1
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Larson AC, Doty KR, Solheim JC. The double life of a chemotherapy drug: Immunomodulatory functions of gemcitabine in cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7287. [PMID: 38770637 PMCID: PMC11106691 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7287] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the development of immunotherapies has been revolutionary in the treatment of several cancers, many cancer types remain unresponsive to immune-based treatment and are largely managed by chemotherapy drugs. However, chemotherapeutics are not infallible and are frequently rendered ineffective as resistance develops from prolonged exposure. Recent investigations have indicated that some chemotherapy drugs have additional functions beyond their normative cytotoxic capacity and are in fact immune-modifying agents. Of the pharmaceuticals with identified immune-editing properties, gemcitabine is well-studied and of interest to clinicians and scientists alike. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug approved for the treatment of multiple cancers, including breast, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian. Because of its broad applications, relatively low toxicity profile, and history as a favorable combinatory partner, there is promise in the recharacterization of gemcitabine in the context of the immune system. Such efforts may allow the identification of suitable immunotherapeutic combinations, wherein gemcitabine can be used as a priming agent to improve immunotherapy efficacy in traditionally insensitive cancers. This review looks to highlight documented immunomodulatory abilities of one of the most well-known chemotherapy agents, gemcitabine, relating to its influence on cells and proteins of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina C. Larson
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Kenadie R. Doty
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Joyce C. Solheim
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & ImmunologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
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2
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Pagliuca S, Ferraro F. Immune-driven clonal cell selection at the intersection among cancer, infections, autoimmunity and senescence. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:22-34. [PMID: 38341340 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.01.002] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Immune surveillance mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining lifelong immune homeostasis in response to pathologic stimuli and aberrant cell states. However, their persistence, especially in the context of chronic antigenic exposure, can create a fertile ground for immune evasion. These escaping cell phenotypes, harboring a variety of genomic and transcriptomic aberrances, chiefly in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and antigen presentation machinery genes, may survive and proliferate, featuring a scenario of clonal cell expansion with immune failure characteristics. While well characterized in solid and, to some extent, hematological malignancies, little is known about their occurrence and significance in other disease contexts. Historical literature highlights the role for escaping HLA-mediated recognition as a strategy adopted by virus to evade from the immune system, hinting at the potential for immune aberrant cell expansion in the context of chronic infections. Additionally, unmasked in idiopathic aplastic anemia as a mechanism able to rescue failing hematopoiesis, HLA clonal escape may operate in autoimmune disorders, particularly in tissues targeted by aberrant immune responses. Furthermore, senescent cell status emerging as immunogenic phenotypes stimulating T cell responses, may act as a bottleneck for the selection of such immune escaping clones, blurring the boundaries between neoplastic transformation, aging and inflammation. Here we provide a fresh overview and perspective on this immune-driven clonal cell expansion, linking pathophysiological features of neoplastic, autoimmune, infectious and senescence processes exposed to immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pagliuca
- Hematology Department, Nancy University Hospital and UMR7365, IMoPA, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Francesca Ferraro
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
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3
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Malviya M, Aretz Z, Molvi Z, Lee J, Pierre S, Wallisch P, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Challenges and solutions for therapeutic TCR-based agents. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:58-82. [PMID: 37455333 PMCID: PMC11141734 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13233] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent development of methods to discover and engineer therapeutic T-cell receptors (TCRs) or antibody mimics of TCRs, and to understand their immunology and pharmacology, lag two decades behind therapeutic antibodies. Yet we have every expectation that TCR-based agents will be similarly important contributors to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, especially cancers. TCR engineered cells, soluble TCRs and their derivatives, TCR-mimic antibodies, and TCR-based CAR T cells promise the possibility of highly specific drugs that can expand the scope of immunologic agents to recognize intracellular targets, including mutated proteins and undruggable transcription factors, not accessible by traditional antibodies. Hurdles exist regarding discovery, specificity, pharmacokinetics, and best modality of use that will need to be overcome before the full potential of TCR-based agents is achieved. HLA restriction may limit each agent to patient subpopulations and off-target reactivities remain important barriers to widespread development and use of these new agents. In this review we discuss the unique opportunities for these new classes of drugs, describe their unique antigenic targets, compare them to traditional antibody therapeutics and CAR T cells, and review the various obstacles that must be overcome before full application of these drugs can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Malviya
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zita Aretz
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Jayop Lee
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Stephanie Pierre
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Tri-Institutional Medical Scientist Program, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Patrick Wallisch
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
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4
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Stephan-Falkenau S, Streubel A, Mairinger T, Blum TG, Kollmeier J, Mairinger FD, Bauer T, Pfannschmidt J, Hollmann M, Wessolly M. Integrated Clinical, Molecular and Immunological Characterization of Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinomas Reveals an Immune Escape Mechanism That May Influence Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10558. [PMID: 37445733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310558] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) has highly aggressive biological behaviour and poor clinical outcomes, raising expectations for new therapeutic strategies. We characterized 179 PSC by immunohistochemistry, next-generation sequencing and in silico analysis using a deep learning algorithm with respect to clinical, immunological and molecular features. PSC was more common in men, older ages and smokers. Surgery was an independent factor (p < 0.01) of overall survival (OS). PD-L1 expression was detected in 82.1% of all patients. PSC patients displaying altered epitopes due to processing mutations showed another PD-L1-independent immune escape mechanism, which also significantly influenced OS (p < 0.02). The effect was also maintained when only advanced tumour stages were considered (p < 0.01). These patients also showed improved survival with a significant correlation for immunotherapy (p < 0.05) when few or no processing mutations were detected, although this should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of patients studied. Genomic alterations for which there are already approved drugs were present in 35.4% of patients. Met exon 14 skipping was found more frequently (13.7%) and EGFR mutations less frequently (1.7%) than in other NSCLC. In summary, in addition to the divergent genomic landscape of PSC, the specific immunological features of this prognostically poor subtype should be considered in therapy stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Stephan-Falkenau
- Institute for Tissue Diagnostics, MVZ at Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Streubel
- Institute for Tissue Diagnostics, MVZ at Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Mairinger
- Institute for Tissue Diagnostics, MVZ at Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten-Gerriet Blum
- Department of Pneumology, Heckeshorn Lung Clinic, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Kollmeier
- Department of Pneumology, Heckeshorn Lung Clinic, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian D Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Torsten Bauer
- Department of Pneumology, Heckeshorn Lung Clinic, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Pfannschmidt
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heckeshorn Lung Clinic, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel Hollmann
- Institute for Tissue Diagnostics, MVZ at Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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5
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Oza PP, Kashfi K. The evolving landscape of PCSK9 inhibition in cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175721. [PMID: 37059376 PMCID: PMC10229316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with a significant global burden in terms of premature mortality, loss of productivity, healthcare expenditures, and impact on mental health. Recent decades have seen numerous advances in cancer research and treatment options. Recently, a new role of cholesterol-lowering PCSK9 inhibitor therapy has come to light in the context of cancer. PCSK9 is an enzyme that induces the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), which are responsible for clearing cholesterol from the serum. Thus, PCSK9 inhibition is currently used to treat hypercholesterolemia, as it can upregulate LDLRs and enable cholesterol reduction through these receptors. The cholesterol-lowering effects of PCSK9 inhibitors have been suggested as a potential mechanism to combat cancer, as cancer cells have been found to increasingly rely on cholesterol for their growth needs. Additionally, PCSK9 inhibition has demonstrated the potential to induce cancer cell apoptosis through several pathways, increase the efficacy of a class of existing anticancer therapies, and boost the host immune response to cancer. A role in managing cancer- or cancer treatment-related development of dyslipidemia and life-threatening sepsis has also been suggested. This review examines the current evidence regarding the effects of PCSK9 inhibition in the context of different cancers and cancer-associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak P Oza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, 10091, USA.
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6
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Wang Y, Jasinski-Bergner S, Wickenhauser C, Seliger B. Cancer Immunology: Immune Escape of Tumors-Expression and Regulation of HLA Class I Molecules and Its Role in Immunotherapies. Adv Anat Pathol 2023; 30:148-159. [PMID: 36517481 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The addition of "avoiding immune destruction" to the hallmarks of cancer demonstrated the importance of cancer immunology and in particular the role of immune surveillance and escape from malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms contributing to immune impairment and immune responses are diverse. Loss or reduced expression of the HLA class I molecules are major characteristics of human cancers resulting in an impaired recognition of tumor cells by CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This is of clinical relevance and associated with worse patients outcome and limited efficacy of T-cell-based immunotherapies. Here, we summarize the role of HLA class I antigens in cancers by focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for HLA class I defects, which are caused by either structural alterations or deregulation at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels. In addition, the influence of HLA class I abnormalities to adaptive and acquired immunotherapy resistances will be described. The in-depth knowledge of the different strategies of malignancies leading to HLA class I defects can be applied to design more effective cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", Brandenburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale)
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, GermanyLeipzig, Germany
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", Brandenburg, Germany
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7
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Gurnari C, Visconte V. From bone marrow failure syndromes to VEXAS: Disentangling clonal hematopoiesis, immune system, and molecular drivers. Leuk Res 2023; 127:107038. [PMID: 36841022 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2023.107038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a result of the selective expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) carrying somatic mutations originating from a primary HSC. The advent of modern genomic technologies has helped recognizing that CH is common in elderly healthy subjects as a result of the aging bone marrow (BM). CH in healthy subjects without abnormalities in blood counts is known as CH of indeterminate potential. CH is also seen in BM failure (BMF) disorders. Whether CH alarms for the risk to develop malignant evolution in BMF or creates an adaptation to selective pressure is a matter of controversy. As such, a continuum might exist from pre-malignant to malignant hematopoietic diseases. This review summarizes how somatic mutations and immune derangement in HSCs shape disease evolution and describes the complexity of disorders such as VEXAS as the prototypic tetrad of somatic mutations, morphologic features, inflammatory pathways and immune overshooting. In such a view, we interconnect the axis aging and immune-hematopoietic system, which all convey important clues for the risk to develop malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Gurnari
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Visconte
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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8
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Pagliuca S, Gurnari C, Rubio MT, Visconte V, Lenz TL. Individual HLA heterogeneity and its implications for cellular immune evasion in cancer and beyond. Front Immunol 2022; 13:944872. [PMID: 36131910 PMCID: PMC9483928 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.944872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural and functional variability of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is the foundation for competent adaptive immune responses against pathogen and tumor antigens as it assures the breadth of the presented immune-peptidome, theoretically sustaining an efficient and diverse T cell response. This variability is presumably the result of the continuous selection by pathogens, which over the course of evolution shaped the adaptive immune system favoring the assortment of a hyper-polymorphic HLA system able to elaborate efficient immune responses. Any genetic alteration affecting this diversity may lead to pathological processes, perturbing antigen presentation capabilities, T-cell reactivity and, to some extent, natural killer cell functionality. A highly variable germline HLA genotype can convey immunogenetic protection against infections, be associated with tumor surveillance or influence response to anti-neoplastic treatments. In contrast, somatic aberrations of HLA loci, rearranging the original germline configuration, theoretically decreasing its variability, can facilitate mechanisms of immune escape that promote tumor growth and immune resistance. The purpose of the present review is to provide a unified and up-to-date overview of the pathophysiological consequences related to the perturbations of the genomic heterogeneity of HLA complexes and their impact on human diseases, with a special focus on cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pagliuca
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research Department, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Service d’hématologie Clinique, Hôpital Brabois, CHRU Nancy and CNRS UMR 7365 IMoPa, Biopole de l’Université de Loarraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Carmelo Gurnari
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research Department, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marie Thérèse Rubio
- Service d’hématologie Clinique, Hôpital Brabois, CHRU Nancy and CNRS UMR 7365 IMoPa, Biopole de l’Université de Loarraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Valeria Visconte
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research Department, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Tobias L. Lenz
- Research Unit for Evolutionary Immunogenomics, Department of Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Fei F, Rong L, Jiang N, Wayne AS, Xie J. Targeting HLA-DR loss in hematologic malignancies with an inhibitory chimeric antigen receptor. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1215-1226. [PMID: 34801727 PMCID: PMC8899520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cells have remarkable cytotoxicity against hematologic malignancies; however, they may also attack normal cells sharing the target antigen. Since human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) is reportedly lost or downregulated in a substantial proportion of hematologic malignancies, presumably a mechanism to escape immune surveillance, we hypothesize that the anti-cancer specificity of CAR-NK cells can be enhanced by activating them against cancer antigens while inhibiting them against HLA-DR. Here, we report the development of an anti-HLA-DR inhibitory CAR (iCAR) that can effectively suppress NK cell activation against HLA-DR-expressing cells. We show that dual CAR-NK cells, which co-express the anti-CD19 or CD33 activating CAR and the anti-HLA-DR iCAR, can preferentially target HLA-DR-negative cells over HLA-DR-positive cells in vitro. We find that the HLA-DR-mediated inhibition is positively correlated with both iCAR and HLA-DR densities. We also find that HLA-DR-expressing surrounding cells do not affect the target selectivity of dual CAR-NK cells. Finally, we confirm that HLA-DR-positive cells are resistant to dual CAR-NK cell-mediated killing in a xenograft mouse model. Our approach holds great promise for enhancing CAR-NK and CAR-T cell specificity against malignancies with HLA-DR loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Fei
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Liang Rong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Alan S. Wayne
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jianming Xie
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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10
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Arnold PY. Review: HLA loss and detection in the setting of relapse from HLA-mismatched hematopoietic cell transplant. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:712-720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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11
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Garrido MA, Perea F, Vilchez JR, Rodríguez T, Anderson P, Garrido F, Ruiz-Cabello F, Aptsiauri N. Copy Neutral LOH Affecting the Entire Chromosome 6 Is a Frequent Mechanism of HLA Class I Alterations in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205046. [PMID: 34680201 PMCID: PMC8534100 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Total or partial loss of HLA class I antigens reduce the recognition of specific tumor peptides by cytotoxic T lymphocytes favoring cancer immune escape during natural tumor evolution. These alterations can be caused by genomic defects, such as loss of heterozygosity at chromosomes 6 and 15 (LOH-6 and LOH-15), where HLA class I genes are located. There is growing evidence indicating that LOH in HLA contributes to the immune selection of HLA loss variants and influences the resistance to immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the incidence and the mechanism of this chromosomal aberration involving HLA genes has not been systematically assessed in different types of tumors and often remains underestimated. Here, we used SNP arrays to investigate the incidence and patterns of LOH-6 and LOH-15 in a number of human cancer cell lines and tissues of different histological types. We observed that LOH in HLA is a common event in cancer samples with a prevalence of a copy neutral type of LOH (CN-LOH) that affects entire chromosome 6 or 15 and involves chromosomal duplications. LOH-6 was observed more often and was associated with homozygous HLA genotype and partial HLA loss of expression. We also discuss the immunologic and clinical implications of LOH in HLA on tumor clonal expansion and association with the cancer recurrence after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonia Garrido
- Servicio de Radiología, UGC de Radiología, Hospital Virgen de la Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain;
| | - Francisco Perea
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Ramon Vilchez
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Teresa Rodríguez
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Per Anderson
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.R.-C.); (N.A.)
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.R.-C.); (N.A.)
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12
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Zhao J, Xiao X, Li Y, Gao X, Zhang X, Liu Z, Yi Y, Fu X, Wang H, Guan Y, Xia X, Zhang W, Huang J. The prevalence of HLA-I LOH in Chinese pan-cancer patients and genomic features of patients harboring HLA-I LOH. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:1254-1264. [PMID: 34245634 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
HLA-I LOH may facilitate immune evasion. However, large population studies on the prevalence of HLA-I LOH across different cancer types and in relation to mutational profiles are lacking, in particular, in the Chinese population. In this study, analysis was performed in 1504 advanced pan-cancer patients and 134 early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer patients using a 1021-gene panel. The consistency between the 1021-gene panel and whole-exome sequencing was evaluated in 45 samples, where concordant results were obtained in 95.6% (43/45) of the samples. Analytical results revealed that the prevalence of HLA-I LOH in tumor tissue presents considerable differences across cancer types. HLA-I LOH was relevant to genomic instability, reflected in higher tumor mutation burden level. HLA-I LOH occurs more frequently in MSS samples than in MSI-H samples. The alteration frequencies of p53 pathway, RTK/RAS pathway, Notch pathway, Hippo pathway, and Nrf2 pathway in HLA-I LOH group were significantly higher than that in HLA-I stable group (p < .0001, p < .0001, p = .032, p = .013, p = .003, respectively). In DNA damage response pathways, alterations in the checkpoint factor pathway and Fanconi anemia pathway are enriched in HLA-I LOH group (p < .0001, p = .023, respectively). Besides, HLA-I LOH was accompanied by higher mutation rates of several tumor suppressors, including TP53 and LRP1B. These results may shed light on follow-up tumor immunology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxiong Xiao
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Geneplus-Beijing, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuqin Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zeyi Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | | | - Han Wang
- Geneplus-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Weixing Zhang
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian'an Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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13
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Brcic L, Mathilakathu A, Walter RFH, Wessolly M, Mairinger E, Beckert H, Kreidt D, Steinborn J, Hager T, Christoph DC, Kollmeier J, Mairinger T, Wohlschlaeger J, Schmid KW, Borchert S, Mairinger FD. Digital Gene Expression Analysis of Epithelioid and Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Reveals Differences in Immunogenicity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1761. [PMID: 33917061 PMCID: PMC8067687 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy associated with asbestos exposure. Median survival ranges from 14 to 20 months after initial diagnosis. As of November 2020, the FDA approved a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors after promising intermediate results. Nonetheless, responses remain unsatisfying. Adequate patient stratification to improve response rates is still lacking. This retrospective study analyzed formalin fixed paraffin embedded specimens from a cohort of 22 MPM. Twelve of those samples showed sarcomatoid, ten epithelioid differentiation. Complete follow-up, including radiological assessment of response by modRECIST and time to death, was available with reported deaths of all patients. RNA of all samples was isolated and subjected to digital gene expression pattern analysis. Our study revealed a notable difference between epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma, showing differential gene expression for 304/698 expressed genes. Whereas antigen processing and presentation to resident cytotoxic T cells as well as phagocytosis is highly affected in sarcomatoid mesothelioma, cell-cell interaction via cytokines seems to be of greater importance in epithelioid cases. Our work reveals the specific role of the immune system within the different histologic subtypes of MPM, providing a more detailed background of their immunogenic potential. This is of great interest regarding therapeutic strategies including immunotherapy in mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Alexander Mathilakathu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (R.F.H.W.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (T.H.); (K.W.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Robert F. H. Walter
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (R.F.H.W.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (T.H.); (K.W.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (R.F.H.W.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (T.H.); (K.W.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Elena Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (R.F.H.W.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (T.H.); (K.W.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Hendrik Beckert
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Essen—Ruhrlandklinik, 45239 Essen, Germany;
| | - Daniel Kreidt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (R.F.H.W.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (T.H.); (K.W.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Julia Steinborn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (R.F.H.W.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (T.H.); (K.W.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Thomas Hager
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (R.F.H.W.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (T.H.); (K.W.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Daniel C. Christoph
- Department of Medical Oncology, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, 45136 Essen, Germany;
| | - Jens Kollmeier
- Department of Pneumology, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Thomas Mairinger
- Department of Tissue Diagnostics, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany;
| | | | - Kurt Werner Schmid
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (R.F.H.W.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (T.H.); (K.W.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Sabrina Borchert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (R.F.H.W.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (T.H.); (K.W.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Fabian D. Mairinger
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
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14
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Dhatchinamoorthy K, Colbert JD, Rock KL. Cancer Immune Evasion Through Loss of MHC Class I Antigen Presentation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:636568. [PMID: 33767702 PMCID: PMC7986854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.636568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 396] [Impact Index Per Article: 132.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility class I (MHC I) molecules bind peptides derived from a cell's expressed genes and then transport and display this antigenic information on the cell surface. This allows CD8 T cells to identify pathological cells that are synthesizing abnormal proteins, such as cancers that are expressing mutated proteins. In order for many cancers to arise and progress, they need to evolve mechanisms to avoid elimination by CD8 T cells. MHC I molecules are not essential for cell survival and therefore one mechanism by which cancers can evade immune control is by losing MHC I antigen presentation machinery (APM). Not only will this impair the ability of natural immune responses to control cancers, but also frustrate immunotherapies that work by re-invigorating anti-tumor CD8 T cells, such as checkpoint blockade. Here we review the evidence that loss of MHC I antigen presentation is a frequent occurrence in many cancers. We discuss new insights into some common underlying mechanisms through which some cancers inactivate the MHC I pathway and consider some possible strategies to overcome this limitation in ways that could restore immune control of tumors and improve immunotherapy.
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15
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Tang C, Ma J, Liu X, Liu Z. Identification of Four Immune Subtypes in Bladder Cancer Based on Immune Gene Sets. Front Oncol 2020; 10:544610. [PMID: 33117683 PMCID: PMC7571508 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.544610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular classification of bladder cancer is becoming increasingly important for its clinical management. And, the current classifications are primarily based on gene expression profiles. We identified four immunotypes of bladder cancer (referred to as C1–C4) based on gene expression profiles performed by immune-related gene sets in three independent data sets, and proved that this classification is effective and reproducible. We found that C2 is an immune-infiltrating type and C4 is an immune “desert” type. These types are characterized by the up- and downregulation of genes encoding numerous immune checkpoint proteins and HLA and regulating human immune cell subgroups. The survival rate was better for the C2 subtype than for other subtypes. We believe that this can be explained by the antitumor effects of CD4 memory T cells and CD8 T cells as well as their ability to circumvent M0 macrophage antitumor immunity. In addition, C2 was most sensitive to not only anti-PD-1 immunosuppressive therapy, but also conventional chemotherapeutics such as gemcitabine and bleomycin. The C4 subtype was most sensitive to the chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin. This theoretical framework may guide the personalized treatment of bladder cancer in the future. It is worth noting that the C2 immune infiltration type positively correlates with a variety of stromal components, such as enrichment of endothelial cells and fibroblasts, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis, together with enrichment of seven kinds of stem cells. We further identified tumor-related JAK-STAT and other signaling pathways in the C2 subtype, along with important mutations in the proteins involved in these pathways, revealing the complex mechanism underlying tumor immune escape. Our results, and particularly the identification of hub genes specific to the C2 and C4 subtypes, provide a reference for the development of immunotherapeutic agents against bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaozhi Tang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiakang Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiuli Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhengchun Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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16
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MHC Class I Downregulation in Cancer: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071760. [PMID: 32630675 PMCID: PMC7409324 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, major advances have been made in cancer immunotherapy. This has led to significant improvement in prognosis of cancer patients, especially in the hematological setting. Nonetheless, translation of these successes to solid tumors was found difficult. One major mechanism through which solid tumors can avoid anti-tumor immunity is the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), which causes reduced recognition by- and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T-cells. Downregulation of MHC-I has been described in 40-90% of human tumors, often correlating with worse prognosis. Epigenetic and (post-)transcriptional dysregulations relevant in the stabilization of NFkB, IRFs, and NLRC5 are often responsible for MHC-I downregulation in cancer. The intrinsic reversible nature of these dysregulations provides an opportunity to restore MHC-I expression and facilitate adaptive anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms underlying reversible MHC-I downregulation and describe potential strategies to counteract this reduction in MHC-I antigen presentation in cancer.
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17
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Leko V, McDuffie LA, Zheng Z, Gartner JJ, Prickett TD, Apolo AB, Agarwal PK, Rosenberg SA, Lu YC. Identification of Neoantigen-Reactive Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Primary Bladder Cancer. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2019; 202:3458-3467. [PMID: 31036766 PMCID: PMC6548619 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in treating a variety of malignancies, including metastatic bladder cancer. A generally accepted hypothesis suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitors induce tumor regressions by reactivating a population of endogenous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that recognize cancer neoantigens. Although previous studies have identified neoantigen-reactive TILs from several types of cancer, no study to date has shown whether neoantigen-reactive TILs can be found in bladder tumors. To address this, we generated TIL cultures from patients with primary bladder cancer and tested their ability to recognize tumor-specific mutations. We found that CD4+ TILs from one patient recognized mutated C-terminal binding protein 1 in an MHC class II-restricted manner. This finding suggests that neoantigen-reactive TILs reside in bladder cancer, which may help explain the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade in this disease and also provides a rationale for the future use of adoptive T cell therapy targeting neoantigens in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vid Leko
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20982
| | - Lucas A McDuffie
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Zhili Zheng
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Jared J Gartner
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Todd D Prickett
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Andrea B Apolo
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | - Piyush K Agarwal
- Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Steven A Rosenberg
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Yong-Chen Lu
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892;
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18
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Flores-Martín JF, Perea F, Exposito-Ruiz M, Carretero FJ, Rodriguez T, Villamediana M, Ruiz-Cabello F, Garrido F, Cózar-Olmo JM, Aptsiauri N. A Combination of Positive Tumor HLA-I and Negative PD-L1 Expression Provides an Immune Rejection Mechanism in Bladder Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2019; 26:2631-2639. [PMID: 31011905 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-019-07371-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) expression plays an important role in T cell-mediated tumor rejection. Loss of HLA-I is associated with cancer progression and resistance to immunotherapy, including antibodies blocking programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) signaling. Our objective was to analyze a correlation between HLA-I, tumor immune infiltration, and PD-L1/PD-1 axis in bladder cancer in association with the clinicopathologic features of patients. METHODS We analyzed 85 cryopreserved bladder tumors by immunohistochemistry to investigate the expression of HLA-I, PD-L1, PD-1, CD3, CD8, and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). The results were correlated with tumor stage and other clinicopathologic variables of patients. RESULTS We found a strong positive correlation between tumor HLA-I expression and infiltration with CD3+ and CD8 + T cells. PD-L1 expression was positive in 15.5% of tumors and heterogeneous in 40.5%, and was linked to a more advanced tumor stage. The majority of HLA-I-positive/heterogeneous tumors also expressed PD-L1 and PD-1, which were significantly correlated with each other and with lymphocyte infiltration. Interestingly, the analysis of the simultaneous expression of both markers revealed that 85.2% of tumors with a positive/heterogeneous HLA-I phenotype and negative for PD-L1 were mostly non-invasive, representing a 'tumor rejection' immune phenotype. CONCLUSIONS High tumor HLA-I expression with absence of PD-L1 provides bladder cancer with an immune rejection mechanism. Evaluation of PD-L1 and HLA-I together should be considered in bladder cancer and may provide a new predictive biomarker of tumor invasiveness and of the response to 'immune checkpoint' therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Francisco Flores-Martín
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain. .,Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Urología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves de Granada, Granada, Spain. .,Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Urología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Jaén, Jaén, Spain.
| | - Francisco Perea
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuela Exposito-Ruiz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Fundación para la Investigación Biosanitaria de Andalucía Oriental (FIBAO), Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Carretero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Teresa Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marina Villamediana
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - José Manuel Cózar-Olmo
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Urología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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19
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Abstract
In this chapter I describe Tumour Immune Escape mechanisms associated with MHC/HLA class I loss in human and experimental tumours. Different altered HLA class-I phenotypes can be observed that are produced by different molecular mechanisms. Experimental and histological evidences are summarized indicating that at the early stages of tumour development there is an enormous variety of tumour clones with different MHC class I expression patterns. This phase is followed by a strong T cell mediated immune-selection of MHC/HLA class-I negative tumour cells in the primary tumour lesion. This transition period results in a formation of a tumour composed only of HLA-class I negative cells. An updated description of this process observed in a large variety of human tumors is included. In the second section I focus on MHC/HLA class I alterations observed in mouse and human metastases, and describe the generation of different tumor cell clones with altered MHC class I phenotypes, which could be similar or different from the original tumor clone. The biological and immunological relevance of these observations is discussed. Finally, the interesting phenomenon of metastatic dormancy is analyzed in association with a particular MHC class I negative tumor phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Departamento de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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20
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Garrido F. HLA Class-I Expression and Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1151:79-90. [PMID: 31140107 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-17864-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The impact of HLA class I loss in cancer immunotherapy is carefully analyzed. Why some metastatic lesions regress and other progress after immunotherapy? Are T lymphocytes responsible for tumour rejection and how these responses can be boosted? These questions are discussed in the context of the molecular mechanisms responsible for MHC/HLA class I alterations. If the metastatic tumour cells harbor "irreversible/hard" HLA lesions, they will escape and kill the host. In contrast, if the molecular lesion is "reversible/soft", tumor cells can potentially recover HLA-class I expression and can finally be destroyed. These important new concepts are integrated together and gain a great importance in the new era of "immune checkpoint antibodies". Finally, the ability to recover HLA-I expression in tumours harboring "structural-irreversible-hard" genetic lesions is seen as a challenge for the future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Departamento de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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21
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HLA class I alterations in breast carcinoma are associated with a high frequency of the loss of heterozygosity at chromosomes 6 and 15. Immunogenetics 2018; 70:647-659. [PMID: 30145665 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-018-1074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules play a crucial role in the presentation of tumor antigenic peptides to CD8+ T cells. Tumor HLA-I loss provides a route of immune escape from T cell-mediated killing. We analyzed HLA-I expression in 98 cryopreserved breast cancer tissues using a broad panel of anti-HLA-I antibodies. Genomic HLA-I typing was performed using DNA obtained from autologous normal breast tissue. Analysis of the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the HLA-I region of chromosome 6 (LOH-6) and in the β2-microglobulin (B2M) region of chromosome 15 (LOH-15) was done by microsatellite amplification of DNA isolated from microdissected tumor areas. B2M gene sequencing was done using this DNA form HLA-I-negative tumors. Immunohistological analysis revealed various types of HLA-I alterations in 79 tumors (81%), including total HLA-I loss in 53 cases (54%) and partial loss in 16 samples (14%). In 19 cases (19%), HLA-I expression was positive. Using microsatellite analysis, we detected LOH in 36 cases out of 92 evaluated (39%), including 15 samples with only LOH-6, 14 with LOH-15, and seven tumors with LOH-6 and LOH-15 at the same time. Remarkably, we detected LOH-6 in eight tumors with positive HLA-I immunolabeling. We did not find any B2M mutations in HLA-I-negative breast tumors. In conclusion, LOH at chromosomes 6 and 15 has a high incidence in breast cancer and occurs in tumors with different HLA-I immunophenotypes. This common molecular mechanism of HLA-I alterations may reduce the ability of cytotoxic T lymphocytes to kill tumor cells and negatively influence the clinical success of cancer immunotherapy.
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22
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Cai L, Michelakos T, Yamada T, Fan S, Wang X, Schwab JH, Ferrone CR, Ferrone S. Defective HLA class I antigen processing machinery in cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:999-1009. [PMID: 29487978 PMCID: PMC8697037 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Malignant transformation of cells is frequently associated with defective HLA class I antigen processing machinery (APM) component expression. This abnormality may have functional relevance, since it may have a negative impact on tumor cell recognition by cognate T cells. Furthermore, HLA class I APM abnormalities appear to have clinical significance, since they are associated with poor prognosis in several malignant diseases and may play a role in the resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature describing abnormalities in HLA class I APM component expression in many types of cancer. These abnormalities have been reported in all types of cancer analyzed with a frequency ranging between a minimum of 35.8% in renal cancer and a maximum of 87.9% in thyroid cancer for HLA class I heavy chains. In addition, we have described the molecular mechanisms underlying defects in HLA class I APM component expression and function by malignant cells. Lastly, we have discussed the clinical significance of HLA class I APM component abnormalities in malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cai
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Theodoros Michelakos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Teppei Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Song Fan
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Joseph H Schwab
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina R Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Aptsiauri N, Ruiz-Cabello F, Garrido F. The transition from HLA-I positive to HLA-I negative primary tumors: the road to escape from T-cell responses. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 51:123-132. [PMID: 29567511 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
MHC/HLA class I loss in cancer is one of the main mechanisms of tumor immune escape from T-cell recognition and destruction. Tumor infiltration by T lymphocytes (TILs) and by other immune cells was first described many years ago, but has never been directly and clearly linked to the destruction of HLA-I positive and selection of HLA-I negative tumor cells. The degree and the pattern of lymphocyte infiltration in a tumor nest may depend on antigenicity and the developmental stages of the tumors. In addition, it is becoming evident that HLA-I expression and tumor infiltration have a direct correlation with tumor tissue reorganization. We observed that at early stages (permissive Phase I) tumors are heterogeneous, with both HLA-I positive and HLA-negative cancer cells, and are infiltrated by TILs and M1 macrophages as a part of an active anti-tumor Th1 response. At later stages (encapsulated Phase II), tumor nests are mostly HLA-I negative with immune cells residing in the peri-tumoral stroma, which forms a granuloma-like encapsulated tissue structure. All these tumor characteristics, including tumor HLA-I expression pattern, have an important clinical prognostic value and should be closely and routinely investigated in different types of cancer by immunologists and by pathologists. In this review we summarize our current viewpoint about the alterations in HLA-I expression in cancer and discuss how, when and why tumor HLA-I losses occur. We also provide evidence for the negative impact of tumor HLA-I loss in current cancer immunotherapies, with the focus on reversible ('soft') and irreversible ('hard') HLA-I defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Aptsiauri
- Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs, 18014 Granada, Spain; Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunologia III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Servicio de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, UGC Laboratorio Clinico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs, 18014 Granada, Spain; Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunologia III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, UGC Laboratorio Clinico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs, 18014 Granada, Spain; Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunologia III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Spain.
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24
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Li D, Song L, Wen Z, Li X, Jie J, Wang Y, Peng L. Strong evidence for LncRNA ZNRD1-AS1, and its functional Cis- eQTL locus contributing more to the susceptibility of lung cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 7:35813-35817. [PMID: 27166266 PMCID: PMC5094964 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (IncRNAs), involved in cancer biology, contributing to essential cancer cell functions such as proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, have received increasing attention recently. Human Zinc ribbon domain containing 1 (ZNRD1) has been confirmed to be involved in carcinogenesis and development of multiple cancers. ZNRD1-AS1, a lncRNA in the upstream region of ZNRD1 which could down-regulate the expression of ZNRD1, has been identified as a possible component in carcinogenesis. The underlying relations of ZNRD1-AS1 with lung cancer development and metastasis remain obscure. In current study, we first evaluated the expression ZNRD1-AS1 and ZNRD1 among lung cancer tissues and corresponding normal tissues, which showed higher expression of ZNRD1-AS1 and lower expression of ZNRD1. To reveal the underlying mechanisms, we then investigated the associations between ZNRD1 eQTLs SNPs in ZNRD1-AS1 and risk of lung cancer in Han Chinese populations. G allele of SNP rs9261204 was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer when compared with A allele (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.19–1.75; P = 1.06 × 10−4). A weaker, but similar effect was also observed in bladder cancer. SNP rs3757328 was also associated with increased risk of lung cancer (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.07–1.67; P = 0.011). Our findings first confirmed the contribution of LncRNA ZNRD1-AS1 to the development of lung cancer in Asian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhongmei Wen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Jie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liping Peng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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25
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Carretero FJ, Del Campo AB, Flores-Martín JF, Mendez R, García-Lopez C, Cozar JM, Adams V, Ward S, Cabrera T, Ruiz-Cabello F, Garrido F, Aptsiauri N. Frequent HLA class I alterations in human prostate cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical relevance. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:47-59. [PMID: 26611618 PMCID: PMC11029306 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1774-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Reduced expression of HLA class I is an important immune escape mechanism from cytotoxic T cells described in various types of malignancy. It often correlates with poor prognosis and resistance to therapy. However, current knowledge about the frequency, underlying molecular mechanisms, and prognostic value of HLA class I and II alterations in prostate cancer (PC) is limited. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that 88 % of the 42 studied cryopreserved prostate tumors have at least one type of HLA alteration as compared to adjacent normal prostate epithelium or benign hyperplasia. Total loss of HLA-I expression found in 50 % of tumors showed an association with increased incidence of tumor relapse, perineural invasion, and high D'Amico risk. The remaining HLA-I-positive tumors demonstrated locus and allelic losses detected in 26 and 12 % of samples, respectively. Loss of heterozygosity at chromosome 6 was detected in 32 % of the studied tumors. Molecular analysis revealed a reduced expression of B2M, TAP2, tapasin and NLRC5 mRNA in microdissected HLA-I-negative tumors. Analysis of twelve previously unreported cell lines derived from neoplastic and normal epithelium of cancerous prostate revealed different types of HLA-I aberration, ranging from locus and/or allelic downregulation to a total absence of HLA-I expression. The high incidence of HLA-I loss observed in PC, caused by both regulatory and structural defects, is associated with more aggressive disease development and may pose a real threat to patient health by increasing cancer progression and resistance to T-cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Carretero
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Belen Del Campo
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, Avda Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Francisco Flores-Martín
- UGC Urología del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rosa Mendez
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, Avda Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Cesar García-Lopez
- UGC Anatomía Patológica del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Cozar
- UGC Urología del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Victoria Adams
- Onyvax, Ltd, St. George's Hospital, University of London, London, UK
- Cell Therapy Catapult Limited, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stephen Ward
- Onyvax, Ltd, St. George's Hospital, University of London, London, UK
- Cell Therapy Catapult Limited, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Teresa Cabrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, Avda Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, Avda Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, Avda Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014, Granada, Spain.
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26
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Garrido F, Romero I, Aptsiauri N, Garcia-Lora AM. Generation of MHC class I diversity in primary tumors and selection of the malignant phenotype. Int J Cancer 2014; 138:271-80. [PMID: 25471439 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intratumor heterogeneity among cancer cells is promoted by reversible or irreversible genetic alterations and by different microenvironmental factors. There is considerable experimental evidence of the presence of a variety of malignant cell clones with a wide diversity of major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) expression during early stages of tumor development. This variety of MHC-I phenotypes may define the evolution of a particular tumor. Loss of MHC-I molecules frequently results in immune escape of MHC-negative or -deficient tumor cells from the host T cell-mediated immune response. We review here the results obtained by our group and other researchers in animal models and humans, showing how MHC-I intratumor heterogeneity may affect local oncogenicity and metastatic progression. In particular, we summarize the data obtained in an experimental mouse cancer model of a methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma (GR9), in which isolated clones with different MHC-I expression patterns demonstrated distinct local tumor growth rates and metastatic capacities. The observed "explosion of diversity" of MHC-I phenotypes in primary tumor clones and the molecular mechanism ("hard"/irreversible or "soft"/reversible) responsible for a given MHC-I alteration might determine not only the metastatic capacity of the cells but also their response to immunotherapy. We also illustrate the generation of further MHC heterogeneity during metastatic colonization and discuss different strategies to favor tumor rejection by counteracting MHC-I loss. Finally, we highlight the role of MHC-I genes in tumor dormancy and cell cycle control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico; Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Irene Romero
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico; Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico; Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Angel M Garcia-Lora
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico; Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
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Cao Y, Zhou X, Zhou M, Xu D, Ma Q, Zhang P, Huang X, Li Q, Ma D, Zhou J. Inhibition of STAT3 activity re-activates anti-tumor immunity but fails to restore the immunogenicity of tumor cells in a B-cell lymphoma model. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:1153-62. [PMID: 24915165 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.29453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of patients with advanced lymphoma become refractory or relapse after initial treatment due to the persistence of minimal residual disease. Ideal immunotherapy strategy for eradicating the minimal residual disease of lymphoma and preventing the tendency to relapse need to be developed. Here, we use a mice model mimicked the disease entities of aggressive B-cell lymphoma dynamically to analyze the host anti-lymphoma immunity during the progression of lymphoma. We have shown that STAT3 activity was gradually enhanced in host immune effector cells with the progression of lymphoma. Inhibition of the STAT3 activity with a small molecule inhibitor was able to effectively enhance the function of both host innate and adaptive immunity, and thereby delayed the progression of lymphoma. Despite the therapeutic benefits were achieved by using of the STAT3 inhibitor, disrupting of STAT3 pathway did not prevent the eventual development of lymphoma due to the presence of point mutation of β2M, which controls immune recognition by T cells. Our findings highlight the complexity of the mechanism of immune evasion; therefore a detailed analysis of genes involved in the immune recognition process should be essential before an elegant immunotherapy strategy could be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Cao
- Department of Hematology; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhou
- Department of Hematology; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Hematology; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Danmei Xu
- Department of Hematology; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Quanfu Ma
- Cancer Biology Research Center; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Peilin Zhang
- Department of Hematology; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Xiaoyuan Huang
- Cancer Biology Research Center; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Qinlu Li
- Department of Hematology; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Ding Ma
- Cancer Biology Research Center; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Department of Hematology; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China; Cancer Biology Research Center; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan, Hubei PR China
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28
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Carretero R, Gil-Julio H, Vázquez-Alonso F, Garrido F, Castiñeiras J, Cózar J. Involvement of HLA class I molecules in the immune escape of urologic tumors. Actas Urol Esp 2014; 38:192-9. [PMID: 24315763 DOI: 10.1016/j.acuro.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE To analyze the influence of different alterations in human leukocyte antigen class I molecules (HLA I) in renal cell carcinoma, as well as in bladder and prostate cancer. We also study the correlation between HLA I expression and the progression of the disease and the response after immunotherapy protocols. EVIDENCES ACQUISITION It has been shown, experimentally, that the immune system can recognize and kill neoplastic cells. By analyzing the expression of HLA I molecules on the surface of cancer cells, we were able to study the tumor escape mechanisms against the immune system. EVIDENCES SYNTHESIS Alteration or irreversible damage in HLA I molecules is used by the neoplastic cells to escape the immune system. The function of these molecules is to recognize endogenous peptides and present them to T cells of the immune system. There is a clear relationship between HLA I reversible alterations and success of therapy. Irreversible lesions also imply a lack of response to treatment. The immune system activation can reverse HLA I molecules expression in tumors with reversible lesions, whereas tumors with irreversible ones do not respond to such activation. Determine the type of altered HLA I molecules in tumors is of paramount importance when choosing the type of treatment to keep looking for therapeutic success. Those tumors with reversible lesions can be treated with traditional immunotherapy; however, tumour with irreversible alterations should follow alternative protocols, such as the use of viral vectors carrying the HLA genes to achieve damaged re-expression of the protein. CONCLUSION From studies in urologic tumors, we can conclude that the HLA I molecules play a key role in these tumors escape to the immune system.
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29
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Rashidi A. Tumors with a more complex genome have a higher frequency of HLA class I total loss: a unifying pan-cancer hypothesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 83:286-9. [PMID: 24571087 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Rashidi
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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30
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del Campo AB, Kyte JA, Carretero J, Zinchencko S, Méndez R, González-Aseguinolaza G, Ruiz-Cabello F, Aamdal S, Gaudernack G, Garrido F, Aptsiauri N. Immune escape of cancer cells with beta2-microglobulin loss over the course of metastatic melanoma. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:102-13. [PMID: 23784959 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells escape T-cell-mediated destruction by losing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression via various mechanisms, including loss of beta2-microglobulin (β2m). Our study illustrates the immune escape of HLA class I-negative tumor cells and chronological sequence of appearance of tumor β2m gene mutation in successive lesions obtained from a patient with metastatic melanoma. We observed a gradual decrease in HLA expression in consecutive lesions with few HLA-negative nodules in the primary tumor and the emergence of a totally negative lesion at later stages of the disease. We detected loss of β2m in β2m-negative nests of the primary tumor caused by a combination of two alterations: (i) a mutation (G to T substitution) in codon 67 in exon 2 of β2m gene, producing a stop codon and (ii) loss of the second gene copy by loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in chromosome 15. The same β2m mutation was found in a homogeneously β2m-negative metastasis 10 months later and in a cell line established from a biopsy of a postvaccination lymph node. Microsatellite analysis revealed the presence of LOH in chromosomes 6 and 15 in tumor samples, showing an accumulation of chromosomal loss at specific short tandem repeats in successive metastases during disease progression. HLA loss correlated with decreased tumor CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Early incidence of β2m defects can cause an immune selection and expansion of highly aggressive melanoma clones with irreversible genetic defects causing total loss of HLA class I expression and should be taken into consideration as a therapeutic target in the development of cancer immunotherapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B del Campo
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Immunology, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada Medical School, Granada, Spain
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31
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Santana-Codina N, Carretero R, Sanz-Pamplona R, Cabrera T, Guney E, Oliva B, Clezardin P, Olarte OE, Loza-Alvarez P, Méndez-Lucas A, Perales JC, Sierra A. A transcriptome-proteome integrated network identifies endoplasmic reticulum thiol oxidoreductase (ERp57) as a hub that mediates bone metastasis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2013; 12:2111-25. [PMID: 23625662 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m112.022772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone metastasis is the most common distant relapse in breast cancer. The identification of key proteins involved in the osteotropic phenotype would represent a major step toward the development of new prognostic markers and therapeutic improvements. The aim of this study was to characterize functional phenotypes that favor bone metastasis in human breast cancer. We used the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and its osteotropic BO2 subclone to identify crucial proteins in bone metastatic growth. We identified 31 proteins, 15 underexpressed and 16 overexpressed, in BO2 cells compared with parental cells. We employed a network-modeling approach in which these 31 candidate proteins were prioritized with respect to their potential in metastasis formation, based on the topology of the protein-protein interaction network and differential expression. The protein-protein interaction network provided a framework to study the functional relationships between biological molecules by attributing functions to genes whose functions had not been characterized. The combination of expression profiles and protein interactions revealed an endoplasmic reticulum-thiol oxidoreductase, ERp57, functioning as a hub that retained four down-regulated nodes involved in antigen presentation associated with the human major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, including HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-E, and HLA-F. Further analysis of the interaction network revealed an inverse correlation between ERp57 and vimentin, which influences cytoskeleton reorganization. Moreover, knockdown of ERp57 in BO2 cells confirmed its bone organ-specific prometastatic role. Altogether, ERp57 appears as a multifunctional chaperone that can regulate diverse biological processes to maintain the homeostasis of breast cancer cells and promote the development of bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Santana-Codina
- Biological Clues of the Invasive and Metastatic Phenotype Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona E-08908, Spain
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32
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Yeung JT, Hamilton RL, Ohnishi K, Ikeura M, Potter DM, Nikiforova MN, Ferrone S, Jakacki RI, Pollack IF, Okada H. LOH in the HLA class I region at 6p21 is associated with shorter survival in newly diagnosed adult glioblastoma. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:1816-26. [PMID: 23401227 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-2861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma (GBM) shows downregulated expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, thereby escaping from cytotoxic T cells and limiting the efficacy of immunotherapy. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of HLA class I (6p21) and/or β-2 microglobulin (B2m) (15q21) regions represents irreversible downregulation. In this study, we examined the prevalence of these LOH events and their relations with overall survival in GBM. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In a cross-sectional analysis on 60 adult patients with GBM, DNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were evaluated for 10 microsatellite regions of HLA class I, B2m, HLA class II, HLA class III, and 6q by PCR as well as immunohistochemical evaluation of HLA class I expression and CD8(+) T-cell infiltration. RESULTS LOH in HLA class I, B2m, HLA class II, HLA class III, and 6q regions was present in 41.4%, 18.2%, 9.4%, 77.8%, and 36.0% of informative cases, respectively. LOH of HLA class I was associated with shorter overall survival (HR = 4.89, P = 0.0078). HLA class I was downregulated in 22% to 43% of cases based on immunohistochemistry. Cases that displayed negative staining were significantly younger. HLA class I expression correlated with intratumoral CD8(+) T-cell infiltration. CONCLUSION LOH in the HLA class I region is frequent in adult GBMs. The association of shorter survival with LOH in this region suggests a crucial role for these genes in immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky T Yeung
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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33
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Ikegame K, Kaida K, Lakoma L, Ishii S, Inoue T, Kato R, Soma T, Okada M, Ogawa H. Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for lymphoma with monosomy of chromosome 6 (loss of heterozygosity in the HLA region) — Who should be a donor? Transpl Immunol 2012; 27:162-5. [PMID: 23000337 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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34
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Tumor evasion from T cell surveillance. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:918471. [PMID: 22190859 PMCID: PMC3228689 DOI: 10.1155/2011/918471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An intact immune system is essential to prevent the development and progression of neoplastic cells in a process termed immune surveillance. During this process the innate and the adaptive immune systems closely cooperate and especially T cells play an important role to detect and eliminate tumor cells. Due to the mechanism of central tolerance the frequency of T cells displaying appropriate arranged tumor-peptide-specific-T-cell receptors is very low and their activation by professional antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, is frequently hampered by insufficient costimulation resulting in peripheral tolerance. In addition, inhibitory immune circuits can impair an efficient antitumoral response of reactive T cells. It also has been demonstrated that large tumor burden can promote a state of immunosuppression that in turn can facilitate neoplastic progression. Moreover, tumor cells, which mostly are genetically instable, can gain rescue mechanisms which further impair immune surveillance by T cells. Herein, we summarize the data on how tumor cells evade T-cell immune surveillance with the focus on solid tumors and describe approaches to improve anticancer capacity of T cells.
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35
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Carretero R, Cabrera T, Gil H, Saenz-Lopez P, Maleno I, Aptsiauri N, Cozar JM, Garrido F. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin immunotherapy of bladder cancer induces selection of human leukocyte antigen class I-deficient tumor cells. Int J Cancer 2011; 129:839-46. [PMID: 20957629 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy is a standard treatment for high-risk non-muscle-infiltrating bladder cancer patients. Although the outcomes are good, cancer relapse is observed in around 40% of patients. We present the comparative analysis of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression in recurrent bladder tumors in patients treated with mitomycin or BCG. HLA class I expression was analyzed by RT-Q-PCR and immunohistochemical techniques. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was determined by microsatellite amplification of markers in chromosome 6 and 15. More profound alterations in HLA class I expression were found in post-BCG recurrent tumors than in pre-BCG lesions, whereas mitomycin treatment did not change the HLA class I expression pattern. Post-BCG recurrent tumors also showed a higher incidence of structural defects underlying altered HLA class I expression. We hypothesize that the immunotherapy-activated immune system recognizes and eliminates tumor cells with reversible ("soft") HLA class I changes but not transformed cells with additional, irreversible ("hard") alterations. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical evidence of immunotherapy-induced immunoselection of HLA class I loss tumor variants in bladder cancer, although the study involved a small number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Carretero
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, and Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada, Spain
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Maleno I, Aptsiauri N, Cabrera T, Gallego A, Paschen A, López-Nevot MA, Garrido F. Frequent loss of heterozygosity in the β2-microglobulin region of chromosome 15 in primary human tumors. Immunogenetics 2010; 63:65-71. [PMID: 21086121 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-010-0494-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Downregulation or total loss of HLA class I expression on tumor cells is known as a mechanism of cancer immune escape. Alterations of the HLA phenotype are frequently due to mutations affecting genes encoding the HLA class I heavy chains located on chromosome 6p21 or the β2-microglobulin (β2m) gene encoding the light chain of the HLA complex located on chromosome 15q21. Frequently irreversible total loss of HLA class I molecules is due to the coincidence of two molecular events, the mutation of one β2m gene and the loss of the second copy. The latter is detectable as loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of microsatellite markers in the β2m region on chromosome 15q21 (LOH-15q21). Thus, LOH-15q21 might be an important event in the processes of HLA class I downregulation and total loss. Here we studied the frequency of LOH-15q21 in tumor tissues of different entities. By determining the status of heterozygosity of two microsatellite markers we detected LOH-15q21 in 44% of bladder carcinomas (n = 69), in 35% of colon carcinomas (n = 95), in 16% of melanomas (n = 70) but only in 7% of renal cancers (n = 45). Moreover, we observed a frequent coincidence of LOH-15q21 and LOH-6p21 in colorectal carcinoma, bladder carcinoma and melanoma, but not for renal carcinoma. We believe that the high incidence of LOH-15q21 in some malignancies and especially the coincidence of LOH-15q21 and LOH-6p21 might have a strong impact on tumor immunogenicity and on the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Maleno
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
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Garrido F, Cabrera T, Aptsiauri N. "Hard" and "soft" lesions underlying the HLA class I alterations in cancer cells: implications for immunotherapy. Int J Cancer 2010; 127:249-56. [PMID: 20178101 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cancer cells to escape from the natural or immunotherapy-induced antitumor immune response is often associated with alterations in the tumor cell surface expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I antigens. Considerable knowledge has been gained on the prevalence of various patterns of MHC Class I defects and the underlying molecular mechanisms in different types of cancer. In contrast, few data are available on the changes in MHC Class I expression happening during the course of cancer immunotherapy. We have recently proposed that the progression or regression of a tumor lesion in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy could be predetermined by the molecular mechanism responsible for the MHC Class I alteration and not by the type of immunotherapy used, i.e., interleukin-2 (IL-2), Bacillus Calmette-Guèrin (BCG), interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), peptides alone, dendritic cells loaded with peptides, protein-bound polysaccharide etc. If the molecular alteration responsible for the changes in MHC Class I expression is reversible by cytokines ("soft" lesion), the MHC Class I expression will be upregulated, the specific T cell-mediated response will increase and the lesion will regress. However, if the molecular defect is structural ("hard" lesion), the MHC Class I expression will remain low, the escape mechanism will prevail and the primary tumor or the metastatic lesion will progress. According to this idea, the nature of the preexisting MHC Class I lesion in the cancer cell has a crucial impact determining the final outcome of cancer immunotherapy. In this article, we discuss the importance of these two types of molecular mechanisms of MHC Class I-altered expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.
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Sengupta N, MacFie TS, MacDonald TT, Pennington D, Silver AR. Cancer immunoediting and "spontaneous" tumor regression. Pathol Res Pract 2009; 206:1-8. [PMID: 19945228 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2009.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The combination of host protective and tumor-promoting actions of the immune system throughout tumor development is termed cancer immunoediting. This review briefly summarizes the currently vast evidence supporting the immune system's role in not only protecting against developing cancer, but also sculpting tumor immunogenicity and immune escape. We also briefly summarize the history of immunotherapy and discuss the immunoediting process in the context of spontaneous tumor regression and whether this observation can be utilized in future treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neel Sengupta
- Colorectal Cancer Genetics, Centre for Academic Surgery, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK
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Mendez R, Aptsiauri N, Del Campo A, Maleno I, Cabrera T, Ruiz-Cabello F, Garrido F, Garcia-Lora A. HLA and melanoma: multiple alterations in HLA class I and II expression in human melanoma cell lines from ESTDAB cell bank. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:1507-15. [PMID: 19340423 PMCID: PMC11030131 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-009-0701-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2008] [Accepted: 03/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Altered HLA class I and class II cell surface expression has been reported in many types of malignancy and represents one of the major mechanism by which tumour cells escape from T lymphocytes. In this report, we review the results obtained from the study of constitutive and IFN-gamma-induced expression of HLA class I and II molecules in 91 human melanoma cell lines from the European Searchable Tumour Cell Line Database, and compare them with published data on HLA expression in other types of cancer. Various types of alterations in HLA class I cell surface expression were found in a high percentage (67%) of the studied cell lines. These alterations range from total to selective HLA class I loss and are associated with beta2-microglobulin gene mutations, transcriptional downregulation of HLA class I genes and antigen processing machinery components, or with the loss of heterozygosity in chromosome 6. The most frequently observed phenotype is selective downregulation of HLA-B locus, reversible after treatment with IFN-gamma. The expression of constitutive- or IFN-gamma induced-surface expression of at least one HLA class II locus is positive in 71.5% of the analysed cell lines. Four different HLA class II expression phenotypes were defined, and a positive correlation between the expression of class I and II molecules is discussed. More detailed information on the HLA expression patterns and others immunological characteristics of these melanoma cell lines can be found on the following website http://www.ebi.ac.uk/ipd/estdab .
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Mendez
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Del Campo
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Isabel Maleno
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Teresa Cabrera
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Angel Garcia-Lora
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
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Carretero R, Romero JM, Ruiz-Cabello F, Maleno I, Rodriguez F, Camacho FM, Real LM, Garrido F, Cabrera T. Analysis of HLA class I expression in progressing and regressing metastatic melanoma lesions after immunotherapy. Immunogenetics 2008; 60:439-47. [PMID: 18545995 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-008-0303-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2008] [Accepted: 05/06/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the potential efficacy of cancer immunotherapy in preclinical studies, it did not show yet significant positive clinical results in humans with only a small number of cancer patients demonstrating objective tumor regression. This poor clinical outcome can be explained by the generation of sophisticated tumor immune escape mechanism, in particular, abnormalities in the expression of HLA class I antigens. We have studied the expression of HLA class I antigens in ten metastatic lesions obtained from a melanoma patient undergoing immunotherapy. Five lesions were obtained after Interferon-alpha-2b treatment and five after autologous vaccination plus BCG (M-VAX). Eight metastases were regressing after immunotherapy while two were progressing. The eight regressing metastases showed high level of HLA class I expression, whereas the two progressing lesions had low levels as measured by real time PCR and immunohistological techniques. These results indicate a strong association between HLA class I expression and progression or regression of the metastatic lesions. Our data support the hypothesis that the level of HLA class I expression is an important parameter of tumor immune escape that needs to be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Carretero
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
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Méndez R, Rodríguez T, Del Campo A, Monge E, Maleno I, Aptsiauri N, Jiménez P, Pedrinaci S, Pawelec G, Ruiz-Cabello F, Garrido F. Characterization of HLA class I altered phenotypes in a panel of human melanoma cell lines. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2008; 57:719-29. [PMID: 17934731 PMCID: PMC11030649 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-007-0411-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered HLA class I cell surface expression is one of the major mechanisms by which tumor cells escape from T lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry-defined phenotypes of lost HLA class I expression have been described in human solid tumors, nut less information is available on melanoma cell lines. OBJECTIVES To describe the frequency and distribution of different types of HLA class I antigen alterations in 91 melanoma cell lines from the European Searchable Tumour Cell and Databank (ESTDAB). METHODS The HLA class I expression was assessed by flow cytometry and HLA genotyping. RESULTS We found various types of HLA class I cell surface alterations in about 67% of the melanoma cell lines. These alterations range from total to selective HLA class I loss due to loss of heterozygosity (LOH), haplotype loss, beta2-microglobulin gene mutation, and/or total or selective down-regulation of HLA class I molecules. The most frequently observed phenotype is down-regulation of HLA-B locus that was reversible after treatment with IFN -gamma. CONCLUSIONS In general, HLA class I alterations in the majority of the cells analyzed were of regulatory nature and could be restored by IFN-gamma. Analysis of the frequency of distinct HLA class I altered phenotypes in these melanoma cell lines revealed specific differences compared to other types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Méndez
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Avd. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014, Granada, Spain
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Repeated BCG treatment of mouse bladder selectively stimulates small GTPases and HLA antigens and inhibits single-spanning uroplakins. BMC Cancer 2007; 7:204. [PMID: 17980030 PMCID: PMC2212656 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-7-204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Accepted: 11/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being a mainstay for treating superficial bladder carcinoma and a promising agent for interstitial cystitis, the precise mechanism of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) remains poorly understood. It is particularly unclear whether BCG is capable of altering gene expression beyond its well-recognized pro-inflammatory effects and how this relates to its therapeutic efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine differentially expressed genes in the mouse bladder following repeated intravesical BCG therapy. METHODS Mice were transurethrally instilled with BCG or pyrogen-free on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. Seven days after the last instillation, urothelia along with the submucosa was removed and amplified ds-DNA was prepared from control- and BCG-treated bladder mucosa and used to generate suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). Plasmids from control- and BCG-specific differentially expressed clones and confirmed by Virtual Northern were then purified and the inserts were sequenced and annotated. Finally, chromatin immune precipitation combined with real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (ChIP/Q-PCR) was used to validate SSH-selected transcripts. RESULTS Repeated intravesical BCG treatment induced an up regulation of genes associated with antigen presentation (B2M, HLA-A, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB2, HLA-E, HLA-G, IGHG, and IGH) and representatives of two IFNgamma-induced small GTPase families: the GBPs (GBP1, GBP2, and GBP5) and the p47GTPases (IIGTP1, IIGTP2, and TGTP). Genes expressed in saline-treated bladders but down-regulated by BCG included: the single-spanning uroplakins (UPK3a and UPK2), SPRR2G, GSTM5, and RSP 19. CONCLUSION Here we introduced a hypothesis-generator approach to determine key genes involved in the urothelium/sumbmucosa responses to BCG therapy. Urinary bladder responds to repeated BCG treatment by up-regulating not only antigen presentation-related genes, but also GBP and p47 small GTPases, both potentially serving to mount a resistance to the replication of the Mycobacterium. It will be of tremendous future interest to determine whether these immune response cascades play a role in the anti-cancer effects exerted by BCG.
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Paco L, Garcia-Lora AM, Casares C, Cabrera C, Algarra I, Collado A, Maleno I, Garrido F, Lopez-Nevot MA. Total loss of HLA class I expression on a melanoma cell line after growth in nude mice in absence of autologous antitumor immune response. Int J Cancer 2007; 121:2023-2030. [PMID: 17621628 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Loss of HLA class I expression on tumor cells is a frequent event as an immune escape mechanism. Seven different altered HLA phenotypes have been defined in tumors. Various molecular mechanisms have been described as responsible for HLA class I loss. HLA class I expression alterations occur successively and unpredictably during tumor progression in vivo and immunoselection has been implicated in this process. We present an experimental xenograft model in which melanoma cell line Ando-2 injected into athymic nude mice lost total surface HLA class I expression and exhibited HLA class II cell surface expression. A strong down-regulation of HLA class I expression and de novo HLA class II expression were also found when Ando-2 melanoma cells were injected into SCID-Beige mice. These phenomena were reproducible and were only observed in local growth in nude or SCID-Beige mice and not in vitro after multiple passages. HLA class I surface expression was recovered after IFN-gamma treatment, indicating regulatory defects. The mechanism implicated in loss of HLA class I molecule expression were a down-regulation of different components of antigen processing machinery and HLA class I heavy chains. These data suggest that HLA class I alterations can also occur in absence of autologous adaptive immune response. This is a good experimental in vivo model to study the relationship between tumor progression and HLA class I alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Paco
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Angel Miguel Garcia-Lora
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos Casares
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Cabrera
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ignacio Algarra
- Departamento Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Antonia Collado
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Isabel Maleno
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Lopez-Nevot
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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Aptsiauri N, Cabrera T, Garcia-Lora A, Lopez-Nevot MA, Ruiz-Cabello F, Garrido F. MHC Class I Antigens and Immune Surveillance in Transformed Cells. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2007; 256:139-89. [PMID: 17241907 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(07)56005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MHC class I antigens play a crucial role in the interaction of tumor cells with the host immune system, in particular, in the presentation of peptides as tumor-associated antigens to cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) and in the regulation of cytolytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells. In this review we discuss the role of MHC class I antigens in the recognition and elimination of transformed cells and in the generation of tumor immune escape routes when MHC class I losses occur in tumors. The different altered MHC class I phenotypes and their distribution in different human tumors are the main topic of this review. In addition, molecular defects that underlie MHC alterations in transformed cells are also described in detail. Future research directions in this field are also discussed, including the laboratory analysis of tumor MHC class I-negative variants and the possible restoration of MHC class I expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Aptsiauri
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
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