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Flores-Hidalgo A, Phero J, Steward-Tharp S, Williamson M, Paquette D, Krishnan D, Padilla R. Immunophenotypic and Gene Expression Analyses of the Inflammatory Microenvironment in High-Grade Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Lichen Planus. Head Neck Pathol 2024; 18:17. [PMID: 38456941 PMCID: PMC10923754 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-024-01624-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) present diagnostic challenges due to clinical and histologic overlap. This study explores the immune microenvironment in OED, hypothesizing that immune signatures could aid in diagnostic differentiation and predict malignant transformation. METHODS Tissue samples from OED and OLP cases were analyzed using immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry (IF/IHC) for CD4, CD8, CD163/STAT1, and PD-1/PDL-1 expression. RNA-sequencing was performed on the samples, and data was subjected to CIBERSORTx analysis for immune cell composition. Gene Ontology analysis on the immune differentially expressed genes was also conducted. RESULTS In OED, CD8 + T-cells infiltrated dysplastic epithelium, correlating with dysplasia severity. CD4 + lymphocytes increased in the basal layer. STAT1/CD163 + macrophages correlated with CD4 + intraepithelial distribution. PD-1/PDL-1 expression varied. IF/IHC analysis revealed differential immune cell composition between OED and OLP. RNA-sequencing identified upregulated genes associated with cytotoxic response and immunosurveillance in OED. Downregulated genes were linked to signaling, immune cell recruitment, and tumor suppression. CONCLUSIONS The immune microenvironment distinguishes OED and OLP, suggesting diagnostic potential. Upregulated genes indicate cytotoxic immune response in OED. Downregulation of TRADD, CX3CL1, and ILI24 implies dysregulation in TNFR1 signaling, immune recruitment, and tumor suppression. This study contributes to the foundation for understanding immune interactions in OED and OLP, offering insights into future objective diagnostic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Flores-Hidalgo
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - James Phero
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Scott Steward-Tharp
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Megumi Williamson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, Greenville, USA
| | - David Paquette
- Department of Surgical Sciences, East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, Greenville, USA
| | - Deepak Krishnan
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ricardo Padilla
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, USA
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Ozola L, Pilmane M. Local Defense Factors in Cleft-Affected Palate in Children before and during Milk Dentition Age: A Pilot Study. J Pers Med 2023; 14:27. [PMID: 38248728 PMCID: PMC10817640 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most frequent congenital orofacial defects is the cleft lip and palate. Local tissue defense factors are known to be important in immune response and inflammatory and healing processes in the cleft tissue; however, they have only been researched in older children during mixed dentition. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the distribution of LL-37, CD-163, IL-10, HBD-2, HBD-3, and HBD-4 in children before and during milk dentition. The unique and rare material of palate tissue was obtained from 13 patients during veloplastic surgeries during the time span of 20 years. Immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, semi-quantitative evaluation, and non-parametric statistical analysis were used. A significant decrease in HBD-3 and HBD-4 in the connective tissue was found, as well as several mutual statistically significant and strong correlations between HBD-2, HBD-3, HBD-4, and LL-37. Deficiency of HBD-3 and HBD-4 suggests promotion of chronic inflammation. The scarcity of HBD-4 could be connected to the different signaling pathways of dental pulp cells. Mutual correlations imply changes in the epithelial barrier, amplified healing efficiency, and increased antibacterial line of defense. Deprivation of changes in IL-10 quantity points to possible suppression of the factor. The presence of similar CD-163 immunoreactive substances produced by M2 macrophages was also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ozola
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradins University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
| | - Mara Pilmane
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradins University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
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Identification of an Autophagy-Related Signature for Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response Prediction in Ovarian Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020339. [PMID: 36830707 PMCID: PMC9953331 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most malignant tumors in the female reproductive system, with a poor prognosis. Various responses to treatments including chemotherapy and immunotherapy are observed among patients due to their individual characteristics. Applicable prognostic markers could make it easier to refine risk stratification for OC patients. Autophagy is closely implicated in the occurrence and development of tumors, including OC. Whether autophagy -related genes can be used as prognostic markers for OC patients remains unclear. METHODS The gene transcriptome data of 374 OC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The correlation between the autophagy levels and outcomes of OC patients was identified through the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Recognized molecular markers of autophagy in different clinical specimens were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), ESTIMATE, and CIBERSORT analysis were applied to explore the correlation of autophagy with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from seven OC patients were included for characterizing cell-cell interaction patterns of autophagy-high or low tumor cells. Machine learning, Stepwise Cox regression and LASSO-Cox analysis were used to screen autophagy hub genes, which were used to establish an autophagy-related signature for prognosis evaluation. Four tumor immunotherapy cohorts were obtained from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database and the literature for autophagy risk score validation. RESULTS The autophagy levels were closely related to the prognosis of the OC patients. Additionally, the autophagy levels were correlated with TIME status including immune score, and immune-cell infiltration. The scRNA-seq analysis found that tumor cells with high or low autophagy levels had different interactions with immune cells, especially macrophages. Eight autophagy-hub genes (ZFYVE1, AMBRA1, LAMP2, TRAF6, PDPK1, ATG2B, DAPK1 and TP53INP2) were screened for an autophagy-related signature. According to this signature, higher risk score was correlated with poor prognosis and better immunotherapy response in the OC patients. CONCLUSIONS The autophagy-related signature is applicable to predict the prognosis and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy efficiency in OC patients. It is possible to identify OC patients who will respond to ICIs therapy and have a favorable prognosis, although more verification is needed.
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Vičić M, Hlača N, Kaštelan M, Brajac I, Sotošek V, Prpić Massari L. Comprehensive Insight into Lichen Planus Immunopathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24033038. [PMID: 36769361 PMCID: PMC9918135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24033038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichen planus is a chronic disease affecting the skin, appendages, and mucous membranes. A cutaneous lichen planus is a rare disease occurring in less than 1% of the general population, while oral illness is up to five times more prevalent; still, both forms equally impair the patient's quality of life. The etiology of lichen planus is not entirely understood. Yet, immune-mediated mechanisms have been recognized since environmental factors such as hepatitis virus infection, mechanical trauma, psychological stress, or microbiome changes can trigger the disease in genetically susceptible individuals. According to current understanding, lichen planus immunopathogenesis is caused by cell-mediated cytotoxicity, particularly cytotoxic T lymphocytes, whose activity is further influenced by Th1 and IL-23/Th-17 axis. However, other immunocytes and inflammatory pathways complement these mechanisms. This paper presents a comprehensive insight into the actual knowledge about lichen planus, with the causal genetic and environmental factors being discussed, the immunopathogenesis described, and the principal effectors of its inflammatory circuits identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Vičić
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Nika Hlača
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marija Kaštelan
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ines Brajac
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vlatka Sotošek
- Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Intensive Care, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Tome Strižića 3, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Larisa Prpić Massari
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Correspondence:
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Deng X, Wang Y, Jiang L, Li J, Chen Q. Updates on immunological mechanistic insights and targeting of the oral lichen planus microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1023213. [PMID: 36700192 PMCID: PMC9870618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1023213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic immune inflammatory disease that is an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD), occurs in the oral mucosa and affects approximately 0.5% to 4% of the general population. There are usually five types of OLP: reticular/papular, plaque-like, atrophic/erythematous, erosive/ulcerative, and bullous. Furthermore, the chance of causing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is 1.4%. Although the etiology of OLP is still unknown, accumulating evidence supports that immune dysregulation may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of OLP, especially the massive production of various inflammatory cells and inflammatory mediators. In this review, we focus on the relationship between OLP and its immune microenvironment. We summarize current developments in the immunology of OLP, summarizing functional cell types and crucial cytokines in the OLP immune microenvironment and the underlying mechanisms of key signaling pathways in the OLP immune microenvironment. We highlight the application potential of targeted immune microenvironment therapy for OLP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lu Jiang
- *Correspondence: Jing Li, ; Lu Jiang,
| | - Jing Li
- *Correspondence: Jing Li, ; Lu Jiang,
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Edmans JG, Ollington B, Colley HE, Santocildes-Romero ME, Siim Madsen L, Hatton PV, Spain SG, Murdoch C. Electrospun patch delivery of anti-TNFα F(ab) for the treatment of inflammatory oral mucosal disease. J Control Release 2022; 350:146-157. [PMID: 35973471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic ulcerative oral mucosal inflammatory diseases, including oral lichen planus and recurrent aphthous stomatitis, are painful and highly prevalent, yet lack effective clinical management. In recent years, systemic biologic therapies, including monoclonal antibodies that block the activity of cytokines, have been increasingly used to treat a range of immune-mediated inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The ability to deliver similar therapeutic agents locally to the oral epithelium could radically alter treatment options for oral mucosal inflammatory diseases, where pro-inflammatory cytokines, in particular tumour-necrosis factor-α (TNFα), are major drivers of pathogenesis. To address this, an electrospun dual-layer mucoadhesive patch comprising medical-grade polymers was investigated for the delivery of F(ab) biologics to the oral mucosa. A fluorescent-labelled F(ab) was incorporated into mucoadhesive membranes using electrospinning with 97% v/v ethanol as a solvent. The F(ab) was detected within the fibres in aggregates when visualised by confocal microscopy. Biotinylated F(ab) was rapidly eluted from the patch (97 ± 5% released within 3 h) without loss of antigen-binding activity. Patches applied to oral epithelium models successfully delivered the F(ab), with fluorescent F(ab) observed within the tissue and 5.1 ± 1.5% cumulative transepithelial permeation reached after 9 h. Neutralising anti-TNFα F(ab) fragments were generated from whole IgG by papain cleavage, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE, then incorporated into patches. F(ab)-containing patches had TNFα neutralising activity, as shown by the suppression of TNFα-mediated CXCL8 release from oral keratinocytes cultured as monolayers. Patches were applied to lipopolysaccharide-stimulated immune-competent oral mucosal ulcer equivalents that contained primary macrophages. Anti-TNFα patch treatment led to reduced levels of active TNFα along with a reduction in the levels of disease-implicated T-cell chemokines (CCL3, CCL5, and CXCL10) to baseline concentrations. This is the first report of an effective device for the delivery of antibody-based biologics to the oral mucosa, enabling the future development of new therapeutic strategies to treat painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake G Edmans
- School of Clinical Dentistry, 19 Claremont Crescent, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK; Department of Chemistry, Brook Hill, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HF, UK
| | - Bethany Ollington
- School of Clinical Dentistry, 19 Claremont Crescent, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK
| | - Helen E Colley
- School of Clinical Dentistry, 19 Claremont Crescent, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK.
| | | | - Lars Siim Madsen
- AFYX Therapeutics, Lergravsej 57, 2. tv, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul V Hatton
- School of Clinical Dentistry, 19 Claremont Crescent, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK
| | - Sebastian G Spain
- Department of Chemistry, Brook Hill, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HF, UK
| | - Craig Murdoch
- School of Clinical Dentistry, 19 Claremont Crescent, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK
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Sun K, Pan L, Chen J, Deng Y, Chen J, Tian Z, Tang GY, Wang Y. Protein disulfide isomerase family A member 3 expression is upregulated in tissue-derived extracellular vesicles in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions. Arch Oral Biol 2022; 137:105390. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2022.105390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Identification of Potential Key Biomarkers and Immune Infiltration in Oral Lichen Planus. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:7386895. [PMID: 35256894 PMCID: PMC8898126 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7386895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune oral mucosal disease that seriously affects the life quality of the patients. But till now, the exact etiology and pathogenesis of OLP remain unclear. Our study is aimed at finding the key molecules and pathways involved in the pathogenesis mechanisms of OLP, providing more effective therapeutic strategies for OLP. Methods Data from GSE52130 were downloaded from GEO datasets for analysis. Then, we carried out enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses. Next, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to assess immune cell infiltration in OLP patients. Furthermore, we also constructed a protein-protein interaction network using STRING and Cytoscape and simultaneously sought potential transcription factors plug-in including MCODE CytoHubba and iRegulon. In addition, ROC analysis was employed to assess the diagnostic performance of these hub genes. Lastly, we identified 6 promising novel drugs to treat OLP through Connectivity Map. Results We illustrated that 255 DEGs were mainly enriched in the focal adhesion pathway and metabolism pathways. Besides, Cibersort analysis showed that M1 macrophages, T follicular helper cells, and T regulatory cells are more infiltrated in OLP samples. In addition, ROC analysis demonstrated that these hub genes owned higher diagnostic value in OLP, in which SPRR1B had the highest diagnostic value. And we also predicted that SOX7 was the most relevant transcription factor of those hub genes. Lastly, through the CMap database, we identified 6 small molecules as possible treatment drugs of OLP. Conclusion Our research identified that SPRR1B could be used as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of OLP. In addition, as a chronic autoimmune oral mucosal disease, OLP has different infiltration types of immune cells. Furthermore, 6 small molecules were proposed as promising novel treatment drugs for OLP patients. Therefore, our research may provide new impetus for the development of effective OLP biological treatment options.
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El-Howati A, Thornhill MH, Colley HE, Murdoch C. Immune mechanisms in oral lichen planus. Oral Dis 2022; 29:1400-1415. [PMID: 35092132 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa that has been extensively researched over many years but as yet the mechanisms of pathogenesis are still not fully understood. Whilst the specific etiologic factors driving OLP remain ambiguous, evidence points to the development of a chronic, dysregulated immune response to OLP-mediating antigens presented by innate immune cells and oral keratinocytes leading to increased cytokine, chemokine and adhesion molecule expression. These molecules recruit T-cells and mast cells to the diseased site and orchestrate a complex interplay between cells that culminates in keratinocyte cell death, mucosal basement membrane destruction and long-term chronicity of the disease. The main lymphocytes involved are thought to be CD8+ cytotoxic and CD4+ Th1 polarised T-cells although recent evidence indicates the involvement of other Th subsets such as Th9, Th17 and Tregs, suggesting that a more complex immune cell relationship exists during the disease process. This review provides an overview of the immune mechanisms at play in OLP pathogenesis with particular emphasis on the role of the different Th subsets and how these recent discoveries may guide research toward identifying potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma El-Howati
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Martin H Thornhill
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Helen E Colley
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Murdoch
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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