Chronic, unresolved inflammation correlates with persistent hepatic injury and fibrosis, ultimately progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) demonstrates therapeutic potential against HCC, yet its mechanism in preventing hepatic "inflammation-carcinoma transformation" remains incompletely understood. In the current research, clinical HCC specimens underwent analysis using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate the expression of fibrosis markers, M2 macrophage markers, and CXCL12. In vitro, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced LX-2 cells and a co-culture system of LX-2, THP-1, and HCC cells were established. Cell functions underwent assessment through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence evaluated the differential expression of molecules. The interaction between β-catenin/TCF4 and CXCL12 was examined using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), dual luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. A DEN-induced rat model was developed to investigate BDMC's role in liver fibrosis-associated HCC (LFAHCC) development in vivo. Our results showed that clinical HCC tissues exhibited elevated fibrosis and enriched M2 macrophages. BDMC delayed liver fibrosis progression to HCC in vivo. BDMC inhibited the inflammatory microenvironment induced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Furthermore, BDMC suppressed M2 macrophage-induced fibrosis and HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, BDMC repressed TCF4/β-catenin complex formation, thereby reducing CXCL12 transcription in LX-2 cells. Moreover, CXCL12 overexpression reversed BDMC's inhibitory effect on macrophage M2 polarization and its mediation of fibrosis, as well as HCC proliferation and metastasis. BDMC significantly suppressed LFAHCC development through CXCL12 in rats. In conclusion, BDMC inhibited LFAHCC progression by reducing M2 macrophage polarization through suppressing β-catenin/TCF4-mediated CXCL12 transcription.
Animals ; Liver Neoplasms/etiology* ; Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology* ; Liver Cirrhosis/complications* ; Macrophages/drug effects* ; Male ; Rats ; Chemokine CXCL12/genetics* ; Diarylheptanoids/pharmacology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; beta Catenin/genetics*

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the fastest growing cancers in the world, ranking fourth among the causes of cancer-induced death in the world. At present, the field of HCC treatment is developing rapidly, and immunotherapy has been recognized as a promising treatment method, in which T cells play a key role in HCC immunotherapy. However, in the case of virus infection or in tumor microenvironment (TME), T cells will be continuously stimulated by antigens and then fall into the state of T cell exhaustion (Tex). This state will not only reduce the immunity of patients but also lead to poor efficacy of immunotherapy. Therefore, to deeply analyze the mechanism of Tex and to explore effective strategies to reverse Tex is the key point in the immunotherapy for HCC. This review aims to summarize the mechanism of Tex in HCC patients, and the current situation and shortcomings of drug research and development to reverse Tex at this stage, in order to provide theoretical basis for the optimization of immunotherapy regimen for HCC patients.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy* ; Liver Neoplasms/therapy* ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology* ; Animals ; T-Cell Exhaustion

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) serve as crucial targets in cancer immunotherapy, and their inhibitors have significantly improved the prognosis of many patients with malignant tumors. However, the issues of drug resistance and limited overall response rate associated with monotherapy remain prevalent. As a new generation of immune checkpoints, lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) synergistically enhances the suppression of T cells alongside PD-1 in various cancers. Combining the blockade of both PD-1 and LAG-3 yields stronger anti-tumor immune effects compared to blocking either target alone, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive state of the tumor microenvironment and reducing the occurrence of resistance. This review covers the structural characteristics of LAG-3 and unveils its specific interactions with PD-1 across multiple cancers, providing a novel reference for overcoming the limitations of single-agent therapy.
Humans ; Neoplasms/immunology* ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism* ; Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein ; Antigens, CD/metabolism* ; Animals ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology* ; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use*

The early diagnosis and precise treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) hold significant clinical value in improving patient survival rate. Current diagnostic methods for early-stage ESCC primarily rely on invasive procedures and endoscopy, which can cause discomfort and financial burden for patients. Therefore, non-invasive biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity present a more suitable alternative for early tumor diagnosis. Tumor associated autoantibodies (TAAb), identified as potential biomarkers, have considerable clinical implications for the early diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis assessment of ESCC. Here in we aim to summarize recent research on ESCC-related autoantibodies, including their background, types and development, analyze the potential of those autoantibodies in clinical diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis assessment, and also discuss the limitations of existing research and future directions. The goal is to provide a theoretical foundation for the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of ESCC.
Humans ; Autoantibodies/immunology* ; Esophageal Neoplasms/therapy* ; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/immunology* ; Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology* ; Prognosis ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnosis* ; Animals

The cellular and molecular components of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and their information exchange processes significantly influence the trends of anti-tumor immunity. In recent years, numerous studies have begun to evaluate TIME in the context of previous cancer treatment strategies. This review will systematically summarize the compositional characteristics of TIME and, based on this foundation, explore the impact of current cancer therapies on the remodeling of TIME, aiming to provide new insights for the development of innovative immune combination therapies that can convert TIME into an anti-tumor profile.
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology* ; Humans ; Neoplasms/therapy* ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Animals

Objective Zinc finger protein 335 (Zfp335) plays a crucial role in the early development of thymic T cells and the differentiation of peripheral T cell subpopulations. The objective of this study is to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of Zfp335 in the regulation of regulatory T cell (Treg) within tumor immunity. Methods The Zfp335 gene was specifically knocked out in Treg using tamoxifen (Zfp335^fl/fl FOXP3^creERT2), and the MC38 tumor model was established. On the 7th day after tumor inoculation, tumor size was observed and measured. Tumor size was monitored and recorded daily starting from day 7 post-inoculation. On day 12, tumors were harvested, and the proportions of CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and Treg were analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the mitochondrial function of effector regulatory T cell (eTreg) was assessed. Results From day 10 post-tumor inoculation, tumor volume in the Zfp335^CKO group was significantly reduced compared to that of the wild-type (WT) group. Furthermore, the infiltration of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, along with their respective effector cells, was significantly higher in the Zfp335^CKO group than in the WT group. The proportions of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells producing interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were also significantly increased in the Zfp335^CKO group compared to that of the WT group. In addition, the percentage of CD8⁺ T cells secreting granzyme B (GzmB) was significantly higher in the Zfp335^CKO group than that in the WT group. In contrast, the proportion of Treg and inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS)⁺ Treg in the Zfp335^CKO group was significantly lower than that in the WT group. Finally, the expression level of Mitotracker Deep Red in eTreg from the Zfp335^CKO group was significantly reduced compared to that in the WT group. Conclusion During tumorigenesis, the specific deletion of Zfp335 impairs Treg activation, which is related to decreased mitochondrial function in eTreg. In Zfp335^CKO mice. Tumors exhibit increased infiltration of effector T cells, accompanied by elevated levels of cytotoxic cytokines, ultimately enhancing resistance to tumor progression.
Animals ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism* ; Mice ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Neoplasms/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Female

Objective To investigate the effect of resveratrol on the tumor microenvironment in osteosarcoma. Methods A C57BL/6 xenograft mouse model was established and treated with resveratrol. Single-cell sequencing was performed to analyze changes in the tumor microenvironment. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess immune cell infiltration, while Western blotting was conducted to examine alterations in cellular signaling pathways. Results Resveratrol significantly inhibited the proliferation of LM8 osteosarcoma cells in C57BL/6 mice compared to the control group. Additionally, CD8⁺ T cell recruitment was enhanced. The Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway was notably downregulated in LM8 osteosarcoma cells following resveratrol treatment. Conclusion Resveratrol promotes CD8⁺ T cell infiltration by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in osteosarcoma treatment.
Osteosarcoma/genetics* ; STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics* ; Resveratrol/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Janus Kinase 2/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Humans ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Bone Neoplasms/metabolism* ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Objective To investigate whether PLCB1 expression leads to gastric adenocarcinoma metastasis and poor prognosis, and to preliminarily analyze its mechanism. Methods 122 gastric adenocarcinoma patients and their adjacent non-cancerous tissues were selected, and tissue microarray technology was used to detect the expression levels of PLCB1, epithelial cadherin(E-cadherin), vimentin and CD8⁺ T cells by immunohistochemistry, and scored by two pathologists. According to the immunohistochemical score of PLCB1, the patients were divided into PLCB1 high expression group (IHC>90) and PLCB1 low expression group (IHC≤90). The clinical pathological characteristics, epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related proteins and CD8⁺ T cells expression differences between the two groups were compared. The overall survival of the patients was collected, and COX regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curve were used to evaluate the relationship between PLCB1 expression level and prognosis. Results PLCB1 was highly expressed in 55 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma tissues, while only 12 cases in adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis degree and TNM stage of the PLCB1 high expression group were higher than those of the PLCB1 low expression group. Chi-square test showed that PLCB1 expression level was negatively correlated with E-cadherin (r=-0.339), positively correlated with vimentin (r=0.211), and negatively correlated with CD8⁺ T cells (r=-0.343). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the overall survival and disease-free survival of gastric adenocarcinoma patients with high PLCB1 expression were significantly reduced. Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that except for lymph node metastasis, tumor invasion depth, TNM stage, E-cadherin and vimentin were also independent prognostic factors for gastric adenocarcinoma patients. Conclusion PLCB1 is highly expressed in gastric adenocarcinoma, and is closely related to tumor aggressiveness and prognosis. PLCB1 may induce EMT and inhibit CD8⁺ T cell infiltration to affect gastric adenocarcinoma metastasis and immune response.
Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/genetics* ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Adenocarcinoma/genetics* ; Cadherins/metabolism* ; Aged ; Adult ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Vimentin/metabolism* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Metastasis

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) lymphocytes are at the forefront of adoptive immunotherapy research, and this technology has significantly advanced the prospects of tumor immunotherapy. CAR-T therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in haematological tumours of lymphoid origin and provided therapeutic possibility for solid tumours. Currently, CAR-T cell preparation predominantly involves transfection of T cells with viral vectors. However, the production of viral vectors is time-consuming, expensive, and the vectors have low loading capacity, along with insertion instability. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop more convenient and precise non-viral gene delivery methods. This paper reviews the most promising non-viral gene delivery technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, transposon systems such as Sleeping Beauty (SB) and PiggyBac (PB), and mRNA, and anticipates the future development of non-viral vector-based CAR-T therapies.
Humans ; Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods* ; Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology* ; Animals ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Vectors/genetics* ; Gene Editing ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics* ; DNA Transposable Elements/genetics* ; T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Neoplasms/immunology*

Myeloid-derived cells (MDCs) are crucial in immune response and tissue homeostasis. They have high functional plasticity and can be polarized according to microenvironment signals. These cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells (DCs), exhibit different functional polarization states in different pathological environments and are involved in the occurrence and development of diseases such as inflammation and tumors. Studies have shown that metabolic reprogramming plays a key role in the functional polarization of MDCs, affecting the cellular energy supply and regulating immune function. This paper reviews classification, function and polarization mechanism of MDCs and discusses metabolic reprogramming. In addition, the therapeutic strategies targeting MDC are summarized, which is expected to provide new targets for tumor immunotherapy.
Humans ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology* ; Myeloid Cells/metabolism* ; Neoplasms/pathology* ; Animals ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Dendritic Cells/immunology* ; Macrophages/immunology*