Polymorphonuclear neutrophils promote dyshesion of tumor cells and elastase‐mediated degradation of E‐cadherin in pancreatic tumors

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presenting with a micropapillary growth pattern is frequently associated with a prominent neutrophil infiltration into the tumor. The relevance of neutrophil infiltrates for tumor progression, however, is still debated. To gain insight into the role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in PDAC, we assessed their effect on pancreatic tumor cells grown in vitro as monolayers. Time‐lapse video microscopy showed a PMN‐induced dyshesion of the tumor cells, and subsequent experiments revealed that this dyshesion was due to PMN elastase‐mediated degradation of E‐cadherin, an adhesion molecule that mediates the intercellular contact of the tumor cells. E‐cadherin degradation by elastase or — (for comparison) down‐modulation by specific siRNA, significantly increased the migratory capacity of the pancreatic tumor cells, leading to the hypothesis that PMNs could contribute to the invasive tumor growth. To address this issue, biopsies of patients with PDAC (n = 112) were analyzed. We found that E‐cadherin expression correlated negatively with PMN infiltration, compatible with the notion that E‐cadherin is cleaved by PMN‐derived elastase, which in turn could result in the dispersal of the tumor cells, enhanced migratory capacity and thus invasive tumor growth.     

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes selectively produce anti-inflammatory interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and chemokines, but fail to produce pro-inflammatory mediators

The role of neutrophils in the immune response has long been regarded as mainly phagocytic, but recent publications have indicated the production of several cytokines by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN). The results of the individual reports, however, vary considerably. In this study, we established a cytokine profile of pure human neutrophils and demonstrated that minor contamination of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in PMN preparations can lead to false-positive results. In our hands, peripheral blood PMN fail to produce the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Instead, they secrete large amounts of the chemokine IL-8 and the anti-inflammatory IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). Additionally, PMN preparations of a high purity show production of the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta and growth-related oncogene-alpha (GRO-alpha), as well as macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). The neutrophil therefore represents a novelty by producing the antagonist of IL-1beta (i.e. IL-1ra) in the absence of IL-1beta itself. To support our results, we differentiated stem cells from human cord blood into PMN and monocytes, respectively. These in vitro-differentiated PMN showed the same cytokine profile as peripheral blood PMN lacking IL-1beta, while differentiated monocytes produced the expected IL-1beta in addition to IL-1ra. The clear anti-inflammatory nature of their cytokine profile enables PMN to antagonize pro-inflammatory signals in experimental conditions. It is therefore possible that PMN play a key role in immune regulation by counteracting a dysregulation of the inflammatory process. Clinical studies, in which administration of recombinant G-CSF had a favourable effect on the outcome of severe infections and even sepsis without worsening inflammation, could thus be explained by our results.     

中性粒细胞非凋亡性程序化细胞死亡的研究概况

中性粒细胞是机体固有免疫应答的主要效应细胞,也是机体内重要的炎症细胞。中性粒细胞除了凋亡和坏死外,还存在一种非凋亡性程序化细胞死亡形式。该形式具有空泡化,线粒体通透性增大等形态学特征,具有caspase-3、caspase-8非依赖性以及无DNA片段化的生物化学特征。目前尚不知其确切的生物学意义,但它与发育和许多生理／病理现象有关。这些研究成果对于重新认识和定位中性粒细胞程丰化细胞死亡的多样性和复杂性提出了新的思路。     

Effects of recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor administration during Mycobacterium avium infection in mice.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration in vivo has been shown to improve the defence mechanisms against infection by different microbes. Here we evaluated a possible protective role of this molecule in a mouse model of mycobacterial infection. The administration of recombinant G-CSF promoted an extensive blood neutrophilia but failed to improve the course of Mycobacterium avium infection in C57Bl/6 or beige mice. G-CSF administration also failed to improve the efficacy of a triple chemotherapeutic regimen (clarithromycin + ethambutol + rifabutin). G-CSF treatment did not protect interleukin-10 gene disrupted mice infected with M. avium. Spleen cells from infected mice treated with G-CSF had a decreased priming for antigen-specific production of interferon gamma compared to control infected mice. Our data do not substantiate previous reports on the protective activity of G-CSF in antimycobacterial immunity using mouse models.     

Potential Role of NK Cells in the Induction of Immune Responses: Implications for NK Cell–Based Immunotherapy for Cancers and Viral Infections

Natural killer (NK) cells recognize tumor cells and virus-infected cells and attack without being sensitized to antigens. The development of the antitumor/antivirus activities of NK cells is controlled by multiple mechanisms such as direct cytotoxic activity against target cells, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, secretion of Th1-type cytokines, and interactions with dendritic cells. The development of these activities plays a significant role in both innate and adaptive immunities. Considering the recent progress made in elucidating the molecular and cellular biology of NK cells, we summarize the current situation and discuss future possibilities with regard to NK cell–based adoptive immunotherapy.     

CD3单克隆抗体激活细胞用于中、晚期癌肿治疗的初步观察

本文采用正常人外周血单个核细胞，经加用ＣＤ３单克隆抗体，辅以少量ＩＬ－２共同培养，制备ＣＤ３单抗激活杀伤（ＣＤ３ＡＫ）细胞。通过对４５例中、晚期癌肿患者临床试用，初步观察并分析了该项治疗临床疗效及意义。结果表明ＣＤ３ＡＫ细胞治疗的临床总有效率为５３．３％；不同肿瘤间有效率无明显差异；细胞输注总量的增加及多次输注者，临床有效率明显提高；接受该项治疗患者，机体ＮＫ细胞活性增强，ｓＩＬ－２Ｒ浓度下降，而治疗前后ｍＩＬ－２Ｒ、ＴＮＦ水平未见明显差异。     

Cancer immunotherapy of targeting angiogenesis

Tumor growth and metastasis are angiogenesis-dependent. Anti-angiogenic therapy may be a useful approach to cancer therapy. This review discussed tumor angiogenesis and immunotherapy of targeting tumor angiogenesis from two main aspects: (1) active vaccination to induce effective anti-angiogenesis immunity; (2) passive immunotherapy with anti-pro-angiogenic molecules relevant antibody. Evidence from the recent years suggested that anti-angiogenic therapy should be one of the most promising approaches to cancer therapy.     

T cells acquire cell surface determinants of APC via in vivo trogocytosis during viral infections

Trogocytosis describes the transfer of surface determinants between immune cells and has been implicated in immune regulation. Most findings are based on in vitro studies since in vivo trogocytosis of immune cells is difficult to detect under physiological conditions. We used low frequencies of memory P14 T cells to demonstrate that T cells perform trogocytosis in vivo if in contact with APC pulsed with GP33-peptide or expressing the antigen endogenously. Furthermore, in vivo trogocytosis of T cells is demonstrated during infections with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and vaccinia virus. Trogocytosis-positive T cells revealed higher expression of activation marker and cytokines, showing a more activated phenotype compared to trogocytosis-negative T cells.     

髓过氧化物酶在大鼠哮喘中的作用及地塞米松对其的影响

目的：观察大鼠哮喘中性粒细胞（PMN）及其髓过氧化物酶（MPO）的表达水平及地塞米松（DM）对其的影响。方法：采用大鼠哮喘模型，随机分成哮喘组（A组）、正常对照组（C组）、地塞米松治疗组（D组），对血PMN进行分离纯化和支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）进行细胞计数，免疫组化和比色法测定MPO的表达水平。结果：（1）A组血PMN和支气管壁中MPO的表达水平均显著高于C组（P〈0．01）；D组血PMN中其表达水平显著低于A组（P〈0．01），而在支气管壁两者没有显著性差异（P〉0．05）。A组肺组织和BALF中MPO的活性均显著高于C组（P〈0．01，P〈0．05），D组肺组织中其活性显著性低于A组（P〈0．01），而在BALF中两者没有显著性差异（P〉0．05）。（2）A组BALF、肺组织中PMN的计数均显著高于C组（P〈0．01）；D组肺组织中其计数显著高于A组（P〈0．01），而两组BALF中PMN占细胞总数的百分比无显著性差异（P〉0．05）。结论：PMN及其MPO的表达水平在哮喘时增加，PMN可能通过合成MPO参与了哮喘的炎症过程，DM对其合成功能有抑制作用，但加剧PMN在肺组织中聚集。MPO与气道中PMN的浸润密切相关。     

Phase I trial with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2): immune activation by rIL-2 alone or following pretreatment with recombinant interferon-gamma.

Alterations of immunological parameters were analysed in patients with advanced malignancies during a phase I trial with rIL-2. Five-day infusions of rIL-2 at doses from 1 x 10(6) to 24 x 10(6) biological response modifiers program (BRMP) U/m2 per day were given to 29 patients, with a minimum of three patients per dose. The dose of 24 x 10(6) U/m2 per day was the maximal tolerated dose (MTD). Immunological parameters were analyzed at days 0, 8 and 11 of the rIL-2 courses. Following a leucopenia during rIL-2 infusion, a lymphocytosis was found in all patients except one. The lymphocytosis peaked at day 8 and was detected at doses of rIL-2 as low as 1 x 10(6) U/m2 per day, reaching a plateau at a dose of 16 x 10(6) U/m2 per day. Although all lymphocyte subsets were increased in patients receiving rIL-2, some patients had predominant T cells (CD3+, NKH1(CD56)-), others had predominant natural killer (NK) cells (CD3-, NKH1 (CD56)+), and yet others showed a mixed profile. A strong induction of cells cytotoxic for K562 targets was found in all patients at days 8 and 11. Eighteen patients received, 1 month later, a second treatment in which infusion of rIL-2 was preceded by a course of 5 days infusion of 2 x 10(6) U/m2 per day recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma). The infusion of rIFN-gamma prior to rIL-2 had no effect on the rIL-2-induced alterations of immunological parameters. Taken together, our results suggest that immune stimulation by rIL-2 occurs even at low doses and is maximal at a dose below the MTD; and that pretreatment with low-dose rIFN-gamma does not modify the immune stimulation by rIL-2.     

Cancer immunosuppression and autoimmune disease: beyond immunosuppressive networks for tumour immunity

Cancer immunosuppression evolves by constitution of an immunosuppressive network extending from a primary tumour site to secondary lymphoid organs and peripheral vessels and is mediated by several tumour-derived soluble factors (TDSFs) such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). TDSFs induce immature myeloid cells and regulatory T cells in accordance with tumour progression, resulting in the inhibition of dendritic cell maturation and T-cell activation in a tumour-specific immune response. Tumour cells grow by exploiting a pro-inflammatory situation in the tumour microenvironment, whereas immune cells are regulated by TDSFs during anti-inflammatory situations--mediated by impaired clearance of apoptotic cells--that cause the release of IL-10, TGF-beta, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by macrophages. Accumulation of impaired apoptotic cells induces anti-DNA antibodies directed against self antigens, which resembles a pseudo-autoimmune status. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a prototype of autoimmune disease that is characterized by defective tolerance of self antigens, the presence of anti-DNA antibodies and a pro-inflammatory response. The anti-DNA antibodies can be produced by impaired clearance of apoptotic cells, which is the result of a hereditary deficiency of complements C1q, C3 and C4, which are involved in the recognition of phagocytosis by macrophages. Thus, it is likely that impaired clearance of apoptotic cells is able to provoke different types of immune dysfunction in cancer and autoimmune disease in which some are similar and others are critically different. This review discusses a comparison of immunological dysfunctions in cancer and autoimmune disease with the aim of exploring new insights beyond cancer immunosuppression in tumour immunity.     

IL-6对中性粒细胞在炎症中作用的影响

IL-6是炎症起始阶段的一个重要致炎因子,中性粒细胞(PMN)是炎症反应的重要效应细胞,探讨IL-6对PMN在炎症中作用的影响将对了解炎症反应的机制具有重要的意义。IL-6促进PMN从骨髓释放、增强PMN的粘附和聚集、激活PMN胞内酶,并促使细胞毒性颗粒的释放,导致PMN对外来病原体的杀伤能力的增强,但同时这也可能造成自身组织细胞的炎性损伤。本文拟就有关内容作一综述。     

Cancer Testes Antigens in Breast Cancer: Biological Role,Regulation, and Therapeutic Applicability

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women across the world. The last few decades have seen significant reduction in mortality owing to earlier detection and better adjuvant treatments that were developed based on clinical staging and morphological features. As these treatments have evolved, the heterogeneity of breast cancer poses a new challenge, since there is no standard gold-therapy suitable for all tumors of the mammary gland. Therefore, contemporary management and research efforts are directed toward specific prognostic and predictive molecular signatures that can guide targeted individualized therapy. The goal of ongoing research in this field is to identify specific molecular targets for developing novel therapeutic approaches. These targets can also serve to improve screening of breast cancer. This review focuses on the role of cancer testis antigens (CTAs) in breast carcinogenesis and explores the potential for development of targeted screening and therapeutic approaches. Normally found in the testes, these antigens are highly correlative with cancers of the breast, skin, and ovaries. These implications have been further corroborated through uncovering the interaction of CTAs with genes and proteins involved in tumor suppression and homeostasis like p53. There is some evidence that these genes can be targeted for early detection in addition to being candidates for cancer immunotherapy.     

Cancer Testis Antigens: A Novel Target in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer mortality worldwide. This is mainly due to the fact that it is diagnosed in advanced stage patients, which are no more surgically curable. Consequently, searching for novel treatments and new modalities for early diagnosis offers great promise to improve the clinical outcome. Recently, a new group of antigens, the cancer testis antigens, have been described as possible early diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets in cancer therapy.This review will report emerging evidences of cancer testis antigens deregulation in lung cancer and explore the state of the art of their currently known role and potential as markers for early diagnosis and disease progression and targets of an immunotherapeutic approach aiming to improve the cure rate of this tumor.