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Jin HT, Kim YS, Choi EK. Human papillomavirus and Merkel cell polyomavirus in Korean patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer: Evaluation and genetic variability of the noncoding control region. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29880. [PMID: 39185678 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important causative factor of cervical cancer and is associated with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a rare and highly fatal cutaneous virus that can cause Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Although coinfection with oncogenic HPV and MCPyV may increase cancer risk, a definitive etiological link has not been established. Recently, genomic variation and genetic diversity in the MCPyV noncoding control region (NCCR) among ethnic groups has been reported. The current study aimed to provide accurate prevalence information on HPV and MCPyV infection/coinfection in NSCLC patients and to evaluate and confirm Korean MCPyV NCCR variant genotypes and sequences. DNA from 150 NSCLC tissues and 150 adjacent control tissues was assessed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting regions of the large T antigen (LT-ag), viral capsid protein 1 (VP1), and NCCR. MCPyV was detected in 22.7% (34 of 150) of NSCLC tissues and 8.0% (12 of 150) of adjacent tissues from Korean patients. The incidence rates of HPV with and without MCPyV were 26.5% (nine of 34) and 12.9% (15 of 116). The MCPyV NCCR genotype prevalence in Korean patients was 21.3% (32 of 150) for subtype I and 6% (nine of 150) for subtype IIc. Subtype I, a predominant East Asian strain containing 25 bp tandem repeats, was most common in the MCPyV NCCR data set. Our results confirm that coinfection with other tumor-associated viruses is not associated with NSCLC. Although the role of NCCR rearrangements in MCPyV infection remains unknown, future studies are warranted to determine the associations of MCPyV NCCR sequence rearrangements with specific diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoung-Tae Jin
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
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Thevenin KR, Tieche IS, Di Benedetto CE, Schrager M, Dye KN. The small tumor antigen of Merkel cell polyomavirus accomplishes cellular transformation by uniquely localizing to the nucleus despite the absence of a known nuclear localization signal. Virol J 2024; 21:125. [PMID: 38831469 PMCID: PMC11149282 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02395-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer that is three times deadlier than melanoma. In 2008, it was found that 80% of MCC cases are caused by the genomic integration of a novel polyomavirus, Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV), and the expression of its small and truncated large tumor antigens (ST and LT-t, respectively). MCPyV belongs to a family of human polyomaviruses; however, it is the only one with a clear association to cancer. METHODS To investigate the role and mechanisms of various polyomavirus tumor antigens in cellular transformation, Rat-2 and 293A cells were transduced with pLENTI MCPyV LT-t, MCPyV ST, TSPyV ST, HPyV7 ST, or empty pLENTI and assessed through multiple transformation assays, and subcellular fractionations. One-way ANOVA tests were used to assess statistical significance. RESULTS Soft agar, proliferation, doubling time, glucose uptake, and serum dependence assays confirmed ST to be the dominant transforming protein of MCPyV. Furthermore, it was found that MCPyV ST is uniquely transforming, as the ST antigens of other non-oncogenic human polyomaviruses such as Trichodysplasia Spinulosa-Associated Polyomavirus (TSPyV) and Human Polyomavirus 7 (HPyV7) were not transforming when similarly assessed. Identification of structural dissimilarities between transforming and non-transforming tumor antigens revealed that the uniquely transforming domain(s) of MCPyV ST are likely located within the structurally dissimilar loops of the MCPyV ST unique region. Of all known MCPyV ST cellular interactors, 62% are exclusively or transiently nuclear, suggesting that MCPyV ST localizes to the nucleus despite the absence of a canonical nuclear localization signal. Indeed, subcellular fractionations confirmed that MCPyV ST could achieve nuclear localization through a currently unknown, regulated mechanism independent of its small size, as HPyV7 and TSPyV ST proteins were incapable of nuclear translocation. Although nuclear localization was found to be important for several transforming properties of MCPyV ST, some properties were also performed by a cytoplasmic sequestered MCPyV ST, suggesting that MCPyV ST may perform different transforming functions in individual subcellular compartments. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data further elucidate the unique differences between MCPyV ST and other polyomavirus ST proteins necessary to understand MCPyV as the only known human oncogenic polyomavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaira R Thevenin
- Department of Health Sciences, Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL, 32723, USA
| | - Isabella S Tieche
- Department of Health Sciences, Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL, 32723, USA
| | - Cody E Di Benedetto
- Department of Health Sciences, Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL, 32723, USA
| | - Matt Schrager
- Department of Health Sciences, Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL, 32723, USA
| | - Kristine N Dye
- Department of Health Sciences, Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL, 32723, USA.
- Department of Biology, Stetson University, DeLand, FL, 32723, USA.
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Thevenin KR, Tieche IS, Di Benedetto CE, Schrager M, Dye KN. The Small Tumor Antigen of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Accomplishes Cellular Transformation by Uniquely Localizing to the Nucleus Despite the Absence of a Known Nuclear Localization Signal. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.28.569067. [PMID: 38293082 PMCID: PMC10827104 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.569067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer that is three times deadlier than melanoma. In 2008, it was found that 80% of MCC cases are caused by the genomic integration of a novel polyomavirus, Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV), and the expression of its small and truncated large tumor antigens (ST and LT-t, respectively). MCPyV belongs to a family of human polyomaviruses; however, it is the only one with a clear association to cancer. Methods To investigate the role and mechanisms of various polyomavirus tumor antigens in cellular transformation, Rat-2, 293A, and human foreskin fibroblasts were transduced with pLENTI MCPyV LT-t, MCPyV ST, TSPyV ST, HPyV7 ST, or empty pLENTI and assessed through multiple transformation assays, and subcellular fractionations. One-way ANOVA tests were used to assess statistical significance. Results Soft agar, proliferation, doubling time, glucose uptake, and serum dependence assays confirmed ST to be the dominant transforming protein of MCPyV. Furthermore, it was found that MCPyV ST is uniquely transforming, as the ST antigens of other non-oncogenic human polyomaviruses such as Trichodysplasia Spinulosa Polyomavirus (TSPyV) and Human Polyomavirus 7 (HPyV7) were not transforming when similarly assessed. Identification of structural dissimilarities between transforming and non-transforming tumor antigens revealed that the uniquely transforming domain(s) of MCPyV ST are likely located within the structurally dissimilar loops of the MCPyV ST unique region. Of all known MCPyV ST cellular interactors, 62% are exclusively or transiently nuclear, suggesting that MCPyV ST localizes to the nucleus despite the absence of a canonical nuclear localization signal. Indeed, subcellular fractionations confirmed that MCPyV ST could achieve nuclear localization through a currently unknown, regulated mechanism independent of its small size, as HPyV7 and TSPyV ST proteins were incapable of nuclear translocation. Although nuclear localization was found to be important for several transforming properties of MCPyV ST, some properties were also performed by a cytoplasmic sequestered MCPyV ST, suggesting that MCPyV ST may perform different transforming functions in individual subcellular compartments. Conclusions Together, these data further elucidate the unique differences between MCPyV ST and other polyomavirus ST proteins necessary to understand MCPyV as the only known human oncogenic polyomavirus.
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Lee JH, Lee JD, Paulson K, Voillet V, Berndt A, Church C, Lachance K, Park SY, Yamamoto NK, Cromwell EA, Gottardo R, Chapuis AG, Nghiem P. Enhancing immunogenic responses through CDK4/6 and HIF2α inhibition in Merkel cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23521. [PMID: 38173534 PMCID: PMC10761584 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 50% of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) patients facing this highly aggressive skin cancer initially respond positively to PD-1-based immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the recurrence of MCC post-immunotherapy emphasizes the pressing need for more effective treatments. Recent research has highlighted Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) as pivotal cell cycle regulators gaining prominence in cancer studies. This study reveals that the CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib can enhance PD-L1 gene transcription and surface expression in MCC cells by activating HIF2α. Inhibiting HIF2α with TC-S7009 effectively counteracts palbociclib-induced PD-L1 transcription and significantly intensifies cell death in MCC. Simultaneously, co-targeting CDK4/6 and HIF2α boosts ROS levels while suppressing SLC7A11, a key regulator of cellular redox balance, promoting ferroptosis- a form of immunogenic cell death linked to iron. Considering the rising importance of immunogenic cell death in immunotherapy, this strategy holds promise for improving future MCC treatments, markedly increasing immunogenic cell death various across various MCC cell lines, thus advancing cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hyun Lee
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Justin Daho Lee
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelly Paulson
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Valentin Voillet
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andre Berndt
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Candice Church
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristina Lachance
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Song Y. Park
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Naomi K. Yamamoto
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Raphael Gottardo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aude G. Chapuis
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Sobhi Amjad Z, Shojaeian A, Sadri Nahand J, Bayat M, Taghizadieh M, Rostamian M, Babaei F, Moghoofei M. Oncoviruses: Induction of cancer development and metastasis by increasing anoikis resistance. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22598. [PMID: 38144298 PMCID: PMC10746446 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of cell death is a vital aspect in the regulation of aberrant cells such as cancer cells. Anoikis is a kind of cell death that occurs when cells get separated from the extracellular matrix. Some cancer cells can inhibit anoikis in order to progress metastasis. One of the key variables that might be implicated in anoikis resistance (AR) is viral infections. The most important viruses involved in this process are Epstein-Barr virus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus, human herpes virus 8, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, and hepatitis C virus. A better understanding of how carcinogenic viruses suppress anoikis might be helpful in developing an effective treatment for virus-associated cancers. In the current study, we review the role of the mentioned viruses and their gene products in anoikis inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sobhi Amjad
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ali Shojaeian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Javid Sadri Nahand
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mobina Bayat
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghizadieh
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mosayeb Rostamian
- Nosocomial Infections Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farhad Babaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohsen Moghoofei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Pu T, Peddle A, Zhu J, Tejpar S, Verbandt S. Neoantigen identification: Technological advances and challenges. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 183:265-302. [PMID: 38548414 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Neoantigens have emerged as promising targets for cutting-edge immunotherapies, such as cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy. These neoantigens are unique to tumors and arise exclusively from somatic mutations or non-genomic aberrations in tumor proteins. They encompass a wide range of alterations, including genomic mutations, post-transcriptomic variants, and viral oncoproteins. With the advancements in technology, the identification of immunogenic neoantigens has seen rapid progress, raising new opportunities for enhancing their clinical significance. Prediction of neoantigens necessitates the acquisition of high-quality samples and sequencing data, followed by mutation calling. Subsequently, the pipeline involves integrating various tools that can predict the expression, processing, binding, and recognition potential of neoantigens. However, the continuous improvement of computational tools is constrained by the availability of datasets which contain validated immunogenic neoantigens. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge as well as limitations in neoantigen prediction and validation. Additionally, it delves into the origin and biological role of neoantigens, offering a deeper understanding of their significance in the field of cancer immunotherapy. This article thus seeks to contribute to the ongoing efforts to harness neoantigens as powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Pu
- Digestive Oncology Unit, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jingjing Zhu
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Dennis LK, Brown HE, Arrington AK. Comparison of Prognostic Factors for Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Mucosal Melanoma and Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma: Insights into Their Etiologies. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:3974-3988. [PMID: 37185414 PMCID: PMC10136436 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30040301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the epidemiology of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and mucosal melanoma (MM). Using the United States (US) National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program data, we compared MCC and MM with cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) with respect to incidence rates and prognostic factors to better understand disease etiologies. We describe the proportional incidences of the three cancers along with their survival rates based on 20 years of national data. The incidence rates in 2000–2019 were 203.7 per 1,000,000 people for CMM, 5.9 per 1,000,000 people for MCC and 0.1 per 1,000,000 people for MM. The rates of these cancers increased over time, with the rate of MM tripling between 2000–2009 and 2010–2019. The incidences of these cancers increased with age and rates were highest among non-Hispanic Whites. Fewer MCCs and MMS were diagnosed at the local stage compared with CMM. The cases in the 22 SEER registries in California were not proportional to the 2020 population census but instead were higher than expected for CMM and MCC and lower than expected for MM. Conversely, MM rates were higher than expected in Texas and New York. These analyses highlight similarities in the incidence rates of CMM and MCC—and differences between them and MM rates—by state. Understanding more about MCC and MM is important because of their higher potential for late diagnosis and metastasis, which lead to poor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie K. Dennis
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Heidi E. Brown
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Oncolytic viruses as emerging therapy against cancers including Oncovirus-induced cancers. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 939:175393. [PMID: 36435236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There are several human viruses with known potential for causing cancers including, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus, Human T-cell lymphotropic virus, Human papillomavirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus. Cancer is the second leading cause of death that affects humans worldwide, especially in developing countries. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can cure about 60% of humans with cancer but recurrent and metastatic diseases remain a major reason for death. In recent years, understanding the molecular characteristics of cancer cells has led to the improvement of therapeutic strategies using novel emerging therapies. Oncolytic viruses with the potential of lysing cancer cells defined the field of oncolytic virology, hence becoming a biotechnology tool rather than just a cause of disease. This study mainly focused on targeting cell proliferation and death pathways in human tumor-inducing viruses by developing innovative therapies for cancer patients based on the natural oncolytic properties of reovirus. To kill tumor cells efficiently and reduce the chance of recurrence both the direct ability of reovirus infection to lyse the tumor cells and the stimulation of a potent host immune response are applied. Hence, bioengineered stem cells can be used as smart carriers to improve the efficacy of oncolytic reovirus and safety profiles.
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Neto BV, Tavares V, Santos JMO, Cerqueira F, Pereira D, Medeiros R. Map of thrombogenesis in viral infections and viral-driven tumours. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:3. [PMID: 36617364 PMCID: PMC9826626 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00610-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are pathogenic agents responsible for approximately 10% of all human cancers and significantly contribute to the global cancer burden. Until now, eight viruses have been associated with the development of a broad range of malignancies, including solid and haematological tumours. Besides triggering and promoting oncogenesis, viral infections often go hand-in-hand with haemostatic changes, representing a potential risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Conversely, VTE is a cardiovascular condition that is particularly common among oncological patients, with a detrimental impact on patient prognosis. Despite an association between viral infections and coagulopathies, it is unclear whether viral-driven tumours have a different incidence and prognosis pattern of thromboembolism compared to non-viral-induced tumours. Thus, this review aims to analyse the existing evidence concerning the association of viruses and viral tumours with the occurrence of VTE. Except for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which are associated with a high risk of VTE, little evidence exists concerning the thrombogenic potential associated with oncoviruses. As for tumours that can be induced by oncoviruses, four levels of VTE risk are observed, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and gastric carcinoma (GC) associated with the highest risk and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) associated with the lowest risk. Unfortunately, the incidence of cancer-related VTE according to tumour aetiology is unknown. Given the negative impact of VTE in oncological patients, research is required to better understand the mechanisms underlying blood hypercoagulability in viral-driven tumours to improve VTE management and prognosis assessment in patients diagnosed with these tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Vieira Neto
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Dep., Clinical Pathology SV/ RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Valéria Tavares
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Dep., Clinical Pathology SV/ RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Abel Salazar Institute for the Biomedical Sciences, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana M O Santos
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Dep., Clinical Pathology SV/ RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Cerqueira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Dep., Clinical Pathology SV/ RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- FP-I3ID, FP-ENAS, FP-BHS, University Fernando Pessoa, Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Rua Carlos da Maia, 296, 4200-150, Porto, Portugal
| | - Deolinda Pereira
- Oncology Department, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (IPOP), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Dep., Clinical Pathology SV/ RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.
- FMUP, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.
- ICBAS, Abel Salazar Institute for the Biomedical Sciences, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-I3ID, FP-ENAS, FP-BHS, University Fernando Pessoa, Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004, Porto, Portugal.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Rua Carlos da Maia, 296, 4200-150, Porto, Portugal.
- Research Department, Portuguese League Against Cancer (NRNorte), 4200-172, Porto, Portugal.
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Neoantigens: promising targets for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:9. [PMID: 36604431 PMCID: PMC9816309 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 176.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in neoantigen research have accelerated the development and regulatory approval of tumor immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy and antibody-based therapies, especially for solid tumors. Neoantigens are newly formed antigens generated by tumor cells as a result of various tumor-specific alterations, such as genomic mutation, dysregulated RNA splicing, disordered post-translational modification, and integrated viral open reading frames. Neoantigens are recognized as non-self and trigger an immune response that is not subject to central and peripheral tolerance. The quick identification and prediction of tumor-specific neoantigens have been made possible by the advanced development of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic technologies. Compared to tumor-associated antigens, the highly immunogenic and tumor-specific neoantigens provide emerging targets for personalized cancer immunotherapies, and serve as prospective predictors for tumor survival prognosis and immune checkpoint blockade responses. The development of cancer therapies will be aided by understanding the mechanism underlying neoantigen-induced anti-tumor immune response and by streamlining the process of neoantigen-based immunotherapies. This review provides an overview on the identification and characterization of neoantigens and outlines the clinical applications of prospective immunotherapeutic strategies based on neoantigens. We also explore their current status, inherent challenges, and clinical translation potential.
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Glover A, Zhang Z, Shannon-Lowe C. Deciphering the roles of myeloid derived suppressor cells in viral oncogenesis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1161848. [PMID: 37033972 PMCID: PMC10076641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1161848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogenous population of myeloid cells derived from monocyte and granulocyte precursors. They are pathologically expanded in conditions of ongoing inflammation where they function to suppress both innate and adaptive immunity. They are subdivided into three distinct subsets: monocytic (M-) MDSC, polymorphonuclear (or neutrophilic) (PMN-) MDSC and early-stage (e-) MDSC that may exhibit differential function in different pathological scenarios. However, in cancer they are associated with inhibition of the anti-tumour immune response and are universally associated with a poor prognosis. Seven human viruses classified as Group I carcinogenic agents are jointly responsible for nearly one fifth of all human cancers. These viruses represent a large diversity of species, including DNA, RNA and retroviridae. They include the human gammaherpesviruses (Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV), members of the high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs), hepatitis B and C (HBV, HCV), Human T cell leukaemia virus (HTLV-1) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Each of these viruses encode an array of different oncogenes that perturb numerous cellular pathways that ultimately, over time, lead to cancer. A prerequisite for oncogenesis is therefore establishment of chronic infection whereby the virus persists in the host cells without being eradicated by the antiviral immune response. Although some of the viruses can directly modulate the immune response to enable persistence, a growing body of evidence suggests the immune microenvironment is modulated by expansions of MDSCs, driven by viral persistence and oncogenesis. It is likely these MDSCs play a role in loss of immune recognition and function and it is therefore essential to understand their phenotype and function, particularly given the increasing importance of immunotherapy in the modern arsenal of anti-cancer therapies. This review will discuss the role of MDSCs in viral oncogenesis. In particular we will focus upon the mechanisms thought to drive the MDSC expansions, the subsets expanded and their impact upon the immune microenvironment. Importantly we will explore how MDSCs may modulate current immunotherapies and their impact upon the success of future immune-based therapies.
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12
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Mazziotta C, Cervellera CF, Lanzillotti C, Touzé A, Gaboriaud P, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. MicroRNA dysregulations in Merkel cell carcinoma: Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28375. [PMID: 36477874 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin malignancy with two distinct etiologies. The first, which accounts for the highest proportion, is caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a DNA tumor virus. A second, UV-induced, MCC form has also been identified. Few MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options are available. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules, which play a key role in regulating various physiologic cellular functions including cell cycling, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Numerous miRNAs are dysregulated in cancer, by acting as either tumor suppressors or oncomiRs. The aim of this review is to collect, summarize, and discuss recent findings on miRNAs whose dysregulation has been assumed to play a role in MCC. The potential clinical application of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in MCC is also described. In the future, miRNAs will potentially gain clinical significance for the improvement of MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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13
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Shi W, Chen S, Chi F, Qiu Q, Zhong Y, Bian X, Zhang H, Xi J, Qian H. Advances in Tumor Antigen‐Based Anticancer Immunotherapy: Recent Progress, Prevailing Challenges, and Future Perspective. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- Center of Drug Discovery State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Center of Drug Discovery State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Fanglian Chi
- Center of Drug Discovery State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Qiu
- Center of Drug Discovery State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Yue Zhong
- Center of Drug Discovery State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Xiaojian Bian
- Center of Drug Discovery State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Science China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Junting Xi
- School of Science China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Hai Qian
- Center of Drug Discovery State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease China Pharmaceutical University 24 Tongjiaxiang Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
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14
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Hasanzadeh A, Sadeghi F, Kamrani G, Mohammadi N, Vosough Z, Ranaee M, Tabarraei A, Yahyapour Y. Quantitative analysis of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) genome in non-melanoma skin cancer and normal tumor margins. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1987-1994. [PMID: 36279096 PMCID: PMC9679045 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00850-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the cause of approximately 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). The common types of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are histologically similar to MCC. In the present study, 58 NMSC formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) samples including 12 SCC, 46 BCC, and 58 FFPE samples of adjacent non-tumoral margins as the control were included. Determination of large tumor antigens (LTAg) copy number was performed by qReal-Time PCR as a viral copy number per cell to elucidate MCPyV carcinogenic role in non-melanoma skin cancer. Out of 58 samples, 36 (62%) cancerous and 22 (37.9%) normal tumor margins were positive for MCPyV LTAg. Median copy numbers of MCPyV LTAg among all NMSC samples and non-tumoral margins were 0.308×10-2 and 0.269×10-3 copies per cell respectively (P=0.001). In addition, although the viral load in the majority of samples was detected to be lower than one copy per cell, in 4 BCC samples, a viral load higher than one LTAg copy per cell was detected. The present study revealed that the detection of higher levels of MCPyV LTAg viral load in some BCC and SCC samples may be correlated with the role of MCPyV in some cases of BCC and SCC skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hasanzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Farzin Sadeghi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ghodsieh Kamrani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Neda Mohammadi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Vosough
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ranaee
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Alijan Tabarraei
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Yousef Yahyapour
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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15
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Dimitraki MG, Sourvinos G. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) and Cancers: Emergency Bell or False Alarm? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225548. [PMID: 36428641 PMCID: PMC9688650 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), the sole member of Polyomavirus associated with oncogenesis in humans, is the major causative factor of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare, neuroendocrine neoplasia of the skin. Many aspects of MCPyV biology and oncogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. However, it has been established that oncogenic transformation is the outcome of the integration of the viral genome into the host DNA. The high prevalence of MCPyV in the population, along with the detection of the virus in various human tissue samples and the strong association of MCPyV with the emergence of MCC, have prompted researchers to further investigate the role of MCPyV in malignancies other than MCC. MCPyV DNA has been detected in several different non-MCC tumour tissues but with significantly lower prevalence, viral load and protein expression. Moreover, the two hallmarks of MCPyV MCC have rarely been investigated and the studies have produced generally inconsistent results. Therefore, the outcomes of the studies are inadequate and unable to clearly demonstrate a direct correlation between cellular transformation and MCPyV. This review aims to present a comprehensive recapitulation of the available literature regarding the association of MCPyV with oncogenesis (MCC and non-MCC tumours).
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16
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Brandao J, Meireles L. Merkel Cell Carcinoma: An Otolaryngological Point of View of An Unusual Sinonasal Mass. Cureus 2022; 14:e31676. [PMID: 36545167 PMCID: PMC9762860 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a pathologic diagnosis mainly observed in sun-exposed cutaneous areas, like the head and neck. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure and immunosuppression are the common predisposing factors. Merkel cell carcinoma of the head and neck is quite an uncommon disease. This case report involves a 56-year-old man who exhibited a skin lesion on the nasal dorsum with a mass in the right maxillary sinus. The biopsies from both sides were diagnostic for Merkel cell carcinoma. The patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery and removal of the skin lesion with free margins. The patient has been free of disease for the last 20 months now and maintains follow-up with endoscopy and imaging in the Ear Nose Throat office. Only a few cases of Merkel cell carcinoma of the nasal mucosa have been reported in the literature. We report our approach and management of this rare pathologic presentation.
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17
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Goudarzi Far F, Tambrchi V, Nahid Samiei R, Nahid Samiei M, Saadati H, Moradi P, Keyvanlou Z, Advay S, Nili M, Abdi S, Jamalvandi T, Arash Letafati, Behzadpour M, Kamalpour M, Ebrahimdamavandi N, Khatami A, Kiani SJ, Ghorbani S. Association between human polyomavirus infection and brain cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microb Pathog 2022; 173:105797. [PMID: 36183958 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and potential association between the infection with some members of the polyomaviridae family of viruses and development of the brain tumors. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed by finding relevant cross-sectional and case-control studies from a large online database. Heterogeneity, OR, and corresponding 95% CI were applied to all studies by meta-analysis and forest plots. The analysis was performed using Stata Software v.14. RESULTS Twenty-three articles (33 datasets) were included in the meta-analysis, four (four datasets) of which were case/control studies and the rest were cross-sectional. The pooled prevalence of polyomaviruses among brain cancer patients was 13% (95% CI: 8-20%; I2 = 96.91%). In subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of JCV, SV40, BKV and Merkel cell polyomavirus was 20%, 8%, 6%, and 16%, respectively. An association was found between polyomavirus infection and brain cancer [summary OR 7.22 (95% CI (2.36-22.05); I2 = 0%)]. The subgroup analysis, based on the virus type, demonstrated a strong association between JCV infection and brain cancer development [summary OR 10.34 (95% CI 1.10-97.42; I2 = 0%)]. CONCLUSION The present study showed a significant association between polyomavirus infection and brain tumors. Moreover, these results suggest that polyomavirus infection may be a potential risk factor for the development of brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Goudarzi Far
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Tambrchi
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Golesatn, Iran
| | - Rahil Nahid Samiei
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hassan Saadati
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Pouya Moradi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Keyvanlou
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shoaib Advay
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Marzie Nili
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Abdi
- Animal Virology Department, Research and Diagnosis, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Tasnim Jamalvandi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Letafati
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maral Behzadpour
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Science Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Kamalpour
- Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, School of Marine Science and Ocean, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Khatami
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jalal Kiani
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saied Ghorbani
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Dalal H, Iqbal A, Rani P, Saaed J, Berenzon D. A Primary Extracutaneous Presentation of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cureus 2022; 14:e28088. [PMID: 36134061 PMCID: PMC9481196 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy with a mortality rate of around 33%. The presence of advanced disease at the time of diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis. Twofold etiologies have been described in the pathogenesis of Merkel cell carcinoma: chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPvY). MCC usually affects sun-exposed skin areas, and the presence of cutaneous nodules is the hallmark of the disease. However, there have been case reports in the literature where the diagnosis of MCC was made in the absence of any cutaneous findings. We present a case report of Merkel cell carcinoma that is unique in its presentation because of the presence of pulmonary and hepatic nodules and the absence of cutaneous lesions.
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19
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Osipov EM, Munawar AH, Beelen S, Fearon D, Douangamath A, Wild C, Weeks SD, Van Aerschot A, von Delft F, Strelkov SV. Discovery of novel druggable pockets on polyomavirus VP1 through crystallographic fragment-based screening to develop capsid assembly inhibitors. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1013-1027. [PMID: 35974998 PMCID: PMC9347357 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00052k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyomaviruses are a family of ubiquitous double-stranded DNA viruses many of which are human pathogens. These include BK polyomavirus which causes severe urinary tract infection in immunocompromised patients and Merkel cell polyomavirus associated with aggressive cancers. The small genome of polyomaviruses lacks conventional drug targets, and no specific drugs are available at present. Here we focus on the main structural protein VP1 of BK polyomavirus which is responsible for icosahedral capsid formation. To provide a foundation towards rational drug design, we crystallized truncated VP1 pentamers and subjected them to a high-throughput screening for binding drug-like fragments through a direct X-ray analysis. To enable a highly performant screening, rigorous optimization of the crystallographic pipeline and processing with the latest generation PanDDA2 software were necessary. As a result, a total of 144 binding hits were established. Importantly, the hits are well clustered in six surface pockets. Three pockets are located on the outside of the pentamer and map on the regions where the 'invading' C-terminal arm of another pentamer is attached upon capsid assembly. Another set of three pockets is situated within the wide pore along the five-fold axis of the VP1 pentamer. These pockets are situated at the interaction interface with the minor capsid protein VP2 which is indispensable for normal functioning of the virus. Here we systematically analyse the three outside pockets which are highly conserved across various polyomaviruses, while point mutations in these pockets are detrimental for viral replication. We show that one of the pockets can accommodate antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine. For each pocket, we derive pharmacophore features which enable the design of small molecules preventing the interaction between VP1 pentamers and therefore inhibiting capsid assembly. Our data lay a foundation towards a rational development of first-in-class drugs targeting polyomavirus capsid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali H Munawar
- Biocrystallography, KU Leuven Herestraat 49 Leuven Belgium
- Orthogon Therapeutics LLC 45 Dan Road Suite 126 Canton MA 02021 USA
- Pledge Tx B.V. Gaston Geenslaan 1 Leuven Belgium
| | - Steven Beelen
- Biocrystallography, KU Leuven Herestraat 49 Leuven Belgium
| | - Daren Fearon
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0FA UK
| | - Alice Douangamath
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0FA UK
| | - Conor Wild
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford South Parks Road Headington OX3 7DQ UK
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford 29 St Giles' Oxford OX1 3LB UK
| | - Stephen D Weeks
- Biocrystallography, KU Leuven Herestraat 49 Leuven Belgium
- Pledge Tx B.V. Gaston Geenslaan 1 Leuven Belgium
| | - Arthur Van Aerschot
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven Herestraat 49 Leuven Belgium
| | - Frank von Delft
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0FA UK
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford South Parks Road Headington OX3 7DQ UK
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford Old Road Campus Roosevelt Drive Headington OX3 7DQ UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg Auckland Park 2006 South Africa
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Venuti A, Romero-Medina MC, Melita G, Ceraolo MG, Brancaccio RN, Sirand C, Taverniti V, Steenbergen R, Gheit T, Tommasino M. Lyon IARC Polyomavirus Displays Transforming Activities in Primary Human Cells. J Virol 2022; 96:e0206121. [PMID: 35770990 PMCID: PMC9327700 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02061-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies reported the presence of a recently discovered polyomavirus (PyV), Lyon IARC PyV (LIPyV), in human and domestic animal specimens. LIPyV has some structural similarities to well-established animal and human oncogenic PyVs, such as raccoon PyV and Merkel cell PyV (MCPyV), respectively. In this study, we demonstrate that LIPyV early proteins immortalize human foreskin keratinocytes. LIPyV LT binds pRb, accordingly cell cycle checkpoints are altered in primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes expressing LIPyV early genes. Mutation of the pRb binding site in LT strongly affected the ability of LIPyV ER to induced HFK immortalization. LIPyV LT also binds p53 and alters p53 functions activated by cellular stresses. Finally, LIPyV early proteins activate telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene expression, via accumulation of the Sp1 transcription factor. Sp1 recruitment to the hTERT promoter is controlled by its phosphorylation, which is mediated by ERK1 and CDK2. Together, these data highlight the transforming properties of LIPyV in in vitro experimental models, supporting its possible oncogenic nature. IMPORTANCE Lyon IARC PyV is a recently discovered polyomavirus that shows some structural similarities to well-established animal and human oncogenic PyVs, such as raccoon PyV and Merkel cell PyV, respectively. Here, we show the capability of LIPyV to efficiently promote cellular transformation of primary human cells, suggesting a possible oncogenic role of this virus in domestic animals and/or humans. Our study identified a novel virus-mediated mechanism of activation of telomerase reverse transcriptase gene expression, via accumulation of the Sp1 transcription factor. In addition, because the persistence of infection is a key event in virus-mediated carcinogenesis, it will be important to determine whether LIPyV can deregulate immune-related pathways, similarly to the well-established oncogenic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Venuti
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Lyon Cedex, France
| | | | - Giusi Melita
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Lyon Cedex, France
| | - Maria Grazia Ceraolo
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Lyon Cedex, France
| | | | - Cecilia Sirand
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Lyon Cedex, France
| | - Valerio Taverniti
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Lyon Cedex, France
| | - Renske Steenbergen
- VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tarik Gheit
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Lyon Cedex, France
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Viral Encoded miRNAs in Tumorigenesis: Theranostic Opportunities in Precision Oncology. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071448. [PMID: 35889167 PMCID: PMC9321719 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
About 15% of all human cancers have a viral etiology. Although progress has been made, understanding the viral oncogenesis and associated molecular mechanisms remain complex. The discovery of cellular miRNAs has led to major breakthroughs. Interestingly, viruses have also been discovered to encode their own miRNAs. These viral, small, non-coding miRNAs are also known as viral-miRNAs (v-miRNAs). Although the function of v-miRNAs largely remains to be elucidated, their role in tumorigenesis cannot be ignored. V-miRNAs have also been shown to exploit the cellular machinery to benefit viral replication and survival. Although the discovery of Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and its viral miRNAs, is a work in progress, the existence of HPV-, EBV-, HBV-, MCPyV- and KSHV-encoded miRNA has been documented. V-miRNAs have been shown to target host factors to advance tumorigenesis, evade and suppress the immune system, and deregulate both the cell cycle and the apoptotic machinery. Although the exact mechanisms of v-miRNAs-induced tumorigenesis are still unclear, v-miRNAs are active role-players in tumorigenesis, viral latency and cell transformation. Furthermore, v-miRNAs can function as posttranscriptional gene regulators of both viral and host genes. Thus, it has been proposed that v-miRNAs may serve as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancers with a viral etiology. Although significant challenges exist in their clinical application, emerging reports demonstrate their potent role in precision medicine. This review will focus on the roles of HPV-, HCV-, EBV-, HBV-, MCPyV-, and KSHV-produced v-miRNAs in tumorigenesis, as effectors in immune evasion, as diagnostic biomarkers and as novel anti-cancer therapeutic targets. Finally, it will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with v-miRNAs theranostics in precision oncology.
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22
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Diagnosis and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma: European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline - Update 2022. Eur J Cancer 2022; 171:203-231. [PMID: 35732101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all cutaneous malignancies. It is found predominantly in white populations and risk factors include advanced age, ultraviolet exposure, male sex, immunosuppression, such as AIDS/HIV infection, haematological malignancies or solid organ transplantation, and Merkel cell polyomavirus infection. MCC is an aggressive tumour with 26% of cases presenting lymph node involvement at diagnosis and 8% with distant metastases. Five-year overall survival rates range between 48% and 63%. Two subsets of MCC have been characterised with distinct molecular pathogenetic pathways: ultraviolet-induced MCC versus virus-positive MCC, which carries a better prognosis. In both subtypes, there are alterations in the retinoblastoma protein and p53 gene structure and function. MCC typically manifests as a red nodule or plaque with fast growth, most commonly on sun exposed areas. Histopathology (small-cell neuroendocrine appearance) and immunohistochemistry (CK20 positivity and TTF-1 negativity) confirm the diagnosis. The current staging systems are the American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for international Cancer control 8th edition. Baseline whole body imaging is encouraged to rule out regional and distant metastasis. For localised MCC, first-line treatment is surgical excision with postoperative margin assessment followed by adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). Sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in all patients with MCC without clinically detectable lymph nodes or distant metastasis. Adjuvant RT alone, eventually combined with complete lymph nodes dissection is proposed in case of micrometastatic nodal involvement. In case of macroscopic nodal involvement, the standard of care is complete lymph nodes dissection potentially followed by post-operative RT. Immunotherapy with anti-PD-(L)1 antibodies should be offered as first-line systemic treatment in advanced MCC. Chemotherapy can be used when patients fail to respond or are intolerant for anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy or clinical trials.
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Spurgeon ME, Cheng J, Ward-Shaw E, Dick FA, DeCaprio JA, Lambert PF. Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen binding to pRb promotes skin hyperplasia and tumor development. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010551. [PMID: 35560034 PMCID: PMC9132321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear evidence supports a causal link between Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and the highly aggressive human skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Integration of viral DNA into the human genome facilitates continued expression of the MCPyV small tumor (ST) and large tumor (LT) antigens in virus-positive MCCs. In MCC tumors, MCPyV LT is truncated in a manner that renders the virus unable to replicate yet preserves the LXCXE motif that facilitates its binding to and inactivation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRb). We previously developed a MCPyV transgenic mouse model in which MCC tumor-derived ST and truncated LT expression were targeted to the stratified epithelium of the skin, causing epithelial hyperplasia, increased proliferation, and spontaneous tumorigenesis. We sought to determine if any of these phenotypes required the association between the truncated MCPyV LT and pRb. Mice were generated in which K14-driven MCPyV ST/LT were expressed in the context of a homozygous RbΔLXCXE knock-in allele that attenuates LT-pRb interactions through LT's LXCXE motif. We found that many of the phenotypes including tumorigenesis that develop in the K14-driven MCPyV transgenic mice were dependent upon LT's LXCXE-dependent interaction with pRb. These findings highlight the importance of the MCPyV LT-pRb interaction in an in vivo model for MCPyV-induced tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jingwei Cheng
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Ella Ward-Shaw
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Frederick A. Dick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Ahmed MM, Cushman CH, DeCaprio JA. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus: Oncogenesis in a Stable Genome. Viruses 2021; 14:v14010058. [PMID: 35062263 PMCID: PMC8781562 DOI: 10.3390/v14010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is the causative agent for the majority of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) cases. Polyomavirus-associated MCC (MCCP) is characterized by the integration of MCV DNA into the tumor genome and a low tumor mutational burden. In contrast, nonviral MCC (MCCN) is characterized by a high tumor mutational burden induced by UV damage. Since the discovery of MCV, much work in the field has focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis driven by the MCV tumor (T) antigens. Here, we review our current understanding of how the activities of large T (LT) and small T (ST) promote MCC oncogenesis in the absence of genomic instability. We highlight how both LT and ST inhibit tumor suppressors to evade growth suppression, an important cancer hallmark. We discuss ST interactions with cellular proteins, with an emphasis on those that contribute to sustaining proliferative signaling. Finally, we examine active areas of research into open questions in the field, including the origin of MCC and mechanisms of viral integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M. Ahmed
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; (M.M.A.); (C.H.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Camille H. Cushman
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; (M.M.A.); (C.H.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; (M.M.A.); (C.H.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence:
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Liu B, Zhang Q, Wang J, Cao S, Zhou Z, Liu ZX, Cheng H. iCAV: an integrative database of cancer-associated viruses. Database (Oxford) 2021; 2021:6461900. [PMID: 34907423 PMCID: PMC8725190 DOI: 10.1093/database/baab079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
To date, various studies have found that the occurrence of cancer may be related to viral
infections. Therefore, it is important to explore the relationship between viruses and
diseases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has defined six types of viruses
as Class 1 human carcinogens, including Epstein–Barr virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B
virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, human herpesvirus 8 and human papillomavirus,
while Merkel cell polyomavirus is classified as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ (Group
2A). Therefore, in-depth research on these viruses will help clarify their relationship
with diseases, and substantial efforts have been made to sequence their genomes. However,
there is no complete database documenting these cancer-associated viruses, and researchers
are not able to easily access and retrieve the published genomes. In this study, we
developed iCAV, a database that integrates the genomes of cancer-related viruses and the
corresponding phenotypes. We collected a total of 18 649 genome sequences from seven human
disease-related viruses, and each virus was further classified by the associated disease,
sample and country. iCAV is a comprehensive resource of cancer-associated viruses that
provides browse and download functions for viral genomes. Database URL: http://icav.omicsbio.info/
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jingou Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shumin Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ze-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Han Cheng
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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Evidencing the presence of merkel cell polyomavirus in papillary thyroid cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21447. [PMID: 34728730 PMCID: PMC8563948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infects most people asymptomatically, but recent reports indicate that the virus may be related to carcinogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of MCPyV on the development of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Totally, 1057 samples, including 412 fresh biopsy samples (FBS) and 645 paraffin-embedded PTC biopsy samples (PEBS), and 1057 adjacent non-cancerous samples were assessed for the presence of MCPyV DNA and RNA. MCPyV DNA was positive in 215 (20.3%) of samples, including 126 (30.6%) in FBS and 89 (13.8%) in PEBS. In MCPyV-positive samples, the mean MCPyV copy number was higher in the patients with FBS (2.3 × 10-1 ± 0.5 × 10-1 copies/cell) compared to PEBS (0.7 × 10-4 ± 0.1 × 10-4 copies/cell) and adjacent non-PTC normal samples (0.3 × 10-5 ± 0.02 × 10-5 copies/cell), indicating a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). The LT-Ag RNA expression was higher in FBS compared to PEBS, while VP1 gene transcript was not detected in any samples. Although our findings showed the presence of MCPyV in a subset of PTC Iranian patients, further research is required to confirm these findings.
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Leão I, Marinho J, Costa T. Long-term response to avelumab and management of oligoprogression in Merkel cell carcinoma: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:4829-4836. [PMID: 34222455 PMCID: PMC8223835 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i18.4829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasia, with high risk of recurrence and metastasis and poor survival. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, like the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 agent avelumab, were recently approved for the treatment of advanced MCC. We, herein, report the first case of advanced MCC with oligoprogression managed with avelumab and local radical treatment.
CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old man was presented to the hospital with sporadic fever and an exudative malodorous mass (10 cm of diameter), located on the right gluteal region. The final diagnosis was MCC, cT4N3M1c (AJCC, TNM staging 8th edition, 2017), with invasion of adjacent muscle, in-transit metastasis, and bone lesions. Patient started chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide), and after six cycles, the main tumor increased, evidencing disease progression. Two months later, the patient started second line treatment with avelumab (under an early access program). After two cycles of treatment, the lesion started to decrease, achieving a major response. Local progression was documented after 16 cycles. However, as the tumor became resectable, salvage surgery was performed, while keeping the systemic treatment with avelumab. Since the patient developed bilateral pneumonia, immunotherapy was suspended. More than 2.5 years after surgery (last 19 mo without systemic therapy), the patient maintains complete local response and stable bone lesions.
CONCLUSION This report highlights the efficacy and long-term response of avelumab on the management of a chemotherapy resistant advanced MCC, with evidence of oligoprogression, in combination with local radical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Leão
- Department of Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia 4434-502, Portugal
| | - Joana Marinho
- Department of Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia 4434-502, Portugal
| | - Telma Costa
- Department of Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia 4434-502, Portugal
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Sadri Nahand J, Rabiei N, Fathazam R, Taghizadieh M, Ebrahimi MS, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Bannazadeh Baghi H, Khatami A, Abbasi-Kolli M, Mirzaei HR, Rahimian N, Darvish M, Mirzaei H. Oncogenic viruses and chemoresistance: What do we know? Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105730. [PMID: 34119621 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is often referred to as a major leading reason for cancer therapy failure, causing cancer relapse and further metastasis. As a result, an urgent need has been raised to reach a full comprehension of chemoresistance-associated molecular pathways, thereby designing new therapy methods. Many of metastatic tumor masses are found to be related with a viral cause. Although combined therapy is perceived as the model role therapy in such cases, chemoresistant features, which is more common in viral carcinogenesis, often get into way of this kind of therapy, minimizing the chance of survival. Some investigations indicate that the infecting virus dominates other leading factors, i.e., genetic alternations and tumor microenvironment, in development of cancer cell chemoresistance. Herein, we have gathered the available evidence on the mechanisms under which oncogenic viruses cause drug-resistance in chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javid Sadri Nahand
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikta Rabiei
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Fathazam
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghizadieh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Center for Women's Health Research Zahra, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saeid Ebrahimi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - AliReza Khatami
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbasi-Kolli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Neda Rahimian
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Darvish
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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29
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Go CC, Kim DH, Briceño CA. A SEER analysis of survival and prognostic factors in merkel cell carcinoma of the head and neck region. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2021; 51:314-322. [PMID: 34090757 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
While Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the head and neck is highly malignant, it remains poorly characterized due to its rarity. The purpose of this study was to examine prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with MCC of the head and neck region. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry was reviewed for patients diagnosed between 1984 and 2016 with histologically confirmed, primary MCC of the head and neck region. A total of 2818 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a median age at diagnosis of 77 years. At five and 10 years, respectively, the OS was 42.4% and 25.1% and the DSS was 67.9% and 64.1%. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that predictors of decreased DSS included age at diagnosis ≥75 years, white race, increasing tumor spread, lymph node involvement and either the lip or the scalp/neck as a primary site. When adjusting for the aforementioned factors, tumor depth was not found to be a prognostic factor for DSS. We anticipate these results will help clinicians to counsel patients regarding expectations and potential prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Go
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D H Kim
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Scheie Eye Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C A Briceño
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Scheie Eye Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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30
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Saulters E, Woolley JF, Varadarajan S, Jones TM, Dahal LN. STINGing Viral Tumors: What We Know from Head and Neck Cancers. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3945-3952. [PMID: 33903123 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It has now become increasingly clear that viruses, which may not be directly oncogenic, can affect the biology of tumors as well as immune behavior against tumors. This has led to a fundamental question: Should tumors associated with viral infection be considered distinct from those without? Typically, viruses activate the host innate immune responses by stimulating pathogen recognition receptors and DNA-sensing pathways, including the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. However, regulation of the STING pathway in a virus-associated tumor microenvironment is poorly understood. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection within a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) promotes a unique etiology and clinical outcome. For reasons currently not well understood, patients with HPV+ tumors have a better outcome in terms of both overall survival and reduced risk of recurrence compared with HPV- HNSCC. This observation may reflect a greater intrinsic immunogenicity associated with HPV infection, pertaining to innate immune system pathways activated following recognition of viral nucleotides. Here we discuss how HNSCC provides a unique model to study the STING pathway in the context of viral-induced tumor type as well as recent advances in our understanding of this pathway in HSNCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Saulters
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John F Woolley
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Shankar Varadarajan
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Terence M Jones
- Liverpool Head and Neck Cancer Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lekh N Dahal
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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31
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Wu Z, Graf FE, Hirsch HH. Antivirals against human polyomaviruses: Leaving no stone unturned. Rev Med Virol 2021; 31:e2220. [PMID: 33729628 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) encompass more than 10 species infecting 30%-90% of the human population without significant illness. Proven HPyV diseases with documented histopathology affect primarily immunocompromised hosts with manifestations in brain, skin and renourinary tract such as polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN), polyomavirus-associated haemorrhagic cystitis (PyVHC), polyomavirus-associated urothelial cancer (PyVUC), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) and pruritic hyperproliferative keratinopathy. Although virus-specific immune control is the eventual goal of therapy and lasting cure, antiviral treatments are urgently needed in order to reduce or prevent HPyV diseases and thereby bridging the time needed to establish virus-specific immunity. However, the small dsDNA genome of only 5 kb of the non-enveloped HPyVs only encodes 5-7 viral proteins. Thus, HPyV replication relies heavily on host cell factors, thereby limiting both, number and type of specific virus-encoded antiviral targets. Lack of cost-effective high-throughput screening systems and relevant small animal models complicates the preclinical development. Current clinical studies are limited by small case numbers, poorly efficacious compounds and absence of proper randomized trial design. Here, we review preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated small molecules with presumed antiviral activity against HPyVs and provide an outlook regarding potential new antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongsong Wu
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice E Graf
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Clinical Virology, Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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32
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Oliver-Guimerá A, Hejtmánková A, Jackson K, Pesavento PA. A polyomavirus detected in American black bear (Ursus americanus). Arch Virol 2021; 166:1521-1524. [PMID: 33721099 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05030-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Polyomaviruses are ancient DNA viruses that infect several species of animals. While recognition of the family Polyomaviridae has grown rapidly, there are few studies that consider their potential association with disease. Carnivora are a diverse and widespread order affected by polyomaviruses (PyVs) that have co-evolved with their hosts for millions of years. PyVs have been identified in sea lions, raccoons, badgers, Weddell seals, and dogs. We have discovered a polyomavirus, tentatively named "Ursus americanus polyomavirus 1" (UaPyV1) in black bears (Ursus americanus). UaPyV1 was detectable in various tissues of six out of seven bears submitted for necropsy. Based on viral phylogenetic clustering and detection of the virus in multiple individuals, we suggest that black bears are the natural hosts for UaPyV1. In this albeit small group, there is no clear relationship between UaPyV1 infection and any specific disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Oliver-Guimerá
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, 1044 Haring Hall, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Alžběta Hejtmánková
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kenneth Jackson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, 1044 Haring Hall, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Patricia A Pesavento
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, 1044 Haring Hall, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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33
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Kok DL, Wang A, Xu W, Chua MST, Guminski A, Veness M, Howle J, Tothill R, Kichendasse G, Poulsen M, Sandhu S, Fogarty G. The changing paradigm of managing Merkel cell carcinoma in Australia: An expert commentary. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2020; 16:312-319. [PMID: 32757453 PMCID: PMC7754344 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin with an estimated disease-associated mortality of 15-33%. Australia has a higher incidence of MCC compared to the rest of the world, thought to be due to a higher ultraviolet index. The Australian MCC population is distinct from the MCC population of the Northern hemisphere, characterized by a predominantly viral negative etiology with high tumor mutational burden. The optimal management of MCC and the choice of treatment modality vary significantly across the world and even between institutions within Australia. Historically, the treatment for MCC has been resection followed by radiotherapy (RT), though definitive RT is an alternative treatment used commonly in Australia. The arrival of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the mounting evidence that MCC is a highly immunogenic disease is transforming the treatment landscape for MCC. Australia is playing a key role in the further development of treatment options for MCC with two upcoming Australian/New Zealand investigator-initiated clinical trials that will explore the interplay of RT and immunotherapy in the treatment of early and late stage MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L. Kok
- Peter McCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Annie Wang
- Peter McCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Wen Xu
- Princess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | | | | | - Michael Veness
- Westmead HospitalUniversity of SydneyWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Julie Howle
- Westmead HospitalWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Shahneen Sandhu
- Peter McCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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34
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Xia Y, Cao D, Zhao J, Zhu B, Xie J. Does regional lymph node status have a predictive effect on the prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma? J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2020; 74:845-856. [PMID: 33199219 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2020.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no article that studies whether the regional lymph node (RLN) status affects the prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). METHODS The survival and disease data of MCC patients were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiological, and End Results (SEER) database. The overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) rates were endpoints. RESULTS A total of 1822 patients were included, with a mean age of 72.5 years. The number of RLN-positive patients was 862 (47.3%), and the number of RLN-negative patients was 960 (52.7%). The regression analysis showed that primary site, sex, and tumor size were statistically significant and independent predictors of RLN status. The five-year OS and CSS of RLN-negative patients were 71.4% and 92.3%, respectively, which were much higher than those of RLN-positive patients (37.5% and 65.8%, respectively) (P <0.001). In univariate survival analysis, positive RLN significantly predicted deterioration of OS and MSS (P <0.001). In multivariate analysis, RLN status had no statistically significant effect on patient prognosis. CONCLUSION The prognosis of patients with RLN metastasis is worse than that of patients without RLN metastasis, but RLN status is not an independent predictor of the prognosis of patients with MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- YiJun Xia
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, 678, FuRong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230601, China
| | - DongSheng Cao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, 678, FuRong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230601, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, 678, FuRong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230601, China
| | - BangZhong Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, 678, FuRong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230601, China
| | - Juan Xie
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, 678, FuRong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230601, China.
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Butler-Laporte G, Kreuzer D, Nakanishi T, Harroud A, Forgetta V, Richards JB. Genetic Determinants of Antibody-Mediated Immune Responses to Infectious Diseases Agents: A Genome-Wide and HLA Association Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa450. [PMID: 33204752 PMCID: PMC7641500 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious diseases are causally related to a large array of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Identifying genetic determinants of infections and antibody-mediated immune responses may shed light on this relationship and provide therapeutic targets for drug and vaccine development. METHODS We used the UK biobank cohort of up to 10 000 serological measurements of infectious diseases and genome-wide genotyping. We used data on 13 pathogens to define 46 phenotypes: 15 seropositivity case-control phenotypes and 31 quantitative antibody measurement phenotypes. For each of these, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using the fastGWA linear mixed model package and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) classical allele and amino acid residue associations analyses using Lasso regression for variable selection. RESULTS We included a total of 8735 individuals for case-control phenotypes, and an average (range) of 4286 (276-8555) samples per quantitative analysis. Fourteen of the GWAS yielded a genome-wide significant (P < 5 ×10-8) locus at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6. Outside the MHC, we found a total of 60 loci, multiple associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related NCDs (eg, RASA3, MED12L, and IRF4). FUT2 was also identified as an important gene for polyomaviridae. HLA analysis highlighted the importance of DRB1*09:01, DQB1*02:01, DQA1*01:02, and DQA1*03:01 in EBV serologies and of DRB1*15:01 in polyomaviridae. CONCLUSIONS We have identified multiple genetic variants associated with antibody immune response to 13 infections, many of which are biologically plausible therapeutic or vaccine targets. This may help prioritize future research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Butler-Laporte
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Devin Kreuzer
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tomoko Nakanishi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Kyoto-McGill International Collaborative School in Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Adil Harroud
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Vincenzo Forgetta
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - J Brent Richards
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Twin Research, King’s College London, London, UK
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A Comprehensive Proteomics Analysis of the JC Virus (JCV) Large and Small Tumor Antigen Interacting Proteins: Large T Primarily Targets the Host Protein Complexes with V-ATPase and Ubiquitin Ligase Activities While Small t Mostly Associates with Those Having Phosphatase and Chromatin-Remodeling Functions. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101192. [PMID: 33092197 PMCID: PMC7594058 DOI: 10.3390/v12101192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic potential of both the polyomavirus large (LT-Ag) and small (Sm t-Ag) tumor antigens has been previously demonstrated in both tissue culture and animal models. Even the contribution of the MCPyV tumor antigens to the development of an aggressive human skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, has been recently established. To date, the known primary targets of these tumor antigens include several tumor suppressors such as pRb, p53, and PP2A. However, a comprehensive list of the host proteins targeted by these proteins remains largely unknown. Here, we report the first interactome of JCV LT-Ag and Sm t-Ag by employing two independent “affinity purification/mass spectroscopy” (AP/MS) assays. The proteomics data identified novel targets for both tumor antigens while confirming some of the previously reported interactions. LT-Ag was found to primarily target the protein complexes with ATPase (v-ATPase and Smc5/6 complex), phosphatase (PP4 and PP1), and ligase (E3-ubiquitin) activities. In contrast, the major targets of Sm t-Ag were identified as Smarca1/6, AIFM1, SdhA/B, PP2A, and p53. The interactions between “LT-Ag and SdhB”, “Sm t-Ag and Smarca5”, and “Sm t-Ag and SDH” were further validated by biochemical assays. Interestingly, perturbations in some of the LT-Ag and Sm t-Ag targets identified in this study were previously shown to be associated with oncogenesis, suggesting new roles for both tumor antigens in novel oncogenic pathways. This comprehensive data establishes new foundations to further unravel the new roles for JCV tumor antigens in oncogenesis and the viral life cycle.
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Motavalli Khiavi F, Nasimi M, Rahimi H. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Gene Expression and Mutational Analysis of Large Tumor Antigen in Non-Merkel Cell Carcinoma Tumors of Iranian Patients. Public Health Genomics 2020; 23:210-217. [PMID: 32966997 DOI: 10.1159/000510254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) was identified in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). However, there was sparse information on the link of other common nonmelanoma skin cancers - basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) - to MCPyV infection. The current study describes the phylogenetic information of MCPyV isolated from Iranian non-MCC (nonmelanoma skin cancers) focusing on tumorigenesis of mutations in large tumor (LT) antigen (LT-Ag) fragment. METHODS Sixty patients with BCC and 20 patients with SCC were included in this study (48 males and 32 females; average age 65 years). The MCPyV-DNA copy number in positive samples was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Then, mutational analysis of the MCPyV LT gene was carried out by direct sequencing. RESULTS While MCPyV DNA was detected in 6 (10%) of 60 BCC samples, no viral genome was found in SCCs. There was no distinct association of MCPyV positivity with gender, age, or type of tumor (BCC or SCC) (p value >0.05). Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the median number of viral DNA copies per cell was 0.7 in 6 MCPyV-positive BCC samples. Furthermore, full-length LT-Ag sequencing of positive samples indicated no stop codon or frameshift mutations compared to reference sequences. CONCLUSION Considering the important role of the LT-Ag in the pathogenicity of MCPyV, non-synonymous mutations compared with the reference proteins triggered relevant amino acid substitutions. Overall, the results showed no tumor-associated mutations in the LT-Ag sequence of MCPyVs from positive samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Motavalli Khiavi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Medical Biotechnology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Nasimi
- Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Hamzeh Rahimi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Czech-Sioli M, Günther T, Therre M, Spohn M, Indenbirken D, Theiss J, Riethdorf S, Qi M, Alawi M, Wülbeck C, Fernandez-Cuesta I, Esmek F, Becker JC, Grundhoff A, Fischer N. High-resolution analysis of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Merkel Cell Carcinoma reveals distinct integration patterns and suggests NHEJ and MMBIR as underlying mechanisms. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008562. [PMID: 32833988 PMCID: PMC7470373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the etiological agent of the majority of Merkel Cell Carcinomas (MCC). MCPyV positive MCCs harbor integrated, defective viral genomes that constitutively express viral oncogenes. Which molecular mechanisms promote viral integration, if distinct integration patterns exist, and if integration occurs preferentially at loci with specific chromatin states is unknown. We here combined short and long-read (nanopore) next-generation sequencing and present the first high-resolution analysis of integration site structure in MCC cell lines as well as primary tumor material. We find two main types of integration site structure: Linear patterns with chromosomal breakpoints that map closely together, and complex integration loci that exhibit local amplification of genomic sequences flanking the viral DNA. Sequence analysis suggests that linear patterns are produced during viral replication by integration of defective/linear genomes into host DNA double strand breaks via non-homologous end joining, NHEJ. In contrast, our data strongly suggest that complex integration patterns are mediated by microhomology-mediated break-induced replication, MMBIR. Furthermore, we show by ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq analysis that MCPyV preferably integrates in open chromatin and provide evidence that viral oncogene expression is driven by the viral promoter region, rather than transcription from juxtaposed host promoters. Taken together, our data explain the characteristics of MCPyV integration and may also provide a model for integration of other oncogenic DNA viruses such as papillomaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manja Czech-Sioli
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Günther
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marlin Therre
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Spohn
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Theiss
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- Institute of Tumorbiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Minyue Qi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Wülbeck
- Translational skin cancer research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Irene Fernandez-Cuesta
- Institute of Nanostructure- and Solid State Physics (INF), Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Esmek
- Institute of Nanostructure- and Solid State Physics (INF), Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Translational skin cancer research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (AG); (NF)
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (AG); (NF)
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Tang D, Li B, Xu T, Hu R, Tan D, Song X, Jia P, Zhao Z. VISDB: a manually curated database of viral integration sites in the human genome. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:D633-D641. [PMID: 31598702 PMCID: PMC6943068 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus integration into the human genome occurs frequently and represents a key driving event in human disease. Many studies have reported viral integration sites (VISs) proximal to structural or functional regions of the human genome. Here, we systematically collected and manually curated all VISs reported in the literature and publicly available data resources to construct the Viral Integration Site DataBase (VISDB, https://bioinfo.uth.edu/VISDB). Genomic information including target genes, nearby genes, nearest transcription start site, chromosome fragile sites, CpG islands, viral sequences and target sequences were integrated to annotate VISs. We further curated VIS-involved oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, virus–host interactions involved in non-coding RNA (ncRNA), target gene and microRNA expression in five cancers, among others. Moreover, we developed tools to visualize single integration events, VIS clusters, DNA elements proximal to VISs and virus–host interactions involved in ncRNA. The current version of VISDB contains a total of 77 632 integration sites of five DNA viruses and four RNA retroviruses. VISDB is currently the only active comprehensive VIS database, which provides broad usability for the study of disease, virus related pathophysiology, virus biology, host–pathogen interactions, sequence motif discovery and pattern recognition, molecular evolution and adaption, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyou Tang
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,School of Software Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Bingrui Li
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tianyi Xu
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211106, P.R. China
| | - Ruifeng Hu
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daqiang Tan
- School of Software Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211106, P.R. China
| | - Peilin Jia
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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40
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Siebels S, Czech-Sioli M, Spohn M, Schmidt C, Theiss J, Indenbirken D, Günther T, Grundhoff A, Fischer N. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus DNA Replication Induces Senescence in Human Dermal Fibroblasts in a Kap1/Trim28-Dependent Manner. mBio 2020; 11:e00142-20. [PMID: 32156811 PMCID: PMC7064754 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00142-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the only polyomavirus known to be associated with tumorigenesis in humans. Similarly to other polyomaviruses, MCPyV expresses a large tumor antigen (LT-Ag) that, together with a small tumor antigen (sT-Ag), contributes to cellular transformation and that is of critical importance for the initiation of the viral DNA replication. Understanding the cellular protein network regulated by MCPyV early proteins will significantly contribute to our understanding of the natural MCPyV life cycle as well as of the mechanisms by which the virus contributes to cellular transformation. We here describe KRAB-associated protein 1 (Kap1), a chromatin remodeling factor involved in cotranscriptional regulation, as a novel protein interaction partner of MCPyV T antigens sT and LT. Kap1 knockout results in a significant increase in the level of viral DNA replication that is highly suggestive of Kap1 being an important host restriction factor during MCPyV infection. Differently from other DNA viruses, MCPyV gene expression is unaffected in the absence of Kap1 and Kap1 does not associate with the viral genome. Instead, we show that in primary normal human dermal fibroblast (nHDF) cells, MCPyV DNA replication, but not T antigen expression alone, induces ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase-dependent Kap1 S824 phosphorylation, a mechanism that typically facilitates repair of double-strand breaks in heterochromatin by arresting the cells in G2 We show that MCPyV-induced inhibition of cell proliferation is mainly conferred by residues within the origin binding domain and thereby by viral DNA replication. Our data suggest that phosphorylation of Kap1 and subsequent Kap1-dependent G2 arrest/senescence represent host defense mechanisms against MCPyV replication in nHDF cells.IMPORTANCE We here describe Kap1 as a restriction factor in MCPyV infection. We report a novel, indirect mechanism by which Kap1 affects MCPyV replication. In contrast with from other DNA viruses, Kap1 does not associate with the viral genome in MCPyV infection and has no impact on viral gene expression. In MCPyV-infected nHDF cells, Kap1 phosphorylation (pKap1 S824) accumulates because of genomic stress mainly induced by viral DNA replication. In contrast, ectopic expression of LT or LT MCPyV mutants, previously shown to be important for induction of genotoxic stress, does not result in a similar extent of pKap1 accumulation. We show that cells actively replicating MCPyV accumulate pKap1 (in a manner dependent on the presence of ATM) and display a senescence phenotype reflected by G2 arrest. These results are supported by transcriptome analyses showing that LT antigen, in a manner dependent on the presence of Kap1, induces expression of secreted factors, which is known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Siebels
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manja Czech-Sioli
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Spohn
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Schmidt
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Theiss
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Günther
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Jaiswal R, Ayyagari S, Rajappa S, Agarwal A, Murthy SS. Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Abdominal Wall. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/ijmpo.ijmpo_165_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMerkel-cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin malignancy seen in elderly males. It is a highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for localized disease with adjuvant radiation depending on the locoregional extent, while chemotherapy has a role in metastatic disease. Emerging data from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors look promising. We report a case of MCC in an elderly male diagnosed and treated with chemotherapy and radiation, with a review of the literature of this rare malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Jaiswal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and RI, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Santa Ayyagari
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and RI, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Senthil Rajappa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and RI, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Aleena Agarwal
- Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and RI, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sudha S Murthy
- Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and RI, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Alvarez Orellana J, Kwun HJ, Artusi S, Chang Y, Moore PS. Sirolimus and other mTOR inhibitors directly activate latent pathogenic human polyomavirus replication. J Infect Dis 2020; 224:1160-1169. [PMID: 32060513 PMCID: PMC8514189 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human polyomaviruses can reactivate in transplant patients, causing nephropathy, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, Merkel cell carcinoma, pruritic, rash or trichodysplasia spinulosa. Sirolimus and related mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are transplant immunosuppressants. It is unknown if they directly reactivate polyomavirus replication from latency beyond their general effects on immunosuppression. Methods In vitro expression and turnover of large T (LT) proteins from BK virus, JC virus (JCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), human polyomavirus 7 (HPyV7), and trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus (TSV) after drug treatment were determined by immunoblotting, proximity ligation, replicon DNA replication, and whole virus immunofluorescence assays. Results mTOR inhibition increased LT protein expression for all 5 pathogenic polyomaviruses tested. This correlated with LT stabilization, decrease in the S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) E3 ligase targeting these LT proteins for degradation, and increase in virus replication for JCV, MCV, TSV, and HPyV7. Treatment with sirolimus, but not the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus, at levels routinely achieved in patients, resulted in a dose-dependent increase in viral DNA replication for BKV, MCV, and HPyV7. Conclusions mTOR inhibitors, at therapeutic levels, directly activate polyomavirus replication through a Skp2-dependent mechanism, revealing a proteostatic latency mechanism common to polyomaviruses. Modifying existing drug regimens for transplant patients with polyomavirus-associated diseases may reduce symptomatic polyomavirus replication while maintaining allograft-sparing immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Alvarez Orellana
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Centre.,Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Hyun Jin Kwun
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Centre.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Sara Artusi
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yuan Chang
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Centre.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Patrick S Moore
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Centre.,Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, PA
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The Ubiquitin-Specific Protease Usp7, a Novel Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Large T-Antigen Interaction Partner, Modulates Viral DNA Replication. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01638-19. [PMID: 31801860 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01638-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the major cause for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but highly aggressive skin cancer predominantly found in elderly and immunosuppressed patients. The early viral gene products large T-antigen (LT) and small T-antigen (sT) are important for efficient viral DNA replication, and both contribute to transformation processes. These functions are executed mainly through interactions with host factors. Here, we identify the cellular ubiquitin-specific processing protease 7 (Usp7) as a new interaction partner of the MCPyV LT. Using glutathione S-transferase pulldown experiments, we show that MCPyV LT directly binds to Usp7 and that N- as well as C-terminal regions of LT bind to the TRAF (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated) domain of Usp7. We demonstrate that endogenous Usp7 coprecipitates with MCPyV T-antigens and relocalizes to viral DNA replication centers in cells actively replicating MCPyV genomes. We show that Usp7 does not alter ubiquitination levels of the T-antigens; however, Usp7 binding increases the binding affinity of LT to the origin of replication, thereby negatively regulating viral DNA replication. Together, these data identify Usp7 as a restriction factor of MCPyV replication. In contrast to other DNA viruses, Usp7 does not affect MCPyV gene expression via its ubiquitination activity but influences MCPyV DNA replication solely via a novel mechanism that modulates binding of LT to viral DNA.IMPORTANCE MCPyV is the only human polyomavirus that is associated with cancer; the majority of Merkel cell cancers have a viral etiology. While much emphasis was placed on investigations to understand the transformation process by MCPyV oncoproteins and cellular factors, we have only limited knowledge of cellular factors participating in the MCPyV life cycle. Here, we describe Usp7, a cellular deubiquitination enzyme, as a new factor involved in MCPyV replication. Usp7 is known in the context of large DNA tumor viruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus, to restrict viral replication. Similar to EBV, where Usp7 binding to EBNA1 increases EBNA1 binding affinity to viral DNA, we find MCPyV LT binding to the origin of replication to be increased in the presence of Usp7, resulting in restriction of viral DNA replication. However, Usp7-induced restriction of MCPyV replication is independent of its enzymatic activity, thereby constituting a novel mechanism of Usp7-induced restriction of viral replication.
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Gallo A, Miceli V, Bulati M, Iannolo G, Contino F, Conaldi PG. Viral miRNAs as Active Players and Participants in Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020358. [PMID: 32033193 PMCID: PMC7072176 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The theory that viruses play a role in human cancers is now supported by scientific evidence. In fact, around 12% of human cancers, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in some regions, are attributed to viral infections. However, the molecular mechanism remains complex to decipher. In recent decades, the uncovering of cellular miRNAs, with their invaluable potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, has increased the number of studies being conducted regarding human cancer diagnosis. Viruses develop clever mechanisms to succeed in the maintenance of the viral life cycle, and some viruses, especially herpesviruses, encode for miRNA, v-miRNAs. Through this viral miRNA, the viruses are able to manipulate cellular and viral gene expression, driving carcinogenesis and escaping the host innate or adaptive immune system. In this review, we have discussed the main viral miRNAs and virally influenced cellular pathways, and their capability to drive carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gallo
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione), 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.M.); (M.B.); (G.I.); (F.C.); (P.G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0912192649
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione), 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.M.); (M.B.); (G.I.); (F.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Matteo Bulati
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione), 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.M.); (M.B.); (G.I.); (F.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Gioacchin Iannolo
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione), 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.M.); (M.B.); (G.I.); (F.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Flavia Contino
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione), 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.M.); (M.B.); (G.I.); (F.C.); (P.G.C.)
- Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche E Sperimentali, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Piazza Universita, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione), 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.M.); (M.B.); (G.I.); (F.C.); (P.G.C.)
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Arora R, Gupta K, Vijaykumar A, Krishna S. DETECTing Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Merkel Tumors. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:10. [PMID: 32118036 PMCID: PMC7011098 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer caused either by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) T antigen expression, post-integration (~80% cases), or by UV-mediated DNA damage. Interestingly, overall survival of MCV-positive Merkel cell carcinoma patients is better, making this differential information of significant diagnostic and prognostic value. Also, MCV provides a direct target for therapy in MCC patients. Currently, the methods used for diagnosis of MCV in tumors are often discordant and unreliable. Here we used a guided molecular scissors based-DNA Endonuclease Targeted CRISPR Trans Reporter (DETECTR) technique to develop an in vitro molecular diagnostic tool for MCV-positive MCC. DETECTR couples recombinase polymerase based amplification of target MCV DNA with Cas12a mediated detection. CRISPR diagnostics couple specific detection followed by cutting of the pathogenic DNA by the Cas enzyme-gRNA complex, with non-specific cutting of ssDNA that provides a measurable visual cue. To detect MCV DNA in MCC, we designed Cas12a gRNAs targeting the MCV DNA and tested their targeting efficiency, and sensitivity using a fluorophore quencher labeled reporter assay. We show that MCV DETECTR system can detect MCV integrated in Merkel tumor rapidly, specifically and with femto-molar sensitivity. Our study is a preliminary, proof-of-principle analysis showing the use of CRISPR for MCV diagnosis. Further validation in human tumor samples is needed for its clinical use in the near future. This new system is promising and we hope it can be coupled with immunohistochemical studies to diagnose the viral status of MCC in clinics soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reety Arora
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bangalore, India
| | - Komal Gupta
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bangalore, India
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Anjali Vijaykumar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bangalore, India
| | - Sudhir Krishna
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bangalore, India
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Henriksen JR, Ramberg I, Mikkelsen LH, Heegaard S. The role of infectious agents in cancer of the ocular region. APMIS 2020; 128:136-149. [PMID: 32003084 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between infectious agents and the development of cancer in the ocular adnexa. A comprehensive literary study was carried out, reviewing and summarizing previous reports on the topic. A broad range of malignancies of the ocular adnexa are associated with infectious agents. A strong association and possible causal relationship between the infectious agent and the development of ocular adnexal cancer are seen in Merkel cell carcinoma (Merkel cell polyomavirus), Burkitt lymphoma (Epstein-Barr virus) and Kaposi sarcoma (human herpesvirus 8). Infection with Chlamydia psittaci has been associated with the development of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma in Italy. Human papillomavirus infection has been associated with the development of squamous cell carcinomas of the ocular adnexa, although with a highly variable reported prevalence. By exploring the role of infectious agents in the ocular adnexa and the mechanism by which they contribute to oncogenesis, the diagnostics, management and prevention of these malignancies may also improve. Antibiotic treatment and vaccines against infectious agents may be valuable in future treatment. Additionally, the presence of infectious agents within the tumours may have a prognostic or predictive value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Raun Henriksen
- Eye Pathology Section, Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ingvild Ramberg
- Eye Pathology Section, Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lauge Hjorth Mikkelsen
- Eye Pathology Section, Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Eye Pathology Section, Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lérias JR, Paraschoudi G, de Sousa E, Martins J, Condeço C, Figueiredo N, Carvalho C, Dodoo E, Castillo-Martin M, Beltrán A, Ligeiro D, Rao M, Zumla A, Maeurer M. Microbes as Master Immunomodulators: Immunopathology, Cancer and Personalized Immunotherapies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 7:362. [PMID: 32039196 PMCID: PMC6989410 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The intricate interplay between the immune system and microbes is an essential part of the physiological homeostasis in health and disease. Immunological recognition of commensal microbes, such as bacterial species resident in the gut or lung as well as dormant viral species, i.e., cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), in combination with a balanced immune regulation, is central to achieve immune-protection. Emerging evidence suggests that immune responses primed to guard against commensal microbes may cause unexpected pathological outcomes, e.g., chronic inflammation and/or malignant transformation. Furthermore, translocation of immune cells from one anatomical compartment to another, i.e., the gut-lung axis via the lymphatics or blood has been identified as an important factor in perpetrating systemic inflammation, tissue destruction, as well as modulating host-protective immune responses. We present in this review immune response patterns to pathogenic as well as non-pathogenic microbes and how these immune-recognition profiles affect local immune responses or malignant transformation. We discuss personalized immunological therapies which, directly or indirectly, target host biological pathways modulated by antimicrobial immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana R. Lérias
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Eric de Sousa
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Martins
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Condeço
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Figueiredo
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Carvalho
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Antonio Beltrán
- Department of Pathology, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dário Ligeiro
- Lisbon Centre for Blood and Transplantation, Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Martin Rao
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
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Evolution and molecular epidemiology of polyomaviruses. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 79:104150. [PMID: 31870972 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Polyomaviruses (PyVs) are small DNA viruses that infect several species, including mammals, birds and fishes. Their study gained momentum after the report of previously unidentified viral species in the past decade, and especially, since the description of the first polyomavirus clearly oncogenic for humans. The aim of this work was to review the most relevant aspects of the evolution and molecular epidemiology of polyomaviruses, allowing to reveal general evolutionary patterns and to identify some unaddressed issues and future challenges. The main points analysed included: 1) the species and genera assignation criteria; 2) the hypotheses, mechanisms and timescale of the ancient and recent evolutionary history of polyomaviruses; and 3) the molecular epidemiology of human viruses, with special attention to JC, BK and Merkel cell polyomaviruses.
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Arora R, Rekhi B, Chandrani P, Krishna S, Dutt A. Merkel cell polyomavirus is implicated in a subset of Merkel cell carcinomas, in the Indian subcontinent. Microb Pathog 2019; 137:103778. [PMID: 31600537 PMCID: PMC7166130 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, lethal cancer histopathologically composed of cells showing similarity with mechanoreceptor Merkel cells. Merkel cell tumors manifest in two distinct forms. While a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus is involved in the pathogenesis of one form of Merkel tumors, the other is driven by ultraviolet (UV)-linked mutations. In this study we investigated 18 cases, from the Indian population, of Merkel cell carcinoma for immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) T antigen, including 12 cases tested by PCR, to identify viral etiopathology. We tested the tumors with two sensitive antibodies (CM2B4 and Ab3), targeting the viral large T antigen protein and with PCR primers targeting the N terminus of T antigen. Overall, we observed 38.8% (7/18) tumors displaying positive IHC expression of Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigen and 25% (3/12) tumors showing positive results, by both, immunohistochemistry and PCR. This constitutes the first report from India showing implication of MCV in Merkel cell carcinomas. Moreover, this is one of the larger series of Merkel cell carcinomas, tested for MCV, by both immunohistochemistry and PCR, in this part of the world. These results further indicate that a slightly more number of such cases in India are likely to be caused by UV-linked damage, as opposed to Merkel cell polyomavirus mediated tumorigenesis, which is definitely implicated in a subset of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reety Arora
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - Bharat Rekhi
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Pratik Chandrani
- Integrated Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sudhir Krishna
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Amit Dutt
- Integrated Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, India
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Garbutcheon‐Singh KB, Curchin DJ, McCormack CJ, Smith SD. Trends in the incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma in Victoria, Australia, between 1986 and 2016. Australas J Dermatol 2019; 61:e34-e38. [DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David J. Curchin
- Northern Clinical School University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | | | - Saxon D. Smith
- Royal North Shore Hospital Sydney NSW Australia
- Northern Clinical School University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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