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Horikawa M, Masuda K, Takahashi H, Tada H, Tomidokoro Y, Motegi M, Oyama T, Takeda S, Chikamatsu K. Tumor antigen‑specific interleukin‑10‑producing T‑cell response in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:456. [PMID: 39100998 PMCID: PMC11294976 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a highly pleiotropic cytokine that regulates immunological homeostasis through anti-inflammatory and/or immunostimulatory functions. Moreover, IL-10 is well known to exert diverse roles in tumor immunology and immunotherapy. The present study investigated the presence of circulating tumor antigen-specific IL-10-producing T cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and determined factors that may influence the immunodynamics of IL-10-producing T cells. In vitro, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with the tumor antigens p53 and MAGE-A4 were evaluated for interferon (IFN)-γ/IL-10 production using the IFN-γ/IL-10 double-color enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay. The proportion of T cells expressing immune checkpoint molecules in PBMCs was analyzed using flow cytometry. Of the 18 patients with HNSCC, 2 (11.1%) and 9 (50.0%) exhibited p53-specific IFN-γ and IL-10 production, respectively. Meanwhile, MAGE-A4-specific IFN-γ and IL-10 production was detected in 4 (28.6%) and 7 (50.0%) of 14 patients. In the p53-specific responses, IL-10-producing T cells were observed in significantly more patients than IFN-γ producing T cells (P=0.0275). In both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, the proportion of T cells expressing lymphocyte activation gene-3 (Lag-3) was significantly lower in patients with p53-specific IL-10 production than in those without. In certain patients, Lag-3 blockade enhanced tumor antigen-specific IL-10. Taken together, the present study successfully demonstrated that tumor antigen-specific IL-10-producing T cells exist in the peripheral blood of patients with HNSCC and that Lag-3+ T cells may serve an important role in modulating IL-10-producing T cells. These findings provide novel insights into the roles of IL-10 and Lag-3 in mediating antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoka Horikawa
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Division of Molecular Science, Gunma University, Kiryu, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
| | - Kei Masuda
- Department of Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Takahashi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroe Tada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yuichi Tomidokoro
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Masaomi Motegi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Oyama
- Department of Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shigeki Takeda
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Division of Molecular Science, Gunma University, Kiryu, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chikamatsu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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Wang Q, Tan L. Advances in the role of circulating tumor cell heterogeneity in metastatic small cell lung cancer. CANCER INNOVATION 2024; 3:e98. [PMID: 38946931 PMCID: PMC11212323 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a highly aggressive malignancy, is rapidly at an extensive stage once diagnosed and is one of the leading causes of death from malignancy. In the past decade, the treatment of SCLC has largely remained unchanged, and chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of SCLC treatment. The therapeutic value of adding immune checkpoint inhibitors to chemotherapy for SCLC is low, and only a few SCLC patients have shown a response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are tumor cells shed from solid tumor masses into the peripheral circulation and are key to tumor metastasis. Single-cell sequencing has revealed that the genetic profiles of individual CTCs are highly heterogeneous and contribute to the poor outcome and prognosis of SCLC patients. Theoretically, phenotypic analysis of CTCs may be able to predict the diagnostic significance of new potential targets for metastatic tumors. In this paper, we will discuss in depth the heterogeneity of CTCs in SCLC and the value of CTCs for the diagnosis and prognosis of SCLC and as relevant tumor markers in metastatic SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunxia Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangxi Province's Key Laboratory of Laboratory MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiChina
| | - Li‐Ming Tan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangxi Province's Key Laboratory of Laboratory MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiChina
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Pulliam T, Jani S, Jing L, Ryu H, Jojic A, Shasha C, Zhang J, Kulikauskas R, Church C, Garnett-Benson C, Gooley T, Chapuis A, Paulson K, Smith KN, Pardoll DM, Newell EW, Koelle DM, Topalian SL, Nghiem P. Circulating cancer-specific CD8 T cell frequency is associated with response to PD-1 blockade in Merkel cell carcinoma. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101412. [PMID: 38340723 PMCID: PMC10897614 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101412] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding cancer immunobiology has been hampered by difficulty identifying cancer-specific T cells. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) causes most Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs). All patients with virus-driven MCC express MCPyV oncoproteins, facilitating identification of virus (cancer)-specific T cells. We studied MCPyV-specific T cells from 27 patients with MCC using MCPyV peptide-HLA-I multimers, 26-color flow cytometry, single-cell transcriptomics, and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing. In a prospective clinical trial, higher circulating MCPyV-specific CD8 T cell frequency before anti-PD-1 treatment was strongly associated with 2-year recurrence-free survival (75% if detectable, 0% if undetectable, p = 0.0018; ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT02488759). Intratumorally, such T cells were typically present, but their frequency did not significantly associate with response. Circulating MCPyV-specific CD8 T cells had increased stem/memory and decreased exhaustion signatures relative to their intratumoral counterparts. These results suggest that cancer-specific CD8 T cells in the blood may play a role in anti-PD-1 responses. Thus, strategies that augment their number or mobilize them into tumors could improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pulliam
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Saumya Jani
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lichen Jing
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Heeju Ryu
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Department, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ana Jojic
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Department, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Carolyn Shasha
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Department, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21827, USA; The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Rima Kulikauskas
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Candice Church
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Ted Gooley
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Aude Chapuis
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kelly Paulson
- Paul G. Allen Research Center, Providence-Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA 98104, USA; Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
| | - Kellie N Smith
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21827, USA; The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21827, USA; The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Evan W Newell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Department, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David M Koelle
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Department, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Suzanne L Topalian
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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Tarone L, Giacobino D, Camerino M, Maniscalco L, Iussich S, Parisi L, Giovannini G, Dentini A, Bolli E, Quaglino E, Merighi IF, Morello E, Buracco P, Riccardo F, Cavallo F. A chimeric human/dog-DNA vaccine against CSPG4 induces immunity with therapeutic potential in comparative preclinical models of osteosarcoma. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2342-2359. [PMID: 37312451 PMCID: PMC10421998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The high mortality rate of osteosarcoma (OSA) patients highlights the requirement of alternative strategies. The young age of patients, as well as the rarity and aggressiveness of the disease, limits opportunities for the robust testing of novel therapies, suggesting the need for valuable preclinical systems. Having previously shown the overexpression of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)4 in OSA, herein the functional consequences of its downmodulation in human OSA cells were evaluated in vitro, with a significant impairment of cell proliferation, migration, and osteosphere generation. The potential of a chimeric human/dog (HuDo)-CSPG4 DNA vaccine was explored in translational comparative OSA models, including human xenograft mouse models and canine patients affected by spontaneous OSA. The adoptive transfer of HuDo-CSPG4 vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells and sera in immunodeficient human OSA-bearing mice delayed tumor growth and metastasis development. HuDo-CSPG4 vaccination resulted safe and effective in inducing anti-CSPG4 immunity in OSA-affected dogs, which displayed prolonged survival as compared to controls. Finally, HuDo-CSPG4 was also able to induce a cytotoxic response in a human surrogate setting in vitro. On the basis of these results and the high predictive value of spontaneous OSA in dogs, this study paves the way for a possible translation of this approach to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Giacobino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Mariateresa Camerino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Lorella Maniscalco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Selina Iussich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Lorenza Parisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | | | | | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Fiore Merighi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Morello
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Paolo Buracco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
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Geng R, Tang H, You T, Xu X, Li S, Li Z, Liu Y, Qiu W, Zhou N, Li N, Ge Y, Guo F, Sun Y, Wang Y, Li T, Bai C. Peripheral CD8+CD28+ T lymphocytes predict the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cancer patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125876. [PMID: 36969245 PMCID: PMC10038730 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundProgrammed cell death protein-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors works by reactivating immune cells. Considering the accessibility of noninvasive liquid biopsies, it is advisable to employ peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets to predict immunotherapy outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 87 patients with available baseline circulating lymphocyte subset data who received first-line PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2018 and April 2022. Immune cell counts were determined by flow cytometry.ResultsPatients who responded to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors had significantly higher circulating CD8+CD28+ T-cell counts (median [range] count: 236 [30-536] versus 138 [36-460]/μL, p < 0.001). Using 190/μL as the cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity of CD8+CD28+ T cells for predicting immunotherapy response were 0.689 and 0.714, respectively. Furthermore, the median progression-free survival (PFS, not reached versus 8.7 months, p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS, not reached versus 16.2 months, p < 0.001) were significantly longer in the patients with higher CD8+CD28+ T-cell counts. However, the CD8+CD28+ T-cell level was also associated with the incidence of grade 3-4 immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The sensitivity and specificity of CD8+CD28+ T cells for predicting irAEs of grade 3-4 were 0.846 and 0.667, respectively, at the threshold of CD8+CD28+ T cells ≥ 309/μL.ConclusionsHigh circulating CD8+CD28+ T-cell levels is a potential biomarker for immunotherapy response and better prognosis, while excessive CD8+CD28+ T cells (≥ 309/μL) may also indicate the emergence of severe irAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixuan Geng
- Department of International Medical Services, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting You
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuxiu Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Sijian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zepeng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuping Ge
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fuping Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dandong First Hospital, Dandong, Liaoning, China
| | - Yingyi Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yingyi Wang, ; Taisheng Li,
| | - Taisheng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yingyi Wang, ; Taisheng Li,
| | - Chunmei Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Ida S, Takahashi H, Tada H, Mito I, Matsuyama T, Chikamatsu K. Dynamic changes of the EMT spectrum between circulating tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment in human papillomavirus-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2023; 137:106296. [PMID: 36571985 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.106296] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) differs in terms of cellular and molecular biological characteristics from HPV-negative HNSCC. However, differences in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) between HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC remain unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS We first analyzed eight epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes (VIM, CDH1, CDH2, SNAI1, SNAI2, TWIST1, ZEB1, and ZEB2) using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we isolated CTCs from patients with HNSCC using CD45-negative selection and expression analysis of epithelial-related genes (EPCAM, EGFR, and MET) by RT-qPCR. CTC-positive samples were further analyzed for EMT-related genes. In addition, we investigated the proportion of circulating T cell subsets and CD38+ T cells using flow cytometry and their involvement in CTCs. RESULTS Compared with HPV-negative HNSCC, expression of CDH1, SNAI1, SNAI2, TWIST1, and ZEB1 was downregulated in HPV-positive HNSCC, as determined by TCGA analysis. CTCs were detected in 19 (52.8 %) of 36 HPV-positive and 26 (68.4 %) of 38 HPV-negative patients with HNSCC. EPCAM-positive and MET-positive CTCs were significantly more frequent in patients with HPV-negative HNSCC. HPV-positive patients with HNSCC exhibited significantly high SNAI1 and ZEB2 expression in CTCs. Interestingly, differences in SNAI1 expression levels differed markedly between CTCs and TCGA based on HPV status. Moreover, HPV-positive patients with HNSCC exhibiting SNAI1-high CTCs showed a superior prognosis and a lower proportion of CD38+ T cells than those with SNAI1-low CTCs. CONCLUSION Our results provide novel insights into the EMT-MET spectrum of CTCs and may contribute to the development of prognostic biomarkers for HPV-positive HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Ida
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Takahashi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hiroe Tada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Ikko Mito
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Matsuyama
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chikamatsu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
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Matsuyama T, Takahashi H, Tada H, Chikamatsu K. Circulating T Cell Subsets and ILC2s are Altered in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps After Dupilumab Treatment. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2022; 37:58-64. [DOI: 10.1177/19458924221132065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is mainly associated with type 2 inflammation and is often unmanageable, regardless of the treatment. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin (IL)-4 receptor alpha to inhibit IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, has recently been shown to significantly improve the condition of patients with CRSwNP. However, the mechanisms underlying this response to dupilumab are not yet fully understood. Objective We sought to examine whether circulating T cell subset proportions and their functions are altered by dupilumab treatment. Methods We first investigated the proportion of circulating T cell subsets and group 2 innate immune cells (ILC2s) in patients with CRSwNP treated with dupilumab using mass and flow cytometry. We then assessed cytokine gene expression and cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The type 2 T helper (Th2) cell proportion significantly decreased after dupilumab treatment, whereas that of type 1 T helper (Th1) cells increased. Moreover, programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression in regulatory T (Treg) cells was significantly reduced. The proportion of ILC2s significantly increased after dupilumab treatment. Unfortunately, neither cytokine gene expression nor cytokine production in PBMCs showed significant changes. Conclusions Our findings suggest that in CRSwNP patients treated with dupilumab, Th2, Treg, and ILC2 cells, which regulate type 2 inflammation, are modulated in the peripheral circulation. Further analysis of circulating immune cells could provide novel insights into understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms of dupilumab and the development of tailored therapeutic strategies for patients with CRSwNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Matsuyama
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Takahashi
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hiroe Tada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chikamatsu
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
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