1
|
Singh S, Barik D, Arukha AP, Prasad S, Mohapatra I, Singh A, Singh G. Small Molecule Targeting Immune Cells: A Novel Approach for Cancer Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2621. [PMID: 37892995 PMCID: PMC10604364 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional and cancer immunotherapies encompass diverse strategies to address various cancer types and stages. However, combining these approaches often encounters limitations such as non-specific targeting, resistance development, and high toxicity, leading to suboptimal outcomes in many cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is orchestrated by intricate interactions between immune and non-immune cells dictating tumor progression. An innovative avenue in cancer therapy involves leveraging small molecules to influence a spectrum of resistant cell populations within the TME. Recent discoveries have unveiled a phenotypically diverse cohort of innate-like T (ILT) cells and tumor hybrid cells (HCs) exhibiting novel characteristics, including augmented proliferation, migration, resistance to exhaustion, evasion of immunosurveillance, reduced apoptosis, drug resistance, and heightened metastasis frequency. Leveraging small-molecule immunomodulators to target these immune players presents an exciting frontier in developing novel tumor immunotherapies. Moreover, combining small molecule modulators with immunotherapy can synergistically enhance the inhibitory impact on tumor progression by empowering the immune system to meticulously fine-tune responses within the TME, bolstering its capacity to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This review outlines strategies involving small molecules that modify immune cells within the TME, potentially revolutionizing therapeutic interventions and enhancing the anti-tumor response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Debashis Barik
- Center for Computational Natural Science and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500032, Telangana, India
| | | | | | - Iteeshree Mohapatra
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Amar Singh
- Schulze Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gatikrushna Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kudo-Saito C, Boku N, Hirano H, Shoji H. Targeting myeloid villains in the treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastrointestinal cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1009701. [PMID: 36211375 PMCID: PMC9539086 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1009701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the clinical outcomes being extremely limited, blocking immune inhibitory checkpoint pathways has been in the spotlight as a promising strategy for treating gastrointestinal cancer. However, a distinct strategy for the successful treatment is obviously needed in the clinical settings. Myeloid cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells, are the majority of cellular components in the human immune system, but have received relatively less attention for the practical implementation than T cells and NK cells in cancer therapy because of concentration of the interest in development of the immune checkpoint blocking antibody inhibitors (ICIs). Abnormality of myeloid cells must impact on the entire host, including immune responses, stromagenesis, and cancer cells, leading to refractory cancer. This implies that elimination and reprogramming of the tumor-supportive myeloid villains may be a breakthrough to efficiently induce potent anti-tumor immunity in cancer patients. In this review, we provide an overview of current situation of the IC-blocking therapy of gastrointestinal cancer, including gastric, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. Also, we highlight the possible oncoimmunological components involved in the mechanisms underlying the resistance to the ICI therapy, particularly focusing on myeloid cells, including unique subsets expressing IC molecules. A deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular determinants may facilitate its practical implementation of targeting myeloid villains, and improve the clinical outcomes in the ICI therapy of gastrointestinal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chie Kudo-Saito
- Department of Immune Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Chie Kudo-Saito,
| | - Narikazu Boku
- Department of Oncology and General Medicine, Institute of Medical Science Hospital, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Hirano
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Shoji
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu HH, Xie YY, Jun-Gan, Yang Z, Han QY. Dynamic changes of soluble HLA-G and cytokine plasma levels in cervical cancer patients: potential role in cancer progression and immunotherapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04331-4. [PMID: 36053326 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic inflammation has been proven to be an important factor in carcinogenesis. Cytokines are the central mediators in the inflammatory microenvironment, and their release may be influenced by soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G). The aim of this study was to monitor the dynamic process of these soluble factors in patients with cervical cancer at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, trying to understand their relationship with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. METHODS We quantified plasma levels of sHLA-G and 12 cytokines using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively, in the peripheral blood of patients with cervical cancer divided into three groups: preoperation, postoperation and clinical relapse. Healthy women were used as the control group. Data were analysed by non-parametric tests, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and Kaplan-Meier plotter (log-rank test). RESULTS In this study, our findings showed that preoperation plasma levels of sHLA-G and the cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ in cervical cancer patients had a good discriminatory effect between cervical cancer patients and healthy women. It should be noted that plasma levels of sHLA-G, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly decreased within 30 days after radical hysterectomy (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between IL-6 and IL-10, IL-8 and IL-17 levels preoperatively. In contrast, sHLA-G levels were negatively correlated with IL-10 but not with other cytokines. An increased survival rate in patients with cervical cancer was associated with IL-5 < 1.70 pg/mL, IL-17 < 2.30 pg/mL, and IFN-α < 2.26 pg/mL preoperatively. In addition, our findings showed that the levels of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-17, and IFN-γ may be related to 5-year relapse rates and/or the metastasis of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION The current findings enhance our understanding of the dynamic process (preoperation, postoperation and clinical relapse) of sHLA-G and these cytokines in the plasma of patients with cervical cancer from diagnosis to prognosis. These biomarkers may play a potential therapeutic target role of such dynamic changes in the immunotherapy for cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques and Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - You-You Xie
- Radiotherapy Department, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Gan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yue Han
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dhouioui S, Boujelbene N, Ouzari HI, Tizaoui K, Zidi I. Meta-analysis of HLA-G 14bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and soluble HLA-G revealed an association with digestive cancers initiation and prognosis. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09986. [PMID: 35874075 PMCID: PMC9305369 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective Conflicting results on the association between HLA-G and digestive cancers were reported. We conducted a meta-analysis to further investigate the true relationship between HLA-G and digestive cancers (DC). Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a meta-analysis including 7 case-control studies on HLA-G 14-bp Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism, and 15 studies on soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G). Odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for genetic polymorphisms were calculated. The pooled OR was calculated under three genetic models: allelic, recessive, and dominant models. Concerning sHLA-G meta-analysis, standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. Results The HLA-G 14-bp I/D was not associated with the risk of DC. However, in the subset of HBV/HCV positive hepato-cellular cancer (HCC) patients, we reported a significant association of HLA-G 14-bp I/D with the disease initiation under allelic (D vs. I; OR = 1.698, 95% CI = 1.263–2.282, p = 0.000), dominant (DD + ID vs. II; OR = 2.321, 95% CI = 1.277–4.218, p = 0.006)and recessive (DD vs. DI + II; OR = 1.739, 95% CI = 1.173–2.577, p = 0.006) genetic models. Interestingly, HLA-G 14-bp I/D was not associated with the disease initiation in HBV/HCV negative HCC patients. However, the infection by HBV/HCV seems to be implicated in the HCC development when we compared HBV/HCV positive patients to HBV/HCV negative patients under allelic (D vs. I; OR = 1.429, 95% CI = 1.029–1.983, p = 0.033, and dominant (DD + ID vs.II; OR = 1.981, 95% CI = 1.002–3.916, p = 0.049) genetic models. Overall analysis of DC showed significant increased sHLA-G in patients compared to healthy controls (SMD = 3.341, 95% CI = 2.415–4.267, p = 0.000). In Asian patients with gastric cancer, sHLA-G was significantly increased in grade 3 compared to low grades (SMD = 0.448, 95% CI = 0.109–0.787, p = 0.000). Further analysis showed that sHLA-G was significantly increased in positive DC vascular invasion (SMD = 0.743, 95% CI = 0.385–1.100, p = 0.000). Accordingly, sHLA-G was associated with a poor prognosis for DC. Conclusion The current meta-analysis supports the significant role of HLA-G in DC. The HLA-G 14-bp I/D polymorphism was associated with HCC patients with concomitant HBV/HCV viral infections. Increased sHLA-G indicated a poor prognosis for DC cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Dhouioui
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Boujelbene
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Pathology, Salah Azaiez Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hadda-Imene Ouzari
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Kalthoum Tizaoui
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Inès Zidi
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Negrini S, Contini P, Murdaca G, Puppo F. HLA-G in Allergy: Does It Play an Immunoregulatory Role? Front Immunol 2022; 12:789684. [PMID: 35082780 PMCID: PMC8784385 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.789684] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergy is an inflammatory process determined by a cascade of immune events characterized by T-helper 2 lymphocytes polarization leading to interleukin-4 upregulation, IgE secretion, and mast cell and eosinophil activation. HLA-G molecules, both in membrane-bound and in soluble forms, are known to play a key immunoregulatory role and their involvement in allergic diseases is supported by increasing literature data. HLA-G expression and secretion is specifically induced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of allergic patients after in vitro incubation with the causal allergen. Elevated levels of soluble HLA-G molecules are detected in serum of patients with allergic rhinitis correlating with allergen-specific IgE levels, clinical severity, drug consumption and response to allergen-specific immunotherapy. HLA-G genetic polymorphisms confer susceptibility to allergic asthma development and high levels of soluble HLA-G molecules are found in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with allergic asthma correlating with allergen-specific IgE levels. Interestingly, allergic pregnant women have lower plasma sHLA-G levels than non-allergic women during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and at delivery. Finally, in allergic patients with atopic dermatitis HLA-G molecules are expressed by T cells, monocytes-macrophages and Langerhans cells infiltrating the dermis. Although at present is difficult to completely define the role of HLA-G molecules in allergic diseases, it may be suggested that they are specifically expressed and secreted by immune cells during the allergic reaction in an attempt to suppress allergic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Negrini
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Contini
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Puppo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vance K, Alitinok A, Winfree S, Jensen-Smith H, Swanson BJ, Grandgenet PM, Klute KA, Crichton DJ, Hollingsworth MA. Machine learning analyses of highly-multiplexed immunofluorescence identifies distinct tumor and stromal cell populations in primary pancreatic tumors. Cancer Biomark 2022; 33:219-235. [PMID: 35213363 PMCID: PMC9278645 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a formidable challenge for patients and clinicians. OBJECTIVE To analyze the distribution of 31 different markers in tumor and stromal portions of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and identify immune cell populations to better understand how neoplastic, non-malignant structural, and immune cells, diversify the TME and influence PDAC progression. METHODS Whole slide imaging (WSI) and cyclic multiplexed-immunofluorescence (MxIF) was used to collect 31 different markers over the course of nine distinctive imaging series of human PDAC samples. Image registration and machine learning algorithms were developed to largely automate an imaging analysis pipeline identifying distinct cell types in the TME. RESULTS A random forest algorithm accurately predicted tumor and stromal-rich areas with 87% accuracy using 31 markers and 77% accuracy using only five markers. Top tumor-predictive markers guided downstream analyses to identify immune populations effectively invading into the tumor, including dendritic cells, CD4+ T cells, and multiple immunoregulatory subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Immunoprofiling of PDAC to identify differential distribution of immune cells in the TME is critical for understanding disease progression, response and/or resistance to treatment, and the development of new treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krysten Vance
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Alphan Alitinok
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Seth Winfree
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Heather Jensen-Smith
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Swanson
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Paul M. Grandgenet
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kelsey A. Klute
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Daniel J. Crichton
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Michael A. Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Motofei IG. Nobel Prize for immune checkpoint inhibitors, understanding the immunological switching between immunosuppression and autoimmunity. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2021; 21:599-612. [PMID: 34937484 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a revolutionary form of immunotherapy in cancer. However, the percentage of patients responding to therapy is relatively low, while adverse effects occur in a large number of patients. In addition, the therapeutic mechanisms of ICIs are not yet completely described. AREAS COVERED The initial view (articles published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.) was that ICIs increase tumor-specific immunity. Recent data (collected from the same databases) suggest that the ICIs pharmacotherapy actually extends beyond the topic of immune reactivity, including additional immune pathways, such as disrupting immunosuppression and increasing tumor-specific autoimmunity. Unfortunately, there is no clear delimitation between these specific autoimmune reactions that are therapeutically beneficial, and nonspecific autoimmune reactions/toxicity that can be extremely severe side effects. EXPERT OPINION Immune checkpoint mechanisms perform a non-selective immune regulation, maintaining a dynamic balance between immunosuppression and autoimmunity. By blocking these mechanisms, ICIs actually perform an immunological reset, decreasing immunosuppression and increasing tumor-specific immunity and predisposition to autoimmunity. The predisposition to autoimmunity induces both side effects and beneficial autoimmunity. Consequently, further studies are necessary to maximize the beneficial tumor-specific autoimmunity, while reducing the counterproductive effect of associated autoimmune toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ion G Motofei
- Department of Surgery/ Oncology, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Surgery/ Oncology, St. Pantelimon Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li P, Wang N, Zhang Y, Wang C, Du L. HLA-G/sHLA-G and HLA-G-Bearing Extracellular Vesicles in Cancers: Potential Role as Biomarkers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791535. [PMID: 34868081 PMCID: PMC8636042 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a non-classic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is expressed in fetal-maternal interface and immunoprivileged site only in healthy condition, and in pathological conditions such as cancer, it can be de novo expressed. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a key molecule in the process of immune escape of cancer cells, which is ubiquitously expressed in the tumor environment. This raises the possibility that it may play an adverse role in tumor immunity. The expression level of HLA-G has been demonstrated to be highly correlated with clinical parameters in many tumors, and its potential significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer has been postulated. However, because HLA-G itself has up to seven different subtypes, and for some subtypes, detected antibodies are few or absent, it is hard to evaluate the actual expression of HLA-G in tumors. In the present work, we described (a) the structure and three main forms of HLA-G, (b) summarized the mechanism of HLA-G in the immune escape of tumor cells, (c) discussed the potential role of HLA-G as a tumor marker, and reviewed (d) the methods for detecting and quantifying HLA-G.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peilong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Amodio G, Mandelli A, Curto R, Rancoita PMV, Stabilini A, Bonfanti R, de Pellegrin M, Bosi E, Di Serio C, Battaglia M, Gregori S. Altered Frequency and Phenotype of HLA-G-Expressing DC-10 in Type 1 Diabetes Patients at Onset and in Subjects at Risk to Develop the Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:750162. [PMID: 34659254 PMCID: PMC8517474 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease resulting in progressive destruction of β-cells. Several factors affecting lymphocyte and antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), contribute to defective maintenance of tolerance in T1D. DC-10 are a subset of human DCs involved in IL-10-mediated tolerance. A precise monitoring of DC-10 in the peripheral blood is possible thanks to the discovery of specific biomarkers. DC-10, being cells that naturally express HLA-G, may be used for the appropriate staging of the disease. By enumerating and phenotypically characterizing DC-10 in the peripheral blood of subjects at different stages of T1D development-first-degree relatives (FDRs) of T1D patients, without (Abneg) or with (Abpos) autoantibodies, T1D patients at onset, and age-matched healthy controls (HCs)-we showed that DC-10 contain a high proportion of HLA-G-expressing cells as compared with monocytes. We reported that a low frequency of DC-10 during disease development is paralleled with the increased proportion of pro-inflammatory cDC2 cells. Moreover, DC-10 number and phenotype differ from Abneg FDRs, Abpos FDRs, and T1D patients compared with HCs, and DC-10 from T1D patients express low levels of CD83. Finally, multiple regression analysis, considering DC-10 and HLA-G-related parameters, showed that Abneg FDRs are more similar to subjects with autoimmunity than to HCs. This is the first demonstration that impairment in DC-10 number and phenotype, specifically CD83 expression, is associated with risk of developing T1D, suggesting a possible use of CD83+ DC-10 to stratify individuals at risk of T1D in conjunction with classical prognostic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giada Amodio
- Mechanisms of Peripheral Tolerance Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandelli
- Immune-Mediated Diseases Unit: From Pathogenesis to Treatment, Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosalia Curto
- Mechanisms of Peripheral Tolerance Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola M. V. Rancoita
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (CUSSB), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Stabilini
- Immune-Mediated Diseases Unit: From Pathogenesis to Treatment, Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bonfanti
- Immune-Mediated Diseases Unit: From Pathogenesis to Treatment, Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Bosi
- Immune-Mediated Diseases Unit: From Pathogenesis to Treatment, Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- TrialNet Clinical Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Clelia Di Serio
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (CUSSB), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Battaglia
- Immune-Mediated Diseases Unit: From Pathogenesis to Treatment, Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Gregori
- Mechanisms of Peripheral Tolerance Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Adolf IC, Almars A, Dharsee N, Mselle T, Akan G, Nguma IJ, Nateri AS, Atalar F. HLA-G and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with cancer in African populations: Implications in personal medicine. Genes Dis 2021; 9:1220-1233. [PMID: 35873024 PMCID: PMC9293715 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body against malignancy. During cancer immunoediting, the immune system can recognize and keep checking the tumor cells by down-expression of some self-molecules or by increasing expression of some novel molecules. However, the microenvironment created in the course of cancer development hampers the immune ability to recognize and destroy the transforming cells. Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) is emerging as immune checkpoint molecule produced more by cancer cells to weaken the immune response against them. HLA-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule which is normally expressed in immune privileged tissues as a soluble or membrane-bound protein. HLA-G locus is highly polymorphic in the non-coding 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and in the 5′ upstream regulatory region (5′ URR). HLA-G expression is controlled by polymorphisms located in these regions, and several association studies between these polymorphic sites and disease predisposition, response to therapy, and/or HLA-G protein expression have been reported. Various polymorphisms are demonstrated to modulate its expression and this is increasingly finding more significance in cancer biology. This review focuses on the relevance of the HLA-G gene and its polymorphisms in cancer development. We highlight population genetics of HLA-G as evidence to espouse the need and importance of exploring potential utility of HLA-G in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and immunotherapy in the currently understudied African population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Chatita Adolf
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, P.O Box 608, Tanzania
| | - Amany Almars
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Nazima Dharsee
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 3592, Tanzania
| | - Teddy Mselle
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Gokce Akan
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Irene Jeremiah Nguma
- Clinical Oncology Department, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH), Mbeya P.O Box 419, Tanzania
| | - Abdolrahman S. Nateri
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fatmahan Atalar
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
- Child Health Institute, Department of Rare Diseases, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
- Corresponding author. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, P.O Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bu X, Zhong J, Li W, Cai S, Gao Y, Ping B. Immunomodulating functions of human leukocyte antigen-G and its role in graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:1391-1400. [PMID: 33709198 PMCID: PMC8116272 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04486-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative therapeutic strategy to treat several hematological malignancies and non-hematological malignancies. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent and serious transplant-related complication which dramatically restrains the curative effect of allo-HSCT and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic HCT recipients. Effective prevention of GVHD mainly depends on the induction of peripheral immune tolerance. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical MHC class I molecule with a strong immunosuppressive function, which plays a prominent role in immune tolerance. HLA-G triggers different reactions depending on the activation state of the immune cells and system. It also exerts a long-term immune tolerance mechanism by inducing regulatory cells. In this present review, we demonstrate the immunomodulatory properties of human leukocyte antigen-G and highlight the role of HLA-G as an immune regulator of GVHD. Furthermore, HLA-G could also serve as a good predictor of GVHD and represent a new therapeutic target for GVHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Bu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinman Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiru Li
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shengchun Cai
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Baohong Ping
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China. .,Department of Huiqiao, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
HLA-G/LILRBs: A Cancer Immunotherapy Challenge. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:389-392. [PMID: 33563576 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite some success, many patients do not benefit from immunotherapy. New strategies to improve clinical efficacy include identification of novel immune-checkpoint (IC) targets or a combination of immunotherapy with antiangiogenic treatments. Here, we propose the therapeutic use of IC, HLA-G/LILRB, and explore its enhanced synergistic antitumor activity when combined with antiangiogenic therapies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Wu CL, Caumartin J, Amodio G, Anna F, Loustau M, Gregori S, Langlade-Demoyen P, LeMaoult J. Inhibition of iNKT Cells by the HLA-G-ILT2 Checkpoint and Poor Stimulation by HLA-G-Expressing Tolerogenic DC. Front Immunol 2021; 11:608614. [PMID: 33505397 PMCID: PMC7832389 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.608614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are a small and distinct population of T cells crucial in immunomodulation. After activation by alpha-GalactosylCeramide (αGC), an exogenic glycolipid antigen, iNKT cells can rapidly release cytokines to enhance specific anti-tumor activity. Several human clinical trials on iNKT cell-based anti-cancer are ongoing, however results are not as striking as in murine models. Given that iNKT-based immunotherapies are dependent mainly on antigen-presenting cells (APC), a human tolerogenic molecule with no murine homolog, such as Human Leucocyte Antigen G (HLA-G), could contribute to this discrepancy. HLA-G is a well-known immune checkpoint molecule involved in fetal-maternal tolerance and in tumor immune escape. HLA-G exerts its immunomodulatory functions through the interaction with immune inhibitory receptors such as ILT2, differentially expressed on immune cell subsets. We hypothesized that HLA-G might inhibit iNKT function directly or by inducing tolerogenic APC leading to iNKT cell anergy, which could impact the results of current clinical trials. Using an ILT2-transduced murine iNKT cell line and human iNKT cells, we demonstrate that iNKT cells are sensitive to HLA-G, which inhibits their cytokine secretion. Furthermore, human HLA-G+ dendritic cells, called DC-10, failed at inducing iNKT cell activation compared to their autologous HLA-G‒ DCs counterparts. Our data show for the first time that the HLA-G/ILT2 ICP is involved in iNKT cell function modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Lien Wu
- CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Research Division in Hematology and Immunology (SRHI), Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, IRSL, UMRS 976, Paris, France.,Invectys, Paris, France
| | | | - Giada Amodio
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Silvia Gregori
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Joel LeMaoult
- CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Research Division in Hematology and Immunology (SRHI), Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, IRSL, UMRS 976, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The pandemic of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) creates an immense menace to public health worldwide. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the novel coronavirus as the main cause of global pandemic. Patients infected with this virus generally show fever, nausea, and respiratory illness, while some patients also manifest gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Traces of SARS-CoV-2 RNA have been found in gastrointestinal cells. Further angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) the known receptor for the virus is extensively expressed in these cells. This implies that gastrointestinal tract can be infected and can also present them as a replication site for SARS-CoV-2, but since this infection may lead to multiple organ failure, therefore identification of another receptor is a plausible choice. This review aims to provide comprehensive information about probable receptors such as sialic acid and CD147 which may facilitate the virus entry. Several potential targets are mentioned which can be used as a therapeutic approach for COVID-19 and associated GI disorders. The gut microbiomes are responsible for high levels of interferon-gamma which causes hyper-inflammation and exacerbates the severity of the disease. Briefly, this article highlights the gut microbiome’s relation and provides potential diagnostic approaches like RDT and LC-MS for sensitive and specific identification of viral proteins. Altogether, this article reviews epidemiology, probable receptors and put forward the tentative ideas of the therapeutic targets and diagnostic methods for COVID-19 with gastrointestinal aspect of disease.
Collapse
|
15
|
Scientific reports concerning the impact of interleukin 4, interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor β on cancer cells. Cent Eur J Immunol 2019; 44:190-200. [PMID: 31530989 PMCID: PMC6745546 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2018.76273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are signalling proteins generated in most part by immune cells that have critical functions in cellular lifespan. Here we present recent data on three selected anti-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). IL-10 inhibits the synthesis of major pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and mediates anti-inflammatory reactions. IL-4 is a multifunctional cytokine which plays a crucial role in the regulation of immune responses and is involved in processes associated with development and differentiation of lymphocytes and regulation of T cell survival. Transforming TGF-β, which in normal cells or pre-cancerous cells, promotes proliferation arrest which represses tumour growth. In this review, we focus on the influence of IL-10, IL-4 and TGF-β on various types of cancer as well as potential of these selected cytokines to serve as new biomarkers which can support effective therapies for cancer patients. This article is presented based on a review of the newest research results.
Collapse
|
16
|
Comi M, Amodio G, Gregori S. Interleukin-10-Producing DC-10 Is a Unique Tool to Promote Tolerance Via Antigen-Specific T Regulatory Type 1 Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 9:682. [PMID: 29686676 PMCID: PMC5900789 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The prominent role of tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs) in promoting immune tolerance and the development of efficient methods to generate clinical grade products allow the application of tolDCs as cell-based approach to dampen antigen (Ag)-specific T cell responses in autoimmunity and transplantation. Interleukin (IL)-10 potently modulates the differentiation and functions of myeloid cells. Our group contributed to the identification of IL-10 as key factor in inducing a subset of human tolDCs, named dendritic cell (DC)-10, endowed with the ability to spontaneously release IL-10 and induce Ag-specific T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells. We will provide an overview on the role of IL-10 in modulating myeloid cells and in promoting DC-10. Moreover, we will discuss the clinical application of DC-10 as inducers of Ag-specific Tr1 cells for tailoring Tr1-based cell therapy, and as cell product for promoting and restoring tolerance in T-cell-mediated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Comi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget) San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Amodio
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget) San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Gregori
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget) San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liu W, Zhao J, Li Q, Wang Q, Zhou Y, Tong Z. Gastric cancer patients have elevated plasmacytoid and CD1c + dendritic cells in the peripheral blood. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:5087-5092. [PMID: 29552142 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are important in tumor immunology. Identifying DC subset markers in the peripheral blood, which are informative for gastric cancer stages, is not only useful for prognosis but may also provide mechanistic insights into processes facilitating therapy. The present study investigated plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and myeloid CD1c+ dendritic cells (mDC1s) in the peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer and healthy controls using flow cytometry. Using peripheral DC staining and subset analysis, patients with gastric cancer were identified to have substantially higher numbers of peripheral pDCs and mDC1s. In addition, there was a trend of elevated circulating pDCs with advanced stages and lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer, whereas no differences in circulating mDC1s were observed among the various groups. The results suggested that circulating pDCs are a positive prognostic indicator in patients with gastric cancer of different stages and highlighted the critical role of pDCs immunity in the development of gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weihuang Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoqi Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Qiaona Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Zan Tong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Florea ID, Karaoulani C. Epigenetic Changes of the Immune System with Role in Tumor Development. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1856:203-218. [PMID: 30178253 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8751-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor development is closely related to chronic inflammation and to evasion of immune defense mechanisms by neoplastic cells. The mediators of the inflammatory process as well as proteins involved in immune response or immune response evasion can be subject to various epigenetic changes such as methylation, acetylation, or phosphorylation. Some of these, such as cytokine suppressors, are undergoing repression through epigenetic changes, and others such as cytokines or chemokines are undergoing activation through epigenetic changes, both modifications having as a result tumor progression. The activating changes can affect the receptor molecules involved in immune response and these promote inflammation and subsequently tumor development while the inactivating changes seem to be related to the tumor regression process. The proteins involved in antigen presentation, and, therefore in immune response escape, such as classical HLA proteins and related APM (antigen presentation machinery) with their epigenetic changes contribute to the tumor development process, either to tumor progression or regression, depending on the immune effector cells that are in play.
Collapse
|
19
|
Recent Advances in Our Understanding of HLA-G Biology: Lessons from a Wide Spectrum of Human Diseases. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:4326495. [PMID: 27652273 PMCID: PMC5019910 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4326495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is a HLA-class Ib molecule with potent immunomodulatory activities, which is expressed in physiological conditions, where modulation of the immune response is required to avoid allograft recognition (i.e., maternal-fetal interface or transplanted patients). However, HLA-G can be expressed de novo at high levels in several pathological conditions, including solid and hematological tumors and during microbial or viral infections, leading to the impairment of the immune response against tumor cells or pathogens, respectively. On the other hand, the loss of HLA-G mediated control of the immune responses may lead to the onset of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, caused by an uncontrolled activation of the immune effector cells. Here, we have reviewed novel findings on HLA-G functions in different physiological and pathological settings, which have been published in the last two years. These studies further confirmed the important role of this molecule in the modulation of the immune system.
Collapse
|