Melanoma-associated antigen genes: a new trend to predict the prognosis of breast cancer patients

Diagnostic performance of anti-MAGEA family protein autoantibodies in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

MAGEA family proteins are immunogenic and can produce corresponding autoantibodies, and we aim to evaluate the diagnostic value of anti-MAGEA family protein autoantibodies in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Protein chip was used to detect the expression level of anti-MAGEA autoantibodies (IgG and IgM) in 20 mixed serum samples. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was adopted to determine the expression level of autoantibodies in 1019 serum samples (423 ESCC, 423 healthy control (HC), 173 benign esophageal disease (BED)), and stepwise logistic regression analysis was used for developing a diagnostic model. Eight anti-MAGEA autoantibodies were screened out based on the protein chip. The levels of 7 autoantibodies (MAGEA1-IgG, MAGEA3-IgG, MAGEA3-IgM, MAGEA4-IgG, MAGEA6-IgG, MAGEA10-IgG, MAGEA12-IgG) in ESCC were significantly higher than that in HC, and the levels of anti-MAGEA1 IgG, anti-MAGEA3-IgG, anti-MAGEA4-IgG, anti-MAGEA10-IgG and anti-MAGEA12-IgG autoantibodies in ESCC group were significantly higher than those in BED group. The area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of the logistic regression model (MAGEA1-IgG, MAGEA4-IgG, MAGEA6-IgG, MAGEA12-IgG) in the training set and the validation set were 0.725 and 0.698, 55.2% and 51.8%, 80.4% and 84.5%, respectively, in distinguishing ESCC and HC. The model also could distinguish between ESCC and BED, with the AUC of 0.743, sensitivity of 55.4% and specificity of 89.0%. The positive rate of the model combined with cytokeratin 19 fragment to diagnose ESCC reached 78.0%. The study identified anti-MAGEA autoantibodies with potential diagnostic value for ESCC, which may provide new promising for the detection of the disease.

Resveratrol acts via melanoma-associated antigen A12 (MAGEA12)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling to inhibit the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

The present study examined how resveratrol affects cell growth and MAGEA12/Akt signaling pathway in OSCC cells. Cal-27 cells were transiently transfected with a plasmid encoding MAGEA12, and the effects of overexpression were assessed in terms of cell viability, colony formation and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Cal-27 cells and MAGEA12-overexpressing cells were treated with resveratrol, then the cell viability and colony formation were also assessed by CCK8 assay and microscope, respectively. Levels of MAGEA12, p-Akt, Akt, Cyclin D1, and CDK14 genes and these proteins were analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase-chain reaction and western blot. In the present research, we first generated and transiently transfected MAGEA12 plasmid into Cal-27 cells. Our results suggested that overexpressing MAGEA12 led to an increase in levels of phospho-Akt, which was associated with increased cell viability, colony formation. Moreover, overexpressing MAGEA12 also resulted in the up-regulation of Cyclin D1 and CDK14, indicating MAGEA12 induces the cell proliferation of Cal-27 cells. In addition, these effects were partially reversed by inhibiting Akt. Furthermore, resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation and colony in Cal-27 cells and decrease the expressions of MAGEA12 and p-Akt depending on the time and concentration. These effects were also partially reversed by MAGEA12 overexpression and Akt activation. In summary, resveratrol may suppress the growth of OSCC cells by inactivating MAGEA12/Akt signaling. These findings suggest that resveratrol may be a therapeutic drug for OSCC in clinical.

Prognostic roles of MAGE family members in breast cancer based on KM-Plotter Data

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality among women worldwide, and the prevalence and mortality rates associated with this disease are high in Western countries. The melanoma-associated antigen (MAGE) family proteins are well-known tumor-specific antigens; this family includes >60 proteins that serve an important part in cell cycle withdrawal, neuronal differentiation and apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to identify a biomarker within the MAGE family that is specific for breast cancer. In the present study, the prognostic role of MAGE mRNA expression was investigated in patients with breast cancer using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. The prognostic value of MAGE members in the different intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer was further investigated, as well as the clinicopathological features of the disease. The results of the present study indicated that patients with breast cancer that had high mRNA expression levels of MAGEA5, MAGEA8, MAGEB4 and MAGEB6 had an improved relapse-free survival, whereas those with high mRNA expression levels of MAGEB18 and MAGED4 did not. These results suggested that MAGEA5, MAGEA8, MAGEB4 and MAGEB6 may have roles as tumor suppressors in the occurrence and development of breast cancer, whereas MAGEB18 and MAGED4 may possess carcinogenic potential. MAGED2, MAGED3 and MAGEF1 had different effects depending on the type of breast cancer. In particular, high MAGEC3 mRNA expression was associated with worse RFS in lymph node-positive breast cancer, but with improved RFS in lymph node-negative breast cancer. In patients with wild-type TP53 and patients with different pathological grades of breast cancer, MAGEE2, MAGEH1 and MAGEL2 were more worthy of attention as potential prognostic factors. The results of the present study may help to elucidate the role of MAGE family members in the development of breast cancer, and may promote further research that identifies MAGE-targeting reagents for the treatment of breast cancer.

The Role of Immune Escape and Immune Cell Infiltration in Breast Cancer

While detailed analysis of aberrant cancer cell signaling pathways and changes in cancer cell DNA has dominated the field of breast cancer biology for years, there now exists increasing evidence that the tumor microenvironment (TME) including tumor-infiltrating immune cells support the growth and development of breast cancer and further facilitate invasion and metastasis formation as well as sensitivity to drug therapy. Furthermore, breast cancer cells have developed different strategies to escape surveillance from the adaptive and innate immune system. These include loss of expression of immunostimulatory molecules, gain of expression of immunoinhibitory molecules such as PD-L1 and HLA-G, and altered expression of components involved in apoptosis. Furthermore, the composition of the TME plays a key role in breast cancer development and treatment response. In this review we will focus on i) the different immune evasion mechanisms used by breast cancer cells, ii) the role of immune cell infiltration in this disease, and (iii) implication for breast cancer-based immunotherapies.

A pilot study of the immunogenicity of a 9-peptide breast cancer vaccine plus poly-ICLC in early stage breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. There is evidence that immunotherapy may play a role in the eradication of residual disease. Peptide vaccines for immunotherapy are capable of durable immune memory, but vaccines alone have shown sparse clinical activity against breast cancer to date. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and helper peptides are excellent adjuvants for vaccine immunotherapy and they are examined in this human clinical trial.

METHODS

A vaccine consisting of 9 MHC class I-restricted breast cancer-associated peptides (from MAGE-A1, -A3, and -A10, CEA, NY-ESO-1, and HER2 proteins) was combined with a TLR3 agonist, poly-ICLC, along with a helper peptide derived from tetanus toxoid. The vaccine was administered on days 1, 8, 15, 36, 57, 78. CD8⁺ T cell responses to the vaccine were assessed by both direct and stimulated interferon gamma ELIspot assays.

RESULTS

Twelve patients with breast cancer were treated: five had estrogen receptor positive disease and five were HER2 amplified. There were no dose-limiting toxicities. Toxicities were limited to Grade 1 and Grade 2 and included mild injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms, which occurred in most patients. The most common toxicities were injection site reaction/induration and fatigue, which were experienced by 100% and 92% of participants, respectively. In the stimulated ELIspot assays, peptide-specific CD8⁺ T cell responses were detected in 4 of 11 evaluable patients. Two patients had borderline immune responses to the vaccine. The two peptides derived from CEA were immunogenic. No difference in immune response was evident between patients receiving endocrine therapy and those not receiving endocrine therapy during the vaccine series.

CONCLUSIONS

Peptide vaccine administered in the adjuvant breast cancer setting was safe and feasible. The TLR3 adjuvant, poly-ICLC, plus helper peptide mixture provided modest immune stimulation. Further optimization is required for this multi-peptide vaccine/adjuvant combination.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (posted 2/15/2012): NCT01532960. Registered 2/8/2012. https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01532960.

A sensitive and disposable indium tin oxide based electrochemical immunosensor for label-free detection of MAGE-1

MAGE-1 (MAGE, for melanoma antigen), was identified by virtue of its processing and cell surface expression as a tumor-specific peptide bound to major histocompatibility complexes which was reactive with autolytic T cells. 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3-GOPS) is frequently employed for the preparation of dense heterometal hybrid polymers which are used, e.g., for hard coatings of organic polymers and contact lens materials in the optical industry. In this study, we have improved a new immunological biosensor with indium tin oxide (ITO). Then, Anti-MAGE-1 antibody was covalently immobilized with 3-GOPS which formed a self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on modified ITO electrodes. Analytical characteristics such as square wave voltammetry, linear determination range, repeatability, reproducibility and regeneration of biosensors are determined. All characterization steps are monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV). The developed biosensor has wide determination range (0.5fg-15fg/mL). To investigate long shelf life of the fabricated biosensor, the immunosensors were stored at 4°C for periods ten weeks. Futhermore, binding kinetics of MAGE1 to antiMAGE-1 is monitored by single frequency technique in real time. Additionally, Kramer's-Kronig transform was used to understand whether the impedance spectra of biosensor system are affected from the variation that occurred because of external factor. Morphological characteristics of constructed biosensor were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Real human serum samples were also analyzed by the proposed biosensor, successfully. A commercial ELISA kit was also used as a reference method to validate the results obtained by the biosensor. Finally, this biosensor was tried in real blood sample and that showed it could be utilized in clinical applications. This biosensor can be preferred due to it has a wide linear range and it can be prepared easily.

Roles of cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the US. For breast cancer, early diagnosis and efficient therapy remains a significant clinical challenge. Therefore, it is necessary to identify novel tumor associated molecules to target for biomarker development and immunotherapy. In this regard, cancer testis antigens (CTAs) have emerged as a potential clinical biomarker targeting immunotherapy for various malignancies due to the nature of its characteristics. CTAs are a group of tumor associated antigens (TAAs) that display normal expression in immune-privileged organs, but display aberrant expression in several types of cancers, particularly in advanced cancers. Investigation of CTAs for the clinical management of breast malignancies indicates that these TAAs have potential roles as novel biomarkers, with increased specificity and sensitivity compared to those currently used in the clinic. Moreover, TAAs could be therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy. This review is an attempt to address the promising CTAs in breast cancer and their possible clinical implications as biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets with particular focus on challenges and future interventions.

Pilot Study on MAGE-C2 as a Potential Biomarker for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Objective. In the current study, we measured the expression status of melanoma antigen gene c2 (MAGE-C2) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and analyzed its prognostic with the clinical pathological features of patients with TNBC. Methods. The expressions statuses of MAGE-C2 were detected in TNBC tissues and paracarcinoma tissues by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blotting. Then, we investigated the relationship of MAGE-C2 expression status and clinicopathological parameters of TNBC patients by the chi-squared test. Finally, we discussed the relations of MAGE-C2 expression state and prognosis of patients with TNBC by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. Results. High MAGE-C2 expression was found in 38.18% (42/110) of TNBC tissues. In adjacent tissues it was 9.09% (10/110). High MAGE-C2 expression in TNBC patients was closely associated with lymph node status, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001). TNBC patients with high MAGE-C2 expression had significantly shorter survival time than low expression patients. We also found that age, lymph node status, TNM stage, lymphovascular invasion, and MAGE-C2 expression status were closely associated with overall survival of TNBC patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion. High MAGE-C2 expression may serve as an independent prognostic factor for TNBC patients.

Contrary melanoma-associated antigen-A expression at the tumor front and center: A comparative analysis of stage I and IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

There is a growing body of evidence indicating that several melanoma-associated antigen-A (MAGE-A) subgroups contribute to the malignancy of head and neck cancer. The present study retrospectively analyzed the expression of all known MAGE-A subgroups in the tumor front and center of 38 head and neck cancer patients (Union for International Cancer Control stage I or IV) by immunohistochemistry. MAGE-A1, -A6, -A8, -A9 and -A11 were expressed at significantly higher levels at the tumor front of stage IV specimens compared with the tumor front of stage I specimens. In stage I cancer, the tumor center and front ratio (C/F ratio) for each subgroup was >1.0. In stage IV cancer, the C/F ratio was <1.0 in 9/11 subgroups. The most significant change in the expression pattern was observed for MAGE-A11. These results indicated that there is a marked alteration and shift to the invasive front of almost all MAGE-A subgroups, but particularly MAGE-A11, during the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Prognostic value of MAGE-A9 expression in patients with colorectal cancer

MAGE-A9 is a novel member of the melanoma-associated antigen (MAGE) family and is expressed in testicular cancer. The present study investigated MAGE-A9 expression as a potential biomarker in colorectal cancer (CRC). Immunohistochemical analysis was used to determine the expression of MAGE-A9 in 201 cases CRC tissues. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis to further verify the results. The correlation between MAGE-A9 expression, clinicopathological features and prognosis of CRC patients was analyzed. The results showed that MAGE-A9 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm of cancer cells and stromal cells. Compared to normal adjacent tissues, the high expression rate of MAGE-A9 in CRC tissues was significantly increased (P<0.001). High MAGE-A9 expression was significantly associated with venous invasion (P=0.008) and lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). The survival rate of the CRC patients who were positive for MAGE-A9 expression was significantly lower than that of CRC patients with negative MAGE-A9 expression. Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that high MAGE-A9 expression was a poor prognostic factor for CRC patients. Hence, MAGE-A9 is expected to become a new target for CRC treatment.

MAGE-A expression clusters and antineoplastic treatment in head and neck cancer

The nonsurgical treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) usually consists of radiation and chemotherapy. In general, the treatment efficacy of chemotherapy in head and neck cancer is limited. Apart from the placenta, testis and fetal keratinocytes, melanoma-associated antigens-A (MAGE-A) are only found in malignancies. Even though their molecular role remains unclear, several subgroups have been found to contribute to resistance to different chemotherapeutic agents. In the present study, established human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were incubated with various concentrations of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, docetaxel, cetuximab and panitumumab for 5, 10, 20 and 40 h. The treatment efficacy was measured dynamically by real-time cell analysis (RTCA). In addition, we determined the expression of all known MAGE-A subgroups (MAGE-A1 to MAGE-A12, excluding pseudogene MAGE-A7) by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Of note, one cell line showed only a marginal expression of MAGE-A antigens, whereas another cell line showed a distinct expression of almost all the MAGE-A subgroups. The expression pattern varied in the other cell lines. MAGE-A4 was the most highly expressed of all the subgroups, and MAGE-A8 could not be detected. With the exception of MAGE-A6, -A8, -A9 and -A10, the expression levels differed significantly between the cell lines. Factor analysis suggested simplifying the MAGE-A expression level into two groups. Spearman's rank correlation revealed a significant association between MAGE-A expression and treatment efficacy for 20.8% (25/120) of the experiments. In 100% of these cases (25/25), Spearman's Rho revealed a positive correlation between clustered MAGE-A expression and poor treatment efficacy. Our data highlight the fact that higher a MAGE-A expression correlates with a poorer outcome of antineoplastic treatment. Clustered MAGE-A expression analysis may help to identify patients who are at a higher risk of antineoplastic treatment failure.