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Heldager Pedersen N, Bjerregaard Jeppesen H, Persson G, Bojesen S, Hviid TVF. An increase in regulatory T cells in peripheral blood correlates with an adverse prognosis for malignant melanoma patients - A study of T cells and natural killer cells. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 5:100074. [PMID: 38059204 PMCID: PMC10696160 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2023.100074] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly immunogenic tumour, and the immune profile significantly influences cancer development and response to immunotherapy. The peripheral immune profile may identify high risk patients. The current study showed reduced levels of CD4+ T cells and increased levels of CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood from malignant melanoma patients compared with controls. Percentages of peripheral CD56dimCD16+ NK cells were reduced and CD56brightCD16-KIR3+ NK cells were increased in malignant melanoma patients. Late stage malignant melanoma was correlated with low levels of CD4+ T cells and high levels of CD56brightCD16-KIR3+ NK cells. Finally, high levels of Tregs in peripheral blood were correlated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival. The results indicate that changes in specific immune cell subsets in peripheral blood samples from patients at the time of diagnosis may be potential biomarkers for prognosis and survival. Further studies will enable clarification of independent roles in tumour pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Heldager Pedersen
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Helene Bjerregaard Jeppesen
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Gry Persson
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Sophie Bojesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F. Hviid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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Qiao W, Jia Z, Guo W, Liu Q, Guo X, Deng M. Prognostic and Clinical Significance of Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Expression in Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:573-582. [PMID: 37464212 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00664-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The value of human leukocyte antigen (HLA; also known as major histocompatibility complex) class I expression for the prediction of breast cancer survival outcomes remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the prognostic significance of this expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched electronic databases to identify reports on associations of HLA class I protein or mRNA expression with survival outcomes and clinicopathological factors in the breast cancer context. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to conduct a quantitative meta-analysis. RESULTS The sample comprised eight studies involving 3590 patients. Only the classical HLA class Ia (HLA-ABC) molecules studies were included in this meta-analysis. Elevated HLA class I protein expression was found to be significantly related to better disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35-0.95, P = 0.03), particularly among patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18-0.52, P < 0.001), but not to overall survival. It was also associated with estrogen receptor (ER) negativity (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.24-2.35, P = 0.001), progesterone receptor (PR) negativity (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.22-1.81, P < 0.001), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.18-1.94, P = 0.001), TNBC (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.15-2.45, P < 0.01), high Ki-67 indices (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.62-2.61, P < 0.001), and high nuclear grades (OR 2.67, 95% CI 2.17-3.29, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis demonstrated that enhanced HLA class I protein expression is significantly associated with the better DFS of patients with breast cancer, especially TNBC, as well as with ER and PR negativity, HER2 positivity, TNBC, and high Ki-67 indices and nuclear grades. The immune target HLA class I may serve as a prognostic indicator for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Qiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Jinghua Road No. 24, Luoyang, 471000, China
| | - Zhiqiang Jia
- Henan Provincial Key Medical Laboratory of Tissue Damage and Repair, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
| | - Wanying Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Jinghua Road No. 24, Luoyang, 471000, China
| | - Qipeng Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Jinghua Road No. 24, Luoyang, 471000, China
| | - Xiao Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Jinghua Road No. 24, Luoyang, 471000, China
| | - Miao Deng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Jinghua Road No. 24, Luoyang, 471000, China.
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Peng L, Zhao W, Yin T, Xu C, Wang G, Du M. The unique expression pattern of human leukocyte antigen in trophoblasts potentially explains the key mechanism of maternal-fetal tolerance and successful pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103980. [PMID: 37390630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The success of pregnancy mainly depends on immune tolerance of the mother for the semi-allogeneic fetus. The placenta carrying paternal antigens develops in the maternal uterus without suffering immune attack, making the underlying mechanism of maternal tolerance an enduring mystery. As we all know, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) plays an important role in antigen processing and presentation, thus inducing specific immune responses. Therefore, it is reasonable to speculate that the absence of classical HLA class-I(HLA-I) and HLA class-II (HLA-II) molecules in trophoblasts may account for the maternal-fetal tolerance. Here, we review the HLA-involved interactions between trophoblast cells and decidual immune cells, which contribute to the immunotolerance in the development of normal pregnancy. We also compare the similarity between the maternal-fetal interface and tumor-immune microenvironment because the important role of HLA molecules in tumor immune invasion can provide some references to studies of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Besides, the abnormal HLA expression is likely to be associated with unexplained miscarriage, making HLA molecules potential therapeutic targets. The advances reported by these studies may exert profound influences on other research areas, including tumor immunity, organ transplantation and autoimmune disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijin Peng
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Zhao
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingxuan Yin
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Xu
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangchuan Wang
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meirong Du
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.
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Roldan-Marin R, Rangel-Gamboa L, Vega-Memije ME, Hernández-Doño S, Ruiz-Gómez D, Granados J. Human leukocyte antigen Class II alleles associated with acral lentiginous melanoma in Mexican Mestizo patients: A case-control study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2022; 88:608-614. [PMID: 35138055 DOI: 10.25259/ijdvl_627_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Melanoma is an aggressive cutaneous cancer. Acral lentiginous melanoma is a melanoma subtype arising on palms, soles, and nail-units. The incidence, prevalence and prognosis differ among populations. The link between expression of major histocompatibility complex Class II alleles and melanoma progression is known. However, available studies report variable results regarding the association of melanoma with specific HLA Class II loci. Aims The aim of the study was to determine HLA Class II allele frequencies in acral lentiginous melanoma patients and healthy Mexican Mestizo individuals. Methods Eighteen patients with acral lentiginous melanoma and 99 healthy controls were recruited. HLA Class II typing was performed based on the sequence-specific oligonucleotide method. Results Three alleles were associated with increased susceptibility to develop acral lentiginous melanoma, namely: HLA-DRB1*13:01; pC = 0.02, odds ratio = 6.1, IC95% = 1.4-25.5, HLA-DQA1*01:03; pC = 0.001, odds ratio = 9.3, IC95% = 2.7-31.3 and HLA-DQB1*02:02; pC = 0.01, odds ratio = 3.7, IC95% = 1.4-10.3. Limitations The small sample size was a major limitation, although it included all acral lentiginous melanoma patients seen at the dermatology department of Dr. Manuel Gea González General Hospital during the study period. Conclusion HLA-DRB1*13:01, HLA-DQB1*02:02 and HLA-DQA*01:03 alleles are associated with increased susceptibility to develop acral lentiginous melanoma in Mexican Mestizo patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Roldan-Marin
- OncoDermatology Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Lucia Rangel-Gamboa
- Ecology of Pathogenic Agents, Division of Research, General Hospital Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico
| | | | - Susana Hernández-Doño
- Department of Transplant, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniela Ruiz-Gómez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fundación Clínica Médica Sur A.C, Mexico
| | - Julio Granados
- Department of Transplant, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
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Bennedsen ALB, Cai L, Hasselager RP, Özcan AA, Mohamed KB, Eriksen JO, Eiholm S, Bzorek M, Fiehn AMK, Hviid TVF, Gögenur I. An exploration of immunohistochemistry-based prognostic markers in patients undergoing curative resections for colon cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:62. [PMID: 35027037 PMCID: PMC8759288 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The immune system recognizes and destroys cancer cells. However, cancer cells develop mechanisms to avoid detection by expressing cell surface proteins. Specific tumour cell surface proteins (e.g. HLA-G, PD-L1, CDX2) either alone or in combination with the relative presence of immune cells (CD3 and CD8 positive T-cells) in the tumour tissue may describe the cancer cells’ ability to escape eradication by the immune system. The aim was to investigate the prognostic value of immunohistochemical markers in patients with colon cancer. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including patients diagnosed with pT3 and pT4 colon cancers. Immunohistochemical staining with HLA-G, PD-L1, CDX2, CD3, and CD8 was performed on tissue samples with representation of the invasive margin. PD-L1 expression in tumour cells and immune cells was reported conjointly. The expression of CD3 and CD8 was reported as a merged score based on the expression of both markers in the invasive margin and the tumour centre. Subsequently, a combined marker score was established based on all of the markers. Each marker added one point to the score when unfavourable immunohistochemical features was present, and the score was categorized as low, intermediate or high depending on the number of unfavourable stains. Hazard ratios for recurrence, disease-free survival and mortality were calculated. Results We included 188 patients undergoing colon cancer resections in 2011–2012. The median follow-up was 41.7 months, during which 41 (21.8%) patients had recurrence and 74 (39.4%) died. In multivariable regression analysis positive HLA-G expression (HR = 3.37, 95%CI [1.64–6.93]) was associated with higher recurrence rates, while a preserved CDX2 expression (HR = 0.23, 95%CI [0.06–0.85]) was associated with a lower risk of recurrence. An intermediate or high combined marker score was associated with increased recurrence rates (HR = 20.53, 95%CI [2.68–157.32] and HR = 7.56, 95%CI [1.06–54.16], respectively). Neither high expression of PD-L1 nor high CD3-CD8 score was significantly associated with recurrence rates. Patients with a high CD3-CD8 score had a significantly longer DFS and OS. Conclusions In tumour cells, expression of HLA-G and loss of CDX2 expression were associated with cancer recurrence. In addition, a combination of certain tumour tissue biomarkers was associated with colorectal cancer recurrence. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09169-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Louise Bjørn Bennedsen
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.
| | - Luyi Cai
- Cardiology department, Hospital Sønderjylland, Kresten Philipsens Vej 15, 6200, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Rune Petring Hasselager
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark
| | - Aysun Avci Özcan
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark
| | - Khadra Bashir Mohamed
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark
| | - Jens Ole Eriksen
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Susanne Eiholm
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Michael Bzorek
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Kanstrup Fiehn
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ismail Gögenur
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Darbeheshti F. The Immunogenetics of Melanoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1367:383-396. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92616-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Tumor infiltrating and peripheral CD4 +ILT2 + T cells are a cytotoxic subset selectively inhibited by HLA-G in clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients. Cancer Lett 2021; 519:105-116. [PMID: 34186161 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
HLA-G ILT2 has recently been positioned as a major immune checkpoint in urologic cancers. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells expressing ILT2 are a highly cytotoxic cell population, distinct from PD1+ T cells, and whose function is inhibited by HLA-G+ targets. Here we report that ILT2 receptor can also be expressed by CD4+ T cells in urologic cancer patients. In the course of deciphering the role of these ILT2+CD4+ T cells, we found a statistical association between the tumor context and these T cells, and a positive correlation between the levels of peripheral and intra-tumoral CD4+ILT2+ T cells. Phenotypic analyses revealed that CD4+ILT2+ T cells express memory T cell (CD27-CD28-CD57+) and cytotoxicity (Tbet+Perforin+KLRG1+NKp80+GPR56+) markers, consistent with a CD4+CTL phenotype. Functional assays showed that ccRCC-infiltrating CD4+ILT2+ T cells indeed have high cytolytic properties and therefore function as proper CD4+CTLs, but are selectively inhibited by HLA-G+ targets. Clinical relevance was provided by immunohistochemical analyses on ccRCC tumor lesions with HLA-G+ HLA class II+ tumor cells next to CD4+ T cell infiltrates. Our findings provide evidence supporting that ILT2+ T cells constitute a reservoir of intratumor cytotoxic T cells that is not targeted by the current checkpoint inhibitors, but could be by anti-HLA-G/anti-ILT2 antibodies as novel immunotherapy in HLA-G+ tumors.
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Persson G, Stæhr CS, Klok FS, Lebech M, Hviid TVF. Evidence for a shift in placental HLA-G allelic dominance and the HLA-G isoform profile during a healthy pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:846-858. [PMID: 34159362 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab121] [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] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a non-classical class Ib major expressed by placental trophoblast cells plays a central role in establishing tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus and in placentation. HLA-G exists in different soluble or membrane-bound isoforms. Pre-eclampsia, a major cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality, has been linked to insufficient placentation and an altered immune response in pregnancy, including altered HLA-G expression. The 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region of the gene and the isoform profile may affect HLA-G expression. The aim of the current pilot study was to characterize the expression patterns of HLAG mRNA, protein and isoform profile in uncomplicated term pregnancies and in cases of pre-eclampsia. Maternal sHLA-G mRNA and protein levels was slightly reduced in pre-eclampsia. No difference was found for placental blood, and no correlation between peripheral and placental sHLA-G levels was found. We observed no association between neither fetal nor maternal HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion genotypes and pre-eclampsia, nor a significant difference in isoform profiles. However, in HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion heterozygous placental samples, we observed abundant HLA-G1 14 bp insertion allele expression in the term placentae, which is contrary to previous findings in first trimester trophoblast. Increased HLA-G1 14 bp insertion allele expression in the placenta was associated with reduced levels of placental sHLA-G and an altered isoform profile with increased relative levels of HLA-G1 and -G5 and reduced levels of HLA-G3. The results indicate that an allelic shift in heterozygous individuals could represent a novel regulatory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gry Persson
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Seefeldt Stæhr
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Freja Syrach Klok
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Lebech
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Salmi S, Lin A, Hirschovits-Gerz B, Valkonen M, Aaltonen N, Sironen R, Siiskonen H, Pasonen-Seppänen S. The role of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and IDO+ immune and tumor cells in malignant melanoma - an immunohistochemical study. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:641. [PMID: 34051744 PMCID: PMC8164759 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FoxP3+ Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) participate in the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in malignant cutaneous melanoma (CM). Recent studies have reported that IDO expression correlates with poor prognosis and greater Breslow's depth, but results concerning the role of FoxP3+ Tregs in CM have been controversial. Furthermore, the correlation between IDO and Tregs has not been substantially studied in CM, although IDO is known to be an important regulator of Tregs activity. METHODS We investigated the associations of FoxP3+ Tregs, IDO+ tumor cells and IDO+ stromal immune cells with tumor stage, prognostic factors and survival in CM. FoxP3 and IDO were immunohistochemically stained from 29 benign and 29 dysplastic nevi, 18 in situ -melanomas, 48 superficial and 62 deep melanomas and 67 lymph node metastases (LNMs) of CM. The number of FoxP3+ Tregs and IDO+ stromal immune cells, and the coverage and intensity of IDO+ tumor cells were analysed. RESULTS The number of FoxP3+ Tregs and IDO+ stromal immune cells were significantly higher in malignant melanomas compared with benign lesions. The increased expression of IDO in melanoma cells was associated with poor prognostic factors, such as recurrence, nodular growth pattern and increased mitotic count. Furthermore, the expression of IDO in melanoma cells was associated with reduced recurrence-free survival. We further showed that there was a positive correlation between IDO+ tumor cells and FoxP3+ Tregs. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that IDO is strongly involved in melanoma progression. FoxP3+ Tregs also seems to contribute to the immunosuppressive TME in CM, but their significance in melanoma progression remains unclear. The positive association of FoxP3+ Tregs with IDO+ melanoma cells, but not with IDO+ stromal immune cells, indicates a complex interaction between IDO and Tregs in CM, which demands further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Salmi
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627 70211, Kuopio campus, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Anton Lin
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627 70211, Kuopio campus, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Benjamin Hirschovits-Gerz
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627 70211, Kuopio campus, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mari Valkonen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627 70211, Kuopio campus, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Niina Aaltonen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627 70211, Kuopio campus, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Reijo Sironen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine/ Clinical Pathology, University of Eastern Finland, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Siiskonen
- Department of Dermatology, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627 70211, Kuopio campus, Kuopio, Finland
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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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11
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Porcellato I, Brachelente C, Cappelli K, Menchetti L, Silvestri S, Sforna M, Mecocci S, Iussich S, Leonardi L, Mechelli L. FoxP3, CTLA-4, and IDO in Canine Melanocytic Tumors. Vet Pathol 2020; 58:42-52. [PMID: 33021155 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820960131] [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
Despite promising immunotherapy strategies in human melanoma, there are few studies on the immune environment of canine melanocytic tumors. In humans, the activation of immunosuppressive cell subpopulations, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) that express forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3), the engagement of immunosuppressive surface receptors like cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA-4), and the secretion of molecules inhibiting lymphocyte activation, such as indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), are recognized as immunoescape mechanisms that allow tumor growth and progression. The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of these immunosuppression markers in canine melanocytic tumors and to postulate their possible role in melanoma biology and progression. Fifty-five formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine melanocytic tumors (25 oral melanomas; 20 cutaneous melanomas; 10 cutaneous melanocytomas) were selected to investigate the expression of FoxP3, CTLA-4, and IDO by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction). All of the tested markers showed high gene and protein expression in oral melanomas and were differently expressed in cutaneous melanomas when compared to their benign counterpart. IDO expression was associated with an increased hazard of death both in univariable and multivariable analyses (P < .05). FoxP3 protein expression >6.9 cells/HPF (high-power field) was an independent predictor of death (P < .05). CTLA-4 gene and protein expressions were associated with a worse prognosis, but only in the univariable analysis (P < .05). FoxP3, CTLA-4, and IDO likely play a role in canine melanoma immunoescape. Their expression, if supported by future studies, could represent a prognostic tool in canine melanoma and pave the way to future immunotherapeutic approaches in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laura Menchetti
- 9309University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna
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12
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Arnaiz-Villena A, Juarez I, Suarez-Trujillo F, López-Nares A, Vaquero C, Palacio-Gruber J, Martin-Villa JM. HLA-G: Function, polymorphisms and pathology. Int J Immunogenet 2020; 48:172-192. [PMID: 33001562 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HLA-G immune modulatory genes and molecules are presently being studied by a widespread number of research groups. In the present study, we do not aim to be exhaustive since the number of manuscripts published every year is overwhelming. Instead, our aim is pointing out facts about HLA-G function, polymorphism and pathology that have been confirmed by several different researchers, together with exposing aspects that may have been overlooked or not sufficiently remarked in this productive field of study. On the other hand, we question whether performing mainly studies on HLA-G and disease associations is going to give a clear answer in the future, since 40 years of study of classical HLA molecules association with disease has still given no definite answer on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Arnaiz-Villena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Juarez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Suarez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-Nares
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Vaquero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Palacio-Gruber
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M Martin-Villa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Characterization of HLA-G Regulation and HLA Expression in Breast Cancer and Malignant Melanoma Cell Lines upon IFN-γ Stimulation and Inhibition of DNA Methylation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124307. [PMID: 32560316 PMCID: PMC7352735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G as a target for new cancer immunotherapy drugs has increased the interest in the analysis of mechanisms by which HLA-G expression is regulated, and how the expression can be manipulated. We characterized HLA expression in breast cancer and malignant melanoma cell lines and investigated the induction of HLA-G expression by two distinct mechanisms: stimulation with interferon (IFN)-γ or inhibition of methylation by treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC). The effect of IFN-γ and 5-aza-dC on HLA expression was dependent on the cancer cell lines studied. However, in general, surface expression of HLA class Ia was induced on all cell lines. Surface expression of HLA-G was inconclusive but induction of HLA-G mRNA was prevalent upon treatment with 5-aza-dC and a combination of IFN-γ and 5-aza-dC. IFN-γ alone failed to induce HLA-G expression in the HLA-G-negative cell lines. The results support that HLA-G expression is regulated partly by DNA methylation. Furthermore, IFN-γ may play a role in the maintenance of HLA-G expression rather than inducing expression. The study demonstrates the feasibility of manipulating HLA expression and contributes to the exploration of mechanisms that can be potential targets for immunotherapy in breast cancer and malignant melanoma.
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14
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Dumont C, Jacquier A, Verine J, Noel F, Goujon A, Wu CL, Hung TM, Desgrandchamps F, Culine S, Carosella ED, Rouas-Freiss N, LeMaoult J. CD8 +PD-1 -ILT2 + T Cells Are an Intratumoral Cytotoxic Population Selectively Inhibited by the Immune-Checkpoint HLA-G. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1619-1632. [PMID: 31451484 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Only some cancer patients respond to the immune-checkpoint inhibitors being used in the clinic, and other therapeutic targets are sought. Here, we investigated the HLA-G/ILT2 checkpoint in clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients and focused on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes (TIL) expressing the HLA-G receptor ILT2. Using transcriptomics and flow cytometry, we characterized both peripheral blood and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ILT2+ T cells from cancer patients as late-differentiated CD27-CD28-CD57+ cytotoxic effectors. We observed a clear dichotomy between CD8+ILT2+ and CD8+PD-1+ TIL subsets. These subsets, which were sometimes present at comparable frequencies in TIL populations, barely overlapped phenotypically and were distinguished by expression of exclusive sets of surface molecules that included checkpoint molecules and activating and inhibitory receptors. CD8+ILT2+ TILs displayed a more mature phenotype and higher expression of cytotoxic molecules. In ex vivo functional experiments with both peripheral blood T cells and TILs, CD8+ILT2+ T cells displayed significantly higher cytotoxicity and IFNγ production than their ILT2- (peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC) and PD-1+ (TILs) counterparts. HLA-G expression by target cells specifically inhibited CD8+ILT2+ T-cell cytotoxicity, but not that of their CD8+ILT2- (PBMC) or CD8+PD-1+ (TIL) counterparts, an effect counteracted by blocking the HLA-G/ILT2 interaction. CD8+ILT2+ TILs may therefore constitute an untapped reservoir of fully differentiated cytotoxic T cells within the tumor microenvironment, independent of the PD1+ TILs targeted by immune therapies, and specifically inhibited by HLA-G. These results emphasize the potential of therapeutically targeting the HLA-G/ILT2 checkpoint in HLA-G+ tumors, either concomitantly with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or in cases of nonresponsiveness to anti-PD-1/PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Dumont
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alix Jacquier
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jerome Verine
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Pathology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Floriane Noel
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, France and INSERM, UMR 932, Paris, France and Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Annabelle Goujon
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ching-Lien Wu
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Tzu-Min Hung
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China; University of Taipei and E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Yan-Chau Shiang, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - François Desgrandchamps
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Stephane Culine
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Edgardo D Carosella
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouas-Freiss
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Joel LeMaoult
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France. .,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
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15
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Scognamiglio G, Capone M, Mallardo D, Botti G, Ascierto PA, Madonna G. Multiplex immunohistochemistry assay to evaluate the melanoma tumor microenvironment. Methods Enzymol 2019; 635:21-31. [PMID: 32122547 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of a set of cellular compartments comprising vascular, neuroendocrine, stromal, epithelial and immune cells. These compartments constitute a heterogeneous and dynamic set, where intercellular communication is driven by a complex network of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and inflammatory and matrix remodeling enzymes. Based on this complexity, an increasing number of assays may be required to identify and locate specific proteins in the tissue section and the standard procedure is to perform one stain at a time on serial sections. Recently, interest in performing multiple assays on formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens has gained ground, and is referred to as multiplexing, i.e., multiple staining of the same section at the same time. Multiple staining is a promising approach that may help to improve understanding of the interactions between the different cellular components of the TME, stratify cancer patients, and help clinicians in their patient management. In this chapter, we detail a simple methodological approach to perform multiple staining on the same section using tissue obtained from patients with melanoma. This procedure evaluates the presence and location of three different proteins, human leukocyte antigen (HLA), forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) and Granzyme B (GRZB).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariaelena Capone
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Domenico Mallardo
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo A Ascierto
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Madonna
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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16
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Zhang J, Ding H, Liu X, Sheng Y, Liu X, Jiang C. Dental Follicle Stem Cells: Tissue Engineering and Immunomodulation. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:986-994. [PMID: 30968740 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Orthodontics, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University; School of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Ding
- Department of Orthodontics, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinfeng Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunfei Sheng
- Department of Orthodontics, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University; School of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinqiang Liu
- Department of Orthodontics, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University; School of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunmiao Jiang
- Department of Orthodontics, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University; School of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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17
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Jørgensen N, Persson G, Hviid TVF. The Tolerogenic Function of Regulatory T Cells in Pregnancy and Cancer. Front Immunol 2019; 10:911. [PMID: 31134056 PMCID: PMC6517506 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells, a subpopulation of suppressive T cells, are potent mediators of self-tolerance and essential for the suppression of triggered immune responses. The immune modulating capacity of these cells play a major role in both transplantation, autoimmune disease, allergy, cancer and pregnancy. During pregnancy, low numbers of regulatory T cells are associated with pregnancy failure and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia. On the other hand, in cancer, low numbers of immunosuppressive T cells are correlated with better prognosis. Hence, maternal immune tolerance toward the fetus during pregnancy and the escape from host immunosurveillance by cancer seem to be based on similar immunological mechanisms being highly dependent on the balance between immune activation and suppression. As regulatory T cells hold a crucial role in several biological processes, they may also be promising subjects for therapeutic use. Especially in the field of cancer, cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated that immune-based therapies have a very promising potential in treatment of human malignancies. However, these therapies are often accompanied by adverse autoimmune side effects. Therefore, expanding the knowledge to recognize the complexities of immune regulation pathways shared across different immunological scenarios is extremely important in order to improve and develop new strategies for immune-based therapy. The intent of this review is to highlight the functional characteristics of regulatory T cells in the context of mechanisms of immune regulation in pregnancy and cancer, and how manipulation of these mechanisms potentially may improve therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Vauvert F. Hviid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Würfel FM, Winterhalter C, Trenkwalder P, Wirtz RM, Würfel W. European Patent in Immunoncology: From Immunological Principles of Implantation to Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081830. [PMID: 31013867 PMCID: PMC6514949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The granted European patent EP 2 561 890 describes a procedure for an immunological treatment of cancer. It is based on the principles of the HLA-supported communication of implantation and pregnancy. These principles ensure that the embryo is not rejected by the mother. In pregnancy, the placenta, more specifically the trophoblast, creates an “interface” between the embryo/fetus and the maternal immune system. Trophoblasts do not express the “original” HLA identification of the embryo/fetus (HLA-A to -DQ), but instead show the non-classical HLA groups E, F, and G. During interaction with specific receptors of NK cells (e.g., killer-immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR)) and lymphocytes (lymphocyte-immunoglobulin-like receptors (LIL-R)), the non-classical HLA groups inhibit these immunocompetent cells outside pregnancy. However, tumors are known to be able to express these non-classical HLA groups and thus make use of an immuno-communication as in pregnancies. If this occurs, the prognosis usually worsens. This patent describes, in a first step, the profiling of the non-classical HLA groups in primary tumor tissue as well as metastases and recurrent tumors. The second step comprises tailored antibody therapies, which is the subject of this patent. In this review, we analyze the underlying mechanisms and describe the currently known differences between HLA-supported communication of implantation and that of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M Würfel
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, D-50935 Cologne, Werthmannstrasse 1c, 50935 Cologne, Germany.
| | | | | | - Ralph M Wirtz
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, D-50935 Cologne, Werthmannstrasse 1c, 50935 Cologne, Germany.
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19
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Fu Q, Chen N, Ge C, Li R, Li Z, Zeng B, Li C, Wang Y, Xue Y, Song X, Li H, Li G. Prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:1593806. [PMID: 31143514 PMCID: PMC6527267 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1593806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are associated with prognosis in various tumors. However, it remains controversial whether the presence of TILs is related to an improved prognosis in melanoma. This meta-analysis confirmed the favorable prognostic role of the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, FOXP3+, and CD20+ TILs in the overall survival of melanoma patients and found an association between the TILs present and improved overall survival. Additionally, subgroup analysis demonstrated that brisk TILs were obviously associated with OS, RFS and DSS/MSS. Thus, TILs may be a predictive biomarker in melanoma. This analysis will provide more insight into the study of TILs and predictive biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaofen Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China.,Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Chunlei Ge
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Ruilei Li
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Baozhen Zeng
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Yuanbo Xue
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
| | - Gaofeng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic China
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20
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Porcellato I, Brachelente C, De Paolis L, Menchetti L, Silvestri S, Sforna M, Vichi G, Iussich S, Mechelli L. FoxP3 and IDO in Canine Melanocytic Tumors. Vet Pathol 2018; 56:189-199. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985818808530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with poor prognosis and high resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The discovery of immunosuppressive mechanisms in the human melanoma microenvironment led to the use of new prognostic markers and to the development of immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoint molecules. Immunoescape mechanisms in canine melanoma have not yet been investigated, and no such immunotherapy has been tested. The aim of this study was to provide preliminary data on the expression of transcription factor forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in primary canine melanocytic tumors and to investigate their prognostic role. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples from 74 canine melanocytic tumors (26 oral melanomas, 23 cutaneous melanomas, and 25 cutaneous melanocytomas) were retrospectively evaluated by immunohistochemistry to explore the expression of FoxP3 and IDO. An increased risk of death due to melanoma was associated with a higher number of FoxP3+ cells per high-power field (FoxP3+/HPF), a higher percentage of CD3+ cells that were also FoxP3+ infiltrating and surrounding the tumor (%FoxP3), and a higher number of IDO+ cells/HPF (IDO+/HPF). A prognostic value for FoxP3 and IDO is suggested by our study, with optimal cutoffs of 14.7 FoxP3+ cells/HPF, 6.1 IDO+ cells/HPF, and 12.5% FoxP3+ cells. Both markers were also associated with tumor type. Multivariable analysis identified IDO+/HPF ( P < .001) as an independent prognostic marker. Even though stratification by diagnosis caused a loss of significance, results from the present study suggest a prognostic role for IDO and FoxP3, possibly related to the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Porcellato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Brachelente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Livia De Paolis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Menchetti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Monica Sforna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gaia Vichi
- Laboratorio per Analisi Veterinarie Cimie, Macerata, Italy
| | - Selina Iussich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Luca Mechelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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21
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High HLA-F Expression Is a Poor Prognosis Factor in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2018; 2018:7691704. [PMID: 30510890 PMCID: PMC6232804 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7691704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims In patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), local treatment failure and distant metastasis contribute largely to poor outcomes. The nasopharynx is an important lymphoid tissue, and NPC tumourigenesis and development are partly attributed to immune system disorders. Human leukocyte antigen F (HLA-F) has shown a close correlation with NPC in many genome-wide association studies (GWASs). However, clinical studies rarely explore the relationship of HLA-F expression with the clinical parameters and outcomes in patients with NPC. Methods In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to evaluate HLA-F expression in 74 paraffin-embedded NPC tissue sections and then analysed the association between HLA-F expression and clinical parameters and outcomes. The plasma concentration of soluble HLA-F (sHLA-F) in NPC patients and normal controls was also detected, via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Low, moderate, and high HLA-F expression levels were observed in 47.3% (35/74), 35.1% (26/74), and 17.6% (13/74), respectively, of the tissue samples. HLA-F expression showed a significant correlation with local recurrence (p = 0.037) and distant metastasis (p = 0.024) and was also an independent factor for local recurrence-free survival (LRFS; p = 0.016) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS; p = 0.004). Although the mean concentration of plasma sHLA-F in the NPC patients was higher than that in the normal controls (13.63 pg/ml vs. 10.06 pg/ml), no statistical significance was observed (p = 0.118). Conclusions Our study provides the first evidence that high HLA-F expression is associated with NPC local recurrence and distant metastasis and may be regarded as a poor prognostic factor for NPC patients. Additional studies using larger sample sizes may be necessary to determine whether sHLA-F is a feasible NPC diagnostic indicator.
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22
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Melsted WN, Matzen SH, Andersen MH, Hviid TVF. The choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3 upregulates regulatory T cell phenotypes and modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines through HLA-G. Cell Immunol 2017; 324:14-23. [PMID: 29198970 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
An understanding of the interactions between immune cells and trophoblast cells, as well as choriocarcinoma cells, are of extreme importance in reproductive immunology and cancer immunology. In this study, we found that the human HLA-G-positive choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3 upregulates CD4+CD25hiCD127lo T cells, increases the expression of HLA-G+CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and decreases the expression of ILT2+ on CD4+ T cells in resting PBMCs after six days of co-culture. Expression of HLA-G on JEG-3 cells did not affect regulatory T cell phenotypes, but promoted modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17A. When JEG-3 cells were stimulated with rhIFN-γ prior to co-culture, CD4+HLA-G+ T cells were significantly increased, and IFN-γ and TNF-α elevated. Taken together, the results indicate that JEG-3 cells upregulate regulatory T cell phenotypes and modulate the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which might be important mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment and at the feto-maternal interface during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenna Nascimento Melsted
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara Hyldig Matzen
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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