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Jorgovanovic D, Song M, Wang L, Zhang Y. Roles of IFN-γ in tumor progression and regression: a review. Biomark Res 2020; 8:49. [PMID: 33005420 PMCID: PMC7526126 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-020-00228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 651] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) plays a key role in activation of cellular immunity and subsequently, stimulation of antitumor immune-response. Based on its cytostatic, pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative functions, IFN-γ is considered potentially useful for adjuvant immunotherapy for different types of cancer. Moreover, it IFN-γ may inhibit angiogenesis in tumor tissue, induce regulatory T-cell apoptosis, and/or stimulate the activity of M1 proinflammatory macrophages to overcome tumor progression. However, the current understanding of the roles of IFN-γ in the tumor microenvironment (TME) may be misleading in terms of its clinical application. MAIN BODY Some researchers believe it has anti-tumorigenic properties, while others suggest that it contributes to tumor growth and progression. In our recent work, we have shown that concentration of IFN-γ in the TME determines its function. Further, it was reported that tumors treated with low-dose IFN-γ acquired metastatic properties while those infused with high dose led to tumor regression. Pro-tumorigenic role may be described through IFN-γ signaling insensitivity, downregulation of major histocompatibility complexes, upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, and checkpoint inhibitors such as programmed cell death ligand 1. CONCLUSION Significant research efforts are required to decipher IFN-γ-dependent pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. This review discusses the current knowledge concerning the roles of IFN-γ in the TME as a part of the complex immune response to cancer and highlights the importance of identifying IFN-γ responsive patients to improve their sensitivity to immuno-therapies.
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Review |
5 |
651 |
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Yang L, Zhang Y. Tumor-associated macrophages: from basic research to clinical application. J Hematol Oncol 2017; 10:58. [PMID: 28241846 PMCID: PMC5329931 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-017-0430-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 620] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
The fact that various immune cells, including macrophages, can be found in tumor tissues has long been known. With the introduction of concept that macrophages differentiate into a classically or alternatively activated phenotype, the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is now beginning to be elucidated. TAMs act as “protumoral macrophages,” contributing to disease progression. TAMs can promote initiation and metastasis of tumor cells, inhibit antitumor immune responses mediated by T cells, and stimulate tumor angiogenesis and subsequently tumor progression. As the relationship between TAMs and malignant tumors becomes clearer, TAMs are beginning to be seen as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of cancers, as well as therapeutic targets in these cases. In this review, we will discuss the origin, polarization, and role of TAMs in human malignant tumors, as well as how TAMs can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of cancer in clinics.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
8 |
620 |
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3
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Zhang S, Liu Y, Wang X, Yang L, Li H, Wang Y, Liu M, Zhao X, Xie Y, Yang Y, Zhang S, Fan Z, Dong J, Yuan Z, Ding Z, Zhang Y, Hu L. SARS-CoV-2 binds platelet ACE2 to enhance thrombosis in COVID-19. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:120. [PMID: 32887634 PMCID: PMC7471641 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00954-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 456] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critically ill patients diagnosed with COVID-19 may develop a pro-thrombotic state that places them at a dramatically increased lethal risk. Although platelet activation is critical for thrombosis and is responsible for the thrombotic events and cardiovascular complications, the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 remains unclear. METHODS Using platelets from healthy volunteers, non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 patients, as well as wild-type and hACE2 transgenic mice, we evaluated the changes in platelet and coagulation parameters in COVID-19 patients. We investigated ACE2 expression and direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 virus on platelets by RT-PCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and platelet functional studies in vitro, FeCl3-induced thrombus formation in vivo, and thrombus formation under flow conditions ex vivo. RESULTS We demonstrated that COVID-19 patients present with increased mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet hyperactivity, which correlated with a decrease in overall platelet count. Detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the blood stream was associated with platelet hyperactivity in critically ill patients. Platelets expressed ACE2, a host cell receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and TMPRSS2, a serine protease for Spike protein priming. SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike protein directly enhanced platelet activation such as platelet aggregation, PAC-1 binding, CD62P expression, α granule secretion, dense granule release, platelet spreading, and clot retraction in vitro, and thereby Spike protein enhanced thrombosis formation in wild-type mice transfused with hACE2 transgenic platelets, but this was not observed in animals transfused with wild-type platelets in vivo. Further, we provided evidence suggesting that the MAPK pathway, downstream of ACE2, mediates the potentiating role of SARS-CoV-2 on platelet activation, and that platelet ACE2 expression decreases following SARS-COV-2 stimulation. SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike protein directly stimulated platelets to facilitate the release of coagulation factors, the secretion of inflammatory factors, and the formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates. Recombinant human ACE2 protein and anti-Spike monoclonal antibody could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-induced platelet activation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings uncovered a novel function of SARS-CoV-2 on platelet activation via binding of Spike to ACE2. SARS-CoV-2-induced platelet activation may participate in thrombus formation and inflammatory responses in COVID-19 patients.
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456 |
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Yang L, Liu S, Liu J, Zhang Z, Wan X, Huang B, Chen Y, Zhang Y. COVID-19: immunopathogenesis and Immunotherapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:128. [PMID: 32712629 PMCID: PMC7381863 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00243-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 450] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
The recent novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is seeing a rapid increase in infected patients worldwide. The host immune response to SARS-CoV-2 appears to play a critical role in disease pathogenesis and clinical manifestations. SARS-CoV-2 not only activates antiviral immune responses, but can also cause uncontrolled inflammatory responses characterized by marked pro-inflammatory cytokine release in patients with severe COVID-19, leading to lymphopenia, lymphocyte dysfunction, and granulocyte and monocyte abnormalities. These SARS-CoV-2-induced immune abnormalities may lead to infections by microorganisms, septic shock, and severe multiple organ dysfunction. Therefore, mechanisms underlying immune abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 must be elucidated to guide clinical management of the disease. Moreover, rational management of the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, which includes enhancing anti-viral immunity while inhibiting systemic inflammation, may be key to successful treatment. In this review, we discuss the immunopathology of COVID-19, its potential mechanisms, and clinical implications to aid the development of new therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.
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Review |
5 |
450 |
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5
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Liu Y, Fang Y, Chen X, Wang Z, Liang X, Zhang T, Liu M, Zhou N, Lv J, Tang K, Xie J, Gao Y, Cheng F, Zhou Y, Zhang Z, Hu Y, Zhang X, Gao Q, Zhang Y, Huang B. Gasdermin E-mediated target cell pyroptosis by CAR T cells triggers cytokine release syndrome. Sci Immunol 2020; 5:5/43/eaax7969. [PMID: 31953257 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aax7969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025]
Abstract
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) counteracts the effectiveness of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in cancer patients, but the mechanism underlying CRS remains unclear. Here, we show that tumor cell pyroptosis triggers CRS during CAR T cell therapy. We find that CAR T cells rapidly activate caspase 3 in target cells through release of granzyme B. The latter cleaves gasdermin E (GSDME), a pore-forming protein highly expressed in B leukemic and other target cells, which results in extensive pyroptosis. Consequently, pyroptosis-released factors activate caspase 1 for GSDMD cleavage in macrophages, which results in the release of cytokines and subsequent CRS. Knocking out GSDME, depleting macrophages, or inhibiting caspase 1 eliminates CRS occurrence in mouse models. In patients, GSDME and lactate dehydrogenase levels are correlated with the severity of CRS. Notably, we find that the quantity of perforin/granzyme B used by CAR T cells rather than existing CD8+ T cells is critical for CAR T cells to induce target cell pyroptosis.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
5 |
345 |
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Zhao E, Maj T, Kryczek I, Li W, Wu K, Zhao L, Wei S, Crespo J, Wan S, Vatan L, Szeliga W, Shao I, Wang Y, Liu Y, Varambally S, Chinnaiyan AM, Welling TH, Marquez V, Kotarski J, Wang H, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Liu R, Wang G, Zou W. Cancer mediates effector T cell dysfunction by targeting microRNAs and EZH2 via glycolysis restriction. Nat Immunol 2016; 17:95-103. [PMID: 26523864 PMCID: PMC4684796 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025]
Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis regulates T cell function. However, whether and how primary cancer alters T cell glycolytic metabolism and affects tumor immunity in cancer patients remains a question. Here we found that ovarian cancers imposed glucose restriction on T cells and dampened their function via maintaining high expression of microRNAs miR-101 and miR-26a, which constrained expression of the methyltransferase EZH2. EZH2 activated the Notch pathway by suppressing Notch repressors Numb and Fbxw7 via trimethylation of histone H3 at Lys27 and, consequently, stimulated T cell polyfunctional cytokine expression and promoted their survival via Bcl-2 signaling. Moreover, small hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of human EZH2 in T cells elicited poor antitumor immunity. EZH2(+)CD8(+) T cells were associated with improved survival in patients. Together, these data unveil a metabolic target and mechanism of cancer immune evasion.
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural |
9 |
319 |
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7
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Maimela NR, Liu S, Zhang Y. Fates of CD8+ T cells in Tumor Microenvironment. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2018; 17:1-13. [PMID: 30581539 PMCID: PMC6297055 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Studies have reported a positive correlation between elevated CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and good prognosis in cancer. However, the mechanisms linking T cell tumor-infiltration and tumor rejection are yet to be fully understood. The cells and factors of the TME facilitate tumor development in various ways. CD8+ T cell function is influenced by a number of factors, including CD8+ T cell trafficking and localization into tumor sites; as well as CD8+ T cell growth and differentiation. This review highlights recent literature as well as currently evolving concepts regarding the fates of CD8+ T cells in the TME from three different aspects CD8+ T cell trafficking, differentiation and function. A thorough understanding of factors contributing to the fates of CD8+ T cells will allow researchers to develop new strategies and improve on already existing strategies to facilitate CD8+ T cell mediated anti-tumor function, impede T cell dysfunction and modulate the TME into a less immunosuppressive TME.
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Review |
7 |
294 |
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8
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Lian J, Yue Y, Yu W, Zhang Y. Immunosenescence: a key player in cancer development. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:151. [PMID: 33168037 PMCID: PMC7653700 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00986-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Immunosenescence is a process of immune dysfunction that occurs with age and includes remodeling of lymphoid organs, leading to changes in the immune function of the elderly, which is closely related to the development of infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignant tumors. T cell-output decline is an important feature of immunosenescence as well as the production of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, increased glycolysis, and reactive oxygen species. Senescent T cells exhibit abnormal phenotypes, including downregulation of CD27, CD28, and upregulation of CD57, killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G, Tim-3, Tight, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, which are tightly related to malignant tumors. The role of immunosenescence in tumors is sophisticated: the many factors involved include cAMP, glucose competition, and oncogenic stress in the tumor microenvironment, which can induce the senescence of T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Accordingly, these senescent immune cells could also affect tumor progression. In addition, the effect of immunosenescence on the response to immune checkpoint blocking antibody therapy so far is ambiguous due to the low participation of elderly cancer patients in clinical trials. Furthermore, many other senescence-related interventions could be possible with genetic and pharmacological methods, including mTOR inhibition, interleukin-7 recombination, and NAD+ activation. Overall, this review aims to highlight the characteristics of immunosenescence and its impact on malignant tumors and immunotherapy, especially the future directions of tumor treatment through senescence-focused strategies.
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Review |
5 |
260 |
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9
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Gao X, Nowak-Imialek M, Chen X, Chen D, Herrmann D, Ruan D, Chen ACH, Eckersley-Maslin MA, Ahmad S, Lee YL, Kobayashi T, Ryan D, Zhong J, Zhu J, Wu J, Lan G, Petkov S, Yang J, Antunes L, Campos LS, Fu B, Wang S, Yong Y, Wang X, Xue SG, Ge L, Liu Z, Huang Y, Nie T, Li P, Wu D, Pei D, Zhang Y, Lu L, Yang F, Kimber SJ, Reik W, Zou X, Shang Z, Lai L, Surani A, Tam PPL, Ahmed A, Yeung WSB, Teichmann SA, Niemann H, Liu P. Establishment of porcine and human expanded potential stem cells. Nat Cell Biol 2019; 21:687-699. [PMID: 31160711 PMCID: PMC7035105 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-019-0333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025]
Abstract
We recently derived mouse expanded potential stem cells (EPSCs) from individual blastomeres by inhibiting the critical molecular pathways that predispose their differentiation. EPSCs had enriched molecular signatures of blastomeres and possessed developmental potency for all embryonic and extra-embryonic cell lineages. Here, we report the derivation of porcine EPSCs, which express key pluripotency genes, are genetically stable, permit genome editing, differentiate to derivatives of the three germ layers in chimeras and produce primordial germ cell-like cells in vitro. Under similar conditions, human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells can be converted, or somatic cells directly reprogrammed, to EPSCs that display the molecular and functional attributes reminiscent of porcine EPSCs. Importantly, trophoblast stem-cell-like cells can be generated from both human and porcine EPSCs. Our pathway-inhibition paradigm thus opens an avenue for generating mammalian pluripotent stem cells, and EPSCs present a unique cellular platform for translational research in biotechnology and regenerative medicine.
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research-article |
6 |
246 |
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10
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Lei Q, Wang D, Sun K, Wang L, Zhang Y. Resistance Mechanisms of Anti-PD1/PDL1 Therapy in Solid Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:672. [PMID: 32793604 PMCID: PMC7385189 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
In cancer-immunity cycle, the immune checkpoint PD1 and its ligand PDL1 act as accomplices to help tumors resist to immunity-induced apoptosis and promote tumor progression. Immunotherapy targeting PD1/PDL1 axis can effectively block its pro-tumor activity. Anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy has achieved great success in the past decade. However, only a subset of patients showed clinical responses. Most of the patients can not benefit from anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy. Furthermore, a large group of responders would develop acquired resistance after initial responses. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of resistance is necessary for improving anti-PD1/PDL1 efficacy. Currently, researchers have identified primary resistance mechanisms which include insufficient tumor immunogenicity, disfunction of MHCs, irreversible T cell exhaustion, primary resistance to IFN-γ signaling, and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Some oncogenic signaling pathways also contribute to the primary resistance. Under the pressure applied by anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy, tumors experience immunoediting and preserve beneficial mutations, upregulate the compensatory inhibitory signaling and induce re-exhaustion of T cells, all of which may attenuate the durability of the therapy. Here we explore the underlying mechanisms in detail, review biomarkers that help identifying responders among patients and discuss the strategies that may relieve the anti-PD1/PDL1 resistance.
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Review |
5 |
230 |
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11
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Li J, Wang L, Chen X, Li L, Li Y, Ping Y, Huang L, Yue D, Zhang Z, Wang F, Li F, Yang L, Huang J, Yang S, Li H, Zhao X, Dong W, Yan Y, Zhao S, Huang B, Zhang B, Zhang Y. CD39/CD73 upregulation on myeloid-derived suppressor cells via TGF-β-mTOR-HIF-1 signaling in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1320011. [PMID: 28680754 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1320011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
CD39/CD73-adenosine pathway has been recently defined as an important tumor-induced immunosuppressive mechanism. We here documented a fraction of CD11b+CD33+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in peripheral blood and tumor tissues from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients expressed surface ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73. Tumor TGF-β stimulated CD39 and CD73 expression, thereby inhibited T cell and NK cell activity, and protected tumor cells from the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy through ectonucleotidase activity. Mechanistically, TGF-β triggered phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin, and subsequently activated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) that induced CD39/CD73 expression on MDSCs. CD39 and CD73 on MDSCs, therefore, link their immunosuppressive and chemo-protective effects to NSCLC progression, providing novel targets for chemo-immunotherapeutic intervention.
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural |
8 |
226 |
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12
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Zhang Z, Liu S, Zhang B, Qiao L, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. T Cell Dysfunction and Exhaustion in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:17. [PMID: 32117960 PMCID: PMC7027373 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced cancers. T cells are key mediators of antitumor function that specifically recognize and react to tumor-expressing antigens and have proven critical for cancer immunotherapy. However, T cells are not as effective against cancer as expected. This is partly because T cells enter a dysfunctional or exhausted state, which is characterized by sustained expression of inhibitory receptors and a transcriptional state distinct from that of functional effector or memory T cells. T cell dysfunction induces the out of control of tumors. Recently, T cell dysfunction has been investigated in many experimental and clinical settings. The molecular definition of T cell dysfunction and the underlying causes of the T cell dysfunction has been advanced regardless of the fact that the pathways involved are not well elucidated, which proposing promising therapeutic opportunities in clinic. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms that affect TME and induce T cell dysfunction, and the development of promising immunotherapies to counteract the mechanisms of tumor-induced T cell dysfunction. Better understanding these underlying mechanisms may lead to new strategies to improve the clinical outcome of patients with cancer.
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Review |
5 |
225 |
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13
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Li L, Wang L, Li J, Fan Z, Yang L, Zhang Z, Zhang C, Yue D, Qin G, Zhang T, Li F, Chen X, Ping Y, Wang D, Gao Q, He Q, Huang L, Li H, Huang J, Zhao X, Xue W, Sun Z, Lu J, Yu JJ, Zhao J, Zhang B, Zhang Y. Metformin-Induced Reduction of CD39 and CD73 Blocks Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Activity in Patients with Ovarian Cancer. Cancer Res 2018; 78:1779-1791. [PMID: 29374065 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025]
Abstract
Metformin is a broadly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes that exerts antitumor activity, yet the mechanisms underlying this activity remain unclear. We show here that metformin treatment blocks the suppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in patients with ovarian cancer by downregulating the expression and ectoenzymatic activity of CD39 and CD73 on monocytic and polymononuclear MDSC subsets. Metformin triggered activation of AMP-activated protein kinase α and subsequently suppressed hypoxia-inducible factor α, which was critical for induction of CD39/CD73 expression in MDSC. Furthermore, metformin treatment correlated with longer overall survival in diabetic patients with ovarian cancer, which was accompanied by a metformin-induced reduction in the frequency of circulating CD39+CD73+ MDSC and a concomitant increase in the antitumor activities of circulating CD8+ T cells. Our results highlight a direct effect of metformin on MDSC and suggest that metformin may yield clinical benefit through improvement of antitumor T-cell immunity by dampening CD39/CD73-dependent MDSC immunosuppression in ovarian cancer patients.Significance: The antitumor activity of an antidiabetes drug is attributable to reduced immunosuppressive activity of myeloid-derived tumor suppressor cells. Cancer Res; 78(7); 1779-91. ©2018 AACR.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
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219 |
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14
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Wang L, Fan J, Thompson LF, Zhang Y, Shin T, Curiel TJ, Zhang B. CD73 has distinct roles in nonhematopoietic and hematopoietic cells to promote tumor growth in mice. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:2371-82. [PMID: 21537079 DOI: 10.1172/jci45559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
CD73 is overexpressed in many types of human and mouse cancers and is implicated in the control of tumor progression. However, the specific contribution from tumor or host CD73 expression to tumor growth remains unknown to date. Here, we show that host CD73 promotes tumor growth in a T cell-dependent manner and that the optimal antitumor effect of CD73 blockade requires inhibiting both tumor and host CD73. Notably, enzymatic activity of CD73 on nonhematopoietic cells limited tumor-infiltrating T cells by controlling antitumor T cell homing to tumors in multiple mouse tumor models. In contrast, CD73 on hematopoietic cells (including CD4⁺CD25⁺ Tregs) inhibited systemic antitumor T cell expansion and effector functions. Thus, CD73 on hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells has distinct adenosinergic effects in regulating systemic and local antitumor T cell responses. Importantly, pharmacological blockade of CD73 using its selective inhibitor or an anti-CD73 mAb inhibited tumor growth and completely restored efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy in mice. These findings suggest that both tumor and host CD73 cooperatively protect tumors from incoming antitumor T cells and show the potential of targeting CD73 as a cancer immunotherapy strategy.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
14 |
212 |
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15
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Liu Z, Liang Q, Ren Y, Guo C, Ge X, Wang L, Cheng Q, Luo P, Zhang Y, Han X. Immunosenescence: molecular mechanisms and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:200. [PMID: 37179335 PMCID: PMC10182360 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Infection susceptibility, poor vaccination efficacy, age-related disease onset, and neoplasms are linked to innate and adaptive immune dysfunction that accompanies aging (known as immunosenescence). During aging, organisms tend to develop a characteristic inflammatory state that expresses high levels of pro-inflammatory markers, termed inflammaging. This chronic inflammation is a typical phenomenon linked to immunosenescence and it is considered the major risk factor for age-related diseases. Thymic involution, naïve/memory cell ratio imbalance, dysregulated metabolism, and epigenetic alterations are striking features of immunosenescence. Disturbed T-cell pools and chronic antigen stimulation mediate premature senescence of immune cells, and senescent immune cells develop a proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype that exacerbates inflammaging. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be addressed, it is well documented that senescent T cells and inflammaging might be major driving forces in immunosenescence. Potential counteractive measures will be discussed, including intervention of cellular senescence and metabolic-epigenetic axes to mitigate immunosenescence. In recent years, immunosenescence has attracted increasing attention for its role in tumor development. As a result of the limited participation of elderly patients, the impact of immunosenescence on cancer immunotherapy is unclear. Despite some surprising results from clinical trials and drugs, it is necessary to investigate the role of immunosenescence in cancer and other age-related diseases.
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Review |
2 |
208 |
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16
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Chen X, Song M, Zhang B, Zhang Y. Reactive Oxygen Species Regulate T Cell Immune Response in the Tumor Microenvironment. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2016; 2016:1580967. [PMID: 27547291 PMCID: PMC4980531 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1580967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by cellular metabolism play an important role as signaling messengers in immune system. ROS elevated in the tumor microenvironment are associated with tumor-induced immunosuppression. T cell-based therapy has been recently approved to be effective for cancer treatment. However, T cells often become dysfunctional after reaching the tumor site. It has been reported that ROS participate extensively in T cells activation, apoptosis, and hyporesponsiveness. The sensitivity of T cells to ROS varies among different subsets. ROS can be regulated by cytokines, amino acid metabolism, and enzymatic activity. Immunosuppressive cells accumulate in the tumor microenvironment and induce apoptosis and functional suppression of T cells by producing ROS. Thus, modulating the level of ROS may be important to prolong survival of T cells and enhance their antitumor function. Combining T cell-based therapy with antioxidant treatment such as administration of ROS scavenger should be considered as a promising strategy in cancer treatment, aiming to improve antitumor T cells immunity.
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Review |
9 |
201 |
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Wang S, Zhang Y. HMGB1 in inflammation and cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:116. [PMID: 32831115 PMCID: PMC7443612 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a non-histone chromatin-associated protein widely distributed in eukaryotic cells and is involved in DNA damage repair and genomic stability maintenance. In response to stimulus like bacteria or chemoradiotherapy, HMGB1 can translocate to extracellular context as a danger alarmin, activate the immune response, and participate in the regulation of inflammation and cancer progression.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
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151 |
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Gao Q, Wang S, Chen X, Cheng S, Zhang Z, Li F, Huang L, Yang Y, Zhou B, Yue D, Wang D, Cao L, Maimela NR, Zhang B, Yu J, Wang L, Zhang Y. Cancer-cell-secreted CXCL11 promoted CD8 + T cells infiltration through docetaxel-induced-release of HMGB1 in NSCLC. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:42. [PMID: 30744691 PMCID: PMC6371476 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0511-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy becomes the main trend in lung cancer intervention; however, how chemotherapy promotes the immune function remains elusive. Therefore, we sought to determine how chemotherapy promotes the immune function. METHODS We determined in 100 NSCLC patients the expression of CD8, functional markers (IFN-γ, Granzyme B, and Perforin) and specific chemokines by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR. Functional experiments were carried out to check whether docetaxel (DOC), a chemotherapeutic agent, modifies the expression of HMGB1 and CXCL11, and influences the infiltration properties of CD8+ T cells to the tumor microenvironment. The mechanism of the release of HMGB1 and CXCL11 was determined by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and western blotting. In in vivo experiment, we confirmed how DOC enhanced the recruitment of HER2-CAR T cells to tumor sites. RESULTS We found that DOC upregulated the expression of chemokine receptor ligand CXCL11 in tumor microenvironment and subsequently enhanced CD8+ T cell recruitment. DOC treatment significantly increased HMGB1 release in an ROS-dependent manner. Recombinant protein HMGB1 stimulated the secretion of CXCL11 via NF-κB activation in vitro. Tumors from DOC-treated mice exhibited higher expression of HMGB1 and CXCL11, more HER2-CAR T cell infiltration, and reduced progression, relative to control. Increased HMGB1 and CXCL11 expressions were positively correlated with prolonged overall survival of lung cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that DOC induces CD8+ T cell recruitment to the tumor microenvironment by enhancing the secretion of HMGB1 and CXCL11, thus improving the anti-tumor efficacy, indicating that modulating the HMGB1-CXCL11 axis might be helpful for NSCLC treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chemokine CXCL11/immunology
- Chemotaxis, Leukocyte/drug effects
- Docetaxel/pharmacology
- Docetaxel/therapeutic use
- Female
- HMGB1 Protein/genetics
- HMGB1 Protein/immunology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Receptor, ErbB-2/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Wang D, Yang L, Yu W, Wu Q, Lian J, Li F, Liu S, Li A, He Z, Liu J, Sun Z, Yuan W, Zhang Y. Colorectal cancer cell-derived CCL20 recruits regulatory T cells to promote chemoresistance via FOXO1/CEBPB/NF-κB signaling. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:215. [PMID: 31395078 PMCID: PMC6688336 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide. The tumor microenvironment plays a key role in promoting the occurrence of chemoresistance in solid cancers. Effective targets to overcome resistance are necessary to improve the survival and prognosis of CRC patients. This study aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment that might be involved in chemoresistance in patients with CRC. METHODS We evaluated the effects of CCL20 on chemoresistance of CRC by recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We found that the level of CCL20 derived from tumor cells was significantly higher in Folfox-resistant patients than in Folfox-sensitive patients. The high level of CCL20 was closely associated with chemoresistance and poor survival in CRC patients. Among the drugs in Folfox chemotherapy, we confirmed that 5-FU increased the expression of CCL20 in CRC. Moreover, CCL20 derived from 5-FU-resistant CRC cells promoted recruitment of Tregs. Tregs further enhanced the chemoresistance of CRC cells to 5-FU. FOXO1/CEBPB/NF-κB signaling was activated in CRC cells after 5-FU treatment and was required for CCL20 upregulation mediated by 5-FU. Furthermore, CCL20 blockade suppressed tumor progression and restored 5-FU sensitivity in CRC. Lastly, the expression of these signaling molecules mediating chemoresistance was closely correlated with poor survival of CRC patients. CONCLUSIONS CRC cell-secreted CCL20 can recruit Tregs to promote chemoresistance via FOXO1/CEBPB/NF-κB signaling, indicating that the FOXO1/CEBPB/NF-κB/CCL20 axis might provide a promising target for CRC treatment.
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research-article |
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Ma R, Ji T, Zhang H, Dong W, Chen X, Xu P, Chen D, Liang X, Yin X, Liu Y, Ma J, Tang K, Zhang Y, Peng Y, Lu J, Zhang Y, Qin X, Cao X, Wan Y, Huang B. A Pck1-directed glycogen metabolic program regulates formation and maintenance of memory CD8 + T cells. Nat Cell Biol 2018; 20:21-27. [PMID: 29230018 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-017-0002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] [Imported: 01/09/2025]
Abstract
CD8+ memory T (Tm) cells are fundamental for protective immunity against infections and cancers 1-5 . Metabolic activities are crucial in controlling memory T-cell homeostasis, but mechanisms linking metabolic signals to memory formation and survival remain elusive. Here we show that CD8+ Tm cells markedly upregulate cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pck1), the hub molecule regulating glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and gluconeogenesis, to increase glycogenesis via gluconeogenesis. The resultant glycogen is then channelled to glycogenolysis to generate glucose-6-phosphate and the subsequent pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) that generates abundant NADPH, ensuring high levels of reduced glutathione in Tm cells. Abrogation of Pck1-glycogen-PPP decreases GSH/GSSG ratios and increases levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to impairment of CD8+ Tm formation and maintenance. Importantly, this metabolic regulatory mechanism could be readily translated into more efficient T-cell immunotherapy in mouse tumour models.
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Yang L, Li A, Wang Y, Zhang Y. Intratumoral microbiota: roles in cancer initiation, development and therapeutic efficacy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:35. [PMID: 36646684 PMCID: PMC9842669 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other eukaryotes, play critical roles in human health. An altered microbiome can be associated with complex diseases. Intratumoral microbial components are found in multiple tumor tissues and are closely correlated with cancer initiation and development and therapy efficacy. The intratumoral microbiota may contribute to promotion of the initiation and progression of cancers by DNA mutations, activating carcinogenic pathways, promoting chronic inflammation, complement system, and initiating metastasis. Moreover, the intratumoral microbiota may not only enhance antitumor immunity via mechanisms including STING signaling activation, T and NK cell activation, TLS production, and intratumoral microbiota-derived antigen presenting, but also decrease antitumor immune responses and promote cancer progression through pathways including upregulation of ROS, promoting an anti-inflammatory environment, T cell inactivation, and immunosuppression. The effect of intratumoral microbiota on antitumor immunity is dependent on microbiota composition, crosstalk between microbiota and the cancer, and status of cancers. The intratumoral microbiota may regulate cancer cell physiology and the immune response by different signaling pathways, including ROS, β-catenin, TLR, ERK, NF-κB, and STING, among others. These viewpoints may help identify the microbiota as diagnosis or prognosis evaluation of cancers, and as new therapeutic strategy and potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.
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Review |
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129 |
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Yang L, Li A, Lei Q, Zhang Y. Tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways: key roles in the regulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:125. [PMID: 31775797 PMCID: PMC6880373 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0804-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a currently popular treatment strategy for cancer patients. Although recent developments in cancer immunotherapy have had significant clinical impact, only a subset of patients exhibits clinical response. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance is necessary. The mechanisms of immune escape appear to consist of two distinct tumor characteristics: a decrease in effective immunocyte infiltration and function and the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment. Several host-derived factors may also contribute to immune escape. Moreover, inter-patient heterogeneity predominantly results from differences in somatic mutations between cancers, which has led to the hypothesis that differential activation of specific tumor-intrinsic pathways may explain the phenomenon of immune exclusion in a subset of cancers. Increasing evidence has also shown that tumor-intrinsic signaling plays a key role in regulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and tumor immune escape. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying immune avoidance mediated by tumor-intrinsic signaling may help identify new therapeutic targets for expanding the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
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Review |
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128 |
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Wang D, Yang L, Yue D, Cao L, Li L, Wang D, Ping Y, Shen Z, Zheng Y, Wang L, Zhang Y. Macrophage-derived CCL22 promotes an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via IL-8 in malignant pleural effusion. Cancer Lett 2019; 452:244-253. [PMID: 30928379 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025]
Abstract
Immune dysfunction often occurs in malignant pleural effusion (MPE). In our previous study, TGF-β derived predominantly from macrophages plays an important role in impairing T cell cytotoxicity in MPE. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether other immunoregulatory cells and factors mediated TGF-β secretion from macrophages, involved in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of MPE, and to provide clues for potential immune therapy for MPE as well. We found that CCL22 level in MPE was significantly higher than that in non-malignant pleural effusion. The high level of CCL22 was closely associated with poor survival in MPE patients with lung cancer. CCL22 was dominantly produced by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in MPE. Meanwhile, TAM-derived TGF-β mediated CCL22 expression in TAMs via c-Fos. CCL22 promoted the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in MPE. Lastly, Treg-secreted high level of IL-8 further induced TGF-β production from TAMs, and promoted the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in MPE. Our results indicate that macrophage-derived CCL22 plays an important role in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via IL-8 in MPE.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
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Yang L, Dong Y, Li Y, Wang D, Liu S, Wang D, Gao Q, Ji S, Chen X, Lei Q, Jiang W, Wang L, Zhang B, Yu JJ, Zhang Y. IL‐10 derived from M2 macrophage promotes cancer stemness
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JAK1/STAT1/NF‐κB/Notch1 pathway in non‐small cell lung cancer. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:1099-1110. [PMID: 30671927 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025]
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120 |
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Yu W, Yang L, Li T, Zhang Y. Cadherin Signaling in Cancer: Its Functions and Role as a Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2019; 9:989. [PMID: 31637214 PMCID: PMC6788064 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] [Imported: 01/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Cadherin family includes lists of transmembrane glycoproteins which mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. Cadherin-mediated adhesion regulates cell growth and differentiation throughout life. Through the establishment of the cadherin-catenin complex, cadherins provide normal cell-cell adhesion and maintain homeostatic tissue architecture. In the process of cell recognition and adhesion, cadherins act as vital participators. As results, the disruption of cadherin signaling has significant implications on tumor formation and progression. Altered cadherin expression plays a vital role in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, angiogenesis, and tumor immune response. Based on ongoing research into the role of cadherin signaling in malignant tumors, cadherins are now being considered as potential targets for cancer therapies. This review will demonstrate the mechanisms of cadherin involvement in tumor progression, and consider the clinical significance of cadherins as therapeutic targets.
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Review |
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119 |