1
|
Seliger B. Role of HLA-G in tumors and upon COVID-19 infection. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110792. [PMID: 38555250 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110792] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
HLA-G expression of tumors and upon viral infections is involved in their immune escape leading to the evasion from both T and NK cell recognition. The underlying mechanisms of HLA-G expression in both pathophysiologic conditions are broad and range from genetic abnormalities to epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the frequency, regulation and clinical relevance of HLA-G expression upon neoplastic and viral transformation, its interaction with components of the microenvironment as well as its potential as diagnostic marker and/or therapeutic target. In addition, it discusses urgent topics, which have to be addressed in HLA-G research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", 14770, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Y, He S, Yu L, Shi C, Zhang Y, Tang S. Prognostic significance of HLA-G in patients with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1024. [PMID: 37875821 PMCID: PMC10594707 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11522-w] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) has been reported to be aberrantly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, its prognostic value remains controversial. Hence, our meta-analysis aims to assess the prognostic value of HLA-G in CRC patients based on published literature and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on relevant studies retrieved from four electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were recorded to be applied as effective values. Fixed-effects models or random-effects models were applied on the basis of the value of heterogeneity (I 2). Publication bias was analyzed by Begg's and Egger's tests. In addition, the results were validated by using TCGA datasets. RESULTS Thirteen studies comprising 3896 patients were incorporated into this meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that HLA-G expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) in both the univariate analysis (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.14-1.83, P = 0.002) and the multivariate analysis (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.23-1.95, P < 0.001). Nevertheless, the expression of HLA-G is not related to age, sex, tumor type, tumor differentiation, TNM stage, or distant metastasis but lymph node metastasis. Notably, the prognosis of colorectal cancer was not consistent with the analysis result from TCGA data. CONCLUSION HLA-G expression was significantly related to poor OS in CRC according to the results of our meta-analysis. However, we found that the prognostic significance was inconsistent with our results according to the TCGA data in CRC. Hence, more research is still needed to further illustrate the prognostic role of HLA-G in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China.
| | - Siying He
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Lisha Yu
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Chao Shi
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Yanyue Zhang
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Shiyue Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jasinski-Bergner S, Eckstein M, Taubert H, Wach S, Fiebig C, Strick R, Hartmann A, Seliger B. The Human Leukocyte Antigen G as an Immune Escape Mechanism and Novel Therapeutic Target in Urological Tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811200. [PMID: 35185904 PMCID: PMC8855320 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811200] [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: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-classical human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a potent regulatory protein involved in the induction of immunological tolerance. This is based on the binding of membrane-bound as well as soluble HLA-G to inhibitory receptors expressed on various immune effector cells, in particular NK cells and T cells, leading to their attenuated functions. Despite its restricted expression on immune-privileged tissues under physiological conditions, HLA-G expression has been frequently detected in solid and hematopoietic malignancies including urological cancers, such as renal cell and urothelial bladder carcinoma and has been associated with progression of urological cancers and poor outcome of patients: HLA-G expression protects tumor cells from anti-tumor immunity upon interaction with its inhibitory receptors by modulating both the phenotype and function of immune cells leading to immune evasion. This review will discuss the expression, regulation, functional and clinical relevance of HLA-G expression in urological tumors as well as its use as a putative biomarker and/or potential therapeutic target for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma as well as urothelial bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Wach
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Fiebig
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reiner Strick
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Main Department of GMP Cell and Gene Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hazini A, Fisher K, Seymour L. Deregulation of HLA-I in cancer and its central importance for immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002899. [PMID: 34353849 PMCID: PMC8344275 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that many tumors undergo a process of clonal selection which means that tumor antigens arising at various stages of tumor progression are likely to be represented in just a subset of tumor cells. This process is thought to be driven by constant immunosurveillance which applies selective pressure by eliminating tumor cells expressing antigens that are recognized by T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that the same selective pressure may also select for tumor cells that evade immune detection by acquiring deficiencies in their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) presentation pathways, allowing important tumor antigens to persist within cells undetected by the immune system. Deficiencies in antigen presentation pathway can arise by a variety of mechanisms, including genetic and epigenetic changes, and functional antigen presentation is a hard phenomenon to assess using our standard analytical techniques. Nevertheless, it is likely to have profound clinical significance and could well define whether an individual patient will respond to a particular type of therapy or not. In this review we consider the mechanisms by which HLA function may be lost in clinical disease, we assess the implications for current immunotherapy approaches using checkpoint inhibitors and examine the prognostic impact of HLA loss demonstrated in clinical trials so far. Finally, we propose strategies that might be explored for possible patient stratification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Hazini
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Kerry Fisher
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Len Seymour
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A Critical Assessment of the Association between HLA-G Expression by Carcinomas and Clinical Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158265. [PMID: 34361031 PMCID: PMC8347921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) conveys immunological tolerance at the maternal-foetal interface. HLA-G expression by tumour cells may also play such a role, resulting in tumour immune evasion, making HLA-G a potential target for immunotherapies. The aim of this review was to determine to what extent it is justified that HLA-G expression is considered as a target for immune checkpoint inhibiting therapy by critically assessing the association between HLA-G expression by carcinomas and clinical outcome of patients. The used HLA-G-detecting mAb, HLA-G quantification methods and statistically significant HLA-G-associated clinicopathological parameters are discussed. Tumour HLA-G expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in breast, esophageal, gastric and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Tumour HLA-G expression was not associated with clinical outcome in ovarian and oral carcinoma patients. Cervical, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic carcinoma patients presented discrepant and therefore inconclusive results regarding the association between tumour HLA-G expression and clinical outcome. These disparities might partly be the result of differences in the methodological approach to quantify HLA-G expression between studies. Therefore, implementation of universal methodological procedures is strongly advised. Overall, HLA-G expression did not univocally result in poor clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. This implies that tumour HLA-G expression is not necessarily part of an inhibited tumour-immune response and tumour progression. Consequently, it remains elusive whether HLA-G expression by carcinomas functions as an immune checkpoint molecule affecting a tumour-immune response. It may also reflect derailed control of gene expression in tumours, with no real functional consequences.
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu HH, Gan J, Xu DP, Li L, Yan WH. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Role of the Immune Checkpoint HLA-G Molecule in Cancers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:614773. [PMID: 34276642 PMCID: PMC8281136 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.614773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is known as a novel immune checkpoint molecule in cancer; thus, HLA-G and its receptors might be targets for immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to systematically identify the roles of checkpoint HLA-G molecules across various types of cancer. ONCOMINE, GEPIA, CCLE, TRRUST, HAP, PrognoScan, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, LinkedOmics, STRING, GeneMANIA, DAVID, TIMER, and CIBERSORT were utilized. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed. In this study, we comprehensively analysed the heterogeneous expression of HLA-G molecules in various types of cancer and focused on genetic alterations, coexpression patterns, gene interaction networks, HLA-G interactors, and the relationships between HLA-G and pathological stage, prognosis, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We first identified that the mRNA expression levels of HLA-G were significantly upregulated in both most tumor tissues and tumor cell lines on the basis of in-depth analysis of RNAseq data. The expression levels of HLA-G were positively associated with those of the other immune checkpoints PD-1 and CTLA-4. Abnormal expression of HLA-G was significantly correlated with the pathological stage of some but not all tumor types. There was a significant difference between the high and low HLA-G expression groups in terms of overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS). The results showed that HLA-G highly expressed have positive associations with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the microenvironment in most types of tumors (P<0.05). Additionally, we identified the key transcription factor (TF) targets in the regulation of HLA-G expression, including HIVEP2, MYCN, CIITA, MYC, and IRF1. Multiple mutations (missense, truncating, etc.) and the methylation status of the HLA-G gene may explain the differential expression of HLA-G across different tumors. Functional enrichment analysis showed that HLA-G was primarily related to T cell activation, T cell regulation, and lymphocyte-mediated immunity. The data may provide novel insights for blockade of the HLA-G/ILT axis, which holds potential for the development of more effective antitumour treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
| | - Jun Gan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Dan-Ping Xu
- Reproductive Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Lu Li
- Pediatrics, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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
|
8
|
Xu HH, Yan WH, Lin A. The Role of HLA-G in Human Papillomavirus Infections and Cervical Carcinogenesis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1349. [PMID: 32670296 PMCID: PMC7330167 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a non-classical HLA-class I molecule, has a low polymorphism frequency, restricted tissue distribution and immunoinhibitory property. HLA-G expression in tumor cells and cells chronically infected with virus may enable them to escape from host immune surveillance. It is well-known that the HLA-G molecule is a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target that is relevant in various types of cancers, but its role in cervical cancer has not been fully explored. In this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the immunologic role of the HLA-G molecule in the context of HPV infections and the process of cervical cancer carcinogenesis. A better understanding of the potential impact of HLA-G on the clinical course of persistent HPV infections, cervical epithelial cell transformation, tumor growth, recurrence and metastasis is needed to identify a novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for cervical cancer, which is critical for cervical cancer risk screening. In addition, it is also necessary to identify HLA-G-driven immune mechanisms involved in the interactions between host and virus to explore novel immunotherapy strategies that target HLA-G/immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT) immune checkpoints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Krijgsman D, Roelands J, Hendrickx W, Bedognetti D, Kuppen PJK. HLA-G: A New Immune Checkpoint in Cancer? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124528. [PMID: 32630545 PMCID: PMC7350262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), known as a central protein in providing immune tolerance to the fetus in pregnant women, is also studied for a possible role in tumor development. Many studies have claimed HLA-G as a new immune checkpoint in cancer. Therefore, HLA-G and its receptors might be targets for immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy. In order to substantiate that HLA-G is indeed an immune checkpoint in cancer, two important questions need to be answered: (1) To what extent is HLA-G expressed in the tumor by cancer cells? and (2) What is the function of HLA-G in cancer immune evasion? In this review, we discuss these questions. We agree that HLA-G is a potentially new immune checkpoint in cancer, but additional evidence is required to show the extent of intra-tumor and inter-tumor expression. These studies should focus on tumor expression patterns of the seven different HLA-G isoforms and of the receptors for HLA-G. Furthermore, specific roles for the different HLA-G isoforms should be established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (D.K.); (J.R.)
| | - Jessica Roelands
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (D.K.); (J.R.)
- Cancer Research Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 26999, Qatar; (W.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Wouter Hendrickx
- Cancer Research Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 26999, Qatar; (W.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Cancer Research Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 26999, Qatar; (W.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Peter J. K. Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (D.K.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-5264569
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sznarkowska A, Mikac S, Pilch M. MHC Class I Regulation: The Origin Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051155. [PMID: 32375397 PMCID: PMC7281430 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral-derived elements and non-coding RNAs that build up “junk DNA” allow for flexible and context-dependent gene expression. They are extremely dense in the MHC region, accounting for flexible expression of the MHC I, II, and III genes and adjusting the level of immune response to the environmental stimuli. This review brings forward the viral-mediated aspects of the origin and evolution of adaptive immunity and aims to link this perspective with the MHC class I regulation. The complex regulatory network behind MHC expression is largely controlled by virus-derived elements, both as binding sites for immune transcription factors and as sources of regulatory non-coding RNAs. These regulatory RNAs are imbalanced in cancer and associate with different tumor types, making them promising targets for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
|
11
|
Pesce S, Greppi M, Ferretti E, Obino V, Carlomagno S, Rutigliani M, Thoren FB, Sivori S, Castagnola P, Candiani S, Marcenaro E. miRNAs in NK Cell-Based Immune Responses and Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:119. [PMID: 32161759 PMCID: PMC7053181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of certain forms of tumors has increased progressively in recent years and is expected to continue growing as life expectancy continues to increase. Tumor-infiltrating NK cells may contribute to develop an anti-tumor response. Optimized combinations of different cancer therapies, including NK cell-based approaches for targeting tumor cells, have the potential to open new avenues in cancer immunotherapy. Functional inhibitory receptors on NK cells are needed to prevent their attack on healthy cells. Nevertheless, disruption of inhibitory receptors function on NK cells increases the cytotoxic capacity of NK cells against cancer cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that target mRNA and thus regulate the expression of genes involved in the development, maturation, and effector functions of NK cells. Therapeutic strategies that target the regulatory effects of miRNAs have the potential to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Interestingly, emerging evidence points out that some miRNAs can, directly and indirectly, control the surface expression of immune checkpoints on NK cells or that of their ligands on tumor cells. This suggests a possible use of miRNAs in the context of anti-tumor therapy. This review provides the current overview of the connections between miRNAs and regulation of NK cell functions and discusses the potential of these miRNAs as innovative biomarkers/targets for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariangela Rutigliani
- Histological and Anatomical Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratory and Service, E.O. Galliera Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Fredrik B Thoren
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth Science, Environment and Life (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Friedrich M, Jasinski-Bergner S, Lazaridou MF, Subbarayan K, Massa C, Tretbar S, Mueller A, Handke D, Biehl K, Bukur J, Donia M, Mandelboim O, Seliger B. Tumor-induced escape mechanisms and their association with resistance to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1689-1700. [PMID: 31375885 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy aims to activate the immune system to fight cancer in a very specific and targeted manner. Despite the success of different immunotherapeutic strategies, in particular antibodies directed against checkpoints as well as adoptive T-cell therapy, the response of patients is limited in different types of cancers. This attributes to escape of the tumor from immune surveillance and development of acquired resistances during therapy. In this review, the different evasion and resistance mechanisms that limit the efficacy of immunotherapies targeting tumor-associated antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules on the surface of the malignant cells are summarized. Overcoming these escape mechanisms is a great challenge, but might lead to a better clinical outcome of patients and is therefore currently a major focus of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maria-Filothei Lazaridou
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Subbarayan
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sandy Tretbar
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Mueller
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Diana Handke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Katharina Biehl
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jürgen Bukur
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marco Donia
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Omar HA, El‐Serafi AT, Hersi F, Arafa EA, Zaher DM, Madkour M, Arab HH, Tolba MF. Immunomodulatory MicroRNAs in cancer: targeting immune checkpoints and the tumor microenvironment. FEBS J 2019; 286:3540-3557. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hany A. Omar
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy Beni‐Suef University Egypt
| | - Ahmed T. El‐Serafi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine Suez Canal University Ismailia Egypt
| | - Fatema Hersi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
| | - El‐Shaimaa A. Arafa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Ajman University UAE
| | - Dana M. Zaher
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
| | - Mohamed Madkour
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
| | - Hany H. Arab
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University Egypt
- Biochemistry Division and GTMR Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy Taif University Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai F. Tolba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy Ain Shams University Cairo Egypt
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Engineering The American University in Cairo New Cairo Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang Y, Jin X, Wang J. miR‑148a modulates the viability, migration and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells by regulating HLA‑G expression. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:795-801. [PMID: 31180532 PMCID: PMC6580030 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy of the oral and maxillofacial regions. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a group of endogenous small noncoding RNAs that inhibit gene expression by binding to the mRNA of target genes, and serve important roles in numerous biological processes. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect gene and protein expression levels, respectively. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected using MTT, wound healing and Matrigel assays, respectively. The association between miR-148a and human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) was analyzed using Targetscan and Luciferase reporter assays. In the present study, miR-148a was revealed to be significantly downregulated in OSCC cells. To further investigate the functions of miR-148a in OSCC, the viability, migration, and invasive abilities of SCC-9 cells were investigated following transfection with miR-148a mimics or miR-148a inhibitor. It was revealed that transfection with miR-148a mimics significantly reduced the viability, migration and invasion of cells, whereas miR-148a inhibitor significantly enhanced these properties. In addition, HLA-G was identified as a direct target of miR-148a and demonstrated to be downregulated in OSCC cells. Furthermore, it was revealed that transfection with miR-148a mimics decreased the expression levels of HLA-G mRNA and protein in SCC-9 cells, whereas transfection with miR-148a inhibitor increased the expression of HLA-G mRNA and protein. The results indicated that there was an association between miR-148a and HLA-G expression, and suggested that miR-148a may be a potential target in the treatment of OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The First People's Hospital of Jining, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Stomatology, The First People's Hospital of Jining, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First People's Hospital of Jining, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Schwich E, Rebmann V, Michita RT, Rohn H, Voncken JW, Horn PA, Kimmig R, Kasimir-Bauer S, Buderath P. HLA-G 3' untranslated region variants +3187G/G, +3196G/G and +3035T define diametrical clinical status and disease outcome in epithelial ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5407. [PMID: 30932005 PMCID: PMC6443684 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41900-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the non-classical human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) promotes cancer progression in various malignancies including epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). As single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HLA-G 3' untranslated region (UTR) regulate HLA-G expression, we investigated HLA-G 3'UTR haplotypes arranged by SNPs in healthy controls (n = 75) and primary EOC patients (n = 79) and determined soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels. Results were related to the clinical status and outcome. Although haplotype frequencies were similar in patients and controls, (i) sHLA-G levels were increased in EOC independent of the haplotype, (ii) homozygosity for UTR-1 or UTR-2 genotypes were significantly associated with metastases formation and presence of circulating tumor cells before therapy, whereas (iii) the UTR-5 and UTR-7 haplotypes were significantly associated with a beneficial clinical outcome regarding negative nodal status, early FIGO staging, and improved overall survival. Lastly, (iv) the ambivalent impact on clinical EOC aspects could be deduced to specific SNPs in the HLA-G 3'UTR: +3187G, +3196G and +3035T alleles. Our results give evidence that even if the genetic background of the HLA-G 3'UTR is identical between patients and controls, certain SNPs have the potential to contribute to diametrical clinical status/outcome in EOC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Schwich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Rafael Tomoya Michita
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Genetics Department, Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Willem Voncken
- Molecular Genetics, Maastricht University, PO Box 6161, 6200 MD, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Peter A Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Paul Buderath
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lin A, Yan WH. Heterogeneity of HLA-G Expression in Cancers: Facing the Challenges. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2164. [PMID: 30319626 PMCID: PMC6170620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity has been observed in most malignancies, which represents a considerable challenge for tumor therapy. In recent decades, the biological function and clinical significance of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G have been intensively explored. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a critical marker of immunotolerance in cancer cell immune evasion and is strongly associated with disease progress and prognosis for cancer patients. Moreover, it has recently been emphasized that the signaling pathway linking HLA-G and immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs) is considered an immune checkpoint. In addition, HLA-G itself can generate at least seven distinct isoforms, and intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G expression is common across different tumor types. Furthermore, HLA-G heterogeneity in cancers has been related to disease stage and outcomes, metastatic status and response to different therapies. This review focuses on the heterogeneity of HLA-G expression in malignant lesions, and clinical implications of this heterogeneity that might be relevant to personalized treatments are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Miao C, Chang J, Zhang G, Fang Y. MicroRNAs in type 1 diabetes: new research progress and potential directions. Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 96:498-506. [PMID: 29554441 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2018-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules encoded by endogenous genes of about 22 nucleotides, which are involved in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation in animals and plants. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that is clinically silent until the majority of β cells are destroyed, and a large number of studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in the pathological mechanism of T1D. In this review, we searched the related research in recent years and summarized the important roles of miRNAs in T1D diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, we summarized the current understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation mechanisms of gene expression in the T1D pathogenesis as well as related signaling pathways with a focus on the important roles of miRNAs and their antagonists in T1D pathogenesis, and brought insight into the potential therapeutic value of miRNAs for T1D patients. In view of the important roles of miRNAs in T1D pathology, disordered miRNAs may be important diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for patients with T1D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenggui Miao
- a Department of Pharmacy, College of Life and Health Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Jun Chang
- b Department of Orthopaedics, 4th Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Guoxue Zhang
- c College of Tea and Food Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yanxi Fang
- a Department of Pharmacy, College of Life and Health Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Predictive value of different proportion of lesion HLA-G expression in colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:107441-107451. [PMID: 29296176 PMCID: PMC5746078 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential expression of HLA-G has been observed among cancer types and tumors from individuals with the same type of cancer; however, its clinical significance is rather limited. In this study, expression and predictive relevance of HLA-G expression in 457 primary colorectal cancer (CRC, ncolon = 232, nrectal = 225) patients was investigated. Data showed 70.7% (323/457) of the CRC were HLA-G expression when the above 5% (HLA-GLow) was considered as positive, which wasn't associated with patient survival (p = 0.109). However, HLA-G expression above 55% (HLA-GHigh) was associated with a worse prognosis of CRC patients (p = 0.042). Furthermore, a shorter survival was found for the female (p = 0.042) and elder (p = 0.037) patients whose HLA-G expression was above HLA-GLow level. HLA-G expression above HLA-GHigh level showed a worse prognosis for female (p = 0.013), elder (p = 0.023), colon cancer (p = 0.016), advanced tumor burden (T3+4, p = 0.018), regional lymph node status (N1+2, p = 0.044), and advanced clinical stage patients (AJCC III+IV, p = 0.037). In conclusion, our results demonstrated for the first time that combination of differential lesion HLA-G expression notably improved the value of traditional survival prediction for CRC patients.
Collapse
|
19
|
Friedrich M, Pracht K, Mashreghi MF, Jäck HM, Radbruch A, Seliger B. The role of the miR-148/-152 family in physiology and disease. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:2026-2038. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Katharina Pracht
- Division of Molecular Immunology; Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center; Department of Internal Medicine III; University of Erlangen-Nürnberg; Erlangen Germany
| | | | - Hans-Martin Jäck
- Division of Molecular Immunology; Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center; Department of Internal Medicine III; University of Erlangen-Nürnberg; Erlangen Germany
| | | | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle/Saale Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Seliger B. Immune modulatory microRNAs as a novel mechanism to revert immune escape of tumors. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017; 36:49-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
21
|
Seliger B. Molecular mechanisms of HLA class I-mediated immune evasion of human tumors and their role in resistance to immunotherapies. HLA 2016; 88:213-220. [PMID: 27659281 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although the human immune system can recognize and eradicate tumor cells, tumors have also been shown to develop different strategies to escape immune surveillance, which has been described for the first time in different mouse models. The evasion of immune recognition was often associated with a poor prognosis and reduced survival of patients. During the last years the molecular mechanisms, which protect tumor cells from this immune attack, have been identified and appear to be more complex than initially expected. However, next to the composition of cellular, soluble and physical components of the tumor microenvironment, the tumor cells changes to limit immune responses. Of particular importance are classical and non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens, which often showed a deregulated expression in cancers of distinct origin. Furthermore, HLA class I abnormalities were linked to defects in the interferon signaling, which have both been shown to be essential for mounting immune responses and are involved in resistances to T cell-based immunotherapies. Therefore this review summarizes the expression, regulation, function and clinical relevance of HLA class I antigens in association with the interferon signal transduction pathway and its role in adaptive resistances to immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|