1
|
Chen H, Zuo H, Huang J, Liu J, Jiang L, Jiang C, Zhang S, Hu Q, Lai H, Yin B, Yang G, Mai G, Li B, Chi H. Unravelling infiltrating T-cell heterogeneity in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma: Integrative single-cell and spatial transcriptomic profiling. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18403. [PMID: 39031800 PMCID: PMC11190954 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18403] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) pathogenesis intricately involves immune system dynamics, particularly the role of T cells within the tumour microenvironment. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptome analysis and bulk transcriptome profiling, we systematically explored the contribution of infiltrating T cells to KIRC heterogeneity. Employing high-density weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA), module scoring and machine learning, we identified a distinct signature of infiltrating T cell-associated genes (ITSGs). Spatial transcriptomic data were analysed using robust cell type decomposition (RCTD) to uncover spatial interactions. Further analyses included enrichment assessments, immune infiltration evaluations and drug susceptibility predictions. Experimental validation involved PCR experiments, CCK-8 assays, plate cloning assays, wound-healing assays and Transwell assays. Six subpopulations of infiltrating and proliferating T cells were identified in KIRC, with notable dynamics observed in mid- to late-stage disease progression. Spatial analysis revealed significant correlations between T cells and epithelial cells across varying distances within the tumour microenvironment. The ITSG-based prognostic model demonstrated robust predictive capabilities, implicating these genes in immune modulation and metabolic pathways and offering prognostic insights into drug sensitivity for 12 KIRC treatment agents. Experimental validation underscored the functional relevance of PPIB in KIRC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Our study comprehensively characterizes infiltrating T-cell heterogeneity in KIRC using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome data. The stable prognostic model based on ITSGs unveils infiltrating T cells' prognostic potential, shedding light on the immune microenvironment and offering avenues for personalized treatment and immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Chen
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
- School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Haoyuan Zuo
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery)Deyang People's HospitalDeyangChina
| | - Jinbang Huang
- School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
- Department of General SurgeryDazhou Central HospitalDazhouChina
| | - Lai Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Chenglu Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Shengke Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Qingwen Hu
- School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Haotian Lai
- School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Bangchao Yin
- Department of PathologySixth People's Hospital of YibinYibinChina
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty MedicineOhio UniversityAthensOhioUSA
| | - Gang Mai
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery)Deyang People's HospitalDeyangChina
| | - Bo Li
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Hao Chi
- School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated HospitalSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chakraborty P, Kumar R, Karn S, Raviya DD, Mondal P. Application of Oncolytic Poxviruses: An Emerging Paradigm in Cancer Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1451:369-381. [PMID: 38801591 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-57165-7_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Despite the significant advancement of new tools and technology in the field of medical biology and molecular biology, the challenges in the treatment of most cancer types remain constant with the problem of developing resistance toward drugs and no substantial enhancement in the overall survival rate of cancer patients. Immunotherapy has shown the most promising results in different clinical and preclinical trials in the treatment of various cancer due to its higher efficacy and minimum collateral damage in many cancer patients as compared to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. An oncolytic virus is a new class of immunotherapy that can selectively replicate in tumor cells and destroy them by the process of cell lysis while exerting minimum or no effect on a normal cell. Besides this, it can also activate the host's innate immune system, which generates an anti-tumor immune response to eliminate the tumor cells. Several wild types and genetically modified viruses have been investigated to show oncolytic behavior. Vaccinia virus has been studied extensively and tested for its promising oncolytic nature on various model systems and clinical trials. Recently, several engineered vaccinia viruses have been developed that express the desired genes encoded for selective penetration in tumor cells and enhanced activation of the immune system for generating anti-tumor immunity. However, further investigation is required to prove their potential and enhance their therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prasenjit Chakraborty
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur-Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat, 382740, India.
| | - Randhir Kumar
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur-Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat, 382740, India
| | - Sanjay Karn
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur-Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat, 382740, India
| | - Dharmiben D Raviya
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur-Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat, 382740, India
| | - Priya Mondal
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Koukourakis IM, Xanthopoulou E, Sgouras TI, Kouroupi M, Giatromanolaki A, Kouloulias V, Tiniakos D, Zygogianni A. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy induces multiple pathways related to anti-tumour immunity in rectal cancer. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1852-1862. [PMID: 37838813 PMCID: PMC10667544 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rectal cancer treated with preoperative radiotherapy (RT) provides an interesting model to study changes induced on cancer cell immuno-phenotype that could be exploited by immunotherapy interventions to improve prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We assessed the expression of HLA-class-I, β2-microglobulin, TAP1, PD-L1 and STING/IFNβ in preoperative biopsies and respective post-RT surgical specimens from patients with rectal cancer (n = 27). The effect of radiation was further investigated in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2. RESULTS Rectal carcinomas exhibited extensive loss of expression of HLA-Class-I related molecules, which was restored in post-irradiation surgical specimens (P < 0.0001). RT induced the expression of IFNβ and STING in cancer cells and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (P < 0.0001). In in vitro experiments, irradiation with 4 Gy or 10 Gy induced the expression of HLA-class-I protein (P < 0.001). PD-L1 levels were transiently induced for two days (P < 0.001). cGAS, STING, IFNβ and the downstream genes (MX1, MX2, UBE2L6v2, IFI6v2 and IFI44) mRNA levels significantly increased after 3 × 8 Gy or 1 × 20 Gy irradiation (P < 0.001). TREX1 mRNA levels remained unaltered. CONCLUSIONS RT induces the IFN-type-I pathway and the expression of HLA-class-I molecules on rectal carcinoma. The transient induction of PD-L1 expression suggests that long-course daily RT may sustain increased PD-L1 levels. Anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy could block this immunosuppressive pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M Koukourakis
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, Aretaieion University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Erasmia Xanthopoulou
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Theologos I Sgouras
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Kouroupi
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vassilios Kouloulias
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Department of Pathology, Aretaieion University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anna Zygogianni
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, Aretaieion University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van den Bulk J, Verdegaal EM, van der Ploeg M, Visser M, Nunes JB, de Ru AH, Tjokrodirijo RT, Ijsselsteijn ME, Janssen NI, van der Breggen R, de Bruin L, de Kok P, Janssen GM, Ruano D, Kapiteijn EH, van Veelen PA, de Miranda NF, van der Burg SH. Neoantigen Targetability in Progressive Advanced Melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4278-4288. [PMID: 37540567 PMCID: PMC10570682 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The availability of (neo)antigens and the infiltration of tumors by (neo)antigen-specific T cells are crucial factors in cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the targetability of (neo)antigens in advanced progessive melanoma and explore the potential for continued T-cell-based immunotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We examined a cohort of eight patients with melanoma who had sequential metastases resected at early and later time points. Antigen-presenting capacity was assessed using IHC and flow cytometry. T-cell infiltration was quantified through multiplex immunofluorescence. Whole-exome and RNA sequencing were conducted to identify neoantigens and assess the expression of neoantigens and tumor-associated antigens. Mass spectrometry was used to evaluate antigen presentation. Tumor recognition by autologous T cells was assessed by coculture assays with cell lines derived from the metastatic lesions. RESULTS We observed similar T-cell infiltration in paired early and later metastatic (LM) lesions. Although elements of the antigen-presenting machinery were affected in some LM lesions, both the early and later metastasis-derived cell lines were recognized by autologous T cells. At the genomic level, the (neo)antigen landscape was dynamic, but the (neo)antigen load was stable between paired lesions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that subsequently isolated tumors from patients with late-stage melanoma retain sufficient antigen-presenting capacity, T-cell infiltration, and a stable (neo)antigen load, allowing recognition of tumor cells by T cells. This indicates a continuous availability of T-cell targets in metastases occurring at different time points and supports further exploration of (neo)antigen-specific T-cell-based therapeutic approaches for advanced melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jitske van den Bulk
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Els M.E. Verdegaal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Manon van der Ploeg
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marten Visser
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joana B. Nunes
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center of Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rayman T.N. Tjokrodirijo
- Center of Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Natasja I. Janssen
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud van der Breggen
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Linda de Bruin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pita de Kok
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - George M.C. Janssen
- Center of Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dina Ruano
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen H.W. Kapiteijn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center of Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Sjoerd H. van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Britsch I, van Wijngaarden AP, Ke X, Hendriks MA, Samplonius DF, Ploeg EM, Helfrich W. Novel Fab-peptide-HLA-I fusion proteins for redirecting pre-existing anti-CMV T cell immunity to selective eliminate carcinoma cells. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2207868. [PMID: 37180637 PMCID: PMC10173793 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2207868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Typically, anticancer CD8pos T cells occur at low frequencies and become increasingly impaired in the tumor micro environment. In contrast, antiviral CD8pos T cells display a much higher polyclonality, frequency, and functionality. In particular, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection induces high numbers of 'inflationary' CD8pos T cells that remain lifelong abundantly present in CMV-seropositive subjects. Importantly, these so-called inflationary anti-CMV T cells increase with age, maintain a ready-to-go state, populate tumors, and do not become exhausted or senescent. Given these favorable attributes, we devised a novel series of recombinant Fab-peptide-HLA-I fusion proteins and coined them 'ReTARGs'. A ReTARG fusion protein consists of a high-affinity Fab antibody fragment directed to carcinoma-associated cell surface antigen EpCAM (or EGFR), fused in tandem with soluble HLA-I molecule/β2-microglobulin, genetically equipped with an immunodominant peptide derived from CMV proteins pp65 (or IE-1). Decoration with EpCAM-ReTARGpp65 rendered EpCAM-expressing primary patient-derived carcinoma cells highly sensitive to selective elimination by cognate anti-CMV CD8pos T cells. Importantly, this treatment did not induce excessive levels of proinflammatory T cell-secreted IFNγ. In contrast, analogous treatment with equimolar amounts of EpCAM/CD3-directed bispecific T-cell engager solitomab resulted in a massive release of IFNγ, a feature commonly associated with adverse cytokine-release syndrome. Combinatorial treatment with EpCAM-ReTARGpp65 and EGFR-ReTARGIE-1 strongly potentiated selective cancer cell elimination owing to the concerted action of the corresponding cognate anti-CMV CD8pos T cell clones. In conclusion, ReTARG fusion proteins may be useful as an alternative or complementary form of targeted cancer immunotherapy for 'cold' solid cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Britsch
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne P. van Wijngaarden
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xiurong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark. A.J.M. Hendriks
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe F. Samplonius
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Emily M. Ploeg
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wijnand Helfrich
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aptsiauri N, Garrido F. The Challenges of HLA Class I Loss in Cancer Immunotherapy: Facts and Hopes. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:5021-5029. [PMID: 35861868 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
HLA class I molecules are key in tumor recognition and T cell-mediated elimination. Loss of tumor HLA class I expression with different underlying molecular defects results in reduced antigen presentation and facilitates cancer immune evasion. It is also linked to significant changes in tumor microenvironment and tissue architecture. In this review, we summarize the current advances and future perspectives in the understanding of the mechanisms of MHC/HLA class I alterations during the natural history of tumor progression from a primary lesion to distant metastases. We also focus on recent clinical and experimental data demonstrating that lack of response to cancer immunotherapy frequently depends on the molecular nature of tumor HLA class I aberrations. Finally, we highlight the relevance of detecting and correcting the absence of tumor HLA expression to improve immunotherapy protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Aptsiauri
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada Medical School, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Biosanitary Research of Granada (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada Medical School, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Biosanitary Research of Granada (IBS), Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Slotta-Huspenina J, Schwamborn K, Steiger K, Simon R, Kirchhoff FP, Büchler JW, Fiedler J, Retz M, Nawroth R, Ritschel C, Gschwend JE, Horn T. MHC I Expression Predicts Response to Checkpoint Inhibitors in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma but Lacks Prognostic Value in Localized Disease. Bladder Cancer 2022; 8:269-276. [PMID: 38993685 PMCID: PMC11181837 DOI: 10.3233/blc-211604] [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: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of MHC I expression is a tumoral escape mechanism, part of the process of immunoediting. MHC expression patterns and their prognostic and predictive value have not been studied in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UC) so far. OBJECTIVE To correlate the expression of MHC I and MHC II with prognosis after curative treatment, response to chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibition. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed different patient cohorts for their expression of MHC I(HLA-A/B/C) and II (HLA-DR/DP/DQ) and examined potential correlations with prognosis and response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy or PD-1/PD-L1 directed immunotherapy. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Overall, MHC expression was analyzed in 246 patients, and complete MHC I loss was seen in 29.7% of patients. In 35% of patients aberrant tumoral expression of MHC II was observed. In a homogeneous cohort of 149 patients with cystectomy with curative intent there were no significant differences in survival between the MHC expression groups. MHC I+ and MHC II+ patients had higher infiltration densities with CD8+ T effector cells.An analysis of 77 additional patients (cohort II) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy revealed no associations of MHC status with response defined as < pT2 pN0 in the cystectomy specimen. Lastly, we analyzed 26 patients with metastatic disease treated with PD-1/PD-L1 directed immunotherapy (cohort III, best response: 11 PD, 5 SD, 10 OR) and observed responses exclusively in MHC I+ patients (10/19 patients, 52.6). All four MHC I+ /MHC II+ /PD-L1+ patients had a progression-free interval of at least 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Tumoral MHC I expression is frequently lost in UC. We found no association with prognosis or response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy but response to checkpoint inhibitors was limited to MHC I+ patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ricarda Simon
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Paul Kirchhoff
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jakob Wolf Büchler
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Fiedler
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Margitta Retz
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Nawroth
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Ritschel
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Erich Gschwend
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Horn
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Meyer S, Handke D, Mueller A, Biehl K, Kreuz M, Bukur J, Koehl U, Lazaridou MF, Berneburg M, Steven A, Massa C, Seliger B. Distinct Molecular Mechanisms of Altered HLA Class II Expression in Malignant Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153907. [PMID: 34359808 PMCID: PMC8345549 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules are constitutively expressed in some melanoma, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been characterized. METHODS The expression of HLA class II antigen processing machinery (APM) components was determined in melanoma samples by qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical and TCGA datasets were used for correlation of HLA class II expression to tumor grading, T-cell infiltration and patients' survival. RESULTS The heterogeneous HLA class II expression in melanoma samples allowed us to characterize four distinct phenotypes. Phenotype I totally lacks constitutive HLA class II surface expression, which is inducible by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ); phenotype II expresses low basal surface HLA class II that is further upregulated by IFN-γ; phenotype III lacks constitutive and IFN-γ controlled HLA class II expression, but could be induced by epigenetic drugs; and in phenotype IV, lack of HLA class II expression is not recovered by any drug tested. High levels of HLA class II APM component expression were associated with an increased intra-tumoral CD4+ T-cell density and increased patients' survival. CONCLUSIONS The heterogeneous basal expression of HLA class II antigens and/or APM components in melanoma cells is caused by distinct molecular mechanisms and has clinical relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Meyer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (S.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Diana Handke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Anja Mueller
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Katharina Biehl
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Markus Kreuz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.K.); (U.K.)
| | - Jürgen Bukur
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.K.); (U.K.)
| | - Maria-Filothei Lazaridou
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Mark Berneburg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (S.M.); (M.B.)
| | - André Steven
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.K.); (U.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-345-557-4054
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tumor Escape Phenotype in Bladder Cancer Is Associated with Loss of HLA Class I Expression, T-Cell Exclusion and Stromal Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147248. [PMID: 34298868 PMCID: PMC8307653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer eradication and clinical outcome of immunotherapy depend on tumor cell immunogenicity, including HLA class I (HLA-I) and PD-L1 expression on malignant cells, and on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor immune infiltration and stromal reaction. Loss of tumor HLA-I is a common mechanism of immune escape from cytotoxic T lymphocytes and is linked to cancer progression and resistance to immunotherapy with the inhibitors of PD-L1/PD-1 signaling. Here we observed that HLA-I loss in bladder tumors is associated with T cell exclusion and tumor encapsulation with stromal elements rich in FAP-positive cells. In addition, PD-L1 upregulation in HLA-I negative tumors demonstrated a correlation with high tumor grade and worse overall- and cancer-specific survival of the patients. These changes define common immuno-morphological signatures compatible with cancer immune escape and acquired resistance to therapeutic interventions across different types of malignancy. They also may contribute to the search of new targets for cancer treatment, such as FAP-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, in refractory bladder tumors.
Collapse
|
10
|
HLA Class I Antigen Processing Machinery Defects in Cancer Cells-Frequency, Functional Significance, and Clinical Relevance with Special Emphasis on Their Role in T Cell-Based Immunotherapy of Malignant Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2055:325-350. [PMID: 31502159 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9773-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MHC class I antigen abnormalities have been shown to be one of the major immune escape mechanisms murine and human cancer cells utilize to avoid recognition and destruction by host immune system. This mechanism has clinical relevance, since it is associated with poor prognosis and/or reduced patients' survival in many types of malignant diseases. The recent impressive clinical responses to T cell-based immunotherapies triggered by checkpoint inhibitors have rekindled tumor immunologists and clinical oncologists' interest in the analysis of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen processing machinery (APM) expression and function in malignant cells. Abnormalities in the expression, regulation and/or function of components of this machinery have been associated with the development of resistances to T cell-based immunotherapies. In this review, following the description of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I APM organization and function, the information related to the frequency of defects in HLA class I APM component expression in various types of cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms is summarized. Then the impact of these defects on clinical response to T cell-based immunotherapies and strategies to revert this immune escape process are discussed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Garrido F, Aptsiauri N. Cancer immune escape: MHC expression in primary tumours versus metastases. Immunology 2019; 158:255-266. [PMID: 31509607 PMCID: PMC6856929 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours can escape T-cell responses by losing major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/ human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. In the early stages of cancer development, primary tumours are composed of homogeneous HLA class I-positive cancer cells. Subsequently, infiltration of the tumour by T cells generates a vast diversity of tumour clones with different MHC class I expressions. A Darwinian type of T-cell-mediated immune selection results in a tumour composed solely of MHC class I-negative cells. Metastatic colonization is a highly complex phenomenon in which T lymphocytes and natural killer cells play a major role. We have obtained evidence that the MHC class I phenotype of metastatic colonies can be highly diverse and is not necessarily the same as that of the primary tumour. The molecular mechanisms responsible for MHC/HLA class I alterations are an important determinant of the clinical response to cancer immunotherapy. Hence, immunotherapy can successfully up-regulate MHC/HLA class I expression if the alteration is reversible ('soft'), leading to T-cell-mediated tumour regression. In contrast, it cannot recover this expression if the alteration is irreversible ('hard'), when tumour cells escape T-cell-mediated destruction with subsequent cancer progression. This review summarizes clinical and experimental data on the complexity of immune escape mechanisms used by tumour cells to avoid T and natural killer cell responses. We also provide in-depth analysis of the nature of MHC/HLA class I changes during metastatic colonization and contribute evidence of the enormous diversity of MHC/HLA class I phenotypes that can be produced by tumour cells during this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Analisis Clínicos e InmunologíaUGC Laboratorio ClínicoHospital Universitario Virgen de las NievesGranadaSpain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs (A‐08)GranadaSpain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología IIIFacultad de MedicinaUniversidad de GranadaGranadaSpain
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs (A‐08)GranadaSpain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología IIIFacultad de MedicinaUniversidad de GranadaGranadaSpain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yu F, Gong L, Mo Z, Wang W, Wu M, Yang J, Zhang Q, Li L, Yao J, Dong J. Programmed death ligand-1, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and HLA expression in Chinese extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients: Possible immunotherapy implications. Biosci Trends 2019; 13:58-69. [PMID: 30773525 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2019.01003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy might be an effective treatment in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA), a tumor with extremely limited therapeutic options. Our study is to characterize the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) protein expression and cancer microenvironment profiles in surgically resected eCCA samples. PD-L1 positivity was observed on tumor cells (32.3%) as well as on tumor-associated macrophages (74.2%). PD-L1 expression by eCCA correlated significantly with immune parameters such as intra-tumoral CD3+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) density (P = 0.002), intra-tumoral CD8+ TILs density (P < 0.001), and the expression pattern of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I (P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence showed that PD-L1 positive tumor cells were adjacent to PD-1 positive cells and the stroma covered with interferon-γ. Correlation with clinicopathological parameters and survival analyses revealed that PD-L1 positivity in eCCA was related to the absence of venous invasion (P = 0.030), improved overall survival (P = 0.020) and progressionfree survival (P = 0.011). HLA class I molecules defect, which is an important mechanism of immune evasion, was frequently observed in eCCA (50.0%) and was associated with a decreased number of intra-tumoral CD8+ TIL density (P = 0.028). Additionally, the presence of unusually high numbers of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) subsets M2 in most of eCCA (74.2%) was noted. Our study indicated that PD-L1 expression in association with intra-tumoral TILs infiltration and HLA class I expression in 32.3% of the eCCA reflects an active immune microenvironment potentially responsive to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. In addition, the combination of macrophage-targeting agents may provide therapeutic synergy for future immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Lei Gong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Zheng Mo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Wenran Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University.,Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Meilong Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University.,Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Jianghui Yang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | | | - Li Li
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Jingjing Yao
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Jiahong Dong
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Departamento de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lybaert L, Vermaelen K, De Geest BG, Nuhn L. Immunoengineering through cancer vaccines – A personalized and multi-step vaccine approach towards precise cancer immunity. J Control Release 2018; 289:125-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
15
|
Hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) downregulate antigen-presenting MHC class I molecules limiting tumor cell recognition by T cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187314. [PMID: 29155844 PMCID: PMC5695785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cancers are known to downregulate Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I expression thereby escaping recognition and rejection by anti-tumor T cells. Here we report that oxygen tension in the tumor microenvironment (TME) serves as an extrinsic cue that regulates antigen presentation by MHC class I molecules. In support of this view, hypoxia is shown to negatively regulate MHC expression in a HIF-dependent manner as evidenced by (i) lower MHC expression in the hypoxic TME in vivo and in hypoxic 3-dimensional (3D) but not 2-dimensional (2D) tumor cell cultures in vitro; (ii) decreased MHC in human renal cell carcinomas with constitutive expression of HIF due to genetic loss of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) function as compared with isogenically paired cells with restored VHL function, and iii) increased MHC in tumor cells with siRNA-mediated knockdown of HIF. In addition, hypoxia downregulated antigen presenting proteins like TAP 1/2 and LMP7 that are known to have a dominant role in surface display of peptide-MHC complexes. Corroborating oxygen-dependent regulation of MHC antigen presentation, hyperoxia (60% oxygen) transcriptionally upregulated MHC expression and increased levels of TAP2, LMP2 and 7. In conclusion, this study reveals a novel mechanism by which intra-tumoral hypoxia and HIF can potentiate immune escape. It also suggests the use of hyperoxia to improve tumor cell-based cancer vaccines and for mining novel immune epitopes. Furthermore, this study highlights the advantage of 3D cell cultures in reproducing hypoxia-dependent changes observed in the TME.
Collapse
|
16
|
Seliger B. Immune modulatory microRNAs as a novel mechanism to revert immune escape of tumors. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017; 36:49-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
17
|
Mahmoud F, Shields B, Makhoul I, Avaritt N, Wong HK, Hutchins LF, Shalin S, Tackett AJ. Immune surveillance in melanoma: From immune attack to melanoma escape and even counterattack. Cancer Biol Ther 2017; 18:451-469. [PMID: 28513269 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2017.1323596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacologic inhibition of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and the programmed death receptor-1 (PD1) has resulted in unprecedented durable responses in metastatic melanoma. However, resistance to immunotherapy remains a major challenge. Effective immune surveillance against melanoma requires 4 essential steps: activation of the T lymphocytes, homing of the activated T lymphocytes to the melanoma microenvironment, identification and episode of melanoma cells by activated T lymphocytes, and the sensitivity of melanoma cells to apoptosis. At each of these steps, there are multiple factors that may interfere with the immune surveillance machinery, thus allowing melanoma cells to escape immune attack and develop resistance to immunotherapy. We provide a comprehensive review of the complex immune surveillance mechanisms at play in melanoma, and a detailed discussion of how these mechanisms may allow for the development of intrinsic or acquired resistance to immunotherapeutic modalities, and potential avenues for overcoming this resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fade Mahmoud
- a Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , Arkansas , USA
| | - Bradley Shields
- b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , Arkansas , USA
| | - Issam Makhoul
- a Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , Arkansas , USA
| | - Nathan Avaritt
- b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , Arkansas , USA
| | - Henry K Wong
- c Department of Dermatology , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , Arkansas , USA
| | - Laura F Hutchins
- a Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , Arkansas , USA
| | - Sara Shalin
- d Departments of Pathology and Dermatology , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , Arkansas , USA
| | - Alan J Tackett
- b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , Arkansas , USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Garrido F, Perea F, Bernal M, Sánchez-Palencia A, Aptsiauri N, Ruiz-Cabello F. The Escape of Cancer from T Cell-Mediated Immune Surveillance: HLA Class I Loss and Tumor Tissue Architecture. Vaccines (Basel) 2017; 5:vaccines5010007. [PMID: 28264447 PMCID: PMC5371743 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines5010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune escape is associated with the loss of tumor HLA class I (HLA-I) expression commonly found in malignant cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that the efficacy of immunotherapy depends on the expression levels of HLA class I molecules on tumors cells. It also depends on the molecular mechanism underlying the loss of HLA expression, which could be reversible/“soft” or irreversible/“hard” due to genetic alterations in HLA, β2-microglobulin or IFN genes. Immune selection of HLA-I negative tumor cells harboring structural/irreversible alterations has been demonstrated after immunotherapy in cancer patients and in experimental cancer models. Here, we summarize recent findings indicating that tumor HLA-I loss also correlates with a reduced intra-tumor T cell infiltration and with a specific reorganization of tumor tissue. T cell immune selection of HLA-I negative tumors results in a clear separation between the stroma and the tumor parenchyma with leucocytes, macrophages and other mononuclear cells restrained outside the tumor mass. Better understanding of the structural and functional changes taking place in the tumor microenvironment may help to overcome cancer immune escape and improve the efficacy of different immunotherapeutic strategies. We also underline the urgent need for designing strategies to enhance tumor HLA class I expression that could improve tumor rejection by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, UGC Laboratorio Clinico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs.Granda, Granada 18014, Spain.
- Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunologia III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.
| | - Francisco Perea
- Servicio de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, UGC Laboratorio Clinico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain.
| | - Mónica Bernal
- Servicio de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, UGC Laboratorio Clinico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain.
| | - Abel Sánchez-Palencia
- Unidad de Cirugía Torácica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain.
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs.Granda, Granada 18014, Spain.
- Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunologia III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Servicio de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, UGC Laboratorio Clinico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs.Granda, Granada 18014, Spain.
- Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunologia III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
NLRC5/CITA: A Key Player in Cancer Immune Surveillance. Trends Cancer 2017; 3:28-38. [PMID: 28718425 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells need to escape immune surveillance for successful tumor growth. Loss of MHC class I has been described as a major immune evasion strategy in many cancers. MHC class I transactivator (CITA), NLRC5 [nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeats containing (NLR) family, caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) domain containing 5], is a key transcription coactivator of MHC class I genes. Recent genetic studies have revealed that NLRC5 is a major target for cancer immune evasion mechanisms. The reduced expression or activity of NLRC5 caused by promoter methylation, copy number loss, or somatic mutations is associated with defective MHC class I expression, impaired cytotoxic T cell activation, and poor patient prognosis. Here, we review the role of NLRC5 in cancer immune evasion and the future prospects for cancer research.
Collapse
|
20
|
McGray AJR, Bramson J. Adaptive Resistance to Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1036:213-227. [PMID: 29275474 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-67577-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment have emerged as a major impediment to cancer immunotherapy. While a broad range of secreted factors, receptors/ligands, and cell populations have been described that contribute to the immunosuppression, the involvement of these processes in immune evasion by tumors is typically considered to be an intrinsic property of the tumor. Evidence is now emerging that the processes underlying immune suppression within the tumor are, in fact, triggered by immune attack and reflect a dynamic interplay between the tumor and the host's immune system. The term adaptive resistance has been coined to describe the induction of immune suppressive pathways in the tumor following active attack on the tumor. Adaptive resistance is a scalable process where the magnitude of immune suppression matches the magnitude of the immune attack; the net balance between suppression and attack determines the durability of the anti-tumor response and tumor outcome. In this chapter, we will examine the data supporting adaptive resistance and the opposing roles of T cells in simultaneously promoting both anti-tumor immunity and immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment. The clinical implications of adaptive resistance in the design and application of immunotherapeutic strategies is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Robert McGray
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Jonathan Bramson
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Perea F, Bernal M, Sánchez-Palencia A, Carretero J, Torres C, Bayarri C, Gómez-Morales M, Garrido F, Ruiz-Cabello F. The absence of HLA class I expression in non-small cell lung cancer correlates with the tumor tissue structure and the pattern of T cell infiltration. Int J Cancer 2016; 140:888-899. [PMID: 27785783 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We wanted to analyze whether tumor HLA class I (HLA-I) expression influences the pattern of the immune cell infiltration and stromal cell reaction in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor tissues obtained from 57 patients diagnosed with lung carcinomas were analyzed for HLA expression and leukocyte infiltration. 28 patients out of the 57 were completely negative for HLA-I expression (49.1%) or showed a selective HLA-A locus downregulation (three patients, 5.2%). In 26 out of 57 tumors (47.8%) we detected a positive HLA-I expression but with a percentage of HLA-I negative cells between 10 and 25%. The HLA-I negative phenotype was produced by a combination of HLA haplotype loss and a transcriptional downregulation of β2-microglobulin (β2-m) and LMP2 and LMP7 antigen presentation machinery genes. The analysis and localization of different immune cell populations revealed the presence of two major and reproducible patterns. One pattern, which we designated "immune-permissive tumor microenvironment (TME)," was characterized by positive tumor HLA-I expression, intratumoral infiltration with cytotoxic T-CD8+ cells, M1-inflammatory type macrophages, and a diffuse pattern of FAP+ cancer-associated fibroblasts. In contrast, another pattern defined as "non-immune-permissive TME" was found in HLA-I negative tumors with strong stromal-matrix interaction, T-CD8+ cells surrounding tumor nests, a dense layer of FAP+ fibroblasts and M2/repair-type macrophages. In conclusion, this study revealed marked differences between HLA class I-positive and negative tumors related to tissue structure, the composition of leukocyte infiltration and stromal response in the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Perea
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico; Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Mónica Bernal
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico; Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Abel Sánchez-Palencia
- Servicio de Cirugía Torácica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Carretero
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico; Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Torres
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico; Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Clara Bayarri
- Servicio de Cirugía Torácica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | | | - 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
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Schmittnaegel M, Hoffmann E, Imhof-Jung S, Fischer C, Drabner G, Georges G, Klein C, Knoetgen H. A New Class of Bifunctional Major Histocompatibility Class I Antibody Fusion Molecules to Redirect CD8 T Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:2130-42. [PMID: 27353170 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bifunctional antibody fusion proteins engaging effector T cells for targeted elimination of tumor cells via CD3 binding have shown efficacy in both preclinical and clinical studies. Different from such a polyclonal T-cell recruitment, an alternative concept is to engage only antigen-specific T-cell subsets. Recruitment of specific subsets of T cells may be as potent but potentially lead to fewer side effects. Tumor-targeted peptide-MHC class I complexes (pMHCI-IgGs) bearing known antigenic peptides complexed with MHC class I molecules mark tumor cells as antigenic and utilize the physiologic way to interact with and activate T-cell receptors. If, for example, virus-specific CD8(+) T cells are addressed, the associated strong antigenicity and tight immune surveillance of the effector cells could lead to efficacious antitumor treatment in various tissues. However, peptide-MHC class I fusions are difficult to express recombinantly, especially when fused to entire antibody molecules. Consequently, current formats are largely limited to small antibody fragment fusions expressed in bacteria followed by refolding or chemical conjugation. Here, we describe a new molecular format bearing a single pMHCI complex per IgG fusion molecule characterized by enhanced stability and expression yields. This molecular format can be expressed in a full immunoglobulin format and can be designed as mono- or bivalent antibody binders. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2130-42. ©2016 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eike Hoffmann
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Imhof-Jung
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelia Fischer
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Drabner
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Guy Georges
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Klein
- Discovery Oncology, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hendrik Knoetgen
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zheng Y, Zou F, Wang J, Yin G, Le V, Fei Z, Liu J. Photodynamic therapy-mediated cancer vaccination enhances stem-like phenotype and immune escape, which can be blocked by thrombospondin-1 signaling through CD47 receptor protein. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:8975-86. [PMID: 25697354 PMCID: PMC4423687 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.624965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Like most of the strategies for cancer immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy-mediated vaccination has shown poor clinical outcomes in application. The aim of this study is to offer a glimpse at the mechanisms that are responsible for the failure based on cancer immuno-editing theory and to search for a positive solution. In this study we found that tumor cells were able to adapt themselves to the immune pressure exerted by vaccination. The survived tumor cells exhibited enhanced tumorigenic and stem-like phenotypes as well as undermined immunogenicity. Viewed as a whole, immune-selected tumor cells showed more malignant characteristics and the ability of immune escape, which might contribute to the eventual relapse. Thrombospondin-1 signaling via CD47 helped prevent tumor cells from becoming stem-like and rendered them vulnerable to immune attack. These findings prove that the TSP-1/CD47/SIRP-α signal axis is important to the evolution of tumor cells in the microenvironment of immunotherapy and identify thrombospondin-1 as a key signal with therapeutic benefits in overcoming long term relapse, providing new evidence for the clinical promise of cancer vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhong Zheng
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China and
| | - Fangyuan Zou
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China and
| | - Jingjing Wang
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China and
| | - Guifang Yin
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China and
| | - Vanminh Le
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China and
| | - Zhewei Fei
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 25 Nanmen Road, Chengqiaozhen, Chongming Shanghai, 202150, China
| | - Jianwen Liu
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China and
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schmittnaegel M, Levitsky V, Hoffmann E, Georges G, Mundigl O, Klein C, Knoetgen H. Committing Cytomegalovirus-Specific CD8 T Cells to Eliminate Tumor Cells by Bifunctional Major Histocompatibility Class I Antibody Fusion Molecules. Cancer Immunol Res 2015; 3:764-76. [PMID: 25691327 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-15-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells escape immune eradication through multiple mechanisms, including loss of antigenicity and local suppression of effector lymphocytes. To counteract these obstacles, we aimed to direct the unique cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immune surveillance against tumor cells. We developed a novel generation of fusion proteins composed of a tumor antigen-specific full immunoglobulin connected to a single major histocompatibility class I complex bearing a covalently linked virus-derived peptide (pMHCI-IgG). Here, we show that tumor antigen-expressing cancer cells, which are decorated with pMHCI-IgGs containing a HLA-A*0201 molecule associated with a CMV-derived peptide, are specifically eliminated through engagement of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cell preparations of CMV-infected humans. These CD8(+) T cells act without additional expansion, preactivation, or provision of costimulatory signals. Elimination of tumor cells is induced at similar concentrations and with similar time kinetics as those seen with bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE). However, while BiTE-like reagents indiscriminately activate T cells through binding to the T-cell receptor complex, pMHCI-IgGs selectively engage antigen-specific, constantly renewable, differentiated effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes to tumor cells, thereby representing a novel class of anticancer immunotherapeutics with potentially improved safety and efficacy profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Schmittnaegel
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Victor Levitsky
- Discovery Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eike Hoffmann
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Guy Georges
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Mundigl
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Christian Klein
- Discovery Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hendrik Knoetgen
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Adenovirus expressing β2-microglobulin recovers HLA class I expression and antitumor immunity by increasing T-cell recognition. Cancer Gene Ther 2014; 21:317-32. [PMID: 24971583 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2014.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Optimal tumor cell surface expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules is essential for the presentation of tumor-associated peptides to T-lymphocytes. However, a hallmark of many types of tumor is the loss or downregulation of HLA class I expression associated with ineffective tumor antigen presentation to T cells. Frequently, HLA loss can be caused by structural alterations in genes coding for HLA class I complex, including the light chain of the complex, β2-microglobulin (β2m). Its best-characterized function is to interact with HLA heavy chain and stabilize the complex leading to a formation of antigen-binding cleft recognized by T-cell receptor on CD8+ T cells. Our previous study demonstrated that alterations in the β2m gene are frequently associated with cancer immune escape leading to metastatic progression and resistance to immunotherapy. These types of defects require genetic transfer strategies to recover normal expression of HLA genes. Here we characterize a replication-deficient adenoviral vector carrying human β2m gene, which is efficient in recovering proper tumor cell surface HLA class I expression in β2m-negative tumor cells without compromising the antigen presentation machinery. Tumor cells transduced with β2m induced strong activation of T cells in a peptide-specific HLA-restricted manner. Gene therapy using recombinant adenoviral vectors encoding HLA genes increases tumor antigen presentation and represents a powerful tool for modulation of tumor cell immunogenicity by restoration of missing or altered HLA genes. It should be considered as part of cancer treatment in combination with immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
27
|
van Esch EMG, Tummers B, Baartmans V, Osse EM, Ter Haar N, Trietsch MD, Hellebrekers BWJ, Holleboom CAG, Nagel HTC, Tan LT, Fleuren GJ, van Poelgeest MIE, van der Burg SH, Jordanova ES. Alterations in classical and nonclassical HLA expression in recurrent and progressive HPV-induced usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and implications for immunotherapy. Int J Cancer 2014; 135:830-42. [PMID: 24415578 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy of usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN) is promising; however, many patients still fail to show clinical responses, which could be explained by an immune escape through alterations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression. Therefore, we analyzed a cohort of patients with a primary (n = 43) and subsequent recurrent uVIN lesion (n = 20), vaccine-treated uVIN patients (n = 12), patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced vulvar carcinoma (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 26) for the expression of classical HLA-class I/II and nonclassical HLA-E/-G and MHC class I chain-related molecule A (MICA). HLA-class I was downregulated in 70% of uVIN patients, including patients with a clinical response to immunotherapy. Downregulation of HLA-class I is probably reversible, as only 15% of the uVIN cases displayed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and HLA-class I could be upregulated in uVIN keratinocyte cultures by interferon γ. HLA-class I downregulation is more frequently associated with LOH in vulvar carcinomas (25-55.5%). HLA-class II was found to be focally expressed in 65% of uVIN patients. Of the nonclassical molecules, MICA was downregulated in 80% of uVIN whereas HLA-E and -G were expressed in a minority of cases. Their expression was more prominent in vulvar carcinoma. No differences were found between the alterations observed in paired primary and recurrent uVIN. Importantly, downregulation of HLA-B/C in primary uVIN lesions was associated with the development of recurrences and progression to cancer. We conclude that downregulation of HLA is frequently observed in premalignant HPV-induced lesions, including clinical responders to immunotherapy, and is associated with worse clinical outcome. However, in the majority of cases downregulation may still be reversible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E M G van Esch
- Department of Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Seliger B, Kiessling R. The two sides of HER2/neu: immune escape versus surveillance. Trends Mol Med 2013; 19:677-84. [PMID: 24035606 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The oncogene HER2 is one of the prototypes for targeted immunotherapy of cancer using both monoclonal antibodies as well as T cell based immunotherapies. Effective humoral and cellular immune responses against HER2 can be induced, but these responses can be influenced by the effects of this oncogene on the target tumor cells. The processes involved in HER2-mediated adaptive and innate immunity and the molecular mechanisms underlying the escape of HER2-expressing tumor cells from immune surveillance, particularly from cytotoxic T cells, are discussed. Implementing this knowledge in clinical trials to revert immune evasion may help optimize immunotherapies directed against HER2-expressing tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
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: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [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.
Collapse
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
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Methods to improve adoptive T-cell therapy for melanoma: IFN-γ enhances anticancer responses of cell products for infusion. J Invest Dermatol 2012; 133:545-52. [PMID: 23014345 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2012.336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Further development of adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) with autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has the potential to markedly change the long-term prognosis of patients with metastatic melanoma, and modifications of the original protocol that can improve its clinical efficacy are highly desirable. In this study, we demonstrated that a high in vitro tumor reactivity of infusion products was associated with clinical responses upon adoptive transfer. In addition, we systematically characterized the responses of a series of TIL products to relevant autologous short term-cultured melanoma cell lines from 12 patients. We provide evidence that antitumor reactivity of both CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells could be enhanced in most TIL products by autologous melanoma sensitization by pretreatment with low-dose IFN-γ. IFN-γ selectively enhanced responses to tumor-associated antigens other than melanoma differentiation antigens. In addition, IFN-γ treatment was invariably associated with restored/increased cancer immunogenicity as demonstrated by upregulation of major histocompatibility complex molecules. These findings suggest a potential synergism between IFN-γ and ACT, and have important implications for clinical development of combination strategies for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
Collapse
|
31
|
del Campo AB, Carretero J, Aptsiauri N, Garrido F. Targeting HLA class I expression to increase tumor immunogenicity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 79:147-54. [PMID: 22309256 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2011.01831.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic interaction between the host immune system and growing cancer has been of central interest to the field of tumor immunology over the past years. Recognition of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) by self-HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class I-restricted CD8+ T cells is a main feature in the detection and destruction of malignant cells. The discovery and molecular characterization of TAA has changed the field of cancer treatment and introduced a new era of cancer immunotherapy aimed at increasing tumor immunogenicity and T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Unfortunately, while these new protocols of cancer immunotherapy are mediating induction of tumor-specific T lymphocytes in patients with certain malignancies, they have not yet delivered substantial clinical benefits, such as induction of tumor regression or increased disease-free survival. It has become apparent that lack of tumor rejection is the result of immune selection and escape by tumor cells that develop low immunogenic phenotypes. Substantial experimental data support the existence of a variety of different mechanisms involved in the tumor escape phase, including loss or downregulation of HLA class I antigens. These alterations could be caused by regulatory ('soft') or by structural/irreversible ('hard') defects. On the basis of the evidence obtained from experimental mouse cancer models and metastatic human tumors, the structural defects underlying HLA class I loss may have profound implications on T-cell-mediated tumor rejection and ultimately on the outcome of cancer immunotherapy. Strategies to overcome this obstacle, including gene therapy to recover normal expression of HLA class I genes, require consideration. In this review, we outline the importance of monitoring and correction of HLA class I alterations during cancer development and immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A B del Campo
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Carretero R, Wang E, Rodriguez AI, Reinboth J, Ascierto ML, Engle AM, Liu H, Camacho FM, Marincola FM, Garrido F, Cabrera T. Regression of melanoma metastases after immunotherapy is associated with activation of antigen presentation and interferon-mediated rejection genes. Int J Cancer 2012; 131:387-95. [PMID: 21964766 PMCID: PMC3504975 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We present the results of a comparative gene expression analysis of 15 metastases (10 regressing and 5 progressing) obtained from 2 melanoma patients with mixed response following different forms of immunotherapy. Whole genome transcriptional analysis clearly indicate that regression of melanoma metastases is due to an acute immune rejection mediated by the upregulation of genes involved in antigen presentation and interferon mediated response (STAT-1/IRF-1) in all the regressing metastases from both patients. In contrast, progressing metastases showed low transcription levels of genes involved in these pathways. Histological analysis showed T cells and HLA-DR positive infiltrating cells in the regressing but not in the progressing metastases. Quantitative expression analysis of HLA-A,B and C genes on microdisected tumoral regions indicate higher HLA expression in regressing than in progressing metastases. The molecular signature obtained in melanoma rejection appeared to be similar to that observed in other forms of immune-mediated tissue-specific rejection such as allograft, pathogen clearance, graft versus host or autoimmune disease, supporting the immunological constant of rejection. We favor the idea that the major factor determining the success or failure of immunotherapy is the nature of HLA Class I alterations in tumor cells and not the type of immunotherapy used. If the molecular alteration is reversible by the immunotherapy, the HLA expression will be upregulated and the lesion will be recognized and rejected. In contrast, if the defect is structural the MHC Class I expression will remain unchanged and the lesion will progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Carretero
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Ena Wang
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ana I. Rodriguez
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Jennifer Reinboth
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Genelux Corporation, San Diego Science Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Maria L. Ascierto
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Alyson M. Engle
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Hui Liu
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Francesco M. Marincola
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Federico Garrido
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Teresa Cabrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Immune response to sipuleucel-T in prostate cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2012; 4:420-41. [PMID: 24213318 DOI: 10.3390/cancers4020420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, chemotherapy has remained the most commonly utilized therapy in patients with metastatic cancers. In prostate cancer, chemotherapy has been reserved for patients whose metastatic disease becomes resistant to first line castration or androgen deprivation. While chemotherapy palliates, decreases serum prostate specific antigen and improves survival, it is associated with significant side effects and is only suitable for approximately 60% of patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer. On that basis, exploration of other therapeutic options such as active secondary hormone therapy, bone targeted treatments and immunotherapy are important. Until recently, immunotherapy has had no role in the treatment of solid malignancies aside from renal cancer and melanoma. The FDA-approved autologous cellular immunotherapy sipuleucel-T has demonstrated efficacy in improving overall survival in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer in randomized clinical trials. The proposed mechanism of action is reliant on activating the patients' own antigen presenting cells (APCs) to prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) fused with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and subsequent triggered T-cell response to PAP on the surface of prostate cancer cells in the patients body. Despite significant prolongation of survival in Phase III trials, the challenge to health care providers remains the dissociation between objective changes in serum PSA or on imaging studies after sipleucel-T and survival benefit. On that basis there is an unmet need for markers of outcome and a quest to identify immunologic or clinical surrogates to fill this role. This review focuses on the impact of sipuleucel-T on the immune system, the T and B cells, and their responses to relevant antigens and prostate cancer. Other therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy, corticosteroids and GM-CSF and host factors can also affect immune response. The optimal timing for immunotherapy, patient selection and best sequencing with other prostate cancer therapies remain to be determined. A better understanding of immune response may help address these issues.
Collapse
|
34
|
Bukur J, Jasinski S, Seliger B. The role of classical and non-classical HLA class I antigens in human tumors. Semin Cancer Biol 2012; 22:350-8. [PMID: 22465194 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In human tumors alterations in the surface expression and/or function of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens are frequently found and equip neoplastic cells with mechanisms to escape immune control. The aberrant expression of HLA class I molecules can be caused by structural alterations or dysregulations of genes encoding the classical HLA class I antigens and/or components of the HLA class I antigen processing machinery (APM). The dysregulation of APM components could occur at the epigenetic, transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. In some malignancies these abnormalities are significantly associated with a higher tumor staging, grading, disease progression and a reduced survival of patients as well as a failure to CD8(+) T cell-based immunotherapies. In addition to HLA class I abnormalities, expression of the non-classical HLA-G antigen is often induced in tumors, which could be mediated by various microenvironmental factors. Interestingly, soluble HLA-G serum and plasma levels have been useful markers for the prediction of some malignancies. The biological consequence of HLA-G expression or sHLA-G is an escape from T and NK cell-mediated recognition. Thus, alterations of non-classical and classical HLA class I antigens and components of the antigen processing pathway provide tumor cells with different mechanisms to inactivate immune responses resulting in tumor growth and evasion from host immune surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Bukur
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Noh KH, Lee YH, Jeon JH, Kang TH, Mao CP, Wu TC, Kim TW. Cancer vaccination drives Nanog-dependent evolution of tumor cells toward an immune-resistant and stem-like phenotype. Cancer Res 2012; 72:1717-27. [PMID: 22337995 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-3758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Due to the exquisite specificity and potency of the immune system, vaccination is in theory the most precise and powerful approach for controlling cancer. However, current data from clinical trials indicate that vaccination rarely yields significant benefits for cancer patients in terms of tumor progression and long-term survival. The poor clinical outcomes of vaccination are primarily caused by mechanisms of immune tolerance, especially within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we report that vaccination drives the evolution of tumor cells toward an immune-resistant and stem-like phenotype that promotes tumor growth and nullifies the CTL response. The emergence of this phenotype required the transcription factor Nanog, which is induced as a consequence of immune selection. Nanog expression enhanced the stem-like features of tumor cells and protected them from killing by tumor-reactive CTLs. Delivery of siNanog into tumor-bearing mice rendered the tumor vulnerable to immune surveillance and strongly suppressed its growth. Together, our findings show tumor adaptation to vaccination through gain of an immune-resistant, stem-like phenotype and identify Nanog as a central molecular target in this process. Future vaccination technology should consider Nanog an important target to enhance the immunotherapeutic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Hee Noh
- Divison of Infection and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Seliger B. Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of HLA class I abnormalities. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:249-254. [PMID: 22120755 PMCID: PMC11029063 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1153-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the MHC class I surface antigens represent one mechanism of tumor cells to escape from natural or immunotherapy-induced antitumor immune responses. In order to restore MHC class I expression, knowledge about the underlying molecular mechanisms of MHC class I defects in different tumor types is required. In most cases, abnormalities of MHC class I expression are reversible by cytokines suggesting a deregulation rather than structural abnormalities of members of the antigen-processing and presentation machinery (APM). The impaired expression of APM components could be controlled at the epigenetic, transcriptional and/or posttranscriptional level. Furthermore, a direct link between altered transcription factor binding, interferon signal transduction and MHC class I APM component expression has been shown, which might be further associated with cell cycle progression. This information will not only give novel insights into the (patho) physiology of the antigen-processing and presenting pathway, but will help in the future to design effective T cell-based immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Garrido C, Romero I, Berruguilla E, Cancela B, Algarra I, Collado A, García-Lora A, Garrido F. Immunotherapy eradicates metastases with reversible defects in MHC class I expression. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 60:1257-68. [PMID: 21553283 PMCID: PMC11028956 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor or metastatic cells lose MHC class I (MHC-I) expression during cancer progression as an escape mechanism from immune surveillance. These defects in MHC-I may be reversible by cytokines or different agents (soft lesions) or irreversible due to structural defects (hard lesions). The nature of these MHC-I alterations might determine the success or failure of immunotherapy treatments. In this study, we have used an MHC-I-positive murine fibrosarcoma tumor clone, GR9-A7, which generates multiple lung and lymph node metastases with reversible MHC-I alterations after treatment with IFN-γ. Four different antitumor treatments were carried out after primary tumor excision to determine their capacity to inhibit spontaneous metastatic colonization of the GR9-A7 tumor clone. We found that 2 different immunotherapy protocols (CpG plus autologous irradiated-GR9-A7 cells and protein-bound polysaccharide K (PSK) and 1 chemoimmunotherapy (docetaxel plus PSK) induced eradication of metastases. In contrast, chemotherapy with docetaxel alone produced only partial reduction in the number of metastases. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte populations showed an immunosuppression in GR9-A7 tumor-bearing host, which could be reverted by immunotherapy treatments. Our results suggest that irreversible or reversible MHC-I alterations in tumor target cells may determine its progression or regression independently of the type of immunotherapy used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Garrido
- Departamento De Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos and Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Av. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Irene Romero
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos and Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Av. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Enrique Berruguilla
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos and Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Av. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Bárbara Cancela
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Ignacio Algarra
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Antonia Collado
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Angel García-Lora
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos and Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Av. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Departamento De Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos and Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Av. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Stickel JS, Stickel N, Hennenlotter J, Klingel K, Stenzl A, Rammensee HG, Stevanović S. Quantification of HLA class I molecules on renal cell carcinoma using Edman degradation. BMC Urol 2011; 11:1. [PMID: 21251276 PMCID: PMC3037347 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2490-11-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unimpaired HLA class I antigen presentation is a prerequisite for the recognition of tumor cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and thus essential for the success of anticancer immunotherapeutic concepts. Several approaches have been taken in the immunotherapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), however of limited success. HLA loss or down-regulation have often been reported and might interfere with immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at the recognition of HLA-presented peptides. METHODS We employed a quantitative method of molecular analysis for the comparison of HLA amounts on primary tumor, normal kidney and metastases of RCC, using Edman degradation. We analyzed a series of 47 RCC samples including corresponding renal parenchyma, local lymph node metastases and distant metastases. RESULTS Results of quantitative Edman degradation revealed significantly higher HLA yields on primary tumor and metastases compared to normal kidney tissue. This effect was shown not to result from infiltrating immune cells, since tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes had no influence on the overall HLA recovery from tumor tissue. Unexpectedly, we found a higher amount of HLA class I molecules on distant metastases compared to local lymph node metastases. CONCLUSION Edman degradation allows the direct quantitative comparison of HLA class I protein expression by tumor or normal tissue and metastases of RCC patients. Our results raise hopes for improving the success and effectiveness of future immunotherapeutic concepts for metastatic RCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliane S Stickel
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
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: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Maleno
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Garrido F, Algarra I, García-Lora AM. The escape of cancer from T lymphocytes: immunoselection of MHC class I loss variants harboring structural-irreversible "hard" lesions. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2010; 59:1601-6. [PMID: 20625726 PMCID: PMC11029827 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-010-0893-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of tumor antigens recognized by T lymphocytes has stimulated the development of a variety of cancer treatment protocols aimed at enhancing antitumor-specific T cell responses and tumor rejection. However, immunotherapy-mediated regression of established tumors and clearly positive clinical response to such treatment has not been achieved yet despite the induction of T cells directed against tumor antigens. The failure of the modern immunotherapy protocols can be explained by different tumor escape mechanisms that have been defined in various types of malignancy. The loss or downregulation of MHC class I antigens in tumor cells is one of the best analyzed mechanisms. In this review, we show experimental evidence obtained in our laboratory on human tumors and in a mouse cancer model suggesting that the molecular mechanism responsible for the MHC class I alteration in tumor cells might have a crucial impact on tumor recovery of normal H-2/HLA expression during the natural history of tumor development or after immunotherapy. When the preexisting molecular lesion underlying tumor MHC class I alteration is reversible (regulatory or soft), class I expression can be recovered leading to regression of tumor lesion. In contrast, if the HLA class I alteration is irreversible in nature (structural or hard), the lesion will progress killing the host. This is a new vision of the role of MHC class I alteration in tumors that can explain the failure of immunotherapy in a variety of different clinical protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos and Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ignacio Algarra
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Angel M. García-Lora
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos and Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
MHC class I downregulation is a general mechanism by which tumor cells can escape from T-cell-mediated immunity. This downregulation also represents a serious obstacle to the development of effective antitumor immunotherapy or vaccination. Therefore, successful immunotherapeutic and vaccination protocols should be optimized against tumors with distinct cell surface expression of the MHC class I molecules. Mechanisms leading to protective immunity may vary in different models with respect to the particular tumors (e.g., in their levels of residual expression of the MHC class I molecules on tumor cells or inducibility of MHC class I expression). Notably, both CD8+ cell-mediated immunity and MHC class I-unrestricted mechanisms can take place against MHC class I-deficient tumors. Since MHC class I downregulation is frequently reversible by cytokines and also by the activation of epigenetically silenced genes, an attractive strategy is to elicit specific cell-mediated immunity combined with restoration of MHC class I expression on tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Reiniš
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídenská 1083, Prague 4, 142 20, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bukur J, Herrmann F, Handke D, Recktenwald C, Seliger B. Identification of E2F1 as an important transcription factor for the regulation of tapasin expression. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:30419-26. [PMID: 20663889 PMCID: PMC2945534 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.094284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
HER-2/neu overexpression in tumor cells caused abnormalities of MHC class I surface expression due to impaired expression of components of the antigen-processing machinery (APM) including the low molecular weight proteins, the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), and the chaperone tapasin, whereas the expression of MHC class I heavy chain as well as β(2)-microglobulin was only marginally affected. This oncogene-mediated deficient APM component expression could be reverted by interferon-γ treatment, suggesting a deregulation rather than structural alterations as underlying molecular mechanisms. To determine the level of regulation, the transcriptional activity of APM components was analyzed in HER-2/neu(-) and HER-2/neu(+) cells. All major APM components were transcriptionally down-regulated in HER-2/neu(+) when compared with HER-2/neu(-) cells, which was accompanied by a reduced binding of RNA polymerase II to the APM promoters. Site-directed mutagenesis of the p300- and E2F-binding sites in the APM promoters did not reconstitute the oncogene-mediated decreased transcription rate with the exception of tapasin, which was restored in HER-2/neu(+) cells to levels of wild type tapasin promoter activity in HER-2/neu(-) fibroblasts. The E2F-directed control of tapasin expression was further confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses showing that E2F1 and p300 bind to the tapasin and APM promoters in both cell lines. Moreover, siRNA-mediated silencing of E2F1 was associated with an increased tapasin expression, whereas transient overexpression of E2F1 launch a reduced tapasin transcription, suggesting that E2F1 is an essential transcription factor for tapasin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Bukur
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Felix Herrmann
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Diana Handke
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christian Recktenwald
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bedognetti D, Wang E, Sertoli MR, Marincola FM. Gene-expression profiling in vaccine therapy and immunotherapy for cancer. Expert Rev Vaccines 2010; 9:555-65. [PMID: 20518712 PMCID: PMC3411321 DOI: 10.1586/erv.10.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The identification of tumor antigens recognized by T cells led to the design of therapeutic strategies aimed at eliciting adaptive immune responses. The last decade of experience has shown that, although active immunization can induce enhancement of anticancer T-cell precursors (easily detectable in standard assays), most often they are unable to induce tumor regression and, consequently, have scarcely any impact on overall survival. Moreover, in the few occasions when tumor rejection occurs, the mechanisms determining this phenomenon remain poorly understood, and data derived from in vivo human observations are rare. The advent of high-throughput gene-expression analysis (microarrays) has cast new light on unrecognized mechanisms that are now deemed to be central for the development of efficient immune-mediated tumor rejection. The aim of this article is to review the data on the molecular signature associated with this process. We believe that the description of how the mechanism of immune-mediated tissue destruction occurs would contribute to our understanding of why it happens, thereby allowing us to develop more effective immune therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Bedognetti
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- S.C. Oncologia Medica B, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Institute, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Oncology, Biology and Genetics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ena Wang
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mario Roberto Sertoli
- S.C. Oncologia Medica B, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Institute, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Oncology, Biology and Genetics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco M Marincola
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Meissner M, König V, Hrgovic I, Valesky E, Kaufmann R. Human leucocyte antigen class I and class II antigen expression in malignant fibrous histiocytoma, fibrosarcoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is significantly downregulated. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2010; 24:1326-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03644.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
47
|
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 .
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
del Campo AB, Aptsiauri N, Méndez R, Zinchenko S, Vales A, Paschen A, Ward S, Ruiz-Cabello F, González-Aseguinolaza G, Garrido F. Efficient recovery of HLA class I expression in human tumor cells after beta2-microglobulin gene transfer using adenoviral vector: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Scand J Immunol 2009; 70:125-35. [PMID: 19630918 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2009.02276.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Here we report a successful use of a non-replicating adenovirus expressing the wild-type human beta2m gene in recovery of normal human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression in beta2m-null cancer cells. Total loss of HLA class I expression in these cell lines is caused by a mutation in beta2m gene and a loss of heterozygosity in chromosome 15 carrying another copy of that gene. Normal HLA class I expression on the tumour cell surface is critical for the successful outcome of cancer immunotherapy as T cells can only recognize tumour-derived peptides in a complex with self-HLA class I molecules. In this report we characterize the newly generated adenoviral vector AdCMVbeta2m and demonstrate an efficient beta2m gene transfer in tumour cell lines of different histological origin, including melanoma, prostate and colorectal carcinoma. The beta2m re-expression lasted for an extended period of time both in vitro and in vivo in human tumour xenograft transplants. We propose that in a subset of cancer patients with structural defect in beta2m gene or chromosome 15, the adenoviral-mediated recovery (or even increase) of HLA class I expression on tumour cells in combination with vaccination or adoptive T-cell therapy can provide a complementary approach to improve the clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A B del Campo
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Worschech A, Haddad D, Stroncek DF, Wang E, Marincola FM, Szalay AA. The immunologic aspects of poxvirus oncolytic therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:1355-62. [PMID: 19266198 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-009-0686-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The concept of using replicating oncolytic viruses in cancer therapy dates to the beginning of the twentieth century. However, in the last few years, an increasing number of pre-clinical and clinical trials have been carried out with promising preliminarily results. Novel, indeed, is the suggestion that viral oncolytic therapy might not operate exclusively through an oncolysis-mediated process but additionally requires the "assistance" of the host's immune system. Originally, the host's immune response was believed to play a predominant obstructive role against viral replication, hence limiting the anti-tumor efficacy of viral vectors. Recent data, however, suggest that the immune response may also play a key role in promoting tumor destruction in association with the oncolytic process. In fact, immune effector pathways activated during oncolytic virus-induced tumor rejection seem to follow a similar pattern to those observed when the broader phenomenon of immune-mediated tissue-specific rejection occurs in other immune-related pathologies. We recently formulated the "Immunologic Constant of Rejection" hypothesis, emphasizing commonalties in transcriptional patterns observed when tissue-destruction occurs: whether with a favorable outcome, such as in tumor rejection and pathogen clearance; or a destructive one, such as in allograft rejection or autoimmunity. Here, we propose that a similar mechanism induces clearance of virally infected tumors and that such a mechanism is primarily dependent on innate immune functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Worschech
- Genelux Corporation, San Diego Science Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Frecuencias de las pérdidas de heterocigocidad en la región que codifica para HLA en biopsias de pacientes con cáncer de cuello uterino. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0123-9015(09)70118-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|