Article
Cell Biology
Juan Yang, Xianzhi Yang, Wenfeng Pan, Mingshuo Wang, Yuxiong Lu, Jianeng Zhang, Ziqian Fang, Xiaomin Zhang, Yin Ji, Jin-Xin Bei, Jiajun Dong, Yi Wu, Chaoyun Pan, Guangli Yu, Penghui Zhou, Bo Li
Summary: Fucoidan, derived from edible brown algae, has been shown to significantly enhance the antitumor activities of PD-1 antibodies in vivo by activating tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells. This dietary supplement interacts with the T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex on the cell surface and cooperates with the JAK-STAT pathway to stimulate T cell activation, providing a promising approach for combination therapy with immune checkpoint blockade in treating malignancies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Qianwei Jiang, Jing Kuai, Zhongyi Jiang, Weitao Que, Pusen Wang, Wenxin Huang, Wei Ding, Lin Zhong
Summary: CD93 expression is significantly increased in LIHC and is closely related to patient prognosis. It affects LIHC prognosis partially through immune infiltration.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jing-Lei Wan, Biao Wang, Mei-Lan Wu, Jie Li, Ruo-Mu Gong, Li-Na Song, Han-Shuo Zhang, Gui-Qi Zhu, Shi-Ping Chen, Jia-Liang Cai, Xiao-Xia Xing, Ya-Dong Wang, Yi Yang, Cheng-Zhe Cai, Run Huang, Hua Liu, Zhi Dai
Summary: This research explores the immunoregulatory function of metadherin (MTDH) in hepatocellular cancer (HCC), and demonstrates that MTDH can modulate PD-L1 expression and transcriptional activity through the β-catenin/LEF-1 signaling pathway. Moreover, combining MTDH ASO with PD-1 mAb improves the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapy and increases infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. MTDH may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chen Yuan, Jie Zhang, Jianjuan Lou, Siqi Wang, Yanni Jiang, Feiyun Wu, Shouju Wang
Summary: MCT4 is overexpressed in breast cancer and associated with poor prognosis, potentially playing a crucial role in the tumor immune microenvironment through metabolic reprogramming. The glycolysis pathway enzymes (MCT4, PKM2, and HK3) could be new targets for enhancing immunotherapy efficiency in breast cancer.
Article
Oncology
Qiuxian Zheng, Qin Yang, Jiaming Zhou, Xinyu Gu, Haibo Zhou, Xuejun Dong, Haihong Zhu, Zhi Chen
Summary: The study utilized HCC datasets from TCGA, GEO, and ICGC, and identified four distinct immune subtypes based on 152 immune signatures. These subtypes showed different immune system characteristics and potential immunological biomarkers. The gene-based immune signature classification and indexing may provide new perspectives for HCC immunotherapy management and prognosis prediction.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Steven H. Sun, Colin D. Angell, Himanshu Savardekar, Debasish Sundi, David Abood, Brooke Benner, Mallory J. DiVincenzo, Megan Duggan, Fouad Choueiry, Thomas Mace, Prashant Trikha, Gabriella Lapurga, Courtney Johnson, Erick J. Carlson, Catherine Chung, Blake R. Peterson, Jing Zhao, Kari L. Kendra, William E. Carson III
Summary: Inhibition of BTK activation reduces the activation of tumor-associated suppressor cells and improves the therapeutic response to anti-PD-L1 antibody, enhancing the immunotherapy of advanced melanoma.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Xin Liu, Yize Zhang, Zenghan Wang, Liwen Liu, Guizhen Zhang, Jianhao Li, Zhigang Ren, Zihui Dong, Zujiang Yu
Summary: The study reveals that PRRC2A is upregulated in HCC and associated with poor prognosis, acting as an independent risk factor. The activation of PRRC2A is significantly correlated with various oncogenic pathways. In vitro experiments confirm that silencing PRRC2A can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis capacities of HCC cells.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Zhen Zhang, Zicheng Liang, Wenhui Gao, Shuxian Yu, Zongwei Hou, Kexin Li, Puhua Zeng
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of circadian clock genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The results revealed a correlation between the expression of circadian clock genes and the survival rate and immune infiltration in HCC patients. The findings contribute to the discovery of potential molecular targets for diagnosis and therapy of HCC.
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Yu Jiang, Lijuan Lin, Huiming Lv, He Zhang, Lili Jiang, Fenfen Ma, Qiuyue Wang, Xue Ma, Shengjin Yu
Summary: This study systematically analyzed the immune microenvironment and immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identified three independent immune cell infiltration subtypes with significant survival differences. The study also constructed an immune cell infiltration score model for HCC and identified four genes that accurately predict the subtype based on tumor immune infiltration score. These findings provide theoretical support for accurate immunotherapy strategy in HCC.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Kunwei Li, Dan Yang, Dechun Liu
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy is an effective treatment strategy, but low tumor immunogenicity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment compromise its effectiveness. Phototherapy can enhance the therapeutic effect of tumor immunotherapy, but its efficacy is limited in vivo. Nanophotoimmunotherapy combines phototherapy and immunotherapy using targeted nanoparticles to improve the efficacy of phototherapy, reduce its toxicity, enhance tumor immunogenicity, and reverse the tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on the current research status, challenges, opportunities, and prospects of nano-PIT in converting cold tumors to hot tumors to improve immune efficacy.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Weiqin Yang, Yu Feng, Jingying Zhou, Otto Ka-Wing Cheung, Jianquan Cao, Jing Wang, Wenshu Tang, Yalin Tu, Liangliang Xu, Feng Wu, Zhiwu Tan, Hanyong Sun, Yuan Tian, John Wong, Paul Bo-San Lai, Stephen Lam Chan, Anthony Wing-Hung Chan, Patrick Boon-Ooi Tan, Zhiwei Chen, Joseph Jao-Yiu Sung, Kevin Yuk-Lap Yip, Ka-Fai To, Alfred Sze-Lok Cheng
Summary: Selective HDAC8 inhibition enhances adaptive immunity through enhancer reprogramming, leading to effective and durable responses to immune-checkpoint blockade.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Shiyan Yang, Yajun Cheng, Xiaolong Wang, Ping Wei, Hui Wang, Shanzhong Tan
Summary: This study identified three immune cell infiltration (ICI) patterns in HCC patients, each with distinct immunological features. The high ICI score subtype showed enhanced activation of immune-related signaling pathways and significantly high tumor mutation burden, while the low ICI score subtype exhibited diminished immunocompetence and enrichment of pathways associated with cell cycle and RNA degradation. These results contribute to a better understanding of active tumors and potential reasons for their poor prognosis.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Shengwei Tao, Shuhang Liang, Taofei Zeng, Dalong Yin
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly form of primary liver cancer. Palliative therapies like multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been the front-line treatment for advanced HCC, but there is limited benefit. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promise in treating unresectable solid tumors, but their effectiveness in HCC is limited. This review explores the role of epigenetic modifications in HCC immune resistance to ICIs and discusses potential epigenetic therapies to overcome immune resistance.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Shengchen Su, Sungyong You, Yanping Wang, Patrick Tamukong, Michael J. Quist, Catherine S. Grasso, Hyung L. Kim
Summary: Antitumor immunity requires lymphocytes to localize to the tumor. Prostate cancers (PCs) are immunologically cold and tend to lack T-cell infiltration. Most advanced PCs are insensitive to PD1 blockade therapies.
Article
Oncology
Banglun Pan, Yue Luo, Dongjie Ye, Jiacheng Qiu, Xiaoxia Zhang, Xiaoxuan Wu, Yuxin Yao, Xiaoqian Wang, Nanhong Tang
Summary: This study developed a modified ICI score (mICIS) to assess immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients based on gene expression profiles. The mICIS showed proficiency in assessing the overall survival rate of HCC and providing stratified data relating to distinct responses to immunotherapy.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jia-Liang Cai, Gui-Qi Zhu, Jun-Xian Du, Biao Wang, Jing-Lei Wan, Kun Xiao, Zhi Dai
Summary: Stem cell-related gene expression in HCC was characterized using mRNAsi, leading to the identification of a six-gene signature that accurately predicts patient prognosis, with the low-risk group showing a significantly better prognosis. Future prospective studies are needed to validate the new signature for clinical decision-making.
EXPERT REVIEW OF GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Gui-Qi Zhu, Wei-Ren Liu, Zheng Tang, Wei-Feng Qu, Yuan Fang, Xi-Fei Jiang, Shu-Shu Song, Han Wang, Chen-Yang Tao, Pei-Yun Zhou, Run Huang, Jun Gao, Hai-Xiang Sun, Zhen-Bin Ding, Yuan-Fei Peng, Zhi Dai, Jian Zhou, Jia Fan, Ying-Hong Shi
Summary: In this study, the value of ctDNA in predicting early tumor recurrence and monitoring tumor burden in HCC patients was investigated. The presence of certain gene mutations in ctDNA, such as NRAS, NEF2L2, and MET, was associated with shorter time to recurrence, showing high predictive performance. Additionally, the median VAF of mutations in preoperative ctDNA served as a strong independent predictor of RFS for individuals with HCC.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Gui-Qi Zhu, Yi Wang, Biao Wang, Wei-Ren Liu, Shuang-Shuang Dong, Er-Bao Chen, Jia-Liang Cai, Jing-Lei Wan, Jun-Xian Du, Li-Na Song, Shi-Ping Chen, Lei Yu, Zheng-Jun Zhou, Zheng Wang, Jian Zhou, Ying-Hong Shi, Jia Fan, Zhi Dai
Summary: This study reveals the role of HNRNPM in regulating the positive association between cancer stemness and immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. By controlling the alternative splicing of MBD2, HNRNPM affects the activation of the WNT/beta-catenin pathway and further regulates the expression of OCT4 and SOX2. Inhibition of HNRNPM promotes the activation of CD8+ T cells and enhances the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. These findings provide new insights for the development of tailored immunotherapeutic approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shiming Shi, Biao Wang, Jinglei Wan, Lina Song, Guiqi Zhu, Junxian Du, Luxi Ye, Qianqian Zhao, Jialiang Cai, Qing Chen, Kun Xiao, Jian He, Lei Yu, Zhi Dai
Summary: In this study, we found that TMEM106A is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and frequently methylated in tumor tissues. TMEM106A methylation is closely related to protein downregulation and poor prognosis in HCC patients. We also demonstrated that TMEM106A inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of HCC cells through inactivation of the Erk1/2/Slug signaling pathway.
ACTA BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA SINICA
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yi Wang, Gui-Qi Zhu, Di Tian, Chang-Wu Zhou, Na Li, Ying Feng, Meng-Su Zeng
Summary: The interplay between m6A modification and lncRNAs may play a critical role in predicting GC prognosis, sculpting TIME landscape, and predicting responses to ICIs therapy.
Article
Immunology
Yi Wang, Xin-De Zheng, Gui-Qi Zhu, Na Li, Chang-Wu Zhou, Chun Yang, Meng-Su Zeng
Summary: This study identified four immunometabolism subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, revealing the interplay between immune and metabolic activities and providing new insights into personalized therapy selection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Shi-Ping Chen, Gui-Qi Zhu, Xiao-Xia Xing, Jing-Lei Wan, Jia-Liang Cai, Jun-Xian Du, Li-Na Song, Zhi Dai, Jian Zhou
Summary: This study reveals that lncRNA USP2-AS1 is significantly upregulated in liver cancer under hypoxia and is associated with advanced liver cancer and increased tumor size. Overexpression of USP2-AS1 promotes HCC proliferation, clone formation, migration, and invasion, while knockdown of USP2-AS1 has the opposite effects. Additionally, USP2-AS1 knockdown enhances the therapeutic effect of lenvatinib in liver cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Run Huang, Guiqi Zhu, Xiutao Fu, Weiren Liu, Chenyang Tao, Jun Gao, Weifeng Qu, Yuan Fang, Xifei Jiang, Zhenbin Ding, Jian Zhou, Yinghong Shi, Jia Fan, Zheng Tang
Summary: The complement cascade plays a complementary role in human immunity, but its potential effects on the molecular and clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been unclear. This study analyzed eleven public datasets to compare complement status between normal and cancerous samples, and found that complement scores in normal tissues were significantly higher than those in tumor tissues. The study also revealed correlations between complement status and immune infiltration, miRNA expression, DNA methylation, clinicopathological features, and drug response in HCC patients. These findings provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of complement in cancer.
ACTA BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA SINICA
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Gui-Qi Zhu, Hong-Xia Qiu, Xin-mei Ma, Mei-Xia Liu
Summary: This study analyzed the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of knee bone infarction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The research found that the risk of knee bone infarction was higher in patients with SLE within a 5-year disease course and in young patients. Risk factors included Raynaud's phenomenon, anti-nRNP antibody positivity, and early high-dose glucocorticoid therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Wei-Feng Qu, Zhen-Bin Ding, Xu-Dong Qu, Zheng Tang, Gui-Qi Zhu, Xiu-Tao Fu, Zi-Han Zhang, Xin Zhang, Ao Huang, Min Tang, Meng-Xin Tian, Xi-Fei Jiang, Run Huang, Chen-Yang Tao, Yuan Fang, Jun Gao, Xiao-Ling Wu, Jian Zhou, Jia Fan, Wei-Ren Liu, Ying-Hong Shi
Summary: This study evaluated the conversion rate and clinical outcomes of a first-line combination therapy of lenvatinib, transarterial chemoembolization, and immunotherapy for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). The results showed that the triple combination therapy (t-CT) had better treatment responses and conversion rate compared to the dual combination therapy (d-CT). The neoadjuvant t-CT regimen is recommended for patients with macrovascular invasion.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Run Huang, Weiren Liu, Qinghao Zhang, Guiqi Zhu, Weifeng Qu, Chenyang Tao, Jun Gao, Yuan Fang, Xiutao Fu, Jian Zhou, Yinghong Shi, Jia Fan, Zheng Tang
Summary: In this study, biocompatible MIL-100 nanoparticles were used as an effective vehicle to deliver oxaliplatin for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. The nanoparticles were coated with polydopamine and NH2-PEGTK-COOH and loaded with oxaliplatin to create a multi-functional system. These nanoparticles are activated in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in the release of oxaliplatin and the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. Moreover, under near-infrared irradiation, the nanoparticles can generate hyperthermia at tumor sites.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Wei-Feng Qu, Meng-Xin Tian, Hong-Wei Lu, Yu-Fu Zhou, Wei-Ren Liu, Zheng Tang, Zhao Yao, Run Huang, Gui-Qi Zhu, Xi-Fei Jiang, Chen-Yang Tao, Yuan Fang, Jun Gao, Xiao-Ling Wu, Jia-Feng Chen, Qian-Fu Zhao, Rui Yang, Tian-Hao Chu, Jian Zhou, Jia Fan, Jin-Hua Yu, Ying-Hong Shi
Summary: This study developed a deep pathomics score (DPS) using deep learning to predict tumor recurrence after liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Immune cells were found to be the most significant histological structure related to post-LT recurrence. DPS performed well in recurrence prediction and identification of clinicopathological features.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Gui-Qi Zhu, Zheng Tang, Run Huang, Wei-Feng Qu, Yuan Fang, Rui Yang, Chen-Yang Tao, Jun Gao, Xiao-Ling Wu, Hai-Xiang Sun, Yu-Fu Zhou, Shu-Shu Song, Zhen-Bin Ding, Zhi Dai, Jian Zhou, Dan Ye, Duo-Jiao Wu, Wei-Ren Liu, Jia Fan, Ying-Hong Shi
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of cancer that is resistant to immunotherapy due to its high cellular heterogeneity. The heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) in HCC tumors was identified through single cell RNA sequencing. CD36(+) CAFs were found to have high-level lipid metabolism and expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). These cells were derived from hepatic stellate cells. CD36 mediated the expression of MIF through oxidized LDL uptake and activated the lipid peroxidation/p38/CEBPs axis in CD36(+) CAFs, which recruited myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in a MIF- and CD74-dependent manner. Co-implantation of CD36(+) CAFs with HCC cells promoted HCC progression in vivo. Furthermore, a CD36 inhibitor was shown to enhance the effect of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by restoring antitumor T-cell responses in HCC.