Publications by authors named "M Benmebarek"
Functional tumor-specific CD8+ T cells are essential for an effective anti-tumor immune response and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In comparison to other organ sites, we found higher numbers of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells in primary, metastatic liver tumors in murine tumor models. Despite their abundance, CD8+ T cells in the liver displayed an exhausted phenotype.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, and this study explores the role of the vagus nerve in tumor progression by regulating immune responses through acetylcholine (ACh).
- Liver denervation showed a significant reduction in liver tumors, while increasing parasympathetic activity led to tumor growth, indicating a complex relationship between cholinergic signals and adaptive immunity.
- The findings reveal that gut bacteria can affect both behavior and liver anti-tumor immunity through interactions with the vagus nerve, suggesting potential for new treatment targets.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the limited effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) for liver cancer, specifically focusing on the role of adenosine signaling and A2a receptor (A2aR) inhibition combined with anti-PD1 therapy in mouse models.
- Researchers analyzed RNA expression related to the adenosine pathway, examined immune cells from liver cancer patients, and used various mouse models to test the combination therapy.
- Results showed that combining A2aR inhibition with anti-PD1 therapy can significantly enhance T cell activation and reduce tumor size in liver cancer models, suggesting this approach could improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Article Synopsis
- Liver metastases often resist immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the liver may contribute to this resistance, but their specific role is not well understood.* -
- The study utilized flow cytometry and RNA sequencing to analyze the behavior of hepatic Tregs, revealing a unique population that grows significantly in response to ICI treatment, regardless of tumor presence.* -
- The findings suggest that a specific subpopulation of CD29 Tregs in the liver is crucial for the enhanced suppression and resistance to ICI therapy, indicating their potential as targets for improving treatment outcomes.*
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells represent an abundant innate-like T cell subtype in the human liver. MAIT cells are assigned crucial roles in regulating immunity and inflammation, yet their role in liver cancer remains elusive. Here, we present a MAIT cell-centered profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using scRNA-seq, flow cytometry, and co-detection by indexing (CODEX) imaging of paired patient samples.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF