Expression Of CC Chemokine Receptor Research Articles

589 Effects of CCR4 antagonists in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cells

CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is responsible for T-cell skin homing. It is overexpressed in type 2 helper T-cells (Th2) as well as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cells. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are two most common types of CTCL. Currently, Mogamulizumab, a humanized anti-CCR4 antibody, has been FDA-approved to treat MF and SS. However, the clinical response rates for SS patients was 30% and for MF patients was 22% and severe drug eruptions following treatment were reported. Thus, a more effective and less toxic strategy is needed for CCR4-targeted therapy. CCR4 antagonists have been studied in diseases where Th2 cells participate, such as asthma and atopic dermatitis, but little has been done for CTCL. Here, we tested two CCR4 antagonists, C021 (class I antagonist) and AZD2098 (class II antagonist), in MF derived cell line (MJ) and SS derived cell line (Hut78). The effects of two compounds on cell chemotaxis, proliferation, apoptosis, and Th2 cytokine secretion were assessed. As expected, CCR4 was highly expressed on MJ and Hut78 cells. MJ and Hut78 cells showed chemotactic responses to TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22. Both C021 and AZD2098 inhibited chemotactic responses to TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 in MJ and Hut78 cells. Of note, C021 inhibited chemotaxis to CCL17 at a much lower concentration (IC50: 0.186 μM) than to CCL22 (1.3 μM) in MJ cells. AZD2098 inhibited chemotaxis to CCL17 at a much lower concentration (IC50: 0. 12 μM) than to CCL22 (0.866 μM) in Hut78 cells. Interestingly, only C021 downregulated CCR4 expression on cell surfaces. Only C021 inhibited cell proliferation, at a higher concentration (IC50: 3.21 μM in MJ cells; 5.98 μM in Hut78 cells), and induced cell apoptosis. AZD2098 had no such effect at any concentrations tested. In addition, the expressions of IL-5 and IL-13 proteins were decreased after treatment with C021 but not with AZD2098. Our results suggest that both CO21 and AZD2098 have inhibitory effects on chemotaxis of CTCL cells, but only C021 exerts other effects on CTCL cells. The in vivo study is on the way.

CCL25 promotes the migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells by regulating VEGF and MMPs in a CCR9-dependent manner.

The CC chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) and its natural secreted ligand CC motif chemokine ligand 25 (CCL25) have been implicated in cancer metastasis. However, their metastatic potential in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression and localization of CCR9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-7 in lung cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue. The association between the expression of CCR9 and clinical variables was also examined. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were conducted to detect the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, MMP-1 and MMP-7 in lung cancer cell lines (A549 and SK-MES-1). Migration and invasion assays were conducted to examine cell migration and invasion. Survival and mutation analysis were conducted using published datasets. The expressions of CCR9, VEGF, MMP-1 and MMP-7 were upregulated in cancer tissue, compared with adjacent normal tissue (all P<0.05). Patients with lower expression of CCR9 or CCL25 had better overall survival (OS) compared with those with higher CCR9 or CCL25 expression (P<0.05 and P=0.05, respectively). Furthermore, the expressions of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, MMP-1 and MMP-7 were higher in the CCL25-treated cell lines (all P<0.05), but MMP-7 protein expression was not affected by CCL25 treatment in SK-MES-1 cells (P>0.05). Following treatment with CCL25, lung cancer cells demonstrated higher migratory and invasive potential, which could be blocked by the CCR9 antibody (P<0.05). Survival analysis demonstrated that low expression levels of both CCR9 and CCL25 mRNA indicated favorable OS in patients with NSCLC. Altogether, these results suggested that CCL25 enhanced the phenotype associated with migration and invasion in NSCLC by regulating the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, MMP-1 and MMP-7.

CCR5 blockade inflames antitumor immunity in BAP1-mutant clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BackgroundPatients with BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1)-mutant clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have worse prognosis. C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) plays an important role in ccRCC development and its expression...

Expression and Activity of CCR5 on THP‐1 Monocytes and Monocyte‐Derived Macrophages

Macrophages represent more than 50% of tumor infiltrating cells and are known to express CC chemokine receptor CCR5. Though notable for its involvement in HIV infection, high expression of CCR5 has been found in tumor tissue of various cancers and has been associated with poor outcomes. This suggests CCR5 may play role in cancer progression. The purpose of this study is to further define the role of CCR5 stimulation in the behavior of macrophages and their predecessor cell, the monocyte. For this study, macrophages were derived from THP‐1 monocytes via treatment with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) (160 nM for two days). THP‐1 monocyte and monocyte‐derived macrophage (MDM) CCR5 expression was confirmed using flow cytometry. Macrophage CCR5 expression was evaluated at 1, 2, 4, and 8 days post PMA treatment, showing an overall increase in CCR5 expression over the eight days. To establish appropriate stimulation of chemokine receptor CCR5, chemotaxis dose response curves were performed on THP‐1 monocytes using 8 μm pore, collagen‐1 coated trans‐well inserts. Chemokine ligand CCL4 was used as the chemoattractant for these studies due to its relative selectivity for CCR5. Experimental groups included: control cells in serum free medium (RPMI‐1640) and cells in CCL4 concentrations of 10 ng/mL, 30 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL, 300 ng/mL, and 1000 ng/mL in serum free medium. After 24 hours, cell concentration in the bottom chamber of each well was determined; cells were concentrated, resuspended in a known volume, and counted using a hemocytometer. Results showed a dose‐dependent chemotactic response to CCL4, reaching a plateau between 300 and 1000 ng/mL. To further evaluate the role of CCR5 in monocyte migration, chemotaxis studies similar to those above were carried out in the presence of CCR5 inhibitor maraviroc (MVC). Experimental groups included: control (serum‐free RPMI‐1640), CCL4 (100 or 300 ng/mL), MVC (5 μg/mL), and CCL4 &amp; MVC (as previous). This assay was run for 24 hours and cells were counted as noted above. Results showed MVC attenuated chemotaxis both in the presence and absence of CCL4 treatment. The effect of CCL4 stimulation on monocyte and MDM CCR5 expression was examined using flow cytometry. Expression levels were measured after 3 and 18 hours of CCL4 treatment. Treatment concentrations included 100 ng/mL and 300 ng/mL for monocytes and 100 ng/mL for MDMs. Results showed no change in monocyte CCR5 expression after 3 or 18 hours when compared to untreated cells. For MDMs, there was no change in expression at 3 hours; however, CCR5 expression was modestly increased at 18 hours of CCL4 treatment. In summary, our findings show that THP‐1 CCR5 expression is affected by PMA monocyte‐to‐macrophage conversion. CCL4 effectively stimulates THP‐1 cell chemotaxis which is attenuated by CCR5 inhibition by MVC. Further development of this in‐vitro model should prove useful in determining the role of monocyte and macrophage CCR5 in cancer progression.Support or Funding InformationSupported by a Grant from KCOM Graduate Program Committee

CCL21/CCR7 interaction promotes EMT and enhances the stemness of OSCC via a JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Chemokines and their receptors show a strong relationship with poor clinical outcomes in various cancers. However, their underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In our research, we found C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) and its ligand chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) were abnormally abundant in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues, and CCR7 expression was correlated with poor prognosis of OSCC. After exogenous CCL21 stimulation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was promoted in OSCC cells, and cancer stem cell-related markers CD133, CD44, BMI1, ALDH1A1, and OCT4 increased. The migration, invasion, tumorsphere formation, and colony formation abilities of OSCC cells were enhanced, indicating that the stemness of OSCC cells was also improved. The knockdown and overexpression of CCR7 efficiently affected the CCL21-induced EMT and stemness of OSCC cells. When treated with CCL21, the phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT3 markedly increased. The inhibitor of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) significantly suppressed CCL21-induced EMT and stemness of OSCC cells. In conclusion, CCL21/CCR7 axis regulated EMT progress and promoted the stemness of OSCC by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. CCL21/CCR7 might be an effective target for OSCC prevention and treatment.

CCR9 Promotes Migration and Invasion of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cancer Stem Cells.

Aim: CC chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) interacts with its exclusive ligand CCL25, resulting in promoting tumor progression and metastasis. However, the effect and mechanisms of CCR9 on lung adenocarcinoma distant metastasis remain largely unknown. To preliminary clarify the underlying mechanisms, we investigate the correlation between CCR9 and ALDH1A1+cancer stem cells (CSCs), as well as the effect of CCR9 on the migration and invasion of CSCs.Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of CCR9 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. The correlations of CCR9 with distant metastasis and overall survival were investigated. Serial paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were used to detect ALDH1A1+CSCs expression. The correlations between CCR9 expression and ALDH1A1+CSCs were evaluated. We further studied the effect of CCR9/CCL25 on the migration and invasion of CSCs using transwell assays.Results: There were positive correlations between CCR9 expression and distant metastasis, as well as poor overall survival. Patients with high CCR9 expression were more likely to develop distant metastasis and demonstrated poorer overall survival than patients with low CCR9 expression. In addition, there was positive correlation between the expression of CCR9 and ALDH1A1 in the same tumor microenvironment. ALDHhigh CSCs demonstrated enhanced expression of CCR9 than ALDHlow cells. Further transwell assays demonstrated that the numbers of CSCs migrated or invaded in response to CCL25 were more than that without CCL25 stimulation. Additional application of anti-CCR9 antibody reversed the CCL25-induced migration and invasion of CSCs.Conclusions: In summary, our study demonstrated that CCR9/CCL25 promoted the migration and invasion of CSCs, which might contribute to distant metastasis and poor overall survival. Our findings provided evidence that CCR9/CCL25 could be used as novel therapeutic targets for lung adenocarcinoma.

Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Mogamulizumab in Adults With Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma or Adult T-Cell Lymphoma.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) are rare non-Hodgkin lymphomas commonly expressing C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4). Mogamulizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CCR4 approved in the United States for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome, the most common forms of CTCL. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and clinical study data from 444 adult patients with ATL or CTCL collected during 6 clinical trials of mogamulizumab were used to construct a population PK model, which was best described by a 2-compartment model with linear clearance. Albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment, and sex were statistically significant predictors of clearance; albumin was also a statistically significant predictor of peripheral volume of distribution; and body surface area was a statistically significant predictor for central volume of distribution. None of the other covariates-for example, age, body weight, body mass index, bilirubin, creatinine clearance, disease type (ATL and CTCL), ATL subtype (acute, lymphoma, and chronic), CTCL subtype (mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome), CCR4 expression (status or degree), race (Japanese and non-Japanese), renal impairment (normal, mild, moderate, and severe), or performance status-had a statistically significant impact. Performance of the final population PK model was acceptable. This model will be valuable for guiding further studies of mogamulizumab.

Mir-21-5p inhibits the progression of human chondrosarcoma by regulating CCR7/STAT3/NF-κB pathway

ABSTRACT Purpose: MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) play an important role in the initiation and development of chondrosarcoma (CS). However, the role of miR-21-5p in CS progression and its underlying molecular mechanisms remains unclear. Materials and Methods: miR-21-5p expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the target of miR-21-5p. Western blot was applied to explore the expressions of CCR7 and EMT biomarkers. Then, the xenograft model was established to confirm the effects of miR-21-5p. Results: miR-21-5p was significantly downregulated in CS tissues and cells and negatively correlated with grade, recurrence, and 5-year overall survival. In vitro, miR-21-5p caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis by decreasing cyclin D1 expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio. miR-21-5p suppressed cell migration and invasion of CS cells by inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vivo, miR-21-5p inhibited xenograft tumor formation of SW1353 cells. Mechanistically, miR-21-5p targeted the 3’-UTR of C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) mRNA to inhibit its expression. Overexpression of CCR7 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-21-5p on CS cell behaviors. However, the silencing of CCR7 enhanced the inhibitory effects of miR-21-5p on CS cells. Besides, the overexpression of miR-21-5p or silencing of CCR7 obviously reduced the expression levels of p-STAT3, p-p56, and p-IκBα. Conclusion: miR-21-5p targeted CCR7 expression to inhibit the STAT3 and NF-κB signaling, thereby suppressing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in CS cells, which might be a novel mechanistic study for CS therapy. Abbreviations: 3’-UTR: 3’-untranslated region; CCR7: C-C chemokine receptor type 7; CS: chondrosarcoma; DMEM: dulbecco’s modified eagle’s medium; EMT: epithelial–mesenchymal transition; HEK-293T: human embryonic kidney-293T; miR-21-5p: microRNA-21-5p; miR-NC: negative control miRNA; SD: standard deviation; si-CCR7: CCR7 siRNAs

Adenosine 2A Receptor Activation Contributes to Ang II-Induced Aortic Remodeling by Promoting Macrophage Retention.

The A2AR (adenosine 2A receptor) plays a crucial role in the pathophysiological process of cardiovascular diseases, yet its effect on aortic remodeling remains unclear. We observed elevated adenosine and A2AR levels following infusion of mice with Ang II (angiotensin II), suggesting a potential role for the adenosine-A2AR system in macrophage accumulation and subsequent aortic remodeling. The effects and mechanisms of A2AR on macrophage dynamics during aortic remodeling were further investigated using mice with macrophage knockout of A2AR and by transplantation of A2AR-/- bone marrow. We demonstrated that macrophage knockout of A2AR inhibited macrophage accumulation and subsequent aortic remodeling by inhibiting macrophage retention. This was shown to occur via promotion of macrophage emigration to the draining lymph node. These effects correlated with restoration of the expression and surface content of CCR7 (CC chemokine receptor 7). Consistently, A2AR-/- bone marrow transplantation relieved Ang II-induced aortic remodeling, macrophage retention, and CCR7 downregulation and internalization, all of which were rescued by A2AR+/+ bone marrow transplantation. In addition, CCR7 antibody treatment blocked all the protective effects observed in A2AR-cKO mice, including attenuation of aortic remodeling and decreased macrophage retention. In in vitro studies, A2AR activation induced by Ang II suppressed macrophage migration to CCL19 (CC-chemokine ligand) 19 through downregulation and internalization of CCR7. In summary, A2AR activation contributes to Ang II-induced macrophage retention and subsequent aortic remodeling by inhibiting migration of macrophages to the draining lymph node through regulating CCR7 expression and internalization.

Blood flow restriction impairs the inflammatory adaptations of strength training in overweight men: a clinical randomized trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of high-intensity strength training (ST) or low-intensity strength training with blood flow restriction (ST-BFR) on monocyte subsets, the expression of C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), and CD16 on monocytes, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production of overweight men. Thirty overweight men were randomly assigned to conventional ST or ST-BFR. Both groups performed exercises of knee extension and biceps curl with equal volume (3 sessions/week) over 8 weeks, and the peripheral frequency of monocytes (CD14+CD16-, classical monocytes; CD14+CD16+, intermediate monocytes; CD14-CD16+, nonclassical monocytes), the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CCR5 and CD16 on CD14+ monocytes; and the production of TNF-α by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cells were quantified. Eight weeks of ST increased the frequency of CD14+CD16- monocytes (p = 0.04) and reduced the percentage of CD14-CD16+ (p = 0.02) and the production of TNF-α by LPS-stimulated cells (p = 0.03). The MFI of CD16 on CD14+ monocytes decreased after the ST intervention (p = 0.02). No difference in monocyte subsets, CCR5 or CD16 expression, and TNF-α production were identified after ST-BFR intervention (p > 0.05). The adoption of ST promotes anti-inflammatory effects on monocyte subsets of overweight men, but this effect was lost when BFR was adopted. Novelty High-intensity strength training reduces the production of TNF-α and the peripheral frequency of CD16+ monocytes in overweight men. Blood flow restriction method blunts the strength training adaptations on monocyte subsets and pro-inflammatory TNF-α production in overweight men.

C‐C chemokine receptor 4 expression in CD8+ cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas and lymphoproliferative disorders, and its implications for diagnosis and treatment

Patients with aggressive CD8+ cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) progress rapidly and respond poorly to therapy. Confounding treatment planning, there is clinicopathological overlap between aggressive CD8+ CTCLs and other lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). Hence, improved diagnostic methods and therapeutic options are needed. The aim of this study was to examine C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) expression as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker in CD8+ CTCLs/LPDs. Forty-nine cases (41 patients) with CD8+ CTCLs/LPDs were examined, including CD8+ mycosis fungoides (MF) (n=14), aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (AETCL) (n=8), subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) (n=7), CD30+ LPDs (n=6), primary cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphoma (GDTCL) (n=6), and others (n=8). Immunohistochemical tissue staining was performed with a CCR4 monoclonal antibody on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. CCR4 immunostaining was graded as percentage infiltrate, i.e. high (>25%) and low (≤25%), and the results were correlated with clinicopathological diagnoses. CCR4 expression was seen in 69% of the studied cases. Any CCR4 positivity was seen in all CD8+ MF cases, in 83% of CD30+ LPD cases, in 75% of AETCL cases, in 33% of GDTCL cases, and in none of the SPTCL cases. High CCR4 expression was seen in 79% of CD8+ MF cases versus 33% of CD30+ LPD cases, in 17% of GDTCL cases, and in 12.5% of AETCL cases. Patients with more advanced MF stage had higher CCR4 expression. CCR4 immunohistochemistry may be an adjunct in distinguishing advanced CD8+ MF from other CD8+ CTCLs/LPDs. Although CCR4 expression may justify therapeutic targeting of this receptor in CD8+ MF, the role of such therapies in other CD8+ CTCLs/LPDs is not yet clear.

LDK378 inhibits the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells to spleen via the p38-GRK2-CCR2 pathway in mice with sepsis.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are functionally immunosuppressive cells that are persistently increased in abundance and associated with adverse clinical outcomes in sepsis. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of an anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor, LDK378, in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial sepsis and examined its effects on the recruitment of MDSCs. LDK378 significantly improved the survival of CLP-induced polymicrobial septic mice, which was paralleled by reduced organ injury, decreased release of inflammatory cytokines and decreased recruitment of MDSCs to the spleen. Importantly, LDK378 inhibited the migration of MDSCs to the spleen by blocking the CLP-mediated upregulation of CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), a chemokine receptor critical for the recruitment of MDSCs. Mechanistically, LDK378 treatment blocked the CLP-induced CCR2 upregulation of MDSCs via partially inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) in bone marrow MDSCs of septic mice. Furthermore, invitro experiments also showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced migration of MDSCs was similarly owing to the activation of GRK2 and upregulation of CCR2 by LPS, whereas the treatment with LDK378 partially blocked the LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 and GRK2 and decreased the expression of CCR2 on the cell surface, therefore leading to the suppression of MDSC migration. Together, these findings unravel a novel function of LDK378 in the host response to infection and suggest that LDK378 could be a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis.

CCL19 and CCR7 Expression, Signaling Pathways, and Adjuvant Functions in Viral Infection and Prevention.

Chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19) is a critical regulator of the induction of T cell activation, immune tolerance, and inflammatory responses during continuous immune surveillance, homeostasis, and development. Migration of CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7)-expressing cells to secondary lymphoid organs is a crucial step in the onset of adaptive immunity, which is initiated by a complex interaction between CCR7 and its cognate ligands. Recent advances in knowledge regarding the response of the CCL19-CCR7 axis to viral infections have elucidated the complex network of interplay among the invading virus, target cells and host immune responses. Viruses use various strategies to evade or delay the cytokine response, gaining additional time to replicate in the host. In this review, we summarize the impacts of CCL19 and CCR7 expression on the regulation of viral pathogenesis with an emphasis on the corresponding signaling pathways and adjuvant mechanisms. We present and discuss the expression, signaling adaptor proteins and effects of CCL19 and CCR7 as these molecules differentially impact different viral infections and viral life cycles in host homeostatic strategies. The underlying mechanisms discussed in this review may assist in the design of novel agents to modulate chemokine activity for viral prevention.

A positive feedback loop of \u03b2-catenin/CCR2 axis promotes regorafenib resistance in colorectal cancer

Resistance to molecular targeted therapies is a significant challenge for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing effective strategies against regorafenib resistance are highly desired in the clinic. Here, we screened the expression of chemokine receptors and identified CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) as a top upregulated gene in regorafenib-resistant cells. CCR2 silencing alleviated drug tolerance in regorafenib-resistant cells, while overexpression of CCR2 enhanced CRC cells resistance to regorafenib. Moreover, CCR2-mediated regorafenib tolerance was demonstrated to be associated with AKT/GSK3β-regulated β-catenin stabilization. In turn, β-catenin modulation is sufficient to trigger the transcriptional activation of CCR2 expression. Clinically, high-CCR2 expression was correlated to shorter overall survival and disease-free survival of patients. A positive correlation between CCR2 and nuclear β-catenin expression was observed in a cohort of CRC tissues. Altogether, these findings suggest β-catenin and CCR2 are part of a positive-feedback loop, which sustains a high CCR2 expression level, conferring CRC cells resistance to regorafenib. Thus, targeting CCR2 may be a useful therapeutic strategy to alleviate regorafenib tolerance to increase the efficacy of CRC treatments.

Increased infiltration of CCR4-positive regulatory T cells in prostate cancer tissue is associated with a poor prognosis.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play important roles in the suppression of immune responses, including antitumor immune responses. C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is highly expressed on effector Tregs, and anti-CCR4 antibody is attracting attention as a novel immunotherapeutic agent for solid tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of CCR4-positive Tregs (CCR4+Tregs) in prostate cancer and estimate the clinical potential of CCR4-targeting therapy for prostate cancer. A total of 15 radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens and 60 biopsy specimens from individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer were analyzed to evaluate the infiltration of CCR4+Tregs in prostate cancer. The relationships between the number of CCR4+Tregs and clinical parameters were investigated in RP and biopsy specimens. Moreover, the total number of Tregs, CCR4+Tregs, and T cells and the ratio of CCR4+Tregs to Tregs and T cells in biopsy specimens were compared between patients with poor prognosis who progressed to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) within 12 months (n = 13) and those with good prognosis who were stable with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer over 12 months (n = 47). Furthermore, biopsy specimens were divided into two groups: low and high CCR4+Treg expression groups and the prognosis was compared between them. There was a higher expression of CCR4+Tregs in RP specimens with a higher (≥8) Gleason score than in those with a lower (<8) Gleason score (P = .041). In biopsy specimens, 65.9% Tregs were positive for CCR4. The number of CCR4+Tregs positively correlated with clinical stage (P < .001) and Gleason score (P = .006). The total number of Tregs and CCR4+Tregs significantly increased in the poor prognosis group compared with that in the good prognosis group (P = .024 and .01, respectively). Furthermore, patients with lower CCR4+Treg expression levels showed a significantly longer time to progression to CRPC (not reached vs27.3 months; P < .001) and median survival time (not reached vs69.0 months; P = .014) than those with higher expression levels. CCR4+Tregs are highly infiltrated in the prostate tissue of patients with poor prognosis with potential to progress to CRPC. Furthermore, the degree of infiltration of CCR4+Tregs is related to the prognosis of prostate cancer.

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 Probiotics May Increase CC-Chemokine Receptor 7 Expression in Infants Treated With for Colic.

Aim: Studies have shown that Lactobacilli reuteri probiotics can affect cells that play a key role in the immune system. This in vivo Italian study investigated how Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 influenced CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in breastfed colicky infants.Methods: Our University hospital in Turin recruited 50 healthy outpatients, at a median age of approximately 1 month, from September 2017 to August 2018. They were randomized to daily Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 (1 × 108 cfu) or a placebo for 28 days from recruitment. We collected peripheral blood and evaluated the expression of CCR7 messenger ribonucleic acid using the real-time TaqMan reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method at baseline and after the study period.Results: We found increased expression of CC-chemokine receptor 7 in infants treated with the probiotic, but not the controls (p < 0.0026). No differences were observed for interleukin 10 after the study period in either group. At baseline, daily crying time was comparable in the probiotic and control groups: 341 (25) vs. 337 (29) min., respectively (p = 0.450). After 28 days, daily mean crying time decrease statistically in the probiotic group: 78 (23) vs. 232 (31), respectively (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The increase in CC-chemokine receptor 7 might have been a response to probiotic treatment. As a relatively small sample was used to conduct this study, our research needs to be replicated in different settings, and over time, to produce comparable findings.

CCR8 leads to eosinophil migration and regulates neutrophil migration in murine allergic enteritis

Allergic enteritis (AE) is a gastrointestinal form of food allergy. This study aimed to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms of AE using a murine model. To induce AE, BALB/c wild type (WT) mice received intraperitoneal sensitization with ovalbumin (an egg white allergen) plus ALUM and feeding an egg white (EW) diet. Microarray analysis showed enhanced gene expression of CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 8 and its ligand, chemokine CC motif ligand (CCL) 1 in the inflamed jejunum. Histological and FACS analysis showed that CCR8 knock out (KO) mice exhibited slightly less inflammatory features, reduced eosinophil accumulation but accelerated neutrophil accumulation in the jejunums, when compared to WT mice. The concentrations of an eosinophil chemoattractant CCL11 (eotaxin-1), but not of IL-5, were reduced in intestinal homogenates of CCR8KO mice, suggesting an indirect involvement of CCR8 in eosinophil accumulation in AE sites by inducing CCL11 expression. The potential of CCR8 antagonists to treat allergic asthma has been discussed. However, our results suggest that CCR8 blockade may promote neutrophil accumulation in the inflamed intestinal tissues, and not be a suitable therapeutic target for AE, despite the potential to reduce eosinophil accumulation. This study advances our knowledge to establish effective anti-inflammatory strategies in AE treatment.

Abstract 200: The MCP-1/CCR2 axis enhances VEGF-A-dependent angiogenesis by directly downregulating miR-29c expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, has a poor prognosis due to its aggressiveness and potential for metastasis. Activation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and its receptor, CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), induces angiogenic activation of endothelial cells, inflammatory responses and aberrant MCP-1/CCR2 expression in malignant tissues. However, the effect of MCP-1 and CCR2 in OSCC angiogenesis is unclear. Our study sought to determine how the MCP-1/CCR2 axis mediates VEGF-A expression in OSCC and results in angiogenesis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis identified higher concentrations of VEGF-A protein expression in tissue obtained from patients with OSCC compared with tissue from healthy controls; the degree of VEGF-A tumor expression was significantly associated with the clinical disease stage. Our in vitro investigations found that MCP-1 dose-dependently regulated VEGF-A expression through the CCR2, ILK and MEK signal transduction pathways. Following MCP-1 application, conditioned medium from the human OSCC cell line SCC4 significantly promoted endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) migration and tube formation; these events were attenuated and VEGF-A production was suppressed when we stimulated the OSCC cells with the pathway inhibitors RS102895, KP392, and PD98059. We also showed that microRNA (miR)-29c expression was negatively regulated by MCP-1 via the CCR2/ILK/MEK cascade, tying in with an analysis of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database showing lower levels of miR-29c expression in tissues from patients with oral cancer compared with samples from healthy controls. According to our results, the MCP-1/CCR2 axis promotes VEGF-A expression in OSCC via the ILK and MEK signal transduction pathways and downregulates miR-29c expression. Thus, MCP-1/CCR2 mediation of VEGF-A mobilizes EPCs required for OSCC and is important for tumor angiogenesis. MCP-1/CCR2 may be an appropriate target in the treatment of OSCC angiogenesis. Citation Format: Ming-Yu Lien, Chih-Hsin Tang. The MCP-1/CCR2 axis enhances VEGF-A-dependent angiogenesis by directly downregulating miR-29c expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 200.

Abstract 1968: Tumor necrosis factor-α upregulation of CCR7 induces prostate cancer cell migration in lymphatic metastasis

Abstract Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) with lymph node (LN) metastasis has a poor patient prognosis. Broader understanding of the causes of LN metastasis and disease dissemination will assist in developing novel treatments. C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) and its ligand CCL21 are abundantly expressed in LN metastasis and during PCa progression. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is present at low levels within the tumor microenvironment. TNF-α and C-C chemokines interact in tumorigenesis. The study aim was to determine whether TNF-α might promote PCa dissemination from metastatic LN by activating the CCL21/CCR7 axis. Methods: TNF-α and CCR7 mRNA and protein expression were assayed in PC-3, DU145, and LNCaP, and human PCa cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Promotion of transmembrane migration by TNF-α was assayed in CCL21-pretreated PCa cells. Phosphorylation of several mitogen-activated protein kinases expressed downstream of TNF-α was assayed. Results: Low-dose TNF-α induced CCR7 expression in PCa cells and promoted migration of CCL21-pretreated PCa cells. TNF-α-mediated CCR7 upregulation via the ERK signaling pathway. p38 was a downstream target of CCL21/CCR7 signaling and a key factor in the promotion of PCa cell migration. Conclusions: This is the first demonstration of the influence of the TNF-α-CCL21/CCR7 axis on PCa cell migration in the microenvironment of LN metastasis. Because it is activated in PCa LN metastasis, the CCL21/CCR7 axis might be a novel therapeutic target and biomarker of PCa. Citation Format: Tomoyuki Makino, Kouji Izumi, Aerken Maolake, Ariunbold Natsagdorj, Hiroaki Iwamoto, Suguru Kadomoto, Renato Naito, Kaoru Hiratsuka, Yoshifumi Kadono, Atsushi Mizokami. Tumor necrosis factor-α upregulation of CCR7 induces prostate cancer cell migration in lymphatic metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1968.

Monocytic C-C chemokine receptor 5 expression increases in in vitro intermittent hypoxia condition and in severe obstructive sleep apnea patients

PurposeObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients have higher risk of cardiovascular disease. C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), as an important receptor for monocyte recruitment and the initiation of atherosclerosis, was studied under intermittent hypoxia and in OSA patients.MethodsThe expression and function of CCR5 regulated by intermittent hypoxia in monocytic THP-1 cells were investigated in an in vitro intermittent hypoxia culture system. The expression levels of protein and mRNA were analyzed by western blot and RT/real-time PCR analysis. Cell adhesion assay and transwell filter migration assay were carried out to investigate the adhesion and chemotaxis of monocytes. In addition, the mRNA expression of CCR5 in monocytes isolated from peripheral blood of 72 adults was analyzed.ResultsIntermittent hypoxia upregulated the expression of CCR5 in THP-1 cells and enhanced the adhesion and chemotaxis of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells mediated by RANTES. The CCR5 expression induced by intermittent hypoxia was inhibited by inhibitor for p42/44 MAPK. Besides, the expression of CCR5 in monocytes increased along the AHI value especially in severe OSA patients that was statistically significant compared with mild and moderate OSA groups.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the increased monocytic CCR5 gene expression in patients with severe OSA. Intermittent hypoxia, the characteristic of OSA, induced monocytic CCR5 gene expression and the enhanced RANTES-mediated chemotaxis and adhesion through p42/44 MAPK signal pathways.