Correlation of tumor-associated macrophage density and proportion of M2 subtypes with the pathological stage of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a prevalent global malignancy with complex prognostic factors.Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)have shown paradoxical associations with CRC survival,particularly concerning the M2 subset.AIM We aimed to establish a simplified protocol for quantifying M2-like TAMs and explore their correlation with clinicopathological factors.METHODS A cross-sectional study included histopathological assessment of paraffinembedded tissue blocks obtained from 43 CRC patients.Using CD68 and CD163 immunohistochemistry,we quantified TAMs in tumor stroma and front,focusing on M2 proportion.Demographic,histopathological,and clinical parameters were collected.RESULTS TAM density was significantly higher at the tumor front,with the M2 proportion three times greater in both zones.The tumor front had a higher M2 proportion,which correlated significantly with advanced tumor stage(P=0.04),pathological nodal involvement(P=0.04),and lymphovascular invasion(LVI,P=0.01).However,no significant association was found between the M2 proportion in the tumor stroma and clinicopathological factors.CONCLUSION Our study introduces a simplified protocol for quantifying M2-like TAMs in CRC tissue samples.We demonstrated a significant correlation between an increased M2 proportion at the tumor front and advanced tumor stage,nodal involvement,and LVI.This suggests that M2-like TAMs might serve as potential indicators of disease progression in CRC,warranting further investigation and potential clinical application.

ScRNA-seq reveals the correlation between M2 phenotype of tumorassociated macrophages and lymph node metastasis of breast cancer

The process of lymphatic metastasis was proved to be associated with podoplanin-expressing macrophages in breast cancer(BC).This study aimed to investigate the role of the M2 phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages and mine the key M2 macrophages-related genes for lymph node metastasis in BC.We downloaded the GSE158399 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database,which includes transcriptomic profiles of individual cells from primary tumors,negative lymph nodes(NLNs),and positive lymph nodes(PLNs)of breast cancer patients.The cell subsets were identified by clustering analysis after quality control of the scRNA-seq using Seurat.The activation and migration capability of M2 macrophages were evaluated with R package“GSVA”.The key M2 macrophages-related genes were screened from the differential expressed genes(DEGs)and M2 macrophages activation and migration gene sets collected from MSigDB database.Our analysis identified three main cell types in primary tumors,NLNs,and PLNs:basal cells,luminal cells,and immune cell subsets.The further cell type classification of immune cell subsets indicated M2 macrophages accumulation in NLs and PLs.The GSVA enrichment scores for activation and migration capability were increased significantly in M2 macrophages from primary tumors than NLNs and PLNs(pvalue<0.001).Seven M2 macrophages activation-related and 15 M2 macrophages migration-related genes were significantly up-regulated in primary tumors than NLNs and PLNs.The proportion and GSVA enrichment scores for activation and migration of M2 macrophages may be potential markers for lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.Our study demonstrated that twenty-two up-regulated mRNA may be possible therapeutic targets for lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

Th17/Treg balance and macrophage polarization ratio in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Objective:To explore the balance of peripheral blood T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cell(Th17/Treg)ratio and the polarization ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans(ASO).Methods:A rat model of lower extremity ASO was established,and blood samples from patients with lower extremity ASO before and after surgery were obtained.ELISA was used to detect interleukin 6(IL-6),IL-10,and IL-17.Real-time RCR and Western blot analyses were used to detect Foxp3,IL-6,IL-10,and IL-17 expression.Moreover,flow cytometry was applied to detect the Th17/Treg ratio and M1/M2 ratio.Results:Compared with the control group,the iliac artery wall of ASO rats showed significant hyperplasia,and the concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly increased(P<0.01),indicating the successful establishment of ASO.Moreover,the levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in ASO rats were pronouncedly increased(P<0.05),while the IL-10 level was significantly decreased(P<0.05).In addition to increased IL-6 and IL-17 levels,the mRNA and protein levels of Foxp3 and IL-10 in ASO rats were significantly decreased compared with the control group.The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios in the ASO group were markedly increased(P<0.05).These alternations were also observed in ASO patients.After endovascular surgery(such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and arterial stenting),all these changes were significantly improved(P<0.05).Conclusions:The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios were significantly increased in ASO,and surgery can effectively improve the balance of Th17/Treg,and reduce the ratio of M1/M2,and the expression of inflammatory factors.

Growth differentiation factor 11 promotes macrophage polarization towards M2 to attenuate myocardial infarction via inhibiting Notch1 signaling pathway

Background:Myocardial infarctions(MI)is a major threat to human health especially in people exposed to cold environment.The polarization of macrophages towards different functional phenotypes(M1 macrophages and M2 macrophages)is closely related to MI repairment.The growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11)has been reported to play a momentous role in inflammatory associated diseases.In this study,we examined the regulatory role of GDF11 in macrophage polarization and elucidated the underlying mechanisms in MI.Methods:In vivo,the mice model of MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery(LAD),and mice were randomly divided into the sham group,MI group,and MI+GDF11 group.The protective effect of GDF11 on myocardial infarction and its effect on macrophage polarization were verified by echocardiography,triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and immunofluorescence staining of heart tissue.In vitro,based on the RAW264.7 cell line,the effect of GDF11 in promoting macrophage polarization toward the M2 type by inhibiting the Notch1 Signaling pathway was validated by qRT-PCR,Western blot,and flow cytometry.Results:We found that GDF11 was significantly downregulated in the cardiac tissue of MI mice.And GDF11 supplementation can improve the cardiac function.Moreover,GDF11 could reduce the proportion of M1 macrophages and increase the accumulation of M2 macrophages in the heart tissue of MI mice.Furthermore,the cardioprotective effect of GDF11 on MI mice was weakened after macrophage clearance.At the cellular level,application of GDF11 could inhibit the expression of M1 macrophage(classically activated macrophage)markers iNOS,interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner.In contrast,GDF11 significantly increased the level of M2 macrophage markers including IL-10,CD206,arginase 1(Arg1),and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Interestingly,GDF11 could promote M1 macrophages polarizing to M2 macrophages.At the molecular level,GDF11 significantly down-regulated the Notch1 signaling pathway,the activation of which has been demonstrated to promote M1 polarization in macrophages.Conclusions:GDF11 promoted macrophage polarization towards M2 to attenuate myocardial infarction via inhibiting Notch1 signaling pathway.

Exosomal microRNA-588 from M2 polarized macrophages contributes to cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a prevalent malignant cancer with a high incidence and significantly affects the health of modern people globally.Cisplatin(DDP)is one of the most common and effective chemotherapies for patients with gastric cancer,but DDP resistance remains a severe clinical challenge.AIM To explore the function of M2 polarized macrophages-derived exosomal microRNA(miR)-588 in the modulation of DDP resistance of gastric cancer cells.METHODS M2 polarized macrophages were isolated and identified by specific markers using flow cytometry analysis.The exosomes from M2 macrophages were identified by transmission electron microscopy and related markers.The uptake of the PKH67-labelled M2 macrophages-derived exosomes was detected in SGC7901 cells.The function and mechanism of exosomal miR-588 from M2 macrophages in the modulation of DDP resistance of gastric cancer cells was analyzed by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis analysis,colony formation assay,Western blot analysis,qPCR analysis,and luciferase reporter assay in SGC7901 and SGC7901/DDP cells,and by tumorigenicity analysis in nude mice.RESULTS M2 polarized macrophages were isolated from mouse bone marrow stimulated with interleukin(IL)-13 and IL-4.Co-cultivation of gastric cancer cells with M2 polarized macrophages promoted DDP resistance.M2 polarized macrophagesderived exosomes could transfer in gastric cancer cells to enhance DDP resistance.Exosomal miR-588 from M2 macrophages contributed to DDP resistance of gastric cancer cells.miR-588 promoted DDP-resistant gastric cancer cell growth in vivo.miR-588 was able to target cylindromatosis(CYLD)in gastric cancer cells.The depletion of CYLD reversed miR-588 inhibition-regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells exposed to DDP.CONCLUSION In conclusion,we uncovered that exosomal miR-588 from M2 macrophages contributes to DDP resistance of gastric cancer cells by partly targeting CYLD.miR-588 may be applied as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Effect of Pingchuan granule on typeⅡinnate lymphocytes and M2 polarization of macrophages in asthmatic mice

Objective:To observe the effect of Pingchuan granule on the number of typeⅡinnate lymphocytes(ILC2)and M2 polarization of macrophages in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice;Methods:Ovalbumin sensitized and challenged asthmatic mouse models were established,and then Pingchuan granules or IL-33 neutralizing antibody were given to intervene.The pathological morphology of lung tissue was observed by HE,PAS and Masson staining,and the expressions of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13 and IL-33 in BALF and lung tissue were detected by ELISA and qRT-PCR,Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of type II innate lymphocytes and type M2 macrophages in lung tissue.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of ST-2,FIZZ1 and Arg-1 in lung tissue;Results:Compared with the control group,the inflammation score,PAS score and collagen staining area of the model group were significantly increased,the expressions of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13 and IL-33 in BALF and lung tissue were significantly increased,the number of ILC2 and M2 macrophages,the expression of ST-2,FIZZ1 and Arg-1 protein in lung tissue were significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);Compared with the model group,Pingchuan granule could significantly reduce the inflammation score,PAS score and collagen staining area of asthmatic mice,down-regulate the expression of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13 and IL-33 in BALF and lung tissue,reduce the number of ILC2 and M2 macrophages,and the expression of ST-2,FIZZ1 and Arg-1 protein in lung tissue(P<0.05);Conclusion:Pingchuan granule improve the airway remodeling of asthma by inhibiting the polarization of M2 macrophages mediated by ILC2.

Are M1 and M2 macrophages Effectual Players in Pathological Conditions?

Pathologic inflammatory conditions are frequently correlated with dynamic alterations through macrophage activation,with classically activated Ml cells associated with promoting and sustaining inflammation and M2 cells implicated in resolving or smoldering chronic inflammation.Inflammation is a common feature of various chronic diseases,and it has direct involvement in the emergence and progression of these conditions.Macrophages participate in an autoregulatory loop characterizing inflammatory process,as they produce a wide range of biologically active mediators that exert either deleterious or beneficial effects during inflammation.Therefore,balancing the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages can help to ameliorate the inflammatory landscape of pathological conditions.This review will explore the role of macrophage polarization in distant pathological inflammatory conditions,such as cancer,autoimmunity,renal inflammation,stroke,and atherosclerosis,while sharing macrophage-driven pathogenesis.

Function of microglia and macrophages in secondary damage after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury （SCI） is a devastating type of neurological trauma with limited therapeutic op- portunities. The pathophysiology of SCI involves primary and secondary mechanisms of injury. Among all the secondary injury mechanisms, the inflammatory response is the major contrib- utor and results in expansion of the lesion and further loss of neurologic function. Meanwhile, the inflammation directly and indirectly dominates the outcomes of SCI, including not only pain and motor dysfunction, but also preventingneuronal regeneration. Microglia and macrophages play very important roles in secondary injury. Microglia reside in spinal parenchyma and survey the microenvironment through the signals of injury or infection. Macrophages are derived from monocytes recruited to injured sites from the peripheral circulation. Activated resident microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages induce and magnify immune and inflammatory responses not only by means of their secretory moleculesand phagocytosis, but also through their influence on astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and demyelination. In this review, we focus on the roles of mi- croglia and macrophages in secondary injury and how they contribute to the sequelae of SCI.

Microglia:a promising therapeutic target in spinal cord injury

Microglia are present throughout the central nervous system and are vital in neural repair,nutrition,phagocytosis,immunological regulation,and maintaining neuronal function.In a healthy spinal cord,microglia are accountable for immune surveillance,however,when a spinal cord injury occurs,the microenvironment drastically changes,leading to glial scars and failed axonal regeneration.In this context,microglia vary their gene and protein expression during activation,and proliferation in reaction to the injury,influencing injury responses both favorably and unfavorably.A dynamic and multifaceted injury response is mediated by microglia,which interact directly with neurons,astrocytes,oligodendrocytes,and neural stem/progenitor cells.Despite a clear understanding of their essential nature and origin,the mechanisms of action and new functions of microglia in spinal cord injury require extensive research.This review summarizes current studies on microglial genesis,physiological function,and pathological state,highlights their crucial roles in spinal cord injury,and proposes microglia as a therapeutic target.

THE VALUE OF M_2-TYPE PYRUVATE KINASE IMMUNOASSAY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF HEPATOCARCINOMA

By using Fab'-enzyme labelled immuno absorbent assay (ELISA) with sensitivity of picogram (10-12 g or pg) level, the M-type pyruvate kinase (M-PyK) in plasma was determined in 47 cases of normal healthy adult and 26 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient. It was found that the upper limits of normal male and female were 1.1 and 1.4 ng/ml (expressed as M2-PyK) respectively. The plasma M-PyK in HCC patients was significant increased to above 5 times of average normal level, the positive rate was about 95%. In 6 cases of subclinical small hepatocarcinoma and 7 cases of HCC patient with normal serum alpha-fetal protein level, the mean plasma M-PyK value was also increased. Whereas the plasma M-PyK level in acute or chronic hepatitis and other benign diseases were normal. After the HCC being resected, the plasma M-PyK returned to normal, but increased again in the cases of recurrent hepatocarcinoma, suggesting that the increased M-PyK in the plasma of HCC patient was criginated from M2-type PyK in HCC tissue. Therefore, plasma M-PyK may become a new micro-level index of hepatocarcinoma.

Macrophage-derived exosomal miR-342-3p promotes the progression of renal cell carcinoma through the NEDD4L/CEP55 axis

Due to its difficulty in early diagnosis and lack of sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy,renal cell carcinoma(RCC)remains to be a frequent cause of cancer-related death.Here,we probed into new targets for its early diagnosis and treatment for RCC.microRNA(miRNA)data of M2-EVs and RCC were searched on the Gene Expression Omnibus database,followed by the prediction of the potential downstream target.Expression of target genes was measured via RT-qPCR and Western blot,respectively.M2 macrophage was obtained viaflow cytometry with M2-EVs extracted.The binding ability of miR-342-3p to NEDD4L and to CEP55 ubiquitination was studied with their roles in the physical abilities of RCC cells assayed.Subcutaneous tumor-bearing mouse models and lung metastasis models were prepared to observe in vivo role of target genes.M2-EVs induced RCC growth and metastasis.miR-342-3p showed high expression in both M2-EVs and RCC cells.M2-EVs carrying miR-342-3p promoted RCC cell abilities to proliferate,invade and migrate.In RCC cells,M2-EV-derived miR-342-3p could specifically bind to NEDD4L and consequently elevate CEP55 protein expression via suppressing NEDD4L,thereby exerting tumor-promoting effects.CEP55 could be degraded by ubiquitination under the function of NEDD4L,and miR-342-3p delivered by M2-EVs facilitated the RCC occurrence and development by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.In conclusion,M2-EVs promote RCC growth and metastasis by delivering miR-342-3p to suppress NEDD4L and subsequently inhibit CEP55 ubiquitination and degradation via activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway,strongly driving the proliferative,migratory and invasive of RCC cells.

Thylakoid engineered M2 macrophage for sonodynamic effect promoted cell therapy of early atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of cardiovascular diseases that contribute to the major morbidity worldwide,but still lacking of effective treatment strategy.Here,a hybrid cell is constructed for the sonodynamic effect promoted cell therapy of early atherosclerosis by fusing M2 macrophages with thylakoid(TK)membranes.After systemic administration,the obtained TK-M2 actively accumulates in the early atherosclerotic plaques,wherein M2 macrophages relieve the cholesterol accumulation and the inflammation in the foam cells.Meanwhile,the TK membranes decorated on the M2 macrophages exhibit both type I and type II sonodynamic effects under ultrasound(US)activation,inducing the direct apoptosis of foam cells.The cooperation of M2 and TK leads to significant outcome in eliminating atherosclerotic plaques without obvious side-effects,providing a new avenue for atherosclerosis treatment.

TET2上调IRAK-M表达促进巨噬细胞内毒素耐受

目的:研究TET2蛋白(ten-eleven translocation 2)对巨噬细胞白介素-1受体相关激酶-M(interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-M,IRAK-M)表达的影响,探讨细菌内毒素(endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide,LPS)刺激诱导TET2表达的上游信号通路。方法:用LPS刺激小鼠巨噬细胞系RAW264.7诱导内毒素耐受,qPCR和Western blot检测LPS刺激不同时间点和内毒素耐受时IRAK-M和TET2表达;用siRNA干扰TET2表达,qPCR和Western blot检测对IRAK-M表达的影响;用促分裂原活化的蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinase,MAPK)信号通路抑制剂预处理细胞,再用LPS刺激,qPCR和Western blot检测对TET2表达的影响。结果:TET2蛋白和IRAK-M在LPS刺激RAW264.7细胞诱导内毒素耐受后仍持续表达,且表达模式都和细胞因子表达模式相反;干扰TET2表达抑制IRAK-M m RNA(P=0.000)和蛋白水平表达;抑制MAPK信号通路抑制TET2表达。结论:巨噬细胞炎症反应过程中MAPK信号通路上调TET2表达,TET2通过促进IRAK-M表达促进内毒素耐受。

IGF2BP3 Enhances the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumors by Regulating the Properties of Macrophages and CD8^(+)T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment

Background and Aims:Overexpression of IGF2BP3 is associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,its role in regulating tumor immune microenvironment(TME)is not well characterized.Here,we investigated the effects of IGF2BP3 on macrophages and CD8^(+)T cells within the TME of HCC.Methods:The relationship between IGF2BP3 and immune cell infiltration was analyzed using online bioinformatics tools.Knockout of IGF2BP3 in mouse hepatoma cell line Hepa1-6 was established using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.In vitro cell coculture and subcutaneously implanted hepatoma mice model were used to explore the effects of IGF2BP3 on immune cells.Expression of CCL50l transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)was detected with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The binding of IGF2BP3 and its target RNA was verified by trimolecular fluorescence complementation system and RNA immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative or semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:IGF2BP3 expression was elevated in HCC and was positively correlated with macrophage infiltration.Patients with higher IGF2BP3 expression and lower macrophage infiltration had a better survival rate.We found that IGF2BP3 could bind to the mRNA of CCL5 or TGF-β1,increasing their expression,and inducing macrophage infiltration and M2 polarization while inhibiting the activation of CD8^(+)T cells.Furthermore,inhibition of IGF2BP3 combined with anti-CD47 antibody treatment significantly suppressed the growth of hepatoma in Hepa1-6 xenograft tu-mor mice.Conclusions:IGF2BP3 promoted the infiltration and M2-polarization of macrophages and suppressed CD8^(+)T activation by enhancing CCL5 and TGF-β1 expression,which facilitated the progression of Hepa1-6 xenograft tumor.

Calculus bovis inhibits M2 tumor-associated macrophage polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation to suppress liver cancer

BACKGROUND Calculus bovis(CB),used in traditional Chinese medicine,exhibits anti-tumor effects in various cancer models.It also constitutes an integral component of a compound formulation known as Pien Tze Huang,which is indicated for the treatment of liver cancer.However,its impact on the liver cancer tumor microenvironment,particularly on tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),is not well understood.AIM To elucidate the anti-liver cancer effect of CB by inhibiting M2-TAM polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation.METHODS This study identified the active components of CB using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS,evaluated its anti-neoplastic effects in a nude mouse model,and elucidated the underlying mechanisms via network pharmacology,transcriptomics,and molecular docking.In vitro assays were used to investigate the effects of CB-containing serum on HepG2 cells and M2-TAMs,and Wnt pathway modulation was validated by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.RESULTS This study identified 22 active components in CB,11 of which were detected in the bloodstream.Preclinical investigations have demonstrated the ability of CB to effectively inhibit liver tumor growth.An integrated approach employing network pharmacology,transcriptomics,and molecular docking implicated the Wnt signaling pathway as a target of the antineoplastic activity of CB by suppressing M2-TAM polarization.In vitro and in vivo experiments further confirmed that CB significantly hinders M2-TAM polarization and suppresses Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation.The inhibitory effect of CB on M2-TAMs was reversed when treated with the Wnt agonist SKL2001,confirming its pathway specificity.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that CB mediates inhibition of M2-TAM polarization through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,contributing to the suppression of liver cancer growth.

M2 macrophage-derived exosomes promote diabetic fracture healing by acting as an immunomodulator

Diabetes mellitus is a chronically inflamed disease that predisposes to delayed fracture healing.Macrophages play a key role in the process of fracture healing by undergoing polarization into either M1 or M2 subtypes,which respectively exhibit pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions.Therefore,modulation of macrophage polarization to the M2 subtype is beneficial for fracture healing.Exosomes perform an important role in improving the osteoimmune microenvironment due to their extremely low immunogenicity and high bioactivity.In this study,we extracted the M2-exosomes and used them to intervene the bone repair in diabetic fractures.The results showed that M2-exosomes significantly modulate the osteoimmune microenvironment by decreasing the proportion of M1 macrophages,thereby accelerating diabetic fracture healing.We further confirmed that M2-exosomes induced the conversion of M1 macrophages into M2 macrophages by stimulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.Our study offers a fresh perspective and a potential therapeutic approach for M2-exosomes to improve diabetic fracture healing.

CIS controls the functional polarization of GM-CSF-derived macrophages

The cytokine granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) possesses the capacity to differentiate monocytes into macrophages (MØs) with opposing functions, namely, proinflammatory M1-like MØs and immunosuppressive M2-like MØs. Despite the importance of these opposing biological outcomes, the intrinsic mechanism that regulates the functional polarization of MØs under GM-CSF signaling remains elusive. Here, we showed that GM-CSF-induced MØ polarization resulted in the expression of cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CIS) and that CIS deficiency skewed the differentiation of monocytes toward immunosuppressive M2-like MØs. CIS deficiency resulted in hyperactivation of the JAK-STAT5 signaling pathway, consequently promoting downregulation of the transcription factor Interferon Regulatory Factor 8 (IRF8). Loss- and gain-of-function approaches highlighted IRF8 as a critical regulator of the M1-like polarization program. In vivo, CIS deficiency induced the differentiation of M2-like macrophages, which promoted strong Th2 immune responses characterized by the development of severe experimental asthma. Collectively, our results reveal a CIS-modulated mechanism that clarifies the opposing actions of GM-CSF in MØ differentiation and uncovers the role of GM-CSF in controlling allergic inflammation.

A BRD4 PROTAC nanodrug for glioma therapy via the intervention of tumor cells proliferation,apoptosis and M2 macrophages polarization

Glioma is a primary aggressive brain tumor with high recurrence rate.The poor efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs crossing the blood-brain barrier(BBB) is well-known as one of the main challenges for anti-glioma therapy.Moreover,massive infiltrated tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs) in glioma further thwart the drug efficacy.Herein,a therapeutic nanosystem(SPP-ARV-825) is constructed by incorporating the BRD4-degrading proteolytic targeting chimera(PROTAC) ARV-825 into the complex micelle(SPP) composed of substance P(SP) peptide-modified poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(D,L-lactic acid)(SP-PEG-PDLL A) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(D,L-lac tic acid)(mPEG-PDLL A,PP),which could penetrate BBB and target brain tumor.Subsequently,released drug engenders antitumor effect via attenuating cells proliferation,inducing cells apoptosis and suppressing M2 macrophages polarization through the inhibition of IRF4 promoter transcription and phosphorylation of STAT6,STAT3 and AKT.Taken together,our work demonstrates the versatile role and therapeutic efficacy of SPP-ARV-825 micelle against glioma,which may provide a novel strategy for glioma therapy in future.

Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 controls M2 macrophages polarization to promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression via AKT/GSK3β/IL-8 signaling pathway

Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygnease 2(TDO2) is specific for metabolizing tryptophan to kynurenine(KYN),which plays a critical role in mediating immune escape of cancer.Although accumulating evidence demonstrates that TDO2 overexpression is implicated in the development and progression of multiple cancers,its tumor-promoting role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) remains unclear.Here,we observed that TDO2 was overexpressed in ESCC tis sues and correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis,advanced clinical stage,and unfavorable prognosis.Functional experiments showed that TDO2 promoted tumor cell proliferation,migration,and colony formation,which could be prevented by inhibition of TDO2 and aryl hydrocarb on receptor(AHR).Further experimentation demonstrated that TDO2 could promote the tumor growth of KYSE150 tumor-bearing model,tumor burden of C57 BL/6 mice with ESCC induced by 4-NQO,enhance the expression of phosphorylated AKT,with subsequent pho sphorylation of GSK3β,and polarization of M2 macrophages by upregulating interleukin-8(IL-8) to accelerate tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment(TME).Collectively,our results discovered that TDO2 could upregulate IL-8 through AKT/GSK3β to direct the polarization of M2 macrophages in ESCC,and suggested that TDO2 could represent as an attractive therapeutic target and prognostic marker to ESCC.

Proteomic characterization of four subtypes of M2 macrophages derived from human THP-1 cells

Macrophages are widely distributed immune cells that contribute to tissue homeostasis.Human THP-1 cells have been widely used in various macrophage-associated studies,especially those involving pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes.However,the molecular characterization of four M2 subtypes(M2a,M2b,M2c,and M2d)derived from THP-1has not been fully investigated.In this study,we systematically analyzed the protein expression profiles of human THP-1-derived macrophages(M0,M1,M2a,M2b,M2c,and M2d)using quantitative proteomics approaches.The commonly and specially regulated proteins of the four M2 subtypes and their potential biological functions were further investigated.The results showed that M2a and M2b,and M2c and M2d have very similar protein expression profiles.These data could serve as an important resource for studies of macrophages using THP-1 cells,and provide a reference to distinguish different M2 subtypes in macrophage-associated diseases for subsequent clinical research.