The heterogeneity of tumor-associated macrophages and strategies to target it

Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)are emerging as targets for tumor therapy because of their primary role in promoting tumor progression.Several studies have been conducted to target TAMs by reducing their infiltration,depleting their numbers,and reversing their phenotypes to suppress tumor progression,leading to the development of drugs in preclinical and clinical trials.However,the heterogeneous characteristics of TAMs,including their ontogenetic and functional heterogeneity,limit their targeting.Therefore,in-depth exploration of the heterogeneity of TAMs,combined with immune checkpoint therapy or other therapeutic modalities could improve the efficiency of tumor treatment.This review focuses on the heterogeneous ontogeny and function of TAMs,as well as the current development of tumor therapies targeting TAMs and combination strategies.

Inhibition of M2 tumor-associated macrophages polarization by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a possible liver cancer therapy method

The problem of liver cancer is becoming increasingly important due to the epi-demic of metabolic diseases and persistent high alcohol consumption.This deter-mines great attention to the development and improvement of methods for early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer.Huang et al presented a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology,in which they showed that the use of the traditional Chinese medicine Calculus bovis(CB)can suppress tumor growth in mice by inhibiting M2 tumor-associated macrophages(TAM)through modulating the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.The interaction of CB components with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,M2 TAM polarization,and tumor dynamics were studied using network pharmacology,transcriptomics,and molecular docking.It is now generally accepted that the polarization of TAM and the differentiation of the functions of M1 and M2 phagocytes are of great importance for the progression of neoplasms.It is assumed that M2 TAM promote proliferation and migration of tumor cells.Attempts to medicinally influence the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in order to modulate phagocyte polarization now belong to one of the most promising areas of immunotherapy of oncological diseases.Undoubtedly,the work of the Chinese authors deserves attention and further development.

MicroRNA-206 as a promising epigenetic approach to modulate tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma

This letter comments on the recently published manuscript by Huang et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology,which focused on the immunomodulatory effect of Calculus bovis on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)tumor microenvironments(TME)by inhibiting M2-tumor-associated macrophage(M2-TAM)polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation.Recent research highlights the crucial role of TAMs and their polarization towards the M2 phenotype in promoting HCC progression.Epigenetic regulation,particularly through microRNAs(miR),has emerged as a key factor in modulating immune responses and TAM polarization in the TME,influencing treatment responses and tumor progression.This editorial focuses on miR-206,which has been found to inhibit HCC cell proliferation and migration and promote apoptosis.Moreover,miR-206 enhances anti-tumor immune responses by promoting M1-polarization of Kupffer cells,facilitating CD8+T cell recruitment and suppressing liver cancer stem cell expansion.However,challenges remain in understanding the precise mechanisms regulating miR-206 and its potential as a therapeutic agent.Targeting epigenetic mechanisms and improving strategies,whether through pharmacological or genetic approaches,offer promising avenues to sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy.Understanding the intricate interactions between cancer and non-coding RNA regulation opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies,potentially improving HCC prognosis.

Research progress of tumor-associated macrophages in immune checkpoint inhibitor tolerance in colorectal cancer

The relevant mechanism of tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)in the treatment of colorectal cancer patients with immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)is discussed,and the application prospects of TAMs in reversing the treatment tolerance of ICIs are discussed to provide a reference for related studies.As a class of drugs widely used in clinical tumor immunotherapy,ICIs can act on regulatory molecules on cells that play an inhibitory role-immune checkpoints-and kill tumors in the form of an immune response by activating a variety of immune cells in the immune system.The sensitivity of patients with different types of colorectal cancer to ICI treatment varies greatly.The phenotype and function of TAMs in the colorectal cancer microenvironment are closely related to the efficacy of ICIs.ICIs can regulate the phenotypic function of TAMs,and TAMs can also affect the tolerance of colorectal cancer to ICI therapy.TAMs play an important role in ICI resistance,and making full use of this target as a therapeutic strategy is expected to improve the immunotherapy efficacy and prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer.

Remodeling tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment

Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)actively interact with the tumor microenvironment(TME).The dynamic communication between TAMs and the TME is closely associated with tumorigenesis,progression,metastasis,and drug resistance.With the development of single-cell sequencing,specific TAMs have been identified,and their roles in the TME were explored.With the development of an under-standing of the interactions between TAMs and the TME,targeting TAMs has become a new treatment strategy for cancer therapy be-cause of their high plasticity.In this review,we highlight strategies for remodeling TAMs based on targeting specific genes involved in reg-ulating TAM phenotypes,blocking the crosstalk between TAMs and the TME,and targeting abnormal metabolic pathways.Moreover,we provided perspectives on the translational potential of targeting TAMs for cancer treatment,which could shed light on TAM-based thera-peutic strategy in the future.

Activation of Toll-like receptors signaling in non-small cell lung cancer cell line induced by tumor-associated macrophages

Background： Inflammation is often linked with the progress and poor outcome of lung cancer. The understanding of the relationship between tumor-associated macrophages （TAMs） and lung cancer cells involves in the underlying mechanism of inflammatory cytokine production. Toll-like receptors （TLRs） are engaged in promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and play an important role in tumor immunology. Methods： To investigate the mechanisms by which TAMs influence the production of pro-inflammatory cytoldnes in lung cancer cells, we established an in vitro coculture system using TAMs and human non- small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） cell line SPC-A1. Levels of interleukin （IL）-113, IL-6 and IL-8 in SPC-A1 were evaluated by RT-PCR and cytometric bead array assay after being cocultured with TAMs. Expression changes of TLRs and TLRs signaling pathway proteins in SPC-Al were further confirmed by RT-PCR and western blot. The level changes of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in SPC-Al were also detected after the stimulation of TLRs agonists. Results： We found that the phenotype markers of TAMs were highly expressed after stimulating human monocyte cell line THP-1 by phorbol-12-myristate-β-acetate （PMA）. Higher mRNA and supernate secretion levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 were detected in SPC-A1 after being eocultured with TAMs. We also found that TLR1, TLR6 and TLR7 were up-regulated in SPC-A1 in the coculture system with TAMs. Meanwhile, TLRs signaling pathway proteins were also significantly activated. Moreover, pre-treatment with agonist ligands for TLR1, TLR6 and TLR7 could dramatically promote inductions of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. Conclusions： These findings demonstrated that TAMs may enhance IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 expressions via TLRs signaling pathway. We conclude that TAMs contribute to maintain the inflammation microenvironment and ultimately promote the development and progression of lung cancer.

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.

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.

Abnormally activated wingless/integrated signaling modulates tumor-associated macrophage polarization and potentially promotes hepatocarcinoma cell growth

In this article,we comment on the article by Huang et al.The urgent development of new therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage polarization is critical in the fight against liver cancer.Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),primarily of the M2 subtype,are instrumental in cellular communication within the tumor microenvironment and are influenced by various signaling pathways,including the wingless/integrated(Wnt)pathway.Activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is pivotal in promoting M2 TAMs polarization,which in turn can exacerbate hepatocarcinoma cell proliferation and migration.This manuscript emphasizes the burgeoning significance of the Wnt signaling pathway and M2 TAMs polarization in the pathogenesis and progression of liver cancer,highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of inhibiting the Wnt pathway.Lastly,we point out areas in Huang et al’s study that require further research,providing guidance and new directions for similar studies.

Tumor-associated macrophages regulate gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis through TGFβ2/NF-κB/Kindlin-2 axis

Objective: Recent studies have shown that tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs) play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. Our previous studies have reported that TAMs promote the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer(GC) cells through the Kindlin-2 pathway. However, the mechanism needs to be clarified.Methods: THP-1 monocytes were induced by PMA/interleukin(IL)-4/IL-13 to establish an efficient TAM model in vitro and M2 macrophages were isolated via flow cytometry. A dual luciferase reporter system and chromatin immunoprecipitation(Ch IP) assay were used to investigate the mechanism of transforming growth factor β2(TGFβ2) regulating Kindlin-2 expression. Immunohistochemistry was used to study the relationships among TAM infiltration in human GC tissues, Kindlin-2 protein expression, clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in human GC tissues. A nude mouse oncogenesis model was used to verify the invasion and metastasis mechanisms in vivo.Results: We found that Kindlin-2 expression was upregulated at both m RNA and protein levels in GC cells cocultured with TAMs, associated with higher invasion rate. Kindlin-2 knockdown reduced the invasion rate of GC cells under coculture condition. TGFβ2 secreted by TAMs regulated the expression of Kindlin-2 through the transcription factor NF-кB. TAMs thus participated in the progression of GC through the TGFβ2/NF-κB/Kindlin-2 axis. Kindlin-2 expression and TAM infiltration were significantly positively correlated with TNM stage, and patients with high Kindlin-2 expression had significantly poorer overall survival than patients with low Kindlin-2 expression. Furthermore, Kindlin-2 promoted the invasion of GC cells in vivo.Conclusions: This study elucidates the mechanism of TAMs participating in GC cell invasion and metastasis through the TGFβ2/NF-κB/Kindlin-2 axis, providing a possibility for new treatment options and approaches.

Promotion of Sema4D expression by tumor-associated macrophages: Significance in gastric carcinoma

AIM To study the role of semaphorin 4 D(Sema4 D) expression promoted by tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs) in gastric carcinoma cells and its clinical significance in the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma.METHODS CD68 and Sema4 D expression was analyzed in gastric carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues from 290 patients using the immunohistochemical streptavidinperoxidase method, and their relationships with clinicopathological features were evaluated. Human M2 macrophages were induced in vitro and co-cultured in non-contact with gastric carcinoma SGC-7901 cells. Changes in the secretory Sema4 D level in the SGC-7901 cell supernatant were measured using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. The effects of TAMs on SGC-7901 cell invasion and migration were assessed with invasion and migration assays, respectively.RESULTS CD68 and Sema4 D protein expression was significantly higher in gastric carcinoma tissues than in adjacent normal tissues(71.7% vs 33.8% and 74.5% vs 42.8%, respectively; P < 0.01). CD68 and Sema4 D protein expression was significantly associated with histological differentiation, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis(P < 0.05), and their expression levels were positively correlated with one another(r = 0.467, P < 0.01). In the in vitro experiment, secretory Sema4 D protein expression was significantly increased in the supernatant of SGC-7901 cells co-cultured with TAMs compared with the blank control(1224.13 ± 29.43 vs 637.15 ± 33.84, P < 0.01). Cell invasion and metastasis were enhanced in the Transwell invasion and migration assays(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION TAMs promote the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma cells possibly through upregulated secretory Sema4 D protein expression. Combined detection of TAM markers, CD68 and Sema4 D, in gastric carcinoma tissue shows potential to predict the trend of gastric carcinoma progression.

2-Hexyl-4-Pentylenic Acid(HPTA) Stimulates the Radiotherapy-induced Abscopal Effect on Distal Tumor through Polarization of Tumor-associated Macrophages

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the effects of 2-hexyl-4-pentylenic acid(HPTA)in combination with radiotherapy(RT)on distant unirradiated breast tumors.Methods Using a rat model of chemical carcinogen(7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene,DMBA)-induced breast cancer,tumor volume was monitored and treatment response was evaluated by performing HE staining,immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence,q RT-PCR,and western blot analyses.Results The results demonstrated that HPTA in combination with RT significantly delayed the growth of distant,unirradiated breast tumors.The mechanism of action included tumor-associated macrophage(TAM)infiltration into distant tumor tissues,M1 polarization,and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis by IFN-γ.Conclusion The results suggest that the combination of HPTA with RT has an abscopal effect on distant tumors via M1-polarized TAMs,and HPTA may be considered as a new therapeutic for amplifying the efficacy of local RT for non-targeted breast tumors.

Role of tumor-associated macrophages in common digestive system malignant tumors

Many digestive system malignant tumors are characterized by high incidence and mortality rate.Increasing evidence has revealed that the tumor microenvironment(TME)is involved in cancer initiation and tumor progression.Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)are a predominant constituent of the TME,and participate in the regulation of various biological behaviors and influence the prognosis of digestive system cancer.TAMs can be mainly classified into the antitumor M1 phenotype and protumor M2 phenotype.The latter especially are crucial drivers of tumor invasion,growth,angiogenesis,metastasis,immunosuppression,and resistance to therapy.TAMs are of importance in the occurrence,development,diagnosis,prognosis,and treatment of common digestive system malignant tumors.In this review,we summarize the role of TAMs in common digestive system malignant tumors,including esophageal,gastric,colorectal,pancreatic and liver cancers.How TAMs promote the development of tumors,and how they act as potential therapeutic targets and their clinical applications are also described.

Analysis of invasiveness and tumor-associated macrophages infiltration in solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas

BACKGROUND Solid pseudopapillary tumor(SPT)is a rare pancreatic tumor.Considering its malignant behaviors,SPT has been classified as a low-grade malignant tumor.Indeed,only 9.2%of all SPT patients are initially diagnosed as malignant with invasion or metastasis.Thus,one of the challenges in managing SPT patients is predicting malignant behavior.AIM To investigate the malignant behavior and tumor-associated macrophage(TAM)infiltration between different histopathologic features of SPT patients.METHODS Twenty-five formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 22 patients pathologically diagnosed with an SPT between 2009 and 2019 at West China Hospital were included in this retrospective study.Integrity of the capsule and growth pattern of the tumor cells was assessed microscopically in hematoxylineosin(HE)-stained sections.Based on the histopathological features,the SPT patients were divided into two groups:capsule or invasion.Clinical features,malignant behavior,and TAM infiltration were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Among the 22 SPT patients,11 were identified for each group,having either a capsule or invasion histopathologic feature.Malignant behavior was more frequent in the invasion group,including 2 patients who had peripheral organ invasion,3 with liver metastasis,and 1 with both lymph node and spleen metastases(P=0.045).Ki-67 index of more than 3%was also more frequent in the invasion group(P=0.045).Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the invasion group had a significant increase of CD68-positive TAMs in intratumor and peritumor sites in comparison with the capsule group(all P<0.0001).Similarly,CD163-positive M2-like macrophages were also markedly increased in the intratumor and peritumor sites in the invasion group(all P<0.0001).At the liver metastasis site,both intratumor and peritumor tissues showed relatively high-level CD68-positive TAMs and CD163-positive M2-like macrophages infiltration.However,the differences between the intratumor,peritumor and normal hepatic tissues did not reach statistical significance(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION SPT patients with invasion evident under microscope were more likely to exhibit malignant behavior and TAM infiltration,especially M2-like macrophages.This finding can help in future investigations of the underlying mechanism of TAM-mediated SPT malignant behavior.

Progress of tumor-associated macrophages in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a kind of highly aggressive malignant tumor of the digestive system.The treatment of local tumors is mainly surgical resection,but the indications are too harsh.For advanced pancreatic cancer,chemotherapy is the standard treatment,but patients have severe side effects and develop drug resistance.Tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer are the most abundant immune cells and play a very important role in tumor development and chemoresistance.Antitumor-associated macrophage therapy has shown some therapeutic potential.Therefore,this article reviews the mechanism of tumor-associated macrophages in pancreatic cancer and the progress of tumor-associated macrophage targeted therapy.

Role of Cyclin D1b in Inducing Macrophages Toward a Tumor-associated Macrophage-like Phenotype in Murine Breast Cancer

Objective:Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)of the M2 phenotype are frequently associated with cancer progression.Invasive cancer cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)have a selective advantage as TAM activators.Cyclin D1b is a highly oncogenic splice variant of cyclin D1.We previously reported that cyclin D1b enhances the invasiveness of breast cancer cells by inducing EMT.However,the role of cyclin D1b in inducing macrophage differentiation toward tumor-associated macrophage-like cells remains unknown.This study aimed to explore the relationship between breast cancer cells overexpressing cyclin Dlb and TAMs.Methods:Mouse breast cancer 4T1 cells were transfected with cyclin D1b variant and co-cultured with macrophage cells in a Transwell coculture system.The expression of characteristic cytokines in differentiated macrophages was detected using qRT-PCR,ELISA and zymography assay.Tumor-associated macrophage distribution in a transplanted tumor was detected by immunofluorescence staining.The proliferation and migration ability of breast cancer cells was detected using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,wound healing assay,Transwell invasion assay,and lung metastasis assay.Expression levels of mRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR.Protein expression levels were detected by Western blotting.The integrated analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)datasets and bioinformatics methods were adopted to discover gene expression,gene coexpression,and overall survival in patients with breast cancer.Results:After co-culture with breast cancer cells overexpressing cyclin D1b,RAW264.7 macrophages were differentiated into an M2 phenotype.Moreover,differentiated M2-like macrophages promoted the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells in turn.Notably,these macrophages facilitated the migration of breast cancer cells in vivo.Further investigations indicated that differentiated M2-like macrophages induced EMT of breast cancer cells accompanied with upregulation of TGF-β1 and integrinβ3 expression.Conclusion:Breast cancer cells transfected with cyclin D1b can induce the differentiation of macrophages into a tumor-associated macrophage-like phenotype,which promotes tumor metastasis in vitro and in vivo.

Tumor-associated macrophages in liver cancer:From mechanisms to therapy

Multidimensional analyses have demonstrated the presence of a unique tumor microenvironment(TME)in liver cancer.Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)are among the most abundant immune cells infiltrating the TME and are present at all stages of liver cancer progression,and targeting TAMs has become one of the most favored immunotherapy strategies.In addition,macrophages and liver cancer cells have distinct origins.At the early stage of liver cancer,macrophages can provide a niche for the maintenance of liver cancer stem cells.In contrast,cancer stem cells(CSCs)or poorly differentiated tumor cells are key factors modulating macrophage activation.In the present review,we first propose the origin connection between precursor macrophages and liver cancer cells.Macrophages undergo dynamic phenotypic transition during carcinogenesis.In this course of such transition,it is critical to determine the appropriate timing for therapy and block specific markers to suppress protumoral TAMs.The present review provides a more detailed discussion of transition trends of such surface markers than previous reviews.Complex crosstalk occurs between TAMs and liver cancer cells.TAMs play indispensable roles in tumor progression,angiogenesis,and autophagy due to their heterogeneity and robust plasticity.In addition,macrophages in the TME interact with other immune cells by directing cell-to-cell contact or secreting various effector molecules.Similarly,tumor cells combined with other immune cells can drive macrophage recruitment and polarization.Despite the latest achievements and the advancements in treatment strategies following TAMs studies,comprehensive discussions on the communication between macrophages and cancer cells or immune cells in liver cancer are currently lacking.In this review,we discussed the interactions between TAMs and liver cancer cells(from cell origin to maturation),the latest therapeutic strategies(including chimeric antigen receptor macrophages),and critical clinical trials for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and intrahepatic cholangiocar-cinoma(iCCA)to provide a rationale for further clinical investigation of TAMs as a potential target for treating patients with liver cancer.

TAMs在HR-HPV诱发宫颈癌肿瘤微环境中的作用

目的探讨肿瘤相关的巨噬细胞(TAMs)在高危型人乳头瘤病毒(HR-HPV)诱导的宫颈癌肿瘤微环境中的作用。方法选择2014年12月至2017年6月浙江省台州医院的宫颈癌患者100例,设为宫颈癌组;选择同期入院治疗的宫颈癌前病变患者30例,设为癌前病变组;选择同期检查的健康体检人群30例,设为健康组。从上述三种标本中检测病毒蛋白E2、E6、E5、E7的表达。检测肿瘤组织及肿瘤旁组织检测CD14,CD163,CD206,CD68表达和TAMs表达;检测不同标本中差异基因表达,转录组学进行功能分析,利用R软件包分析。利用qRT-PCR法进一步检测临床标本中筛选出的M1/M2因子的表达。结果三组病毒蛋白E2、E6、E5、E7和TAMs阳性率存在显著性差异(χ~2值分别为6.392、5.091、7.392、4.883、5.691,均P<0.05),宫颈癌组最高,癌前病变组次之,健康组最低。宫颈癌组宫颈癌组织中CD14、CD163、CD206、CD68阳性率均高于宫颈癌旁组织(χ~2值分别为6.836、4.981、5.382、6.025,均P<0.05);从主成分分析中,可以看出宫颈癌组的基因表达与健康组和癌前病变组明显不同,而且各组基因没有相关性,宫颈癌组、癌前病变组和健康组不同的基因表达有差异(F=5.361,P<0.05)。结论肿瘤相关的巨噬细胞在HR-HPV诱导的宫颈癌肿瘤微环境中发挥了重要的作用,干扰机体免疫水平,促进疾病的发生、发展。

肿瘤相关巨噬细胞(TAMs)促进Ⅰ型子宫内膜癌细胞增殖和侵袭

目的研究肿瘤相关巨噬细胞(tumor-associated macrophages,TAMs)对Ⅰ型子宫内膜癌增殖转移的影响及其分子生物学机制。方法免疫组化方法分析正常及各类型子宫内膜增生性病变(增殖期、分泌期、单纯增生、复杂增生、不典型和I型子宫内膜癌)组织中巨噬细胞浸润情况。CCK-8法和Transwell法分别检测单核巨噬细胞系THP-1(构建为M2型TAMs后)对Ⅰ型子宫内膜癌细胞系RL95-2增殖和侵袭能力的影响,Transwell法检测RL95-2对THP-1的招募作用。Western blot技术检测THP-1对RL95-2的CyclinD1和MMP-2表达影响。结果免疫组化结果显示,TAMs浸润数目与子宫内膜增生性病变进展程度呈正相关。RL95-2可招募THP-1,招募的THP-1促进RL95-2的增殖和侵袭,MMP-2和CyclinD1表达随THP-1作用而呈时间依赖性上调(P<0.05)。结论巨噬细胞浸润增加造成的肿瘤周围炎症微环境可能是Ⅰ型子宫内膜癌发展的机制之一。

牡荆苷对结肠癌移植瘤小鼠TAMs/CD8^(+)T细胞活性的调控作用

目的探讨牡荆苷(Vitexin,VIT)作用于肿瘤相关巨噬细胞及细胞毒性T淋巴细胞(TAMs/CD8^(+)T)的抗结肠癌作用机制。方法采用BALB/c雄性小鼠构建CT26结肠癌皮下移植瘤模型,造模成功后按肿瘤体积随机分为对照组及牡荆苷高、低剂量组(40、20 mg·kg^(-1));每天1次,连续灌胃给药14 d,对照组给予等体积蒸馏水,每3 d测量1次肿瘤体积。给药结束后剖取小鼠肿瘤、脾脏和胸腺称定质量,并采用HE染色法对肿瘤和脾脏进行组织病理学检查;采用免疫荧光法分析肿瘤组织中TAMs表型;流式细胞术分析小鼠肿瘤和脾脏组织中的CD8^(+)细胞数量。选择RAW264.7巨噬细胞模型,采用MTT法检测牡荆苷对细胞活性的影响;以牡荆苷单独(5、10μmol·L^(-1))或分别联合脂多糖(LPS,100 ng·mL^(-1))、LPS+γ干扰素(INF-γ,100 ng·mL^(-1)+50 ng·mL^(-1))、白细胞介素4(IL-4,10 ng·mL^(-1))进行干预后,采用流式细胞术分析iNOS^(+)TAMs、CD206^(+)TAMs细胞比例;Griess法测定培养液中NO含量。结果在结肠癌移植瘤小鼠模型上,与对照组比较,牡荆苷高剂量组肿瘤体积增长明显减缓、肿瘤质量明显降低(P<0.05);肿瘤组织中iNOS的表达明显升高(P<0.05),iNOS/F4/80比率显著升高(P<0.01);肿瘤和脾脏组织中CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T细胞占比明显升高(P<0.05)。在RAW264.7细胞模型上,与对照组比较,LPS、LPS+IFN-γ干预组的iNOS^(+)TAMs计数和培养液中NO含量显著升高(P<0.01,P<0.001);IL-4干预组的CD206^(+)TAMs数量显著增加(P<0.001)。与LPS干预组比较,牡荆苷+LPS干预组的iNOS^(+)TAMs计数和培养液中NO明显减少(P<0.05,P<0.01)。与LPS+INF-γ干预组比较,高剂量牡荆苷+LPS+IFN-γ组的iNOS^(+)细胞比例明显升高(P<0.05),牡荆苷高、低剂量+LPS+IFN-γ干预组的NO含量明显增加(P<0.05,P<0.01)。与IL-4干预组比较,牡荆苷高剂量+IL-4组的CD206^(+)TAMs数量明显减少(P<0.05)。结论在CT26结肠癌皮下移植瘤小鼠模型上牡荆苷可作用于肿瘤微环境促进iNOS^(+)TAMs极化,激活CD8^(+)T细胞发挥抗肿瘤作用。