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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Artesunate Switches Monocytes to an Inflammatory Phenotype with the Ability to Kill Leukemic Cells

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Author(s):
Mancuso, Rubia Isler [1] ; Olalla Saad, Sara Teresinha [1] ; Azambuja, Juliana Hofstatter [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Hematol & Transfus Med Ctr, BR-13083970 Campinas - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES; v. 22, n. 2 JAN 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Monocytes are components of the tumor microenvironment related to cancer progression and immune escape. Therapeutic strategies for reprogramming monocytes from a tumor-supporting phenotype towards a tumoricidal phenotype are of great interest. Artesunate (ART) may be an interesting option for cancer treatment; however, the role of ART in regulating the inflammatory tumor microenvironment has not yet been investigated. Our aim is to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of ART in vitro in human primary monocytes. ART treatment induced an increase in inflammatory monocytes (CD14(high)CD16(-)) with HLA-DR high expression and MCP-1/IL-1 beta release. On the other hand, ART treatment reduced CD206 and CD163 expression, and abolished the monocyte population known as non-classical and intermediate. Leukemia cells in contact with monocytes programmed with ART presented enhanced in vitro apoptosis suggesting that monocytes acquired the ability to kill leukemic cells. ART induced changes in the monocyte phenotype were mediated by JAK2/STAT3 downregulation. The induction of immunosuppressive environment is an important step for cancer progression. ART showed an immunomodulatory activity, leading immune cells to an antitumor phenotype and could be a candidate for immunotherapy in cancer patients. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/21801-2 - Predictors of severity and new treatments for bone marrow neoplasias
Grantee:Sara Teresinha Olalla Saad
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants