1
|
Wang Z, Zhang S. Multi-omic analyses of hepatocellular carcinoma to determine immunological characteristics and key nodes in gene-expression network. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20211241. [PMID: 34212175 PMCID: PMC8276092 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide, but effective immunotherapy is still limited for those affected. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the specific mechanisms governing tumor immunity to improve the survival rate for those diagnosed with HCC. In the present study, we performed a new immune stratification of HCC samples into two subclasses (A and B) from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the International Cancer Genome Consortium databases, and comprehensive multi-omic analyses of major histocompatibility complex genes, gene copy-number variations, somatic mutations, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNAs. Subclass A was found to have a higher survival rate compared with subclass B, and there were significant immunological differences between the two clusters. Based on these differences, we identified DRD1 and MYCN as key hub genes in the immune-phenotype gene expression regulatory network. These results provide novel ideas and evidence for HCC regulatory mechanisms that may improve immunotherapy for this cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sawaisorn P, Atjanasuppat K, Anurathapan U, Chutipongtanate S, Hongeng S. Strategies to Improve Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapies for Neuroblastoma. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040753. [PMID: 33322408 PMCID: PMC7768386 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are among the curative immunotherapeutic approaches that exploit the antigen specificity and cytotoxicity function of potent immune cells against cancers. Neuroblastomas, the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumors with diverse characteristics, could be a promising candidate for using CAR therapies. Several methods harness CAR-modified cells in neuroblastoma to increase therapeutic efficiency, although the assessment has been less successful. Regarding the improvement of CARs, various trials have been launched to overcome insufficient capacity. However, the reasons behind the inadequate response against neuroblastoma of CAR-modified cells are still not well understood. It is essential to update the present state of comprehension of CARs to improve the efficiency of CAR therapies. This review summarizes the crucial features of CARs and their design for neuroblastoma, discusses challenges that impact the outcomes of the immunotherapeutic competence, and focuses on devising strategies currently being investigated to improve the efficacy of CARs for neuroblastoma immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piamsiri Sawaisorn
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (K.A.); (U.A.)
| | - Korakot Atjanasuppat
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (K.A.); (U.A.)
| | - Usanarat Anurathapan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (K.A.); (U.A.)
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.H.)
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (K.A.); (U.A.)
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yarmarkovich M, Farrel A, Sison A, di Marco M, Raman P, Parris JL, Monos D, Lee H, Stevanovic S, Maris JM. Immunogenicity and Immune Silence in Human Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:69. [PMID: 32256484 PMCID: PMC7092187 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, the process of immunoediting early in tumorigenesis remains obscure. Here, we employ a mathematical model that utilizes the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data to elucidate the contribution of individual mutations and HLA alleles to the immunoediting process. We find that common cancer mutations including BRAF-V600E and KRAS-G12D are predicted to bind none of the common HLA alleles, and are thus “immunogenically silent” in the human population. We identify regions of proteins that are not presented by HLA at a population scale, coinciding with frequently mutated hotspots in cancer, and other protein regions broadly presented across the population in which few mutations occur. We also find that 9/29 common HLA alleles contribute disproportionately to the immunoediting of early oncogenic mutations. These data provide insights into immune evasion of common driver mutations and a molecular basis for the association of particular HLA genotypes with cancer susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Yarmarkovich
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alvin Farrel
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Artemio Sison
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Moreno di Marco
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pichai Raman
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,The Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joshua L Parris
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dimitrios Monos
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hongzhe Lee
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - John M Maris
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common and deadly malignancy mostly observed in children. Evolution of therapeutic options for NB led to the addition of immunotherapeutic modalities to the previously recruited chemotherapeutic options. Molecular studies of the NB cells resulted in the discovery of many tumor-associated genes and antigens such as MYCN gene and GD2. MYCN gene and GD2 surface antigen are two of the most practical discoveries regarding immunotherapy of neuroblastoma. The GD2 antigen has been targeted in many animal and human studies including Phase III clinical trials. Even though these antigens have changed the face of pediatric neuroblastoma, they do not take as much credit in immunotherapy of adult-onset neuroblastoma. Monoclonal antibodies have been designed to detect this antigen on the surface of NB tumor cells. Despite bettering the outcomes for NB patients, current therapies still fail in many cases. Studies are underway to discover more specific tumor-associated antigens and more effective treatment options. In the current narrative, immunotherapy of NB - from emerging of this therapeutic backbone in NB to the latest discoveries regarding this malignancy - has been reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parnian Jabbari
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Hanaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aygun N, Altungoz O. MYCN is amplified during S phase, and c‑myb is involved in controlling MYCN expression and amplification in MYCN‑amplified neuroblastoma cell lines. Mol Med Rep 2018; 19:345-361. [PMID: 30483774 PMCID: PMC6297758 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma derived from primitive sympathetic neural precursors is a common type of solid tumor in infants. MYCN proto-oncogene bHLH transcription factor (MYCN) amplification and 1p36 deletion are important factors associated with the poor prognosis of neuroblastoma. Expression levels of MYCN and c-MYB proto-oncogene transcription factor (c-myb) decline during the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells; E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) activates the MYCN promoter. However, the underlying mechanism of MYCN overexpression and amplification requires further investigation. In the present study, potential c-Myb target genes, and the effect of c-myb RNA interference (RNAi) on MYCN expression and amplification were investigated in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell lines. The mRNA expression levels and MYCN gene copy number in five neuroblastoma cell lines were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, variations in potential target gene expression and MYCN gene copy number between pre- and post-c-myb RNAi treatment groups in MYCN-amplified Kelly, IMR32, SIMA and MHH-NB-11 cell lines, normalized to those of non-MYCN-amplified SH-SY5Y, were examined. To determine the associations between gene expression levels and chromosomal aberrations, MYCN amplification and 1p36 alterations in interphases/metaphases were analyzed using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Statistical analyses revealed correlations between 1p36 alterations and the expression of c-myb, MYB proto-oncogene like 2 (B-myb) and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21). Additionally, the results of the present study also demonstrated that c-myb may be associated with E2F1 and L3MBTL1 histone methyl-lysine binding protein (L3MBTL1) expression, and that E2F1 may contribute to MYCN, B-myb, p21 and chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor 1 (hCdt1) expression, but to the repression of geminin (GMNN). On c-myb RNAi treatment, L3MBTL1 expression was silenced, while GMNN was upregulated, indicating G2/M arrest. In addition, MYCN gene copy number increased following treatment with c-myb RNAi. Notably, the present study also reported a 43.545% sequence identity between upstream of MYCN and Drosophila melanogaster amplification control element 3, suggesting that expression and/or amplification mechanisms of developmentally-regulated genes may be evolutionarily conserved. In conclusion, c-myb may be associated with regulating MYCN expression and amplification. c-myb, B-myb and p21 may also serve a role against chromosome 1p aberrations. Together, it was concluded that MYCN gene is amplified during S phase, potentially via a replication-based mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nevim Aygun
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir 35340, Turkey
| | - Oguz Altungoz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir 35340, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bao LS, Xia JL. Global analysis of transcriptome sequences highlights accelerated evolution of immune genes in Danio choprae and Danio albolineatus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 66:390-397. [PMID: 28478255 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Danio fishes, a small type animal with short sexual cycles, are model vertebrate species. To investigate the genic evolution of this genus, the transcriptomes from Danio choprae and Danio albolineatus were sequenced by Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform. A total of 128,427,304 sequence reads from two Danio fishes were generated by Next Generation Sequencing. The resulting in two assemblies contained 88,682 and 88,029 unigenes in the Danio choprae and Danio albolineatus. Analysis of the orthologs from the Danio choprae and Danio albolineatus provided consistent evidence for the accelerated genic evolution in the Danio fishes. Several genes referring to immune functions under positive selection were identified by branch site model analysis, such as REL, GTF2E1, STAT6, MPG in Danio choprae and CYP17A1, ADORA2A, MYCN in Danio albolineatus. Our data provide novel insights into the adaptation in Danio fishes and is useful for understanding the genetic basis of adaptation in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Sheng Bao
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410003, China
| | - Jin-Lan Xia
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Melaiu O, Mina M, Chierici M, Boldrini R, Jurman G, Romania P, D'Alicandro V, Benedetti MC, Castellano A, Liu T, Furlanello C, Locatelli F, Fruci D. PD-L1 Is a Therapeutic Target of the Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1 and, Combined with HLA Class I, a Promising Prognostic Biomarker in Neuroblastoma. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:4462-4472. [PMID: 28270499 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-2601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This study sought to evaluate the expression of programmed cell death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) and HLA class I on neuroblastoma cells and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to better define patient risk stratification and understand whether this tumor may benefit from therapies targeting immune checkpoint molecules.Experimental Design:In situ IHC staining for PD-L1, HLA class I, PD-1, and LAG3 was assessed in 77 neuroblastoma specimens, previously characterized for tumor-infiltrating T-cell density and correlated with clinical outcome. Surface expression of PD-L1 was evaluated by flow cytometry and IHC in neuroblastoma cell lines and tumors genetically and/or pharmacologically inhibited for MYC and MYCN. A dataset of 477 human primary neuroblastomas from GEO and ArrayExpress databases was explored for PD-L1, MYC, and MYCN correlation.Results: Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the combination of PD-L1 and HLA class I tumor cell density is a prognostic biomarker for predicting overall survival in neuroblastoma patients (P = 0.0448). MYC and MYCN control the expression of PD-L1 in neuroblastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo Consistently, abundance of PD-L1 transcript correlates with MYC expression in primary neuroblastoma.Conclusions: The combination of PD-L1 and HLA class I represents a novel prognostic biomarker for neuroblastoma. Pharmacologic inhibition of MYCN and MYC may be exploited to target PD-L1 and restore an efficient antitumor immunity in high-risk neuroblastoma. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4462-72. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Melaiu
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Oncohaematology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Mina
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy.,Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Renata Boldrini
- Pathology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Romania
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Oncohaematology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio D'Alicandro
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Oncohaematology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria C Benedetti
- Pathology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Castellano
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Tao Liu
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Center, University of New South Wales, Randwich, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Franco Locatelli
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Oncohaematology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Amplification and concomitant overexpression of the MYCN oncogene is a frequent event in many malignancies including the childhood tumors, neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. MYCN is only expressed in a defined time frame during early developmental processes, (1) which is beneficial for approaches combatting tumor-specific MYCN. However, MYCN is a transcription factors that was considered a poor drug target, until recent approaches suggested that down-regulation of MYCN could be possible by indirect targeting using Aurora kinase inhibitors or BET inhibitors. These concepts were proven using preclinical models (2-6) and are now entering clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Schramm
- a Pediatric Oncology and Hematology , University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - Holger Lode
- b Pediatric Oncology and Hematology , University Medicine Greifswald , Greifswald , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Malyshev IY, Manukhina EB, Malyshev YI. Physiological organization of immune response based on the homeostatic mechanism of matrix reprogramming: implication in tumor and biotechnology. Med Hypotheses 2014; 82:754-65. [PMID: 24735846 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 03/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is accepted that the immune system responds to pathogens with activation of antigen-independent innate and antigen-dependent adaptive immunity. However many immune events do not fit or are even inconsistent with this notion. We developed a new homeostatic model of the immune response. This model consists of four units: a sensor, a regulator, an effector and a rehabilitator. The sensor, macrophages or lymphocytes, recognize pathogenic cells and generate alarm signals. The regulator, antigen-presenting cells, Тregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, evaluate the signals and together with sensor cells program the effector. The effector, programmed macrophages and lymphocytes, eliminate the pathogenic cells. The rehabilitator, M2 macrophages, restrict inflammation, provide angiogenesis and reparation of tissue damage, and restore the homeostasis. We suggest the terms "immune matrix" for a biological template of immune responses to pathogens and "matrix reprogramming" for the interdependent reprogramming of different cells in the matrix. In an adequate immune response, the matrix forms a negative feedback mechanism to support the homeostasis. We defined the cellular and phenotypic composition of a tumor immune matrix. A tumor reprograms the homeostatic negative feedback mechanism of matrix into a pathogenic positive feedback mechanism. M2 macrophages play a key role in this transformation. Therefore, macrophages are an attractive target for biotechnology. Based on our hypotheses, we are developing a cell biotechnology method for creation of macrophages with a stable antitumor phenotype. We have shown that such macrophages almost doubled the survival time of mice with tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Yu Malyshev
- Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Delegatskaya Str. 20/1, Moscow 127473, Russia; Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Baltijskaya 8, Moscow 125315, Russia; University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
| | - Eugenia B Manukhina
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Baltijskaya 8, Moscow 125315, Russia; University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Yuri I Malyshev
- Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskie Gory Str., Moscow 119991, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Low-dose aspirin delays an inflammatory tumor progression in vivo in a transgenic mouse model of neuroblastoma. Carcinogenesis 2013; 34:1081-8. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgt009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
|
11
|
Pistoia V, Morandi F, Pezzolo A, Raffaghello L, Prigione I. MYCN: from oncoprotein to tumor-associated antigen. Front Oncol 2012; 2:174. [PMID: 23162796 PMCID: PMC3499703 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2012.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MYCN is a well-known oncogene over-expressed in different human malignancies including neuroblastoma (NB), rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, Wilms' tumor, and small cell lung cancer. In the case of NB, MYCN amplification is an established biomarker of poor-prognosis. MYCN belongs to a family of transcription factors (the most important of which is C-MYC) that show a high degree of homology. Down-regulation of MYC protein expression leads to tumor regression in animal models, indicating that MYC proteins represent interesting therapeutic targets. Pre-requisites for a candidate tumor-associated antigen (TAA) to be targeted by immunotherapeutic approaches are the following, (i) expression should be tumor-restricted, (ii) the putative TAA should be up-regulated in cancer cells, and (iii) protein should be processed into immunogenic peptides capable of associating to major histocompatibility complex molecules with high affinity. Indeed, the MYCN protein is not expressed in human adult tissues and up-regulated variably in NB cells, and MYCN peptides capable of associating to HLA-A1 or HLA-A2 molecules with high affinity have been identified. Thus the MYCN protein qualifies as putative TAA in NB. Additional issues that determine the feasibility of targeting a putative TAA with cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and will be here discussed are the following, (i) the inadequacy of tumor cells per se to act as antigen-presenting cells witnessed, in the case of NB cells, by the low to absent expression of HLA class I molecules, the lack of co-stimulatory molecules and multiple defects in the HLA class I related antigen processing machinery, and (ii) the immune evasion mechanisms operated by cancer cells to fool the host immune system, such as up-regulation of soluble immunosuppressive molecules (e.g., soluble MICA and HLA-G in the case of NB) or generation of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment. A final issue that deserves consideration is the strategy used to generate CTL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Pistoia
- Laboratory of Oncology, Translational Research and Laboratory Medicine, G. Gaslini Institute Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lorenzi S, Forloni M, Cifaldi L, Antonucci C, Citti A, Boldrini R, Pezzullo M, Castellano A, Russo V, van der Bruggen P, Giacomini P, Locatelli F, Fruci D. IRF1 and NF-kB restore MHC class I-restricted tumor antigen processing and presentation to cytotoxic T cells in aggressive neuroblastoma. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46928. [PMID: 23071666 PMCID: PMC3465322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common solid extracranial cancer of childhood, displays a remarkable low expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC-I) and Antigen Processing Machinery (APM) molecules, including Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Aminopeptidases, and poorly presents tumor antigens to Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL). We have previously shown that this is due to low expression of the transcription factor NF-kB p65. Herein, we show that not only NF-kB p65, but also the Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 (IRF1) and certain APM components are low in a subset of NB cell lines with aggressive features. Whereas single transfection with either IRF1, or NF-kB p65 is ineffective, co-transfection results in strong synergy and substantial reversion of the MHC-I/APM-low phenotype in all NB cell lines tested. Accordingly, linked immunohistochemistry expression patterns between nuclear IRF1 and p65 on the one hand, and MHC-I on the other hand, were observed in vivo. Absence and presence of the three molecules neatly segregated between high-grade and low-grade NB, respectively. Finally, APM reconstitution by double IRF1/p65 transfection rendered a NB cell line susceptible to killing by anti MAGE-A3 CTLs, lytic efficiency comparable to those seen upon IFN-γ treatment. This is the first demonstration that a complex immune escape phenotype can be rescued by reconstitution of a limited number of master regulatory genes. These findings provide molecular insight into defective MHC-I expression in NB cells and provide the rational for T cell-based immunotherapy in NB variants refractory to conventional therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lorenzi
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Forloni
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Antonucci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Citti
- Pathology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Boldrini
- Pathology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pezzullo
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Castellano
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Cancer Gene Therapy Unit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Patrizio Giacomini
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Université Catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kroesen M, Lindau D, Hoogerbrugge P, Adema GJ. Immunocombination therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma. Immunotherapy 2012; 4:163-74. [PMID: 22394368 DOI: 10.2217/imt.11.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NBL) is an aggressive malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system. Advanced-stage NBLs prove fatal in approximately 50% of patients within 5 years. Therefore, new treatment modalities are urgently needed. Immunotherapy is a treatment modality that can be combined with established forms of treatment. Administration of monoclonal antibodies or dendritic cell-based therapies alone can lead to favorable clinical outcomes in individual cancer patients; for example patients with melanoma, lymphoma and NBL. However, clinical benefit is still limited to a minority of patients, and further improvements are clearly needed. In this article, we review the most commonly used approaches to treat patients with NBL and highlight the prerequisites and opportunities of cell-based immunotherapy, involving both innate and adaptive immune-effector cells. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of the combined application of immunotherapy and novel tumor-targeted therapies for the treatment of both cancer in general and NBL in particular.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Kroesen
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences/278 TIL, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cheever MA, Allison JP, Ferris AS, Finn OJ, Hastings BM, Hecht TT, Mellman I, Prindiville SA, Viner JL, Weiner LM, Matrisian LM. The prioritization of cancer antigens: a national cancer institute pilot project for the acceleration of translational research. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:5323-37. [PMID: 19723653 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-0737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1004] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the National Cancer Institute pilot project to prioritize cancer antigens was to develop a well-vetted, priority-ranked list of cancer vaccine target antigens based on predefined and preweighted objective criteria. An additional aim was for the National Cancer Institute to test a new approach for prioritizing translational research opportunities based on an analytic hierarchy process for dealing with complex decisions. Antigen prioritization involved developing a list of "ideal" cancer antigen criteria/characteristics, assigning relative weights to those criteria using pairwise comparisons, selecting 75 representative antigens for comparison and ranking, assembling information on the predefined criteria for the selected antigens, and ranking the antigens based on the predefined, preweighted criteria. Using the pairwise approach, the result of criteria weighting, in descending order, was as follows: (a) therapeutic function, (b) immunogenicity, (c) role of the antigen in oncogenicity, (d) specificity, (e) expression level and percent of antigen-positive cells, (f) stem cell expression, (g) number of patients with antigen-positive cancers, (h) number of antigenic epitopes, and (i) cellular location of antigen expression. None of the 75 antigens had all of the characteristics of the ideal cancer antigen. However, 46 were immunogenic in clinical trials and 20 of them had suggestive clinical efficacy in the "therapeutic function" category. These findings reflect the current status of the cancer vaccine field, highlight the possibility that additional organized efforts and funding would accelerate the development of therapeutically effective cancer vaccines, and accentuate the need for prioritization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Cheever
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the commonest and most aggressive paediatric malignancies. The majority of children present with metastatic disease for which long-term survival remains poor despite intensive multi-modal therapies. Toxicity from current treatment regimes is already significant, and there is little room to further intensify therapy. Alternative treatment strategies are therefore needed in order to improve survival. Immunotherapy is an attractive therapeutic option for these children as it potentially offers a much more specific and less toxic treatment than conventional therapies. This review discusses the different immunotherapy strategies that may be useful in neuroblastoma, their advantages and disadvantages and the challenges that need to be overcome to successfully use them clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliet C Gray
- Cancer Sciences Division, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wagner LM, Danks MK. New therapeutic targets for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma. J Cell Biochem 2009; 107:46-57. [PMID: 19277986 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma remains a major problem in pediatric oncology, accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths. Although incremental improvements in outcome have been achieved with the intensification of conventional chemotherapy agents and the addition of 13-cis-retinoic acid, only one-third of children with high-risk disease are expected to be long-term survivors when treated with current regimens. In addition, the cost of cure can be quite high, as surviving children remain at risk for additional health problems related to long-term toxicities of treatment. Further advances in therapy will require the targeting of tumor cells in a more selective and efficient way so that survival can be improved without substantially increasing toxicity. In this review we summarize ongoing clinical trials and highlight new developments in our understanding of the molecular biology of neuroblastoma, emphasizing potential targets or pathways that may be exploitable therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars M Wagner
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jacobs JFM, Coulie PG, Figdor CG, Adema GJ, de Vries IJM, Hoogerbrugge PM. Targets for active immunotherapy against pediatric solid tumors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:831-41. [PMID: 19009292 PMCID: PMC11030767 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0619-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2008] [Accepted: 10/22/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The potential role of antibodies and T lymphocytes in the eradication of cancer has been demonstrated in numerous animal models and clinical trials. In the last decennia new strategies have been developed for the use of tumor-specific T cells and antibodies in cancer therapy. Effective anti-tumor immunotherapy requires the identification of suitable target antigens. The expression of tumor-specific antigens has been extensively studied for most types of adult tumors. Pediatric patients should be excellent candidates for immunotherapy since their immune system is more potent and flexible as compared to that of adults. So far, these patients do not benefit enough from the progresses in cancer immunotherapy, and one of the reasons is the paucity of tumor-specific antigens identified on pediatric tumors. In this review we discuss the current status of cancer immunotherapy in children, focusing on the identification of tumor-specific antigens on pediatric solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J F M Jacobs
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-oncology, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|