TGR5 deficiency activates antitumor immunity in non-small cell lung cancer via restraining M2 macrophage polarization

The bile acid-responsive G-protein-coupled receptor TGR5 is expressed in monocytes and macrophages, and plays a critical role in regulating inflammatory response. Our previous work has shown its role in promoting the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet the mechanism remains unclear. Here, using Tgr5-knockout mice, we show that TGR5 is required for M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and suppresses antitumor immunity in NSCLC via involving TAMs-mediated CD8⁺ T cell suppression. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that TGR5 promotes TAMs into protumorigenic M2-like phenotypes via activating cAMP-STAT3/STAT6 signaling. Induction of cAMP production restores M2-like phenotypes in TGR5-deficient macrophages. In NSCLC tissues from human patients, the expression of TGR5 is associated with the infiltration of TAMs. The co-expression of TGR5 and high TAMs infiltration are associated with the prognosis and overall survival of NSCLC patients. Together, this study provides molecular mechanisms for the protumor function of TGR5 in NSCLC, highlighting its potential as a target for TAMs-centric immunotherapy in NSCLC.     

LncRNA AK085865 depletion ameliorates asthmatic airway inflammation by modulating macrophage polarization

Accumulating evidence indicates that regulators of macrophages polarization may play a key role in the development of allergic asthma (AA). However, the exact role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating in macrophages polarization in the pathogenesis of dermatophagoides farinae protein 1(Der f1)-induced AA is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the function of lncRNA AK085865 in regulating macrophages in AA. Here we report that lncRNA AK085865 served as a critical regulator of macrophages polarization and reduced the pathological progress of asthmatic airway inflammation. In response to the challenge of Der f1, AK085865^−/− mice displayed attenuated allergic airway inflammation, including decreased eosinophil in BALF and reduced production of IgE, which were associated with decreased mucous glands and goblet cell hyperplasia. In addition, Der f1-treated AK085865^−/− mice show fewer M2 macrophages when compared with WT asthmatic mice. After adopting bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM, M0) from WT mice, Der f1-treated AK085865^−/− mice also revealed a light inflammatory reactions. We further observed that the percentage of type II innate immune lymphoid cells (ILC2s) decreased in AK085865^−/− asthmatic mice. Moreover, M2 macrophages helped promote the differentiation of ILC2s, probably through the exosomal pathway secreted by M2 macrophages. Taken together, these findings reveal that AK085865 depletion can ameliorate asthmatic airway inflammation by modulating macrophage polarization and M2 macrophages can promote the differentiation of innate lymphoid cells progenitor (ILCP) into ILC2s.     

Self-assembled FeS-based cascade bioreactor with enhanced tumor penetration and synergistic treatments to trigger robust cancer immunotherapy

Major challenges for cancer treatment are how to effectively eliminate primary tumor and sufficiently induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) to provoke a robust immune response for metastasis control. Here, a self-assembled cascade bioreactor was developed to improve cancer treatment with enhanced tumor penetration and synergistic therapy of starvation, chemodynamic (CDT) and photothermal therapy. Ultrasmall FeS-GOx nanodots were synthesized with glucose oxidase (GOx) as template and induced by paclitaxel (PTX) to form self-assembling FeS-GOx@PTX (FGP) via hydrophobic interaction. After accumulated at tumor sites, FGP disassembles to smaller FeS-GOx for enhanced deep tumor penetration. GOx maintains high enzymatic activity to catalyze glucose with assistant of oxygen to generate hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as starvation therapy. Fenton reaction involving the regenerated H₂O₂ in turn produced more hydroxyl radicals for enhanced CDT. Following near-infrared laser at 808 nm, FGPs displayed pronounced tumor inhibition in vitro and in vivo by the combination therapy. The consequent increased exposure to calreticulin amplified ICD and promoted dendritic cells maturation. In combination with anti-CTLA4 checkpoint blockade, FGP can absolutely eliminate primary tumor and avidly inhibit distant tumors due to the enhanced intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Our work presents a promising strategy for primary tumor and metastasis inhibition.     

IFN regulatory Factor-1 induced macrophage pyroptosis by modulating m6A modification of circ_0029589 in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BackgroundPyroptosis is identified as a novel form of inflammatory programmed cell death and has been recently found to be closely related to atherosclerosis (AS). We found that IFN regulatory factor-1(IRF-1) effectively promotes macrophage pyroptosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Subsequent studies have demonstrated that circRNAs are implicated in AS. However, the underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in macrophage pyroptosis remain elusive.MethodsWe detected the RNA expression of hsa_circ_0002984, hsa_circ_0010283 and hsa_circ_0029589 in human PBMC-derived macrophages from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The lentiviral recombinant vector for hsa_circ_0029589 overexpression (pLC5-GFP-circ_0029589) and small interference RNAs targeting hsa_circ_0029589 and METTL3 were constructed. Then, macrophages were transfected with pLC5-GFP-circ_0029589, si-circ_0029589 or si-METTL3 after IRF-1 was overexpressed and to explore the potential mechanism of hsa_circ_0029589 involved in IRF-1 induced macrophage pyroptosis.ResultsThe relative RNA expression level of hsa_circ_0029589 in macrophages was decreased, whereas the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level of hsa_circ_0029589 and the expression of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 were validated to be significantly elevated in macrophages in patients with ACS. Furthermore, overexpression of IRF-1 suppressed the expression of hsa_circ_0029589, but induced its m6A level along with the expression of METTL3 in macrophages. Additionally, either overexpression of hsa_circ_0029589 or inhibition of METTL3 significantly increased the expression of hsa_circ_0029589 and attenuated macrophage pyroptosis.ConclusionOur observations suggest a novel mechanism by which IRF-1 facilitates macrophage pyroptosis and inflammation in ACS and AS by inhibiting circ_0029589 through promoting its m6A modification.     

Berberine ameliorates obesity-induced chronic inflammation through suppression of ER stress and promotion of macrophage M2 polarization at least partly via downregulating lncRNA Gomafu

BackgroundBerberine has been established as a potential drug for inflammation and metabolic disorder. Here, we aimed to explore the effects and the underlying mechanisms of berberine on obesity-induced chronic inflammation.MethodsMice were fed with high-fat diet to induce obesity. Inflammation in adipocytes were induced with treatment of free fatty acids. The expression of IL-4, CD206, ARG1 and other markers were used to identify M1 and M2 polarization. The expression of GPR78 and CHOP were used to evaluate endoplasmic reticulum stress. H&E staining was used to reveal the adipose tissue macrophage and adipocytes enlargement.ResultsBerberine treatment attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation in obese mice and free fatty acids-treated adipocytes. Overexpression of lncRNA Gomafu partially blocked the protective effects of berberine in free fatty acids-treated adipocytes by increasing endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, Gomafu overexpression partly reversed berberine-induced enhancement of M2 polarization in macrophages. Finally, Gomafu overexpression induced ER stress and inflammation in mice, which were improved by berberine administration.ConclusionsBerberine improves obesity-induced chronic inflammation by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and consequently promoting macrophage M2 polarization. And these protective effects were mediated at least partly by the suppression of lncRNA Gomafu.     

Pure drug nano-assemblies: A facile carrier-free nanoplatform for efficient cancer therapy

Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (Nano-DDSs) have emerged as possible solution to the obstacles of anticancer drug delivery. However, the clinical outcomes and translation are restricted by several drawbacks, such as low drug loading, premature drug leakage and carrier-related toxicity. Recently, pure drug nano-assemblies (PDNAs), fabricated by the self-assembly or co-assembly of pure drug molecules, have attracted considerable attention. Their facile and reproducible preparation technique helps to remove the bottleneck of nanomedicines including quality control, scale-up production and clinical translation. Acting as both carriers and cargos, the carrier-free PDNAs have an ultra-high or even 100% drug loading. In addition, combination therapies based on PDNAs could possibly address the most intractable problems in cancer treatment, such as tumor metastasis and drug resistance. In the present review, the latest development of PDNAs for cancer treatment is overviewed. First, PDNAs are classified according to the composition of drug molecules, and the assembly mechanisms are discussed. Furthermore, the co-delivery of PDNAs for combination therapies is summarized, with special focus on the improvement of therapeutic outcomes. Finally, future prospects and challenges of PDNAs for efficient cancer therapy are spotlighted.     

A Detailed Protocol for Generation of Therapeutic Antibodies with Galactosylated Glycovariants at Laboratory Scale Using In-Vitro Glycoengineering Technology

N-linked glycosylation is an important post translational modification that occurs on Asparagine 297 residue or a homologous position on the Fc portion of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). mAb Fc glycans play important roles in antibody structure, stability, and function including effector function and pharmacokinetics. The Fc glycans are made up of a wide variety of sugars including galactose, mannose, and sialic acid. The role of galactose in mediating antibody effector functions is not well understood. Hence, there is widespread interest in the antibody research community to understand the role of galactose in antibody effector functions as galactose is a major constituent of antibody glycans. This requires generation of highly enriched galactosylated variants that has been very challenging via cell culture process. To tackle this challenge, we developed a laboratory scale biochemical process to produce highly enriched galactosylated variants. In this article, we report optimized lab-scale workflows and detailed protocols for generation of deglycosylated, hypo-galactosylated and hyper-galactosylated variants of IgG therapeutic antibodies using the in-vitro glycoengineering technology. The optimized workflows offer short turnaround time and produce highly enriched deglycosylated/hypo-galactosylated/hyper-galactosylated IgG glycovariants, with high purity & molecular integrity as demonstrated by data from an example IgG.     

A practical strategy to develop isoform-selective near-infrared fluorescent probes for human cytochrome P450 enzymes

Currently, the development of selective fluorescent probes toward targeted enzymes is still a great challenge, due to the existence of numerous isoenzymes that share similar catalytic capacity. Herein, a double-filtering strategy was established to effectively develop isoenzyme-specific fluorescent probe(s) for cytochrome P450 (CYP) which are key enzymes involving in metabolism of endogenous substances and drugs. In the first-stage of our filtering approach, near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores with alkoxyl group were prepared for the screening of CYP-activated fluorescent substrates using a CYPs-dependent incubation system. In the second stage of our filtering approach, these candidates were further screened using reverse protein-ligand docking to effectively determine CYP isoenzyme-specific probe(s). Using our double-filtering approach, probes S9 and S10 were successfully developed for the real-time and selective detection of CYP2C9 and CYP2J2, respectively, to facilitate high-throughput screening and assessment of CYP2C9-mediated clinical drug interaction risks and CYP2J2-associated disease diagnosis. These observations suggest that our strategy could be used to develop the isoform-specific probes for CYPs.     

Pure photosensitizer-driven nanoassembly with core-matched PEGylation for imaging-guided photodynamic therapy

Pure drug-assembled nanomedicines (PDANs) are currently under intensive investigation as promising nanoplatforms for cancer therapy. However, poor colloidal stability and less tumor-homing ability remain critical unresolved problems that impede their clinical translation. Herein, we report a core-matched nanoassembly of pyropheophorbide a (PPa) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Pure PPa molecules are found to self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs), and an amphiphilic PEG polymer (PPa-PEG_2K) is utilized to achieve core-matched PEGylating modification via the π‒π stacking effect and hydrophobic interaction between the PPa core and the PPa-PEG_2K shell. Compared to PCL-PEG_2K with similar molecular weight, PPa-PEG_2K significantly increases the stability, prolongs the systemic circulation and improves the tumor-homing ability and ROS generation efficiency of PPa-nanoassembly. As a result, PPa/PPa-PEG_2K NPs exert potent antitumor activity in a 4T1 breast tumor-bearing BALB/c mouse xenograft model. Together, such a core-matched nanoassembly of pure photosensitizer provides a new strategy for the development of imaging-guided theragnostic nanomedicines.     

A Novel Method for Preventing Non-specific Binding in Equilibrium Dialysis Assays Using Solutol® as an Additive

Accurate determination of fraction unbound in plasma is required for the interpretation of pharmacology and toxicology data, in addition to predicting human pharmacokinetics, dose, and drug-drug interaction potential. A trend, largely driven by changing target space and new chemical modalities, has increased the occurrence of compounds beyond the traditional rule of 5 physicochemical property space, meaning many drugs under development have high lipophilicity. This can present challenges for ADME assays, including non-specific binding to labware, low dynamic range and solubility. When determining unbound fraction, low recovery, due to non-specific binding, makes bioanalytical sensitivity limiting and prevents determination of free fraction for highly bound compounds. Here, mitigation of non-specific binding through the addition of 0.01% v/v of the excipient Solutol® to an equilibrium dialysis assay has been explored. Solutol® prevented non-specific binding to the dialysis membrane and showed no significant binding to plasma proteins. A test set of compounds demonstrates that this method gives comparable values of fraction unbound. In conclusion, the use of Solutol® as an additive in equilibrium dialysis formats could provide a method of mitigating non-specific binding, enabling the determination of fraction unbound values for highly lipophilic compounds.     

Low-dose naltrexone inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of cervical cancer cells in vitro and effects indirectly on tumor-associated macrophages in vivo

The metastasis of cervical cancer has always been a clinical challenge. We investigated the effects of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) on the epithelial mesenchymal transition of cervical cancer cells in vitro as well as its influence on macrophage polarization and associated cytokines in vivo. The results suggested that LDN supressed the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities and promote their apoptosis in Hela cells, whereas the opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) silenced significantly reversed these effects in vitro. Knockdown the expression of OGFr, the inhibitory of LDN on EMT was weakened. LDN could inhibit cervical cancer progression in nude mice. In additon, LDN indirectly reduced the number of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), mainly M2 macrophages, and decreased expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in the serum of nude mice. These findings demonstrate that LDN could be a potential treatment for cervical cancer.     

A review of existing strategies for designing long-acting parenteral formulations: Focus on underlying mechanisms,and future perspectives

The need for long-term treatments of chronic diseases has motivated the widespread development of long-acting parenteral formulations (LAPFs) with the aim of improving drug pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy. LAPFs have been proven to extend the half-life of therapeutics, as well as to improve patient adherence; consequently, this enhances the outcome of therapy positively. Over past decades, considerable progress has been made in designing effective LAPFs in both preclinical and clinical settings. Here we review the latest advances of LAPFs in preclinical and clinical stages, focusing on the strategies and underlying mechanisms for achieving long acting. Existing strategies are classified into manipulation of in vivo clearance and manipulation of drug release from delivery systems, respectively. And the current challenges and prospects of each strategy are discussed. In addition, we also briefly discuss the design principles of LAPFs and provide future perspectives of the rational design of more effective LAPFs for their further clinical translation.     

Targeting uptake transporters for cancer imaging and treatment

Cancer cells reprogram their gene expression to promote growth, survival, proliferation, and invasiveness. The unique expression of certain uptake transporters in cancers and their innate function to concentrate small molecular substrates in cells make them ideal targets for selective delivering imaging and therapeutic agents into cancer cells. In this review, we focus on several solute carrier (SLC) transporters known to be involved in transporting clinically used radiopharmaceutical agents into cancer cells, including the sodium/iodine symporter (NIS), norepinephrine transporter (NET), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). The molecular and functional characteristics of these transporters are reviewed with special emphasis on their specific expressions in cancers and interaction with imaging or theranostic agents [e.g., I-123, I-131, ¹²³I-iobenguane (mIBG), ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) and ¹³C pyruvate]. Current clinical applications and research areas of these transporters in cancer diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Finally, we offer our views on emerging opportunities and challenges in targeting transporters for cancer imaging and treatment. By analyzing the few clinically successful examples, we hope much interest can be garnered in cancer research towards uptake transporters and their potential applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.     

Precision medicine for rare diseases: The times they are A-Changin'

The greatest challenge of current biomedicine is to identify curative therapies for every disease in a personalized way so that every individual gets benefit. To that end, however, we need fully understand mechanisms of disease that will drive the design of novel therapies and innovative approaches.For rare diseases (RDs) which individually affect low numbers of people (< 1:2000), but together, affect 300 million (∼10% of the world population) the constraints are greater. This is because: 1) there is limited knowledge on RD physiopathology; 2) the low number of patients strongly limits clinical trials; 3) there is low commercial interest by pharma; 4) when specific drugs reach the market, their high cost precludes their reaching all those who need them.Several possibilities that can help mitigate these barriers are discussed here, including orphan drug designation, drug repurposing, break-down into theratypes (as currently in place for Cystic Fibrosis), or novel precision-medicine-based approaches.     

Cancer-specific calcium nanoregulator suppressing the generation and circulation of circulating tumor cell clusters for enhanced anti-metastasis combinational chemotherapy

Tumor metastasis is responsible for chemotherapeutic failure and cancer-related death. Moreover, circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters play a pivotal role in tumor metastasis. Herein, we develop cancer-specific calcium nanoregulators to suppress the generation and circulation of CTC clusters by cancer membrane-coated digoxin (DIG) and doxorubicin (DOX) co-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles (CPDDs). CPDDs could precisely target the homologous primary tumor cells and CTC clusters in blood and lymphatic circulation. Intriguingly, CPDDs induce the accumulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ by inhibiting Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, which help restrain cell–cell junctions to disaggregate CTC clusters. Meanwhile, CPDDs suppress the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, resulting in inhibiting tumor cells escape from the primary site. Moreover, the combination of DOX and DIG at a mass ratio of 5:1 synergistically induces the apoptosis of tumor cells. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that CPDDs not only effectively inhibit the generation and circulation of CTC clusters, but also precisely target and eliminate primary tumors. Our findings present a novel approach for anti-metastasis combinational chemotherapy.     

Crosstalk among colon cancer-derived exosomes,fibroblast-derived exosomes,and macrophage phenotypes in colon cancer metastasis

Cellular crosstalk is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders and cancers. One significant means by which cells communicate with each other is through the release of exosomes. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles formed by the outward budding of plasma membranes, which are then released from cells into the extracellular space. Many studies have suggested that microvesicles released by colon cancer cells initiate crosstalk and modulate the fibroblast activities and macrophage phenotypes. Interestingly, crosstalk among colon cancer cells, macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblasts maximizes the mechanical composition of the stromal extracellular matrix (ECM). Exosomes contribute to cancer cell migration and invasion, which are critical for colon cancer progression to metastasis. The majority of the studies on colorectal cancers (CRCs) have focused on developing exosomal biomarkers for the early detection and prediction of CRC prognosis. This study highlights the crosstalk among colon cancer-derived exosomes, macrophage phenotypes and fibroblasts during colon cancer metastasis.     

Magnetic systems for cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a rapidly developing area of cancer treatment due to its higher specificity and potential for greater efficacy than traditional therapies. Immune cell modulation through the administration of drugs, proteins, and cells can enhance antitumoral responses through pathways that may be otherwise inhibited in the presence of immunosuppressive tumors. Magnetic systems offer several advantages for improving the performance of immunotherapies, including increased spatiotemporal control over transport, release, and dosing of immunomodulatory drugs within the body, resulting in reduced off-target effects and improved efficacy. Compared to alternative methods for stimulating drug release such as light and pH, magnetic systems enable several distinct methods for programming immune responses. First, we discuss how magnetic hyperthermia can stimulate immune cells and trigger thermoresponsive drug release. Second, we summarize how magnetically targeted delivery of drug carriers can increase the accumulation of drugs in target sites. Third, we review how biomaterials can undergo magnetically driven structural changes to enable remote release of encapsulated drugs. Fourth, we describe the use of magnetic particles for targeted interactions with cellular receptors for promoting antitumor activity. Finally, we discuss translational considerations of these systems, such as toxicity, clinical compatibility, and future opportunities for improving cancer treatment.     

First small-molecule PROTACs for G protein-coupled receptors: inducing α1A-adrenergic receptor degradation

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are dual-functional hybrid molecules that can selectively recruit an E3 ubiquitin ligase to a target protein to direct the protein into the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), thereby selectively reducing the target protein level by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Nowadays, small-molecule PROTACs are gaining popularity as tools to degrade pathogenic protein. Herein, we present the first small-molecule PROTACs that can induce the α_1A-adrenergic receptor (α_1A-AR) degradation, which is also the first small-molecule PROTACs for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to our knowledge. These degradation inducers were developed through conjugation of known α₁-adrenergic receptors (α₁-ARs) inhibitor prazosin and cereblon (CRBN) ligand pomalidomide through the different linkers. The representative compound 9c is proved to inhibit the proliferation of PC-3 cells and result in tumor growth regression, which highlighted the potential of our study as a new therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.