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Targeting the tumor microenvironment in B-cell lymphoma: challenges and opportunities

Journal of Hematology & Oncology volume 14, Article number: 125 (2021) Cite this article

Abstract

B-cell lymphoma is a group of hematological malignancies with high clinical and biological heterogeneity. The pathogenesis of B-cell lymphoma involves a complex interaction between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is composed of stromal cells and extracellular matrix. Although the roles of the TME have not been fully elucidated, accumulating evidence implies that TME is closely relevant to the origination, invasion and metastasis of B-cell lymphoma. Explorations of the TME provide distinctive insights for cancer therapy. Here, we epitomize the recent advances of TME in B-cell lymphoma and discuss its function in tumor progression and immune escape. In addition, the potential clinical value of targeting TME in B-cell lymphoma is highlighted, which is expected to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Introduction

Lymphomas mainly comprise Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), representing a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative diseases. B-cell lymphomas account for almost 95% of all lymphoma cases [1], among which diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype, accounting for approximately 30% of all NHL cases [2]. Patients with B-cell lymphomas are usually characterized by lymphadenopathy, extranodal disease or both and present the potential for multiple organ involvement. Therefore, early diagnosis and therapy are essential. With the development of molecular diagnosis techniques, efforts have been made to better classify B-cell lymphoma. However, due to the heterogeneity of this disease, only a few strategies are applied to routine diagnosis and prognosis prediction.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex network that comprises cellular and noncellular components, forming a physical barrier around tumor cells [3]. Accumulating studies have suggested that the TME components play important roles in the initiation and maintenance of carcinogenesis instead of being bystanders [4]. TME is instrumental in a variety of biological processes, including pathogenesis, progression, metastasis and drug resistance, through sustained proliferation and immune escape [5]. Given the limited efficacy of standard therapies in several patients, TME-based therapies have been explored as new treatment strategies to achieve a more immunogenic environment and better drug delivery, ultimately increasing the response rates of patients. Recent studies suggest that the composition of TME is essential for the pathogenesis of lymphoma. Moreover, the TME also provides new strategies for targeted therapies and tumor prognosis prediction. In summary, this review may offer novel therapeutic strategies for B-cell lymphoma through describing the essential elements of the TME, TME–targeted therapy and clinical applications, and novel technologies applied in TME detection.

Composition of TME in B-cell lymphoma

The TME can be divided into two parts: the immune microenvironment that contains immune cells and the nonimmune microenvironment dominated by fibroblasts [6]. The immune microenvironment consists of T and B lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and others. These cells mediate the immunosuppressive microenvironment and escape immunity. The nonimmune microenvironment mainly consists of stromal cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), pericytes, mesenchymal stromal cells and other secreted molecules, including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and extracellular vesicles (Fig. 1) [7]. These TME cells express different biomarkers and play a variety of roles in the tumorigenesis and prognosis of B-cell lymphoma (Table 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Major constituents of the TME and targeted therapies. The figure depicts the typical microenvironment of B-cell lymphoma. Tumor microenvironment refers to the internal environment in which tumor cells produce and live, major cellular and noncellular components. It includes not only the tumor cells but also the immune and inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and other cells around them. It also comprises the intercellular substance, micro-vessels and biological molecules infiltrated in the nearby area. Current strategies targeting TME components are also highlighted

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Table 1 Markers and functions of cells in TME
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TAMs

As the most intensive immunosuppressive cell populations in the TME, TAMs were responsible for the inhibition of recruitment and activation of T cells via secreting cytokines, chemokines and other factors, thereby promoting immunosuppression [26]. TAMs are usually classified into M1 and M2 phenotypes. The classification and identification of TAMs are related to their immunomodulatory functions [27]. M1-like macrophages are considered to be cytotoxic and participate in the antitumor process. However, during the development of tumors, TAMs usually transform into the M2 phenotype [28]. M2-like macrophages produce Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-13, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which participate in multiple signaling pathways. TAMs contribute to tumor progression by modulating angiogenesis, immunosuppression and chronic inflammation via complex interaction between signaling pathways [29].

MDSCs

MDSCs originate from immature myeloid cells and are divided into two major subsets: polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs and monocytic (M)-MDSCs. PMN-MDSCs are more similar to neutrophils in morphology and phenotype, whereas the resemblance between M-MDSCs and monocytes is remarkable [30]. TME-derived MDSCs play an intricate role in immunosuppression. Apart from promoting the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), MDSCs also assist in the secretion and activation of inhibitory molecules, such as arginase1 (Arg1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thereby suppressing the function of effector T cells [31]. It was recently demonstrated that various characteristics of the TME could stimulate tumor cells to secrete exosomes. Tumor-derived exosomes accelerate the activation and expansion of MDSCs by transporting functional substances, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), IL, TGF-β and PGE2 [31, 32].

TANs

TANs, the most abundant circulating leukocytes, could be polarized to the N1 and N2 phenotypes. Owing to the functional plasticity, the neutrophils exert either antitumor or protumor effects. In the early stage of tumorigenesis, TANs are mainly the N1 phenotype and exert antitumor function by activating IL-18 and secreting interferon (IFN)-β. However, TANs usually transform into the N2 phenotype during tumor progression. TANs of the N2-like phenotype promote tumor progression by regulating proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis of cancer cells [14]. They also inhibit T cell activation by expressing myeloperoxidase, Arg1, ROS and nitric oxide [30, 33]. The specific mechanism of TAN functional type transition in the TME is still unclear, but several studies have demonstrated that TGF-β could polarize neutrophils into the N2 phenotype [34].

Tumor-infiltrating NK cells

NK cells, innate cytotoxic lymphocytes of the immune system, contribute to the prevention of viral infection and tumor growth. NK cells contain two subtypes: CD56dim CD16+ NK cells and CD56bright CD16− NK cells. The CD56dim subtype can kill other cells and accounts for the majority of NK cells [17]. The function of NK cells is regulated by the dynamic balance between stimulatory and suppressive cell surface receptors [35, 36]. Inhibitory receptors on NK cells could recognize major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules. Therefore, the decreased expression of MHC-I will lead to the activation of NK cells [36]. Natural killer group 2D (NKG2D), an activating receptor, mediates antitumor and antiviral responses through recognizing ligands that are ubiquitously expressed by virus-infected cells and in the TME, such as MICA, MICB or ULBP/RAET1 [35]. Regulation of the above dynamic balance provides an innovative perspective for NK cell-mediated therapy.

CAFs

CAFs are a prominent component of TME with significant heterogeneity and plasticity. In various types of cancer, the origins, phenotypes and functions of CAFs are different. However, it is difficult to define CAFs due to the lack of specific markers [37]. CAFs contribute to cancer progression through modulating a variety of biological processes, including angiogenesis, matrix formation and release of growth factors, cytokines and exosomes [38]. In addition, the secretome, matrisome, surfaceome and metabolome of CAFs could also fuel immune evasion, respectively [39]. In contrast, some subtypes of CAFs, such as Slit2+ and CD146+ CAFs, exert tumor-suppressive effects and even increase sensitivity of chemotherapy [40]. Although there is a growing interest in developing therapeutic strategies for CAFs, several challenges, including the extent of CAFs heterogeneity, the roles of distinct CAFs subtypes and how to selectively target these subtypes, are not fully understood.

ECM

ECM represents a protein network surrounding cells, including collagens, proteoglycans, laminin and fibronectin [41]. CAFs are the main source of ECM synthesis and modification [42]. ECM is crucial for tissue homeostasis and normal organ development. Aberrant remodeling of the ECM mediated by collagen deposition or degradation could promote tumor progression. Mechanistically, the remodeled ECM performs various biological functions, including enhancing cell proliferation, increasing cell death resistance and inducing angiogenesis [43, 44].

Other components of TME

Despite the importance of the interactions between the above cells and tumor progression, it is notable that other components of the TME could also influence the fate of tumors. Reprogrammed monocytes could accelerate tumor growth by promoting angiogenesis and remodeling the ECM. Different monocyte subsets can also differentiate into TAMs or DCs, which indirectly participate in tumor progression [45]. Immunosuppressive tumor-infiltrating DCs suppress the antitumor immunity of T cells [46]. These results indicate that the TME is an essential intrinsic portion for the regulation of tumor occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis. Thus, understanding the components of the TME involved in tumorigenesis will contribute to developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Targeting the TME in B-cell lymphoma

Targeting components of the TME

As mentioned above, the cellular and noncellular components of the TME are involved in tumor progression and the immune response, which provides novel insights for targeted therapies (Fig. 2). Therapeutic strategies are mainly divided into three categories, including depleting existing cells, preventing them from being recruited to tumor sites and reprogramming them into antitumor subtypes [47]. Several promising agents targeting the TME in B-cell lymphoma are summarized in Table 2.

Fig. 2
figure 2

TME targeting strategies to treat B-cell lymphoma. MDSC, TAM (M2), TAN (N2) and Treg inhibit the process of the antitumor immune response through several inhibition pathways and establish an immunosuppressive TME

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Table 2 Clinical trials of agents based on TME cells for B-cell lymphoma treatment
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Targeting TAMs

Several therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs in B-cell lymphoma are currently being investigated. The colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1)/CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) signaling pathway is essential for the recruitment, polarization and functional regulation of TAMs [48]. In mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), the secretion of CSF-1 polarizes monocytes into specific CD163+ M2-like TAMs (MϕMCLs), which promotes the proliferation of lymphoma cells. It has been demonstrated that targeting CSF-1R could abrogate MϕMCL-dependent MCL survival [49]. TAMs, also known as nurse-like cells (NLCs), are correlated with the tumorigenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Pacritinib, a JAK2/FLT3 inhibitor, was proved to prevent CLL progression by depleting NLCs [50]. Recent studies have verified that CSF-1/CSF-1R blockade improves the efficacy of diverse immunotherapy modalities, such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) antagonists [51].

TAMs are highly dependent on the CCL2-CCR2 signaling to mobilize from the bone marrow to the site of inflammation in the TME. CCR2 inhibitors induce the accumulation of monocytes in bone marrow, resulting in reduced numbers of TAMs [51]. Yao et al. reported that CREBBP/EP300 mutations could regulate the FBXW7-NOTCH-CCL2/CSF1, polarizing TAMs to the M2 phenotype and promoting cell proliferation in DLBCL [52].

In addition, the combination of CD47 on the surface of tumor cells and SIRPα on TAMs could induce immune escape. Targeting the CD47-SIRPα axis has shown promising results in hematological malignancies [53]. It was recently demonstrated that the therapeutic effect of CD47 blockade (Hu5F9-G4) combined with rituximab has synergistic activity in an early phase clinical trial of DLBCL and follicular lymphoma (FL) [54].

MiRNAs are endogenous noncoding small RNAs participate in the occurrence and development of human malignancies. Recent studies have clarified that the specific miRNAs are involved in regulating the polarization direction and functional phenotype of TAMs. For example, miR-130, miR-33 and miR-155 can transform TAMs from the M2-like to M1-like phenotype [55, 56].

Targeting MDSCs

Considering the roles of MDSCs in hematological malignancies, it is reasonable to serve MDSCs as a promising target. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)/PGE2 play a carcinogenic role in a variety of malignant tumors, which participate in the generation, maturation and accumulation of MDSCs [57]. The application of COX2 inhibitors could significantly reduce the abundance of MDSCs and block the function of MDSCs [58]. The results of a large population-based study demonstrated the survival advantages for newly diagnosed DLBCL patients who received COX2 inhibitor [59]. Emerging studies indicate that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway participates in tumorigenesis by facilitating the immunosuppressive state of TME [60]. In HL, previous investigations have revealed that RP6530, a PI3Kδ/γ inhibitor, decreases the percentage of MDSCs, repolarizes TAMs to the M1-like phenotype and downregulates the expression of iNOS, thereby leading to tumor regression [61].

In addition, miRNAs could also affect the function of MDSCs. MiR-30a increases the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs by decreasing SOCS3 mRNA in B-cell lymphoma. Targeting miR-30a could reduce MDSC-mediated immunosuppressive and the number of MDSCs [62]. Li et al. reported that c-Rel, a novel immune checkpoint in MDSCs, participated in various processes, containing development, function and metabolism of MDSCs. Chen and colleagues developed R96A, a c-Rel inhibitor, which can significantly reduce the progression of lymphoma and synergistically enhance the response to anti-PD-1 antibodies [63].

Targeting TANs

Substantial studies have examined various compounds capable of modulating neutrophils [64]. Similar to the cases for TAMs, the combination of SIRPα and CD47 on TANs also mediates the immune escape. In Burkitt lymphoma (BL), KWAR23 (an anti-SIRPα antibody) was found to combine with SIRPα at high affinity and consequently increased the TANs-mediated phagocytosis of BL cells [65].

Inhibition of TANs during tumor progression serves as another effective strategy. In TME, it is implied that the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis plays a complex role in regulating the retention of TANs at inflammatory sites [66]. Emerging studies have revealed that AMD3100, an effective CXCR4 antagonist, could reverse migration and maintain the balance between bone marrow and peripheral blood, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis [67].

In addition, the CXCR2 axis is proved to be involved in the recruitment of N2 phenotype cells. DLBCL-derived IL-8 interacts with CXCR2 on TANs, forming neutrophil extracellular traps, and further activates the downstream pathway of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) to boost the proliferation and migration of DLBCL cells. Nevertheless, preliminary evidence showed that deoxyribonuclease I, neutrophil elastase inhibitor and blocking CXCR2 or TLR9 could restrain the progression of DLBCL [68]. Noteworthy, potential cautions and risks are still existing, such as intolerable adverse effects and infections.

NK cell-based immunotherapy

Recently, NK cell-based therapy has evolved to become the major area of immunotherapy, and it may complement the limitations of T cell-based therapy [35]. The function of NK cells could be restored by blockade of checkpoint inhibitors. Natural killer group 2A (NKG2A), a type II membrane receptor, inhibits NK cells by binding to HLA-E in CLL [69]. Therefore, blocking NKG2A can effectively restore the function of NK cells. In addition, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) inhibit the activation of NK cells by binding to HLA-C. Lirilumab, an anti-KIR monoclonal antibody (mAb), could enhance the effect of rituximab and the spontaneous cytotoxicity of NK cells by restraining the binding of KIRs to MHC-I antigen in B-cell lymphoma [70]. Furthermore, blockade of other inhibitory receptors, such as T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain, T cell immunoglobulin mucin receptor 3 and PD-1, has shown promising potential for NK cell-based immunotherapy [71].

Direct enhancement of NK cell activity is considered another type of NK cell-based therapy. Cytokines, such as IL-2 or IL-15, could stimulate the activation and proliferation of NK cells. Therefore, it is necessary to provide NK cells with survival factors to increase their persistence in vivo [72]. NK cell-based therapy shows advantages over targeting T cells in some respects, providing an alternative immunotherapeutic method for T cell-based therapy.

Targeting CAFs

Given the tumor-promoting effect of CAFs, targeting CAFs alone or in combination with other immunotherapies has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach [73]. Strategies targeting CAFs are currently being explored, including (1) locating and depleting CAFs via cell surface markers, (2) targeting related signaling pathways downstream effectors, (3) restoring activated CAFs and (4) targeting CAF-derived ECM proteins and associated signaling [74]. Although many strategies have been explored, clinical success is still lacking in B-cell lymphoma, which may be related to the heterogeneity and lack specific biomarkers of CAFs [75].

Targeting the ECM

MMPs, enzymes targeting the ECM that cause collagen degradation, could delay the process of tissue regeneration and influence the survival, expansion and progression of tumors [76]. MMP-9, one type of MMPs, has been proved to be involved in the angiogenesis of NHL [77]. In DLBCL, the M2 TAMs could promote tumor progression by inducing cleavage of ECM via legumain [78]. As the ECM can act as a barrier to prevent effective drug delivery, targeting the ECM is expected to overcome therapy resistance by improving effective drug delivery [79]. In addition, the ECM is also considered to play a critical role in the survival and maintenance of cancer stem cells.

Targeting other TME cells

Furthermore, targeting other TME cells also provides novel insights for clinical treatment. Personalized DC vaccines display great potential in facilitating efficient and targeted tumor immunotherapy by activating T cell immunity and suppressing Tregs [80]. In terms of eosinophils, ample evidence indicates that they playing significant role in the TME and influence the response to therapy in malignancies. Eosinophils can release chemokines, such as IFN-γ, which are essential for antagonization of CTLA-4-induced vessel normalization, thereby promoting angiogenesis [81]. However, as increasing number of patients are treated with these new regimens, longer follow-up is needed to determine the clinical value of targeting eosinophils for cancer treatment. Targeting monocytes may also prolong survival and provide higher rates of response for certain patients because monocyte-derived TAMs are enriched in genes correlated with immunosuppression, indicating their contribution to tumor progression [82].

Targeting hypoxia, a hallmark of the TME

Due to the rapid growth of tumors, most of the TME is characterized and affected by hypoxia. Hypoxia could induce TAM polarization [83], promote the accumulation of MDSCs and Tregs [84] and downregulate the activity of NK cells (Fig. 3) [85]. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor composed of HIF-1α and HIF-1β. HIF-1α synthesis is regulated by PI3K or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathways [86]. High expression of HIF-1α induces tumor cells to adapt to hypoxia and grow rapidly [87]. In MCL, HIF-1α participates in the downregulation of BACH2, which not only accelerates tumor formation but also promotes tumor spread to the spleen and bone marrow [88]. It has been reported that HIF-1α induces the expression of hexokinase II to promote the development of B-cell lymphoma, which provides an innovative perspective for targeted therapy [89]. Through the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) axis, HIF-1α contributes to angiogenesis and promotes lymphoma cells to resist apoptosis [90].

Fig. 3
figure 3

Impact of hypoxic TME and targeted therapy. Growth factors regulate HIF-1α through MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, consequently induce the simulation of HIF-1α mRNA transactivation. Under the hypoxic microenvironment, HIF-1α in cells up-regulates the expression of PD-L1 in hypoxic tumor cells, prevents MDSC from maturation at the tumor site and involves the up-regulation of CD47 on the surface of tumor cells. After CD47 combines with SIRPα on the surface of macrophages, tumor cells provide a robust “don't phagocytize me” signal, thus preventing the phagocytosis of macrophages

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On the other hand, HIF-2α has been indicated to promote the survival of hypoxic cells [91]. MK-6482 and PT2385, inhibitors of HIF-2α, are currently applied in renal cell carcinoma [92, 93] and capable of achieving desirable therapeutic effects. Further investigations are needed to explore the efficacy of targeting hypoxia for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma.

Immunotherapies for reversion of T cell exhaustion

PD-1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1)

PD-1/PD-L1 is a negative modulatory signaling pathway that leads to the exhaustion of T cell immunity. Under normal circumstances, the combination of PD-1 and PD-L1 on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) controls excessive immunity. However, many tumor cells also express PD-L1 to protect themselves [94]. The PD-1/PD-L1 blockade restores T cells to an activated state and elicits more pronounced antitumor effects by rescuing exhausted T cells through JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT pathways [95, 96]. In the management of B-cell lymphoma, the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy has shown potential effects (Table 3). Recent studies have illuminated that a novel antibody (YM101) blocking TGF-β and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways and promoting the formation of "hot" immune-inflamed TME, shows better antitumor effects than single anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment [97]. Moreover, combination with antibody–drug conjugates could be a feasible option for relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-NHL, which exhibits advantages over the use of PD-1 inhibitor alone [98].

Table 3 Results from clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in B-cell lymphoma
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However, the clinical applications of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade may be hindered by the decreased proportion of responding patients and acquired resistance during treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that PD-1 blockade combined with anti-CD20 mAbs could deplete lymphoma cells, reshape the TME and achieve long-term antitumor responses by inducing immune cell infiltration [108]. Interestingly, the heterogeneity of the TME makes the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade different. “Hot” TME is associated with high infiltration of tumor infiltration lymphocytes (TILs) and accompanied by higher levels of IFN, which may indicate the potential of therapy benefits. In contrast, noninflammatory tumors with a “cold” TME may respond poorly to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade [109]. Therefore, the abundance of TILs also acts as a potential predictor to forecast the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors [110].

CTLA-4

CTLA-4 is a negative immunomodulator and constitutively expressed on Tregs [111]. CTLA-4 provides inhibitory signals to T cells and shares B7 ligands, such as B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86), with CD28. Compared with CD28, CTLA-4 presents a higher affinity [112]. Different from PD-1 blockade, which relieves the immunosuppression of T cells, anti-CTLA-4 therapies mainly enhance T cell activation and proliferation by downregulating the immune suppression mediated by Tregs [113]. They selectively remove Tregs from tumors through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and deplete Tregs via an Fc-dependent mechanism [114]. Ingram et al. found that administration of H11 without Fc fragment-mediated CTLA-4 blockade significantly attenuated the antitumor effect [115]. Collectively, anti-CTLA-4 agents need to modify the Fc domain of mAbs to deplete Tregs for therapeutic effects.

Results from recent clinical trials have shown that CTLA-4 alone or in combination with other agents exert a positive effect in the treatment of melanoma [116], but further investigations of the application in B-cell lymphoma are warranted [117]. Patel et al. observed that CTLA-4 was the main checkpoint protein within the classical HL (cHL) TME, and Hodgkin Reed–Sternberg cells exploited the interaction between CTLA-4 and CD86 as an escape pathway [118]. Emerging evidence suggests that anti-CTLA-4 agents synergizes with anti-CD20 mAbs in treating R/R B-cell lymphoma [119].

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells

T cells can be engineered to express a CAR to target certain cancer cells. Generally, the CAR consists of three parts: (1) a single-chain antibody fragment (sc Fγ) that is responsible for recognizing the antigen; (2) a transmembrane region that connects the transition region inside and outside of the cell; and (3) an intracellular signal domain that transmits TCR-like signaling to cell when combining with antigen outside of the cell [120]. CARs could locate and recognize tumor cells and release various effectors, effectively killing tumor cells and consequently achieving the purpose of treating malignant tumors [121]. Four CAR-T cell products currently approved by FDA are summarized in Table 4.

Table 4 Results of currently approved CAR-T cell products for B-cell lymphoma
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Although CAR-T cell therapies targeting CD19, CD22, CD30 and so on have revealed significant clinical effects in hematological malignancies [127,128,129], the senescence and exhaustion of T cells negatively influence the effect. It was confirmed that engineered CAR-T cells to overexpress c-Jun could decrease or displace AP-1i from chromatin, thereby preventing T cell exhaustion [130]. Agonists of T cell receptors, 4-1BB and OX40, could provide another stimulatory signal for CAR-T cells, as they increase the activity of T cells and make CAR-T cells resistant to the suppressive effects of TME [131]. Moreover, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-specific CAR-T cells have emerged as a novel insights due to it is capable of ablating senescent cells [132].

With further investigations on CAR-T cell therapies, strategies targeting nontumor components of TME have also been proposed. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) is an integral component of the ECM, and heparanase (HPSE) degrades HSPGs. Therefore, to expedite CAR-T cell penetration into the tumor stroma, the researchers have designed CAR-T cells overexpressing HPSE to degrade HSPG [133]. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) could modify the ECM by changing fibronectin orientation, and the FAP-redirected CAR-T cells have been established to deplete CAFs expressing FAP. These armored CAR-T cells decrease tumor vascular density, disrupt the spatial orientation of tumor cells and inhibit the genesis of tumor stroma, which may exert profound effects on tumor growth [134]. TAMs expressing folate receptor β (FRβ) are similar to M2 macrophages. FRβ-specific CAR-T cells reprogram the TME and significantly delay tumor progression by depleting immunosuppressive TAMs [135]. CAR-T cells that target tumor vasculature, metabolism, hypoxia, and other immunosuppressive cells and cytokines also show great clinical potential [136].

The antitumor efficacy of other immune cells, such as macrophages, NK cells and Tregs, are explored as well [137]. It has been reported that genetically engineered macrophages with CAR could enhance phagocytic ability, induce M2 cell transform into the M1 phenotype, resist the effects of immunosuppressive cytokines and strengthen the antitumor activity of T cells [138]. Liu et al. found that CAR-NK cells could partly overcome the toxic effects of CAR-T cells and reduce the incidence of severe cytokine release syndrome and related neurologic toxic effects [139]. Zhang et al. reported that the induced pluripotent stem cells could supply an infinite source for CAR-expressing macrophages, which have enhanced antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo [140].

TME-mediated drug resistance

Although the mechanisms of drug resistance induced by heterogeneity within the TME is distinct, some studies suggest that the TME is crucial in drug resistance, resulting in limited clinical benefit for patients with cancer [141]. A variety of factors contribute to determining the clinical responses, and distinguishing the three basic immune profiles is essential to enhance the patients' responses to immunotherapy. (1) Inflamed TME: There are enormous numbers of infiltrating immune cells (especially CD8+ T cells), high expression of PD-L1 and high level of inflammatory cytokines. The reason for drug resistance may be that T cells express other inhibitory immune checkpoints [142, 143]. In this regard, a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors could be selected. Emerging discoveries indicated that the combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockers increased response rates and efficacy [144]. (2) Immune-excluded TME: The process of effector T cells infiltration is blocked by tumor blood vessels, stroma and other physical barriers, eventually leading to drug resistance [142]. As a key barriers of immune infiltration into the TME, Tregs exclude pro-inflammatory cells from the TME and limit the activity of effector cells [145]. (3) Noninflamed TME (immune-desert TME): Such a TME is characterized by the presence of immunosuppressive cells and the absence of immune cells in the tumor tissue [142]. Hence, transforming a “cold” (noninflamed) into a “hot” (inflamed) TME could be an ideal way to facilitate the infiltration, activation and proliferation of effector T cells [146].

TME characteristics with prognostic utility

Several studies have discovered that the composition of TME cells is highly relevant to the prognosis of B-cell lymphomas, such as cHL, DLBCL and FL [147]. Generally, CD163 is a biomarker of TAMs (M2 phenotype) in malignant tumors. It was reported that a higher level of CD163+ and a higher CD163+/CD68+ cell ratio were linked to poorer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in DLBCL [148]. High expression levels of LAG3 in TAM-rich regions are associated with poorer OS [149]. It is reported that in high-grade lymphomas, like DLBCL and BL, TANs produce a proliferation-inducing ligand, the high expression of which is closely related to inferior OS [150]. In FL and DLBCL, increased NK cell infiltration is always associated with a favorable prognosis [18]. A recent study proposed a novel prognostic risk model based on eosinophil counts. The results suggest that eosinophil counts facilitate anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy and positively correlate with clinical outcomes in B-NHL [151].

A series of studies have proved that the prognostic roles of the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 remain unclear. Many investigators have found that PD-L1 expression is related to an inferior prognosis. Kiyasu et al. suggested that PD-L1+ tumor cells had shortened survival in patient with DLBCL, compared to those with PD-L1− tumor cells [152]. A meta-analysis supported that PD-L1 expression in tumor cells of DLBCL patients was significantly correlated with poor prognosis [153]. However, Kwon et al. reported no prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP [154]. Additionally, Ishikawa et al. demonstrated that PD-L1 expression on microenvironment immune cells was strongly associated with better OS in patients with DLBCL [155]. Likewise, Pollari et al. reported that high expressions levels of PD-L1 on TAMs and TILs were related to prolonged survival in primary testicular lymphoma [156].

TME of B-cell lymphoma in the era of novel technology

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)

ScRNA-seq, a novel technology, could be used to comprehensively analyze cell type-specific transcriptomic changes, thereby deepening the understanding of heterogeneity in the TME [157]. The development of scRNA-seq has significantly improved the ability to overview specific genes, but it cannot detect spatial information. The recently developed spatial transcriptome method can compensate for this shortcoming, which will facilitate the understanding of tumorigenesis and progression [158]. The databases with cancer scRNA-seq datasets for decoding and visualizing the functional status of cancer cells have been established, such as SC2disease [159], CancerSEA [160], Vascular Single Cells [161], PanglaoDB [162], Cell Marker [163], Animal Cell Atlas [164] and Alona [165].

Nanoparticle (NP)-based immunotherapies

Due to the biological characteristics of NPs, they can be used to accurately deliver drugs [166]. The regulatory effects of NPs on the TME are reflected in the following aspects: (1) relieving the immunosuppressive TME with NPs modified by various ligands, (2) delivering tumor-associated antigens and adjuvants to stimulate antigen-presenting cells through NPs, thus enhancing the antitumor immune response, and (3) affecting the abnormal structure of the TME and reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment with NPs [167]. Notably, before nano-immunotherapy becomes a large-scale clinical strategy, researchers need to be cautious about keeping the balance between therapeutic benefit and toxicity risks. Owing to their superparamagnetic properties and high surface-to-volume ratios, the novel nanomaterials are engineered in clinical applications by enhancing the specificity of chemotherapy and controlling the release speed of drugs [168]. The NPs are considered to be an emerging dimension of immunotherapy research.

Other novel technologies

Given that there are numerous tumor-associated mutations and phenotypic variations in tumors, explorations of targeting the TME with genetic therapies and armed oncolytic viruses could promote the tumor response or restrain tumor tolerance [169]. For instance, the hyaluronidase-armed oncolytic virus could degrade the hyaluronan-rich matrix in an attempt to improve virus penetration and inhibit tumor growth in xenograft models. A phase I clinical study also supports that hyaluronidase-armed oncolytic viruses could modulate the TME more pro-inflammatory and alleviate potential toxicity and unwanted cytokine release [170]. TME–targeted therapies in combination with immunotherapies have emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment. Modified second-generation CAR-T cells could remodel the immunosuppressive TME and revive exhausted T cells, which may further improve clinical efficacy [7].

Conclusions

In this review, we systematically summarize that the composition of the TME plays a vital role in various processes, including the progression, treatment, drug resistance and prognosis of B-cell lymphoma. Targeting TME components is expected to provide novel insights for the precise treatment of B-cell lymphoma. Nevertheless, there are still many unresolved issues, such as drug resistance and the feasibility of drug combination. Further studies are warranted to verify and promote the clinical applications of TME-based targeted therapy. A deep understanding of the contribution of the TME to B-cell lymphomas will help us provide patients with more feasible and effective treatment strategies.

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

Abbreviations

Arg1:

Arginase1

BL:

Burkitt lymphoma

CAFs:

Cancer-associated fibroblasts

CAR:

Chimeric antigen receptor

cHL:

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma

CLL:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

COX2:

Cyclooxygenase 2

CSF-1:

Colony-stimulating factor-1

CSF-1R:

CSF-1 receptor

CTLs:

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes

CTLA-4:

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4

DCs:

Dendritic cells

DLBCL:

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

ECM:

Extracellular matrix

FAP:

Fibroblast activation protein

FL:

Follicular lymphoma

FRβ:

Folate receptor β

HIF:

Hypoxia inducible factor

HL:

Hodgkin lymphoma

HPSE:

Heparanase

HSPG:

Heparan sulfate proteoglycan

IFN:

Interferon

IL:

Interleukin

iNOS:

Inducible nitric oxide synthase

KIRs:

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors

M:

Monocytic

mAbs:

Monoclonal antibodies

MAPK:

Mitogen-activated protein kinase

MCL:

Mantle cell lymphoma

MDSCs:

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells

MHC-I:

Major histocompatibility complex class I

MiRNAs:

MicroRNAs

MMPs:

Matrix metalloproteinases

NHL:

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

NK:

Natural killer

NKG2A:

Natural killer cell group 2A

NKG2D:

Natural killer cell group 2D

NLCs:

Nurse-like cells

NP:

Nanoparticle

OS:

Overall survival

PD-1:

Programmed cell death 1

PD-L1:

Programmed cell death ligand 1

PFS:

Progression-free survival

PGE2:

Prostaglandin E2

PI3K:

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

PMN:

Polymorphonuclear

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

R/R:

Relapsed/refractory

scRNA-seq:

Single-cell RNA sequencing

STAT3:

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3

TAMs:

Tumor-associated macrophages

TANs:

Tumor-associated neutrophils

TILs:

Tumor infiltration lymphocytes

TLR9:

Toll-like receptor 9

TME:

Tumor microenvironment

TGF-β:

Transforming growth factor-β

Tregs:

Regulatory T cells

VEGFA:

Vascular endothelial growth factor A

VEGFR1:

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1

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Acknowledgements

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Funding

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation (No. 81800194, No. 82070203, No. 81770210, No. 81473486 and No. 81270598); Key Research and Development Program of Shandong Province (No. 2018CXGC1213); Development Project of Youth Innovation Teams in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province (No. 2020KJL006); China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No. 2021T140422, No. 2020M672103); Technology Development Projects of Shandong Province (No. 2017GSF18189); Translational Research Grant of NCRCH (No. 2021WWB02, No. 2020ZKMB01); Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation (No. ZR2018BH011); Technology Development Project of Jinan City (No. 201805065); Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma; and Academic Promotion Programme of Shandong First Medical University (No. 2019QL018, No. 2020RC006).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China

    Yingyue Liu, Xiangxiang Zhou & Xin Wang

  2. Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China

    Xiangxiang Zhou & Xin Wang

  3. School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China

    Xiangxiang Zhou & Xin Wang

  4. Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China

    Xiangxiang Zhou & Xin Wang

  5. Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China

    Xiangxiang Zhou & Xin Wang

  6. National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 251006, China

    Xiangxiang Zhou & Xin Wang

Authors
  1. Yingyue Liu
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  2. Xiangxiang Zhou
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  3. Xin Wang
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Contributions

Y.L. wrote the manuscript and created figures and tables. X.Z. reviewed and revised the manuscript. X.W. provided direction and guidance throughout the preparation of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Xiangxiang Zhou or Xin Wang.

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Liu, Y., Zhou, X. & Wang, X. Targeting the tumor microenvironment in B-cell lymphoma: challenges and opportunities. J Hematol Oncol 14, 125 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-021-01134-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-021-01134-x

Keywords

  • Tumor microenvironment
  • B-cell lymphoma
  • Immunosuppression
  • Targeted therapy

Journal of Hematology & Oncology

ISSN: 1756-8722

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