Article
Oncology
Stefania Mantovani, Stefania Varchetta, Dalila Mele, Roberta Maiello, Matteo Donadon, Cristiana Soldani, Barbara Franceschini, Guido Torzilli, Giuseppe Tartaglia, Marcello Maestri, Gaetano Piccolo, Matteo Barabino, Enrico Opocher, Stefano Bernuzzi, Mario U. Mondelli, Barbara Oliviero
Summary: This study focuses on the role of the DNAM-1/CD155 axis in mediating the NK cell response in HCC. Evidence of alterations in the axis leading to impaired NK cell cytotoxic function is provided, suggesting a potential mechanism for tumor escape and a target for new immunotherapeutic approaches.
Article
Cell Biology
Alessandra Zecca, Valeria Barili, Danila Rizzo, Andrea Olivani, Elisabetta Biasini, Diletta Laccabue, Raffaele Dalla Valle, Carlo Ferrari, Elisabetta Cariani, Gabriele Missale
Summary: The study identified different subsets of NK cells infiltrating HCC, including non-liver-resident cells that coexpressed CD49a and Eomes, showing reduced cytotoxic potential. This NK cell subset likely plays a regulatory role in proangiogenic function.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minjun Li, Juntao Huang, Guohua Zhan, Yuankuan Li, Chunye Fang, Bangde Xiang
Summary: A gene signature related to natural killer (NK) cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was developed using single-cell transcriptome data analysis. Patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups based on their NK-cell-related gene risk scores. The high-risk group had worse prognoses, lower immune cell infiltration levels, and were more likely to be in an immunosuppressive state.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Fang Jiang, Yuhao Jiao, Kun Yang, Mingyi Mao, Mei Yu, Dongyan Cao, Yang Xiang
Summary: Immunotherapy has unique potential for improving cancer treatment, but its application in endometrial carcinoma is lacking. Through single-cell RNA sequencing and cell analysis, we identified different subsets of NK cells with diverse functions and tissue-resident memory T cells in endometrial carcinoma. These findings may provide novel therapeutic targets for future treatments.
Article
Immunology
Siqi Liu, Lanlan Yang, Shengnan Jia, Rui Zhao, Zhenjing Jin
Summary: In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the levels of NKB cells and IL-18 secretion were decreased in both peripheral blood and liver-infiltrating sites. Elevated IL-35 levels were negatively correlated with the percentage of NKB cells and IL-18 production in HCC, suggesting a suppressive role of IL-35 on NKB cell activity.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Abbass Darwich, Alessandra Silvestri, Mohamed-Reda Benmebarek, Juliette Mouries, Bruno Cadilha, Alessia Melacarne, Lapo Morelli, Domenico Supino, Alexandre Taleb, Hannah Obeck, Claudio Sustmann, Agnese Losurdo, Giovanna Masci, Giuseppe Curigliano, Sebastian Kobold, Giuseppe Penna, Maria Rescigno
Summary: The study found that CHI3L1 in the serum of Trastuzumab-resistant HER2+ patients can inhibit NK cell's ADCC, leading to immune escape in cancer. CHI3L1 hinders the correct polarization of lytic granules, affecting the immune response, and targeting CHI3L1 could enhance therapeutic efficacy in antibody and cell-based immunotherapies.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tasneem Abaza, Mostafa K. Abd El-Aziz, Kerolos Ashraf Daniel, Paraskevi Karousi, Maria Papatsirou, Sherif Ashraf Fahmy, Nadia M. Hamdy, Christos K. Kontos, Rana A. Youness
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly malignancy with limited treatment options and high recurrence rates. Recently, immunotherapeutic agents such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have shown promise in HCC treatment. CircRNAs can influence the tumor immune microenvironment and may impact the effectiveness of ICIs. Therefore, circRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy in HCC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Xiaokun Chen, Xiao Liu, Shunda Du
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health concern with limited treatment success. Immunotherapies show promise, but more effective treatments are needed. This review explores the immune landscape of HCC and summarizes ongoing trials and treatment approaches.
Review
Immunology
Jun-Shuai Xue, Zi-Niu Ding, Guang-Xiao Meng, Lun-Jie Yan, Hui Liu, Hai-Chao Li, Sheng-Yu Yao, Bao-Wen Tian, Zhao-Ru Dong, Zhi-Qiang Chen, Jian-Guo Hong, Dong-Xu Wang, Tao Li
Summary: NK cells and their inhibitory receptors have prognostic value for HCC, with high levels of NK cells associated with better overall survival and disease-free survival. The prognostic role of NK cell activating receptors remains unclear.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Toshihiko Yusa, Yo-ichi Yamashita, Hirohisa Okabe, Yosuke Nakao, Rumi Itoyama, Yuki Kitano, Takayoshi Kaida, Tatsunori Miyata, Kosuke Mima, Katsunori Imai, Hiromitsu Hayashi, Hideo Baba
Summary: Inflammatory and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are associated with tumor progression and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The expression of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), M2 macrophages (TAMs), CD8(+) T cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in HCC patients was evaluated, and their relationships with clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes were analyzed.
Review
Oncology
Jia Yang, Aydin Eresen, Alessandro Scotti, Kejia Cai, Zhuoli Zhang
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common liver malignancy in the United States. Sorafenib is an FDA-approved therapy that extends survival time for HCC patients, but only a small percentage of patients are eligible for surgery. Adoptive transfer of NK cells shows promise for clinical cancer treatment.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Rao Fu, Fangjing Yu, Weiqi Wu, Juan Liu, Jia Li, Fangyue Guo, Lei Xu, Feng Wang, Xiaonan Cui
Summary: Bufalin can balance NK cell receptors, inhibit MICA shedding, activate NK cells, and enhance immune surveillance.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Yao Gao, Jia Guo, Xuli Bao, Fang Xiong, Yanpin Ma, Bingqin Tan, Lele Yu, Yong Zhao, Jun Lu
Summary: Administration of autologous invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells was safe and well-tolerated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, with possible antitumor activity. Further investigation into the antitumor effects of iNKT cell infusion in patients with advanced HCC is warranted.
Article
Cell Biology
Fengwei Gao, Kunlin Xie, Qiwen Xiang, Yan Qin, Panyu Chen, Haifeng Wan, Yang Deng, Jiwei Huang, Hong Wu
Summary: This study found a dose-response relationship between TILs concentration in tumors and overall survival as well as disease-free survival in HCC patients, validating the prognostic value of TILs. Additionally, hepatitis B or C virus infection patients had higher TILs intensity in the para-tumor tissue.
Review
Oncology
Stavros P. Papadakos, Konstantinos Arvanitakis, Ioanna E. Stergiou, Vasileios Lekakis, Spyridon Davakis, Maria-Ioanna Christodoulou, Georgios Germanidis, Stamatios Theocharis
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been found to play a crucial role in HCC and its potential as an immunotherapy target. TLR4 is involved in both innate and adaptive immunity, and its signaling pathway is associated with various cancer hallmarks and mechanisms. Understanding the multiple aspects of the TLR4 pathway in liver diseases and HCC could lead to the development of targeted immunotherapies for HCC.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Cerise Yuen-Ki Chan, Vincent Wai-Hin Yuen, David Kung-Chun Chiu, Chi-Ching Goh, Kelsie L. Thu, David W. Cescon, Isabel Soria-Bretones, Cheuk-Ting Law, Jacinth Wing-Sum Cheu, Derek Lee, Aki Pui-Wah Tse, Kel Vin Tan, Misty Shuo Zhang, Bowie Po-Yee Wong, Chun-Ming Wong, Pek-Lan Khong, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Mark R. Bray, Tak Wah Mak, Thomas Chung-Cheung Yau, Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
Summary: This study found that targeting the centrosome regulator PLK4 to activate the cytosolic DNA sensing-mediated immune response effectively suppressed tumor progression in late-stage mouse HCC through cell cycle inhibition and induction of antitumor immunity, presenting a durable suppressive effect.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lok-Sze Wong, Lai Wei, Gengchao Wang, Cheuk-Ting Law, Felice Ho-Ching Tsang, Wai-Ching Chin, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Chun-Ming Wong
Summary: This study comprehensively investigated the functionality of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression through in vivo functional screening. The study identified positively selected lncRNAs that correlated with aggressive tumor behaviors in HCC patients. The research also revealed the functional roles of the lncRNA candidate CASC11 in cell proliferation and tumor growth, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of HCC progression.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Abdullah Husain, Yung-Tuen Chiu, Irene Oi-Lin Ng
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xia Wang, Hongyang Huang, Karen Man-Fong Sze, Jin Wang, Lu Tian, Jingyi Lu, Yu-Man Tsui, Hoi Tang Ma, Eva Lee, Ao Chen, Joyce Lee, Ying Wang, Judy Wai Ping Yam, Tan-To Cheung, Xinyuan Guan, Irene Oi-Lin Ng
Summary: The study found that S100A10 plays an important role in the progression of HCC by transferring in extracellular vesicles (EV-S100A10) and regulating the protein cargoes of EVs. EV-S100A10 may be a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for HCC progression.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yung-Tuen Chiu, Abdullah Husain, Karen Man-Fong Sze, Daniel Wai-Hung Ho, Eliana Mary Senires Suarez, Xia Wang, Eva Lee, Hoi-Tang Ma, Joyce Man-Fong Lee, Lo-Kong Chan, Irene Oi-Lin Ng
Summary: This study identified Mid-line 1 interacting protein 1 (MID1IP1) as a key gene in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It was found that MID1IP1 promoted HCC migration and invasion by upregulating FOS like 1 (FRA1) and subsequently activating MMP9 signaling. Targeting the MID1IP1-mediated FRA1 pathway may be a potential therapeutic strategy against HCC progression.
Review
Cell Biology
Tina Suoangbaji, Vanilla Xin Zhang, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
Summary: Primary liver cancer (PLC), including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Surgical resection and liver transplantation are curative therapies for PLC, but many cases are inoperable and have a high rate of recurrence. Mouse models and single-cell RNA sequencing have played crucial roles in understanding PLC and identifying potential targets for treatment. This review summarizes recent studies that used these approaches, focusing on cellular and molecular components, and discusses the potential insights they can provide.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yi Xu, Yue Yao, Liang Yu, Hiu Ling Fung, Alexander Hin Ning Tang, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Melody Y. M. Wong, Chi-Ming Che, Jing Ping Yun, Yunfu Cui, Judy Wai Ping Yam
Summary: This study reveals the role of CLTA in the uptake of sEVs to promote HCC progression. CLTA is overexpressed in tumor tissues compared to non-tumorous liver tissues and increases progressively with tumor stage. CLTA contributes to sEV uptake in cells, leading to enhanced cancerous properties of HCC. Mechanistically, CLTA increases CAPG expression to facilitate sEV uptake, thereby promoting proliferation, motility, and invasiveness of HCC cells. Additionally, the CLTA inhibitor Pitstop 2 alone or in combination with sorafenib attenuated tumor growth in mice implanted with PDXs.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacinth Wing-Sum Cheu, David Kung-Chun Chiu, Kenneth Kin-Leung Kwan, Chunxue Yang, Vincent Wai-Hin Yuen, Chi Ching Goh, Noreen Nog-Qin Chui, Wei Shen, Cheuk-Ting Law, Qidong Li, Misty Shuo Zhang, Macus Hao-Ran Bao, Bowie Po -Yee Wong, Cerise Yuen-Ki Chan, Cindy Xinqi Liu, Grace Fu -Wan Sit, Zher Yee Ooi, Haijing Deng, Aki Pui-Wah Tse, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
Summary: Hypoxia-induced adenosine creates an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and dampens the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). HIF-1 orchestrates adenosine efflux through activation of MXI1 and equilibrative nucleoside transporter 4, leading to adenosine accumulation in cancer cells and elevated extracellular adenosine levels. The immunosuppressive role of adenosine on immune cells was confirmed in vitro assays, and therapeutic combination of adenosine receptor antagonists and anti-PD-1 prolonged survival of HCC-bearing mice. This study highlights the importance of targeting adenosine in overcoming immune resistance in HCC.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Philip C. Haycock, Maria Carolina Borges, Kimberley Burrows, Rozenn N. Lemaitre, Stephen Burgess, Nikhil K. Khankari, Konstantinos K. Tsilidis, Tom R. Gaunt, Gibran Hemani, Jie Zheng, Therese Truong, Brenda M. Birmann, Tracy OMara, Amanda B. Spurdle, Mark M. Iles, Matthew H. Law, Susan L. Slager, Fatemeh Saberi Hosnijeh, Daniela Mariosa, Michelle Cotterchio, James R. Cerhan, Ulrike Peters, Stefan Enroth, Puya Gharahkhani, Loic Le Marchand, Ann C. Williams, Robert C. Block, Christopher I. Amos, Rayjean J. Hung, Wei Zheng, Marc J. Gunter, George Davey Smith, Caroline Relton, Richard M. Martin
Summary: Using Mendelian randomization, this study found that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be causally related to colorectal cancer and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but they also increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
Article
Pathology
Kristy Kwan-Shuen Chan, Kwan-Yung Au, Long-Hin Suen, Bernice Leung, Cheuk-Yan Wong, Wei-Qiang Leow, Tony Kiat-Hon Lim, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Clive Yik-Sham Chung, Regina Cheuk-Lam Loz
Summary: The study reveals the functional role of sortilin in hepatocarcinogenesis by modulating the cancer secretome and deregulated lipid metabolism.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samuel Wan Ki Wong, Sze Keong Tey, Xiaowen Mao, Hiu Ling Fung, Zhi-Jie Xiao, Danny Ka Ho Wong, Lung-Yi Mak, Man-Fung Yuen, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Jing Ping Yun, Yi Gao, Judy Wai Ping Yam
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth and dissemination are driven by tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and the upregulation of von Willibrand factor (vWF) along HCC stages. Elevated sEV-vWF levels promote angiogenesis, tumor-endothelial adhesion, pulmonary vascular leakiness, and metastasis in late-stage HCC patients. sEV-vWF modulates endothelial cells through increased VEGF-A and FGF2 levels, with FGF2 stimulating a positive feedback response in HCC via the FGFR4/ERK1 signaling pathway. Blocking tumor-endothelial intercellular communication through anti-vWF antibody or FGFR inhibitor improves the treatment outcome of sorafenib in a patient-derived xenograft mouse model, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Charles Shing Kam, Daniel Wai-Hung Ho, Vanessa Sheung-In Ming, Lu Tian, Karen Man-Fong Sze, Vanilla Xin Zhang, Yu-Man Tsui, Abdullah Husain, Joyce Man-Fong Lee, Carmen Chak-Lui Wong, Albert Chi-Yan Chan, Tan-To Cheung, Lo-Kong Chan, Irene Oi-Lin Ng
Summary: The up-regulation of PFKFB4 expression is associated with more aggressive tumor behavior in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and plays a critical role in HCC development, with therapeutic implications.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Martina Mang Leng Lei, Carmen Oi Ning Leung, Eunice Yuen Ting Lau, Rainbow Wing Hei Leung, Victor Wan San Ma, Man Tong, Yin Ying Lu, Chen Yang Huang, Qiao Hua Zhu, Irene Oi Lin Ng, Stephanie Ma, Terence Kin Wah Lee
Summary: This study reveals that SCYL3 plays a critical role in promoting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is often overexpressed in HCC, especially in metastatic tumors, and is associated with worse patient survival. Suppression of SCYL3 attenuates cell proliferation, migration, and in vivo metastasis in HCC.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jacinth Wing-Sum Cheu, Derek Lee, Qidong Li, Chi Ching Goh, Macus Hao-Ran Bao, Vincent Wai-Hin Yuen, Misty Shuo Zhang, Chunxue Yang, Cerise Yuen-Ki Chan, Aki Pui-Wah Tse, Grace Fu-Wan Sit, Cindy Xinqi Liu, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Chun-Ming Wong, Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
Summary: This study identified FSP1 as a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Inhibiting FSP1 induced ferroptosis, enhanced the anti-tumor immune response, and effectively suppressed HCC tumor growth. FSP1 inhibition represents a new therapeutic strategy for HCC.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
G. S. Chuwdhury, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
Summary: Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis is an important method for investigating tissue heterogeneity and complexity. scAnalyzeR is an interactive and user-friendly tool for analyzing and visualizing single-cell RNA sequencing data, and it demonstrates superior performance in various aspects. It can be widely used for analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data from different organisms and technology platforms.
TECHNOLOGY IN CANCER RESEARCH & TREATMENT
(2022)