ABSTRACT
Fibroblasts have a considerable functional and molecular heterogeneity and can play various roles in the tumor microenvironment. Here we identify a pro-tumorigenic IL1R1+, IL-1-high-signaling subtype of fibroblasts, using multiple colorectal cancer (CRC) patient single cell sequencing datasets. This subtype of fibroblasts is linked to T cell and macrophage suppression and leads to increased cancer cell growth in 3D co-culture assays. Furthermore, both a fibroblast-specific IL1R1 knockout and IL-1 receptor antagonist Anakinra administration reduce tumor growth in vivo. This is accompanied by reduced intratumoral Th17 cell infiltration. Accordingly, CRC patients who present with IL1R1-expressing cancer-associated-fibroblasts (CAFs), also display elevated levels of immune exhaustion markers, as well as an increased Th17 score and an overall worse survival. Altogether, this study underlines the therapeutic value of targeting IL1R1-expressing CAFs in the context of CRC.
Subject(s)
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts , Colorectal Neoplasms , Humans , Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/pathology , Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Fibroblasts/pathology , Immune Tolerance , Immunosuppression Therapy , Tumor Microenvironment , Cell Proliferation , Receptors, Interleukin-1 Type I/geneticsABSTRACT
A simple method for synthesis of S-sulfoxides of penicillanic acid and 6 alpha-bromo- and 6 alpha-chloropenicillanic acids is described. The S-sulfoxides were synthesized by the respective oxidation with 30% hydrogen peroxide at 0 degrees C in the absence of solvents. 1 mol of penicillanic acid and 1.5 to 2 mol of 6 alpha-bromo- or 6 alpha-chloropenicillanic acid were required. The yields of S-sulfoxides of 6 alpha-bromo- and 6 alpha-chloropenicillanic acids amounted to 55 and 50%, respectively, based on 6-aminopenicillanic acid. The yield of penicillanic acid S-sulfoxide was 80% based on penicillanic acid. The purity of the compounds was more than 95%.
