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Equine Genital Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated with EcPV2 Infection: RANKL Pathway Correlated to Inflammation and Wnt Signaling Activation. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10030244. [PMID: 33801021 PMCID: PMC8003831 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Equine genital squamous cell carcinomas (egSCCs) associated with papilloma virus (PV) infection have been recently proposed as model for human PV-induced SCC. In both species, PV mucosal infections often induce cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, anal, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind egSCCs associated with equine papillomavirus 2 (EcPV2) infection investigating receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), Wnt, and interleukin (IL)17 signaling pathways. RANKL has been recently demonstrated to play a crucial role in several human tumors, associated with a poor prognosis and metastatic spread; novel targeted therapies through RANKL silencing monoclonal antibodies have been undertaken. EcPV2-E6 DNA was checked, and viral presence was confirmed in 91% of cases, whereas oncogene expression was 60.8% for E6 and 34.7% for E2. RANKL, NFKBp50, NFKBp65, IL6, IL17, IL23p19, IL8, IL12p35, IL12p40, BCATN1, FOSL1, and LEF1 gene expression showed a significant upregulation in tumor samples compared to healthy tissues. Our results describe an inflammatory environment characterized by the increased expression of several cytokines and the activation of RANKL/RANK, IL17A, and canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways. These results may be helpful to identify new targets for immunotherapy strategies confirming egSCCs as a model for the human disease. Abstract Equine genital squamous cell carcinomas (egSCCs) are among the most common equine tumors after sarcoids, severely impairing animal health and welfare. Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) infection is often related to these tumors. The aim of this study was to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind egSCCs associated with EcPV2 infection, investigating receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) signaling in NF-kB pathway, together with the Wnt and IL17 signaling pathways. We analyzed the innate immune response through gene expression evaluation of key cytokines and transcription factors. Moreover, Ki67 index was assessed with immunohistochemistry. EcPV2-E6 DNA was checked, and viral presence was confirmed in 21 positive out to 23 cases (91%). Oncogene expression was confirmed in 14 cases (60.8%) for E6 and in 8 (34.7%) for E2. RANKL, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFKB)-p50, NFKBp65, interleukin (IL)-6, IL17, IL23p19, IL8, IL12p35, IL12p40, β-catenin (BCATN1), FOS like 1 (FOSL1), and lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1) showed a significant upregulation in tumor samples compared to healthy tissues. Our results describe an inflammatory environment characterized by the activation of RANKL/RANK and IL17 with the relative downstream pathways, and a positive modulation of inflammatory cytokines genes such as IL6 and IL8. Moreover, the increase of BCATN1, FOSL1, and LEF1 gene expression suggests an activation of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway that could be critical for carcinogenesis and tumor progression.
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Marletta S, Girolami I, Munari E, Pantanowitz L, Bernasconi R, Torresani E, Brunelli M, Eccher A. HLA-G expression in melanomas. Int Rev Immunol 2021; 40:330-343. [PMID: 33426980 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2020.1869732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a non-classical HLA class I molecule involved in inducing tolerance at the feto-maternal interface and in escape of immune response by tumor cells. The aim of the study is to review the published literature on the expression of HLA-G in malignant melanomas and its clinicopathological and prognostic correlates. METHODS A systematic search was carried out in electronic databases. Studies dealing with HLA-G expression in surgically-removed human samples were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS Of 1737 retrieved articles, 16 were included. The main themes regarded HLA-G expression in malignant melanocytic lesions, assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), soluble or molecular techniques, and its relationship with clinicopathological features, such as tumor thickness and malignant behavior. Overall significant HLA-G expression was found in 460/843 tumors (55%), and specifically in 251/556 melanomas (45%) evaluated with IHC, in 208/250 cases (83%) examined with soluble methods and in 13/23 melanoma lesions (57%) tested with polymerase chain reaction. Despite the correlation with parameters indicating an aggressive behavior, no studies demonstrated any prognostic value of HLA-G expression. Furthermore, uveal melanomas were constantly negative for this biomarker. CONCLUSION Overall, published data indicate that while HLA-G is involved in the interactions between melanomas and the immune system, it is unlikely to be the only factor to play such a role, therefore making it difficult to designate it as a prognostically relevant molecule. Evidence further suggests that HLA-G is not implicated in the immunobiology of uveal melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Marletta
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Riccardo Bernasconi
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Evelin Torresani
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Cortés-Hernández A, Alvarez-Salazar EK, Soldevila G. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy for Cancer. Challenges and Opportunities: An Overview. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2174:219-244. [PMID: 32813253 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0759-6_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The use of immunotherapy as an alternative treatment for cancer patients has become of great interest in the scientific community as it is required to overcome many of the currently unsolved problems such as tumor escape, immunosuppression and unwanted unspecific toxicity. The use of chimeric antigen receptor T cells has been a very successful strategy in some hematologic malignancies. However, the application of CAR T cells has been limited to solid tumors, and this has aimed the development of new generation of CARs with enhanced effectivity and specificity. Here, we review the state of the art of CAR T cell therapy with special emphasis on the current challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arimelek Cortés-Hernández
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Evelyn Katy Alvarez-Salazar
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Gloria Soldevila
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México.
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Equine Penile Squamous Cell Carcinomas as a Model for Human Disease: A Preliminary Investigation on Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112364. [PMID: 33121116 PMCID: PMC7693514 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Penile squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common tumors in older horses, with poor prognosis mostly due to local invasion and recurrence. These tumors are thought to be mainly caused by Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV-2). The aim of this study is to characterize the tumor immune environment (TIME) in equine penile tumors. Equine penile epithelial tumors (17 epSCCs; 2 carcinomas in situ, CIS; 1 papilloma, P) were retrospectively selected; immune infiltrate was assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry; RT-qPCR tested the expression of selected chemokines and EcPV-2 DNA and RNA. The results confirmed EcPV-2-L1 DNA in 18/20 (90%) samples. L1 expression was instead retrieved in 13/20 cases (65%). The samples showed an increased infiltration of CD3+lymphocytes, macrophages (MAC387; IBA1), plasma cells (MUM1), and FoxP3+lymphocytes in the intra/peritumoral stroma when compared to extratumoral tissues (p < 0.05). Only MAC387+neutrophils were increased in EcPV-2high viral load samples (p < 0.05). IL12/p35 was differentially expressed in EcPVhigh and EcPVlow groups (p = 0.007). A significant decrease of IFNG and IL2 expression was highlighted in TGFB1-positive samples (p < 0.05). IBA1 and CD20 were intratumorally increased in cases where IL-10 was expressed (p < 0.005). EpSCCs may represent a good spontaneous model for the human counterpart. Further prospective studies are needed in order to confirm these preliminary results.
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Nielsen AY, Ormhøj M, Traynor S, Gjerstorff MF. Augmenting engineered T-cell strategies in solid cancers through epigenetic priming. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:2169-2178. [PMID: 32648166 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR)- and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based adoptive cell transfer (ACT) has shown promising results in hematological malignancies, but remains immature in solid cancers. The challenges associated with identification of tumor-specific targets, the heterogenic antigen expression, limited T-cell trafficking to tumor sites and the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME), are all factors contributing to the limited efficacy of ACT therapies against solid tumors. Epigenetic priming of tumor cells and the microenvironment may be a way of overcoming these obstacles and improving the clinical efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapies in the future. Here, we review the current literature and suggest combining epigenetic modulators and ACT strategies as a way of augmenting the efficacy of TCR- and CAR-engineered T cells against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaraby Y Nielsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Ormhøj
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Traynor
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten F Gjerstorff
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. .,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. .,Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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Chen J, Guan L, Tang L, Liu S, Zhou Y, Chen C, He Z, Xu L. T Helper 9 Cells: A New Player in Immune-Related Diseases. DNA Cell Biol 2019; 38:1040-1047. [PMID: 31414895 PMCID: PMC6791470 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.4729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The helper T cell 9 (Thelper-9, Th9), as a functional subgroup of CD4+T cells, was first discovered in 2008. Th9 cells expressed transcription factor PU.1 and cytokine interleukin-9 (IL-9) characteristically. Recent researches have shown that the differentiation of Th9 cells was coregulated by cytokine transforming growth factor β, IL-4, and various transcription factors. Th9 cells, as a new player, played an important role in various immune-related diseases, including tumors, inflammatory diseases, parasite infection, and other diseases. In this article, we summarize the related research progress and discuss the possible prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Lian Guan
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Lin Tang
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Shiming Liu
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Department of Medical Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhixu He
- Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Address correspondence to: Lin Xu, PhD, Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, Guizhou, China
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Shih YL, Chou JS, Chen YL, Hsueh SC, Chung HY, Lee MH, Chen CP, Lee MZ, Hou HT, Lu HF, Chen KW, Chung JG. Bufalin Enhances Immune Responses in Leukemic Mice Through Enhancing Phagocytosis of Macrophage In Vivo. In Vivo 2018; 32:1129-1136. [PMID: 30150435 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Bufalin, bufadienolide present in Chan Su, has been shown to induce cancer cell apoptosis in many human cancer cells, including human leukemia cells, but its effects on immune responses are unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study investigated whether bufalin affected immune responses of mice with WEHI-3 cell-generated leukemia in vivo. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with WEHI-3 cells to develop leukemia and then were treated with oral treatment with bufalin at different doses (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. At the end of treatment, all mice were weighted and blood was collected; liver and spleen tissues were collected for cell marker, phagocytosis, natural killer (NK) cell activity and T- and B-cell proliferation measurements by using flow cytometric assays. RESULTS When compared with the leukemia control group, bufalin increased the body weight, but reduced liver and spleen weights, and reduced CD3, CD16 and Mac-3 cell markers at 0.4 mg/kg treatment and increased CD11b marker at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg treatment. Furthermore, bufalin at 0.4 mg/kg increased phagocytosis by macrophages isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and at 0.1 mg/kg by those from the peritoneal cavity. Bufalin (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) increased NK cell cytotoxic activity at effector:target ratio of 50:1. Bufalin increased B-cell proliferation at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg treatment but only increased T-cell proliferation at 0.1 mg/kg. Bufalin increased glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase level at all dose treatments, increased glutamic pyruvic transaminase level only at 0.1 mg/kg treatment, but reduced the level of lactate dehydrogenase at all dose levels in mice with WEHI-3 cell-induced leukemia in vivo. CONCLUSION Bufalin increased immune responses by enhancing phagocytosis in mice with leukemia mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Luen Shih
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jiann-Shang Chou
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yung-Liang Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shu-Ching Hsueh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Family Medicine and Community Medicine, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hsueh-Yu Chung
- Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Houlong, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Mei-Hui Lee
- Department of Genetic Counseling Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chao-Ping Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Zhe Lee
- Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hsin-Tu Hou
- Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hsu-Feng Lu
- Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kuo-Wei Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C. .,Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Hirschberger S, Hinske LC, Kreth S. MiRNAs: dynamic regulators of immune cell functions in inflammation and cancer. Cancer Lett 2018; 431:11-21. [PMID: 29800684 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNA molecules, have emerged as important regulators of almost all cellular processes. By binding to specific sequence motifs within the 3'- untranslated region of their target mRNAs, they induce either mRNA degradation or translational repression. In the human immune system, potent miRNAs and miRNA-clusters have been discovered, that exert pivotal roles in the regulation of gene expression. By targeting cellular signaling hubs, these so-called immuno-miRs have fundamental regulative impact on both innate and adaptive immune cells in health and disease. Importantly, they also act as mediators of tumor immune escape. Secreted by cancer cells and consecutively taken up by immune cells, immuno-miRs are capable to influence immune functions towards a blunted anti-tumor response, thus shaping a permissive tumor environment. This review provides an overview of immuno-miRs and their functional impact on individual immune cell entities. Further, implications of immuno-miRs in the amelioration of tumor surveillance are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hirschberger
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany
| | | | - Simone Kreth
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany.
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