/miR-186-3p/MYC feedback loop promotes CRC cell immune escape and subsequently facilitates CRC proliferation and metastasis. Our findings provide novel insight into LINC00460 as a CRC immune regulator, and provide a potential therapeutic target for CRC patients.
Subject(s)
B7-H1 Antigen , CD47 Antigen , Colorectal Neoplasms , MicroRNAs , RNA, Long Noncoding , Humans , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism , Colorectal Neoplasms/immunology , MicroRNAs/genetics , CD47 Antigen/metabolism , CD47 Antigen/genetics , RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics , RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism , Mice , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , B7-H1 Antigen/genetics , Animals , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Cell Line, Tumor , Tumor Escape/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/genetics , Male , Female , Cell Proliferation , Feedback, Physiological , Prognosis , Mice, NudeABSTRACT
Inhibition of a mutated metabolic enzyme puts the sting back in antitumor immunity.
Subject(s)
Immune Evasion , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase , Neoplasms , Tumor Escape , Animals , Humans , Mice , Immune Tolerance/genetics , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/immunology , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/genetics , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/metabolism , Tumor Escape/genetics , Immune Evasion/geneticsSubject(s)
Immunotherapy , Neoplasms , Humans , Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasms/therapy , Immunotherapy/methods , Chronic Disease , Animals , Tumor Escape , Immune EvasionABSTRACT
Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is the most commonly mutated metabolic gene across human cancers. Mutant IDH1 (mIDH1) generates the oncometabolite (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate, disrupting enzymes involved in epigenetics and other processes. A hallmark of IDH1-mutant solid tumors is T cell exclusion, whereas mIDH1 inhibition in preclinical models restores antitumor immunity. Here, we define a cell-autonomous mechanism of mIDH1-driven immune evasion. IDH1-mutant solid tumors show selective hypermethylation and silencing of the cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sensor CGAS, compromising innate immune signaling. mIDH1 inhibition restores DNA demethylation, derepressing CGAS and transposable element (TE) subclasses. dsDNA produced by TE-reverse transcriptase (TE-RT) activates cGAS, triggering viral mimicry and stimulating antitumor immunity. In summary, we demonstrate that mIDH1 epigenetically suppresses innate immunity and link endogenous RT activity to the mechanism of action of a US Food and Drug Administration-approved oncology drug.
Subject(s)
Immune Evasion , Immunity, Innate , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase , Neoplasms , Animals , Humans , Mice , Cell Line, Tumor , DNA/metabolism , DNA Demethylation , DNA Methylation , DNA Transposable Elements , Epigenesis, Genetic , Glutarates/metabolism , Immunity, Innate/genetics , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/genetics , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/metabolism , Mutation , Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasms/genetics , Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics , Tumor Escape , Immune Evasion/geneticsABSTRACT
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous disease characterized by the clonal expansion of myeloid progenitor cells. Despite recent advancements in the treatment of AML, relapse still remains a significant challenge, necessitating the development of innovative therapies to eliminate minimal residual disease. One promising approach to address these unmet clinical needs is natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy. To implement such treatments effectively, it is vital to comprehend how AML cells escape the NK-cell surveillance. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a component of the Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT signaling pathway, is well-known for its role in driving immune evasion in various cancer types. Nevertheless, the specific function of STAT3 in AML cell escape from NK cells has not been deeply investigated. In this study, we unravel a novel role of STAT3 in sensitizing AML cells to NK-cell surveillance. We demonstrate that STAT3-deficient AML cell lines are inefficiently eliminated by NK cells. Mechanistically, AML cells lacking STAT3 fail to form an immune synapse as efficiently as their wild-type counterparts due to significantly reduced surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). The impaired killing of STAT3-deficient cells can be rescued by ICAM-1 overexpression proving its central role in the observed phenotype. Importantly, analysis of our AML patient cohort revealed a positive correlation between ICAM1 and STAT3 expression suggesting a predominant role of STAT3 in ICAM-1 regulation in this disease. In line, high ICAM1 expression correlates with better survival of AML patients underscoring the translational relevance of our findings. Taken together, our data unveil a novel role of STAT3 in preventing AML cells from escaping NK-cell surveillance and highlight the STAT3/ICAM-1 axis as a potential biomarker for NK-cell therapies in AML.
Subject(s)
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 , Killer Cells, Natural , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , STAT3 Transcription Factor , STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism , Humans , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology , Killer Cells, Natural/immunology , Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism , Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism , Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/genetics , Immunologic Surveillance , Cell Line, Tumor , Tumor Escape , Signal Transduction , Cytotoxicity, ImmunologicABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Radioresistance and immune escape are crucial reasons for unsatisfactory therapeutic effects of glioblastoma (GBM). Although triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) involved in forming immunosuppressive microenvironment, but the underlying mechanism and its roles in mediating cancer radioresistance remain unclear, moreover, the efficient delivery of drugs targeting TREM2 to GBM encounters serious challenges. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the effect and mechanisms of targeted TREM2 silencing on reversing the radioresistance and immune escape of GBM aided by a glutathione-responsive biomimetic nanoparticle (NP) platform. METHODS: Radioresistant GBM cell lines and TREM2 stable knockdown GBM cell lines were firstly established. RNA sequencing, colony formation assay, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and co-immunoprecipitation assay were used to detect the molecular mechanisms of TREM2 in regulating the radioresistance and immune escape of GBM. The glutathione-responsive biomimetic NP, angiopep-2 (A2)- cell membrane (CM)-NP/siTREM2/spam1, was then constructed to triply and targeted inhibit TREM2 for in vivo study. Orthotopic GBM-bearing mouse models were established to evaluate the anti-GBM effect of TREM2 inhibition, multiplex immunofluorescence assay was conducted to detect the infiltration of immune cells. RESULTS: TREM2 was a regulator in accelerating the radioresistance and immune escape of GBM through participating in DNA damage repair and forming a positive feedback loop with high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) to cascade the activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling. A2-CM-NP/siTREM2/spam1 was successfully synthesized with excellent passive targeting, active targeting and homologous targeting, and the in vivo results exhibited its remarkable anti-GBM therapeutic effect through promoting the infiltration of type 1 helper T cells and CD8+T cells, reducing the infiltration of type 2 helper T cells and regulatory T cells, repolarizing macrophages to M1-type, and decreasing the secretion of pro-tumor and immunosuppressive cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting TREM2 therapy is a promising avenue for optimizing radiotherapy and immunotherapy to improve the prognosis of GBM patients.
Subject(s)
Glioblastoma , HMGB1 Protein , Membrane Glycoproteins , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt , Radiation Tolerance , Receptors, Immunologic , Signal Transduction , Toll-Like Receptor 4 , Glioblastoma/radiotherapy , Glioblastoma/metabolism , Glioblastoma/pathology , Glioblastoma/immunology , Glioblastoma/genetics , Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism , Humans , Animals , Cell Line, Tumor , Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism , HMGB1 Protein/metabolism , Tumor Escape , Mice , Feedback, Physiological , Mice, Nude , Brain Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Brain Neoplasms/metabolism , Brain Neoplasms/immunology , Brain Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, it remains unclear whether dysregulated circRNA affects immune escape and the efficacy of immunotherapy in GC. Our aim is to investigate the molecular mechanism of circRNA affecting GC immunotherapy and identify effective molecular therapeutic targets. METHODS: The differential expression profile of circRNAs was established through circRNA sequencing, comparing three paired GC tissues with their adjacent non-cancerous gastric tissues. The expression level of circRHBDD1 in GC tissues was then assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The biological characteristics of circRHBDD1 were verified through a series of experiments, including agarose gel electrophoresis assays, RNase R treatment, and actinomycin D experiments. The prognostic value of circRHBDD1 in GC was evaluated by conducting both univariate and multivariate survival analyses. Furthermore, loss- and gain-of-function approaches were utilized to investigate the impact of circRHBDD1 on GC immune escape. RNA-sequencing, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (meRIP) analysis were performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: We discovered that circRHBDD1 exhibited remarkably high expression levels in GC tissues and cell lines. Notably, the high expression of circRHBDD1 was significantly correlated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival among GC patients. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that circRHBDD1 upregulated the expression of PD-L1 and impeded the infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Further, we found that circRHBDD1 binds to IGF2BP2, disrupting the interaction between E3 ligase TRIM25 and IGF2BP2, and ultimately inhibiting IGF2BP2 ubiquitination and degradation. Intriguingly, IGF2BP2 enhances PD-L1 mRNA stability through m6A modification. Additionally, we developed Poly (lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based nanoparticles loaded with circRHBDD1 siRNA. In vivo experiments validated that the combination of PLGA-PEG(si-circRHBDD1) and anti-PD-1 offers a safe and efficacious nano-drug regimen for cancer immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that circRHBDD1 promoted GC immune escape by upregulating the expression of PD-L1 and reprogramming T cell-mediated immune response. Inhibition of circRHBDD1 expression could potentially enhance the response of GC patients to immunotherapy, thus improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, the development of a nanodrug delivery system provides a feasible approach for future clinical applications.
Subject(s)
B7-H1 Antigen , RNA, Circular , RNA-Binding Proteins , Signal Transduction , Stomach Neoplasms , Tumor Escape , Stomach Neoplasms/genetics , Stomach Neoplasms/immunology , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , RNA, Circular/genetics , RNA, Circular/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , Male , Female , Animals , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Middle Aged , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Mice, Nude , Mice , PrognosisABSTRACT
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by immune evasion that contribute to poor prognosis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in orchestrating the PDAC tumour microenvironment. We investigated the role of CAF-derived extracellular vesicle (EV)-packaged long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in immune evasion and explored gene therapy using engineered EVs loading small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as a potential therapeutic strategy. Our findings highlight the significance of EV-packaged lncRNA RP11-161H23.5 from CAF in promoting PDAC immune evasion by downregulating HLA-A expression, a key component of antigen presentation. Mechanistically, RP11-161H23.5 forms a complex with CNOT4, a subunit of the mRNA deadenylase CCR4-NOT complex, enhancing the degradation of HLA-A mRNA by shortening its poly(A) tail. This immune evasion mechanism compromises the anti-tumour immune response. To combat this, we propose an innovative approach utilising engineered EVs as natural and biocompatible nanocarriers for siRNA-based gene therapy and this strategy holds promise for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in PDAC. Overall, our study sheds light on the critical role of CAF-derived EV-packaged lncRNA RP11-161H23.5/CNOT4/HLA-A axis in PDAC immune evasion and presents a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention.
Subject(s)
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal , Extracellular Vesicles , HLA-A Antigens , Pancreatic Neoplasms , RNA, Long Noncoding , Humans , RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics , RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism , Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism , Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/immunology , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Extracellular Vesicles/immunology , Pancreatic Neoplasms/immunology , Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics , Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/immunology , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/genetics , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/therapy , Cell Line, Tumor , HLA-A Antigens/genetics , HLA-A Antigens/immunology , HLA-A Antigens/metabolism , Immune Evasion , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Down-Regulation , RNA, Small Interfering , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Animals , Tumor Escape , MiceABSTRACT
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is becoming more common and deadly worldwide. Tumor-infiltrating T cell subtypes make distinct contributions to the immune system; collectively, they constitute a significant portion of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CCA. By secreting cytokines and other chemicals, regulatory T cells (Tregs) decrease activated T cell responses, acting as immunosuppressors. Reduced CD8+ T cell activation results in stimulating programmed death-1 (PD-1), which undermines the immunological homeostasis of T lymphocytes. On the other hand, cancer cells are eliminated by activated cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) through the perforin-granzyme or Fas-FasL pathways. Th1 and CTL immune cell infiltration into the malignant tumor is also facilitated by γδ T cells. A higher prognosis is typically implied by CD8+ T cell infiltration, and survival is inversely associated with Treg cell density. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, either singly or in combination, provide novel therapeutic strategies for CCA immunotherapy. Furthermore, it is anticipated that immunotherapeutic strategies-such as the identification of new immune targets, combination treatments involving several immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor-T therapies (CAR-T)-will optimize the effectiveness of anti-CCA treatments while reducing adverse effects.
Subject(s)
Bile Duct Neoplasms , Cholangiocarcinoma , Immunotherapy , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating , Tumor Escape , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Cholangiocarcinoma/immunology , Cholangiocarcinoma/therapy , Cholangiocarcinoma/pathology , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects , Bile Duct Neoplasms/immunology , Bile Duct Neoplasms/therapy , Bile Duct Neoplasms/pathology , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Immunotherapy/methods , Tumor Escape/drug effects , Tumor Escape/immunology , Animals , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunologySubject(s)
Neoplasms , Tumor Escape , Humans , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/immunology , Tumor Escape/genetics , AnimalsABSTRACT
Recent advancements in cancer treatment have explored a variety of approaches to address the needs of patients. Recently, immunotherapy has evolved as an efficacious treatment for various cancers resistant to conventional therapies. Hence, significant milestones in immunotherapy were achieved clinically in a large subset of cancer patients. Unfortunately, some cancer types do not respond to treatment, and among the responsive cancers, some patients remain unresponsive to treatment. Consequently, there is a critical need to examine the mechanisms of immune resistance and devise strategies to target immune suppressor cells or factors, thereby allowing for tumor sensitivity to immune cytotoxic cells. M2 macrophages, also known as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are of interest due to their role in suppressing the immune system and influencing antitumor immune responses through modulating T cell activity and immune checkpoint expression. TAMs are associated with signaling pathways that modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributing to immune evasion. One approach targets TAMs, focusing on preventing the polarization of M1 macrophages into the protumoral M2 phenotype. Other strategies focus on direct or indirect targeting of M2 macrophages through understanding the interaction of TAMs with immune factors or signaling pathways. Clinically, biomarkers associated with TAMs' immune resistance in cancer patients have been identified, opening avenues for intervention using pharmacological agents or immunotherapeutic approaches. Ultimately, these multifaceted approaches are promising in overcoming immune resistance and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Tumor Escape , Tumor Microenvironment , Tumor-Associated Macrophages , Humans , Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasms/therapy , Tumor-Associated Macrophages/immunology , Tumor-Associated Macrophages/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Tumor Escape/immunology , Immunotherapy/methods , Animals , Macrophages/immunology , Macrophages/metabolismABSTRACT
The p53 tumor suppressor protein has a plethora of cell-intrinsic functions and consequences that impact diverse cell types and tissues. Recent studies are beginning to unravel how wild-type and mutant p53 work in distinct ways to modulate tumor immunity. This sets up a disequilibrium between tumor immunosurveillance and escape therefrom. The ability to exploit this emerging knowledge for translational approaches may shape immunotherapy and targeted therapeutics in the future, especially in combinatorial settings.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , Humans , Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasms/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/immunology , Animals , Immunotherapy/methods , Mutation , Tumor EscapeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have a low response rate to immune checkpoint blockade. It is highly important to explore the tumor immune escape mechanism of LUAD patients and expand the population of patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. METHODS: Based on 954 bulk RNA-seq data of LUAD patients and 15 single-cell RNA-seq data, the relationships between tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) scores and survival prognosis in each patient were calculated and evaluated, and the immune escape mechanism affecting the independent prognosis of LUAD patients was identified. Functional enrichment analysis explored the antitumour immune response and biological behavior of tumor cells among different LUAD groups. Single-cell annotation and pseudotemporal analysis were used to explore the target molecules and immune escape mechanisms of LUAD. RESULTS: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and IRF8 were identified as risk and protective factors for the independent prognosis of LUAD patients, respectively. In the tumor microenvironment of patients with high infiltration of MDSCs, the antitumor immune response is significantly suppressed, while tumor cell division, proliferation, and distant metastasis are significantly enhanced. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that IRF8 is an important regulator of MDSC differentiation in LUAD myeloid cells. In addition, IRF8 may regulate the differentiation of MDSCs through the IL6-JAK-STAT3 signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: IRF8 deficiency impairs the normal development of LUAD myeloid cells and induces their differentiation into MDSCs, thereby accelerating the immune escape of LUAD cells. IRF8-targeted activation to inhibit the formation of MDSCs may be a new target for immunotherapy in LUAD.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma of Lung , Interferon Regulatory Factors , Lung Neoplasms , Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells/immunology , Adenocarcinoma of Lung/immunology , Adenocarcinoma of Lung/genetics , Adenocarcinoma of Lung/pathology , Interferon Regulatory Factors/metabolism , Interferon Regulatory Factors/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/immunology , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Prognosis , Female , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Signal Transduction , Male , Tumor Escape , Immune Evasion , Single-Cell Analysis , Cell DifferentiationABSTRACT
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment but has shown limited efficacy in gynecologic cancers. VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation), a member of the B7 family, is emerging as another checkpoint that regulates the anti-tumor immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. This paper reviews the structure, expression, and mechanism of action of VISTA. Furthermore, it highlights recent advances in VISTA-blocking therapies and their potential in improving outcomes for patients with gynecologic cancers. By understanding the role of VISTA in mediating the immune evasion of gynecologic tumors, we can develop more effective combinatory treatment strategies that could overcome resistance to current ICB therapies.
Subject(s)
B7 Antigens , Genital Neoplasms, Female , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors , Tumor Escape , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Genital Neoplasms, Female/immunology , Female , B7 Antigens/immunology , B7 Antigens/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Tumor Escape/drug effects , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology , Animals , Immunotherapy/methodsABSTRACT
Functional roles of SIGLEC15 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were not clear, which was recently found to be an immune inhibitor with similar structure of inhibitory B7 family members. SIGLEC15 expression in HCC was explored in public databases and further examined by PCR analysis. SIGLEC15 and PD-L1 expression patterns were examined in HCC samples through immunohistochemistry. SIGLEC15 expression was knocked-down or over-expressed in HCC cell lines, and CCK8 tests were used to examine cell proliferative ability in vitro. Influences of SIGLEC15 expression on tumor growth were examined in immune deficient and immunocompetent mice respectively. Co-culture system of HCC cell lines and Jurkat cells, flow cytometry analysis of tumor infiltrated immune cells and further sequencing analyses were performed to investigate how SIGLEC15 could affect T cells in vitro and in vivo. We found SIGLEC15 was increased in HCC tumor tissues and was negatively correlated with PD-L1 in HCC samples. In vitro and in vivo models demonstrated inhibition of SIGLEC15 did not directly influence tumor proliferation. However, SIGLEC15 could promoted HCC immune evasion in immune competent mouse models. Knock-out of Siglec15 could inhibit tumor growth and reinvigorate CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity. Anti-SIGLEC15 treatment could effectively inhibit tumor growth in mouse models with or without mononuclear phagocyte deletion. Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data of treated mouse tumors demonstrated SIGLEC15 could interfere CD8+ T cell viability and induce cell apoptosis. In all, SIGLEC15 was negatively correlated with PD-L1 in HCC and mainly promote HCC immune evasion through inhibition of CD8+ T cell viability and cytotoxicity.