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Abstract Background In our previous study, we identified a population of adiponectin expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) residing within thymic nurse cell complexes, which were capable of inhibiting the development of breast cancer in vitro. Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) with no proper treatment at present is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of a cultured T cell fraction comprising adiponectin‐expressing Tregs, referred to as A‐TregTF (adiponectin‐expressing Treg‐containing T cell fraction), in inhibiting the progression of TNBC in vivo. Methods The efficacy of a spontaneously expanding T cell fraction comprising adiponectin‐expressing Treg in inhibiting tumor growth was analyzed in a murine orthotopic 4 T1‐Luc TNBC model. Results The treatment with T cell fraction containing adiponectin‐expressing Tregs significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of orthotopically transplanted 4 T1‐Luc tumor cells. Histopathological examination further revealed that the adiponectin‐expressing Tregs infiltrated the tumor tissue via a cell‐in‐cell mechanism and were found to be specifically localized around the necrotic areas. Conclusions Based on our findings, the T cell fraction comprising adiponectin‐expressing Tregs, represents a potential candidate for adoptive cell therapy against TNBC.

Abstract Background A population of regulatory T cells (Treg), which reside within thymic nurse cell complexes, express adiponectin and abrogate breast cancer development in transgenic mice. In this study, we examined whether adiponectin‐expressing Treg could impair triple‐negative breast cancer, which is defined by a lack of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2. Methods CD4‐ and CD25‐positive cells were sorted from cultured T lymphocytes of a previously characterized experimental thymic tumor model composed of thymic nurse cells and abundant lymphoid stroma. These sorted cells were examined for FOXP3 and adiponectin immunoreactivity and subsequently exposed to triple‐negative breast cancer MDA‐MB‐157 and ‐231 cells. Results Adiponectin‐expressing Treg were obtained by CD4‐ and CD25‐positive sorting and cell death was induced in triple‐negative breast cancer cells through the cell‐in‐cell phenomenon. Conclusions Adiponectin‐expressing Treg may be candidates for adoptive cell therapy against triple‐negative breast cancer.

Overweight is believed to be associated with colorectal cancer risk. Adipose tissue is loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes. It is now recognized as a major endocrine organ, secreting humoral factors collectively called adipokines. Aberrant hormonal systems consisting of modulated adipokines and their receptors are thought to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis and cancer progression in obese conditions. However, it is still unclear whether and how each adipokine relates to colorectal carcinogenesis. Notably, a couple of molecules that were initially proposed to be obesity-related adipokines were disqualified by subsequent studies. The adipokines, adiponectin, and intelectin-1 (also known as omentin-1), whose levels are decreased in obesity, act as tumor suppressor factors in various cancers. Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between the insufficient expression and function of adiponectin and its receptor, T-cadherin, in colorectal carcinogenesis. Moreover, our recent study indicated that loss of TMEM207, which is critical for the proper processing of intelectin-1 in the colon mucosa, leads to insufficient intelectin-1 production, thus participating in colorectal carcinogenesis. Here, we discuss the recent understanding of the role of adipokines in colorectal carcinogenesis and subsequently describe the potent tumor suppressor roles of intelectin-1 and TMEM207 in colorectal cancer.

Overweight is believed to be associated with colorectal cancer risk. Adipose tissue is loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes. It is now recognized as a major endocrine organ, secreting humoral factors collectively called adipokines. Aberrant hormonal systems consisting of modulated adipokines and their receptors are thought to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis and cancer progression in obese conditions. However, it is still unclear whether and how each adipokine relates to colorectal carcinogenesis. Notably, a couple of molecules that were initially proposed to be obesity-related adipokines were disqualified by subsequent studies. The adipokines, adiponectin, and intelectin-1 (also known as omentin-1), whose levels are decreased in obesity, act as tumor suppressor factors in various cancers. Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between the insufficient expression and function of adiponectin and its receptor, T-cadherin, in colorectal carcinogenesis. Moreover, our recent study indicated that loss of TMEM207, which is critical for the proper processing of intelectin-1 in the colon mucosa, leads to insufficient intelectin-1 production, thus participating in colorectal carcinogenesis. Here, we discuss the recent understanding of the role of adipokines in colorectal carcinogenesis and subsequently describe the potent tumor suppressor roles of intelectin-1 and TMEM207 in colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]