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Wang S, Wang J, Xia Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Liu M, Gao Q, Zhang C. Harnessing the potential of HLA-G in cancer therapy: advances, challenges, and prospects. J Transl Med 2024; 22:130. [PMID: 38310272 PMCID: PMC10838004 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockades have been prized in circumventing and ablating the impediments posed by immunosuppressive receptors, reaching an exciting juncture to be an innovator in anticancer therapy beyond traditional therapeutics. Thus far, approved immune checkpoint blockades have principally targeted PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 with exciting success in a plethora of tumors and yet are still trapped in dilemmas of limited response rates and adverse effects. Hence, unveiling new immunotherapeutic targets has aroused immense scientific interest in the hope of expanding the clinical application of immune checkpoint blockades to scale new heights. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, is enriched on various malignant cells and is involved in the hindrance of immune effector cells and the facilitation of immunosuppressive cells. HLA-G stands out as a crucial next-generation immune checkpoint showing great promise for the benefit of cancer patients. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the expression pattern and immunological functions of HLA-G, as well as its interaction with well-characterized immune checkpoints. Since HLA-G can be shed from the cell surface or released by various cells as free soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) or as part of extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely HLA-G-bearing EVs (HLA-GEV), we discuss the potential of sHLA-G and HLA-GEV as predictive biomarkers. This review also addresses the advancement of HLA-G-based therapies in preclinical and clinical settings, with a focus on their clinical application in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yueqiang Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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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.
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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
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Martín-Villa JM, Vaquero-Yuste C, Molina-Alejandre M, Juarez I, Suárez-Trujillo F, López-Nares A, Palacio-Gruber J, Barrera-Gutiérrez L, Fernández-Cruz E, Rodríguez-Sainz C, Arnaiz-Villena A. HLA-G: Too Much or Too Little? Role in Cancer and Autoimmune Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:796054. [PMID: 35154112 PMCID: PMC8829012 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.796054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule with immunomodulatory properties. It was initially described at the maternal-fetal interface, and it was later found that this molecule was constitutively expressed on certain immuneprivileged tissues, such as cornea, endothelial and erythroid precursors, and thymus. The immunosuppressive effect of HLA-G is exerted through the interaction with its cognate receptors, expressed on immunocompetent cells, like ILT2, expressed on NK, B, T cells and APCs; ILT4, on APCs; KIR, found on the surface of NK cells; and finally, the co-receptor CD8. Because of these immunomodulatory functions, HLA-G has been involved in several processes, amongst which organ transplantation, viral infections, cancer progression, and autoimmunity. HLA-G neo-expression on tumors has been recently described in several types of malignancies. In fact, tumor progression is tightly linked to the presence of the molecule, as it exerts its tolerogenic function, inhibiting the cells of the immune system and favoring tumor escape. Several polymorphisms in the 3’UTR region condition changes in HLA-G expression (14bp and +3142C/G, among others), which have been associated with both the development and outcome of patients with different tumor types. Also, in recent years, several studies have shown that HLA-G plays an important role in the control of autoimmune diseases. The ability of HLA-G to limit the progression of these diseases has been confirmed and, in fact, levels of the molecule and several of its polymorphisms have been associated with increased susceptibility to the development of autoimmune diseases, as well as increased disease severity. Thus, modulating HLA-G expression in target tissues of oncology patients or patients with autoimmune diseases may be potential therapeutic approaches to treat these pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Martín-Villa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Vaquero-Yuste
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Molina-Alejandre
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Juarez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Suárez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-Nares
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Palacio-Gruber
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Barrera-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Sainz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Arnaiz-Villena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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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.
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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
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5
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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.
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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
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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.
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7
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Lin A, Yan WH. HLA-G/ILTs Targeted Solid Cancer Immunotherapy: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698677. [PMID: 34276691 PMCID: PMC8278316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising immunotherapy for cancers. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a neoantigen, its biological functions and clinical relevance have been extensively investigated in malignancies, and early clinical trials with “anti-HLA-G strategy” are being launched for advance solid cancer immunotherapy. The mechanism of HLA-G as a new ICI is that HLA-G can bind immune cell bearing inhibitory receptors, the immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-2 and ILT-4. HLA-G/ILT-2/-4 (HLA-G/ILTs) signaling can drive comprehensive immune suppression, promote tumor growth and disease progression. Though clinical benefits could be expected with application of HLA-G antibodies to blockade the HLA-G/ILTs signaling in solid cancer immunotherapy, major challenges with the diversity of HLA-G isoforms, HLA-G/ILTs binding specificity, intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity of HLA-G, lack of isoform-specific antibodies and validated assay protocols, which could dramatically affect the clinical efficacy. Clinical benefits of HLA-G-targeted solid cancer immunotherapy may be fluctuated or even premature unless major challenges are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource 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
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China.,Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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8
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Peng Y, Xiao J, Li W, Li S, Xie B, He J, Liu C. Prognostic and Clinicopathological Value of Human Leukocyte Antigen G in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:642902. [PMID: 34055611 PMCID: PMC8149900 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.642902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic value of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) expression in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remains controversial. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to summarize available evidence from case-control or cohort studies that evaluated this association. METHODS The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies written in English published up to April 1, 2021, and with no initial date. Furthermore, the Google Scholar and Google databases were also searched manually for gray literature. The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020213411). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for end points using fixed- and random-effects statistical models to account for heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot, Begg's and Egger's tests, and the "trim and fill" method. RESULTS A total of 30 eligible articles with 5737 unique patients, including 12 studies on colorectal cancer (CRC), 6 on gastric cancer (GC), 5 on esophageal cancer (ESCC), 5 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and 2 on pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC), were retrieved. Both univariate (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.48 ~ 2.72) and multivariate (HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 2.03 ~ 3.55) analyses revealed that HLA-G expression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (OS), regardless of the cancer type or antibody used. Subgroup analysis stratified by antibody showed that the 4H84 (I2 = 45.8%, P = 0.101) antibodies could be trustworthy and reliable for detecting HLA-G expression in GI cancers. In addition, HLA-G expression was found to be correlated with adverse clinicopathological parameters such as clinical stage, nodal status, metastasis, and histological grade but not tumor status. CONCLUSION Elevated HLA-G expression indicates a poor prognosis for GI cancer patients, and screening for this marker could allow for the early diagnosis and treatment of GI cancers to improve survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjia Peng
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyun Li
- Department of Statistics, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuna Li
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binbin Xie
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Arnaiz-Villena A, Juarez I, Suarez-Trujillo F, López-Nares A, Vaquero C, Palacio-Gruber J, Martin-Villa JM. HLA-G: Function, polymorphisms and pathology. Int J Immunogenet 2020; 48:172-192. [PMID: 33001562 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HLA-G immune modulatory genes and molecules are presently being studied by a widespread number of research groups. In the present study, we do not aim to be exhaustive since the number of manuscripts published every year is overwhelming. Instead, our aim is pointing out facts about HLA-G function, polymorphism and pathology that have been confirmed by several different researchers, together with exposing aspects that may have been overlooked or not sufficiently remarked in this productive field of study. On the other hand, we question whether performing mainly studies on HLA-G and disease associations is going to give a clear answer in the future, since 40 years of study of classical HLA molecules association with disease has still given no definite answer on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Arnaiz-Villena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Juarez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Suarez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-Nares
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Vaquero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Palacio-Gruber
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M Martin-Villa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Baba Y, Nomoto D, Okadome K, Ishimoto T, Iwatsuki M, Miyamoto Y, Yoshida N, Baba H. Tumor immune microenvironment and immune checkpoint inhibitors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:3132-3141. [PMID: 32579769 PMCID: PMC7469863 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the main prevalent histological type of esophageal cancer, predominantly constituting 90% of cases worldwide. Despite the development of multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches, its prognosis remains unfavorable. Recently, the development of monoclonal antibodies inhibiting programmed death 1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has led to marked therapeutic responses among multiple malignancies including ESCC. However, only a few patients achieved clinical benefits due to resistance. Therefore, precise and accurate predictive biomarkers should be identified for personalized immunotherapy in clinical settings. Because the tumor immune microenvironment can potentially influence the patient's response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor immunity, such as PD-L1 expression on tumors, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, in ESCC should be further investigated. In this review, accumulated evidence regarding the tumor immune microenvironment and immune checkpoint inhibitors in ESCC are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Department of Next‐Generation Surgical Therapy DevelopmentGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Daichi Nomoto
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Kazuo Okadome
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Masaaki Iwatsuki
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yuji Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Naoya Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
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11
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Loustau M, Anna F, Dréan R, Lecomte M, Langlade-Demoyen P, Caumartin J. HLA-G Neo-Expression on Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1685. [PMID: 32922387 PMCID: PMC7456902 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is known to modulate the immune system activity in tissues where physiological immune-tolerance is necessary (i.e., maternal-fetal interface, thymus, and cornea). However, the frequent neo-expression of HLA-G in many cancer types has been previously and extensively described and is correlated with a bad prognosis. Despite being an MHC class I molecule, HLA-G is highly present in tumor context and shows unique characteristics of tissue restriction of a Tumor Associated Antigen (TAA), and potent immunosuppressive activity of an Immune CheckPoint (ICP). Consequently, HLA-G appears to be an excellent molecular target for immunotherapy. Although the relevance of HLA-G in cancer incidence and development has been proven in numerous tumors, its neo-expression pattern is still difficult to determine. Indeed, the estimation of HLA-G's actual expression in tumor tissue is limited, particularly concerning the presence and percentage of the new non-canonical isoforms, for which detection antibodies are scarce or inexistent. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about HLA-G neo-expression and implication in various tumor types, pointing out the need for the development of new tools to analyze in-depth the HLA-G neo-expression patterns, opening the way for the generation of new monoclonal antibodies and cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - François Anna
- Invectys, Paris, France
- Molecular Virology and Vaccinology Unit, Virology Department, Institut Pasteur & CNRS URA 3015, Paris, France
| | - Raphaelle Dréan
- Invectys, Paris, France
- Molecular Retrovirology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 3569, Paris, France
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12
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Ben Yahia H, Boujelbene N, Babay W, Ben Safta I, Dhouioui S, Zemni I, Ali Ayadi M, Charfi L, Ouzari HI, Rebmann V, Rizzo R, Mrad K, Driss M, Zidi I. Expression analysis of immune-regulatory molecules HLA-G, HLA-E and IDO in endometrial cancer. Hum Immunol 2020; 81:305-313. [PMID: 32273131 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
HLA-G has been widely implicated in advanced cancers through different pathways of immunosuppression allowing tumor escape. Contrarily, HLA-E has a controversial role in the tumor escape from the immune system. IDO catabolic enzyme is known to be up-regulated in many tumors types allowing their immune escape. Based on these considerations, we investigated the expression of HLA-G, HLA-E and IDO molecules in endometrial cancer (EC) and their association with prognostic clinicopathologic parameters. Their expression were checked in tumoral and adjacent endometrial tissues. Both HLA-G and IDO immunostaining were significantly increased in EC tissues compared to normal residual endometrial glands (Mann Whitney U-test, p = 0.0001 and p = 0,020 respectively). However, HLA-E was highly expressed in tumoral tissues as well as in normal residual endometrial glands (respectively, 100% and 81.8%). Increased HLA-G expression levels were observed in high histological grade (grade 3), and in the non-endometrioid type 2 EC. Unexpectedly, patients with IDO Low expression had significantly impaired overall survival compared to patients with IDO High (log-rank p = 0.021). Conversely, HLA-E low expression was associated to an improved overall survival EC (log-rank p = 0.004). We concluded that, HLA-G and IDO are highly expressed in EC compared to adjacent normal endometrial tissues, that might be interesting for the EC outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Ben Yahia
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Boujelbene
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Anatomopathology, Salah Azaiz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Babay
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Inès Ben Safta
- Surgical Oncology Department, Salah Azaiz Institute of Cancer, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sabrine Dhouioui
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Inès Zemni
- Surgical Oncology Department, Salah Azaiz Institute of Cancer, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Ali Ayadi
- Surgical Oncology Department, Salah Azaiz Institute of Cancer, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lamia Charfi
- Department of Anatomopathology, Salah Azaiz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hadda Imene Ouzari
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Section Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Karima Mrad
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Anatomopathology, Salah Azaiz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Maha Driss
- Department of Anatomopathology, Salah Azaiz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Inès Zidi
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
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13
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El-Kenawi A, Hänggi K, Ruffell B. The Immune Microenvironment and Cancer Metastasis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:a037424. [PMID: 31501262 PMCID: PMC7117953 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between neoplastic cells and the immune microenvironment regulates every step of the metastatic process. Immune cells contribute to invasion by secreting a cornucopia of inflammatory factors that promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and remodeling of the stroma. Cancer cells then intravasate to the circulatory system assisted by macrophages and use several pathways to avoid recognition by cytotoxtic lymphocytes and phagocytes. Circulating tumor cells that manage to adhere to the vasculature and encounter premetastic niches are able to use the associated myeloid cells to extravasate into ectopic organs and establish a dormant microscopic colony. If successful at avoiding repetitive immune attack, dormant cells can subsequently grow into overt, clinically detectable metastatic lesions, which ultimately account to most cancer-related deaths. Understanding how disseminated tumor cells evade and corrupt the immune system during the final stages of metastasis will be pivotal in developing new therapeutic modalities that combat metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa El-Kenawi
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Kay Hänggi
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Brian Ruffell
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
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14
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Agnihotri V, Gupta A, Kumar L, Dey S. Serum sHLA-G: Significant diagnostic biomarker with respect to therapy and immunosuppressive mediators in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3806. [PMID: 32123232 PMCID: PMC7052243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60811-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma is one of the highest mortality factors in the world due to the lack of potential biomarker for early detection of disease. There is an urgent need for molecular marker involved in disease progression which remains suppressed normally, required for specificity. HLA-G is highly expressed in cancers and creates immune-suppressive microenvironment. Cancerous cells secrete inflammatory cytokines like IL-10,IFN-γ which increase expression of immunosuppressive molecules, such as HLA-G. We evaluated sHLA-G protein level in serum of 120 HNSCC patients at diagnosis and after therapy and compared with 99 individuals by SPR, ELISA and determined its mRNA level by qRT-PCR. sHLA-G was correlated with serum IL-10 and IFN-γ of the patients. Significant elevated levels of sHLA-G were observed in patients (8.25 ± 1.74 ng/µl) than control (6.45 ± 1.31 ng/µl). Levels were declined in (8.09 ± 1.79 ng/µl to 6.64 ± 1.33 ng/µl) patients in response to therapy. sHLA-G levels with tumor burden (8.16 ± 1.91 to 6.63 ± 1.32 ng/µl), node (8.62 ± 1.45 to 6.66 ± 1.26 ng/µl), PDSCC (8.14 ± 0.62 to 5.65 ± 0.27 ng/µl) and oropharynx (7.90 ± 1.24 to 6.10 ± 1.33 ng/µl) showed a positive and significant response to therapy. Findings indicate that sHLA-G can be a potential diagnostic serum protein marker for HNSCC due to its suppressive function and over expression in diseased condition with the influence of cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vertica Agnihotri
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek Gupta
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Lalit Kumar
- Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Sharmistha Dey
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
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15
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Toni Ho GG, Heinen F, Stieglitz F, Blasczyk R, Bade-Döding C. Dynamic Interaction between Immune Escape Mechanism and HLA-Ib Regulation. Immunogenetics 2019. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.80731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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16
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Sarmah N, Baruah MN, Baruah S. Immune Modulation in HLA-G Expressing Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Relation to Human Papilloma Virus Positivity: A Study From Northeast India. Front Oncol 2019; 9:58. [PMID: 30859089 PMCID: PMC6397850 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumor specific ectopic expression of the immunomodulatory molecule, HLA-G is known to mediate immune tolerance and promote carcinogenesis. Viruses too employ strategies to evade immune surveillance. Considering the role of both HLA-G and HPV in tumor growth and progression, it is pertinent to investigate the relationship between HLA-G and HPV in context of immune modulation in HNSCC. Method: A hospital based case–control study was conducted in histopathologically confirmed HNSCC tissues. HLA-G isoform expression and HPV association studies were carried out and mRNA levels of HLA-G, markers of proliferation and differentiation (ki-67, keratin 18, cyclin D1), immune checkpoint molecules (IL-10, PD-1. TGF-β), SOCS (SOCS1 and SOCS3) and pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ were determined. Results: Higher expression of HLA-G was noted in HPV positive tumors (5.14 fold, p = 0.002). HLA-G7 was the most frequent isoform (29/80) found in HNSCC particularly in HPV positive tumors (13/16). In HPV negative tumors, all the checkpoint molecules were upregulated along with pro–inflammatory IFN-γ. In contrast, in HPV positive tumors, IFN-γ expression was higher (2.12 fold) but levels of IL-10, PD-1, TGF-β, SOCS1 and SOCS3 were markedly lower (fold change of IL-10 = 0.37, PD1 = 0.41, TGF-β = 0.17, SOCS1 = 0.055, SOCS3 = 0.027). HPV positive tumors were more proliferative and differentiated with higher expression of ki-67 and keratin18 (6.25 fold, p = 0.079 and 10.62 fold, p = 0.009). Decreased expression of cyclin D1 was noted in HPV positive tumors (6.94 fold, p = 0.006) than HPV negative tumors (17.69 fold). Also, HLA-G7 expressing HPV positive tumors showed lowest expression of cyclin D1. Interestingly, SOCS showed normal expression in HLA-G7 expressing HPV negative tumors (1.2 and 1.4 fold). IFN-γ was downregulated in HPV positive tumors without HLA-G7 (0.31 fold). Conclusion: Our data suggests that SOCS were downregulated irrespective of HLA-G positivity and IFN- γ expression appeared to be mediated by HLA-G. SOCS are reported to have anti-tumor activity and also SOCS and soluble HLA-G are known to interfere with cell cycle progression. Hence, through regulating HLA-G expression, HPV positive tumors could mediate immune suppression by manipulating SOCS, IFN-γ, IL-10 and cyclin D1 pathways which needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelanjana Sarmah
- Immunology and Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | | | - Shashi Baruah
- Immunology and Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
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17
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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.
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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
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18
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Shi G, Shen X, Wang P, Dai P, Jin B, Tong Y, Lin H. Correlation between human leukocyte antigen-G expression and clinical parameters in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Indian J Cancer 2018; 55:340-343. [DOI: 10.4103/ijc.ijc_602_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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19
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Liu X, Wang Z, Zhang G, Zhu Q, Zeng H, Wang T, Gao F, Qi Z, Zhang J, Wang R. Overexpression of asparaginyl endopeptidase is significant for esophageal carcinoma metastasis and predicts poor patient prognosis. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:1229-1235. [PMID: 29399177 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer with poor prognosis. The molecular mechanisms of esophageal cancer progression remain unknown. In the present study, the aim was to investigate the clinical significance and biological function of protease asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) in esophageal cancer. The expression of AEP in esophageal cancer was examined, and its association with clinicopathological factors and patient prognosis was analyzed. A series of functional and mechanistic assays were performed to further investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, and functions in esophageal cancer. The expression of AEP was elevated in esophageal cancer tissues, and patients with high AEP expression displayed a significantly shorter survival time compared with those with low AEP expression. In addition, loss of function experiments demonstrated that knockdown of AEP significantly reduced the migration and invasion ability of esophageal cancer cells. Furthermore, the pro-oncogenic effects of AEP in esophageal cancer were mediated by the upregulation of matrix-metalloproteinase 2 and 3. Taken together, the data from the present study indicates that high AEP expression is associated with esophageal cancer progression and AEP is an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. AEP therefore, may be considered as a novel prognostic biomarker or potential therapeutic target in esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Liu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhichao Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Qikun Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Zhan Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- Department of Medical Affairs, Hebei Chest Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050041, P.R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
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20
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Zhang Y, Yu S, Han Y, Wang Y, Sun Y. Human leukocyte antigen-G expression and polymorphisms promote cancer development and guide cancer diagnosis/treatment. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:699-709. [PMID: 29399142 PMCID: PMC5772757 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical HLA molecule, predominantly expressed in cytotrophoblast cells to protect the fetus during pregnancy. Notably, a high frequency of HLA-G expression has been observed in a wide variety of cancer types in previous studies. Furthermore, HLA-G expression in cancer has been considered to be detrimental, since it can protect cancer cells from natural killer cell cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated destruction, promote tumor spreading and shorten the survival time of patients by facilitating tumor immune evasion. In addition, HLA-G polymorphisms have been investigated in numerous types of cancer and are considered as risk factors and predictive markers of cancer. This review focuses on HLA-G expression and its polymorphisms in cancer, analyzing the mechanisms of HLA-G in promoting cancer development, and evaluating the potential and value of its clinical application as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, or even as a prospective therapeutic target in certain types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Shuwen Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yali Han
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yuping Sun
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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21
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Costa Arantes DA, Gonçalves AS, Jham BC, Duarte ECB, de Paula ÉC, de Paula HM, Mendonça EF, Batista AC. Evaluation of HLA-G, HLA-E, and PD-L1 proteins in oral osteosarcomas. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2017; 123:e188-e196. [PMID: 28159587 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) G and E and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in oral osteosarcoma (OO) (n = 13). The relationship between the expression of these molecules and histologic grading and metastasis was also evaluated. STUDY DESIGN HLA-G, HLA-E, and PD-L1 were identified by immunohistochemistry. Samples of normal bone tissue (n = 6) were used as controls. The sections were evaluated using a semiquantitative scoring system with an immunoreactive score, where a score of 0 was considered absent, ≤2 was low, and >2 was high expression. RESULTS We identified high expression of HLA-G, HLA-E, and PD-L1 by malignant osteoblastic cells in 69.2% of OO cases, which was statistically higher than that in controls (P < .05). Overexpression of these proteins was identified in 8 of 11 samples of high-grade and 1 of 2 samples of low-grade OO. Additionally, 66.6% of patients with metastases (n = 4) and 71.4% of patients without metastases (n = 5) had high expression of HLA-G, HLA-E, and PD-L1 in tumor samples (P > .05). CONCLUSION OO had high expression of HLA-G, HLA-E, and PD-L1 irrespective of clinicopathologic parameters, including histologic grading and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andréia Souza Gonçalves
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Bruno Correia Jham
- College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA
| | | | - Élbio Candido de Paula
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Araújo Jorge Hospital, Association of Cancer Combat of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Henrique Moura de Paula
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Araújo Jorge Hospital, Association of Cancer Combat of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil; Department of Pathology and Medicine Laboratory, Medicine School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Elismauro Francisco Mendonça
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil; Head and Neck Division, Araújo Jorge Hospital, Association of Cancer Combat of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Aline Carvalho Batista
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
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22
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Liu X, Wang Z, Zhang G, Zhu Q, Zeng H, Wang T, Gao F, Qi Z, Zhang J, Wang R. High TRAF6 Expression Is Associated With Esophageal Carcinoma Recurrence and Prompts Cancer Cell Invasion. Oncol Res 2017; 25:485-493. [PMID: 27697099 PMCID: PMC7841001 DOI: 10.3727/096504016x14749340314441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it has a poor prognosis. The molecular mechanisms of esophageal cancer progression remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance and biological function of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in esophageal cancer. Expression of TRAF6 in esophageal cancer was examined, and its correlation with clinicopathological factors and patient prognosis was analyzed. A series of functional and mechanism assays were performed to further investigate the function and underlying mechanisms in esophageal cancer. Expression of TRAF6 was highly elevated in esophageal cancer tissues, and patients with high TRAF6 expression have a significantly shorter survival time than those with low TRAF6 expression. Furthermore, loss-of-function experiments showed that knockdown of TRAF6 significantly reduced the migration and invasion abilities of esophageal cancer cells. Moreover, the pro-oncogenic effects of TRAF6 in esophageal cancer were mediated by the upregulation of AEP and MMP2. Altogether, our data suggest that high expression of TRAF6 is significant for esophageal cancer progression, and TRAF6 indicates poor prognosis in esophageal cancer patients, which might be a novel prognostic biomarker or potential therapeutic target in esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Liu
- *Department of Internal Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhichao Wang
- †Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- ‡Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Qikun Zhu
- ‡Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zeng
- ‡Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- ‡Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Feng Gao
- ‡Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Zhan Qi
- ‡Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- §Department of Medical Affairs, Hebei Chest Hospital, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- ‡Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, P.R. China
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23
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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: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [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.
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d'Almeida TC, Sadissou I, Cottrell G, Tahar R, Moreau P, Favier B, Moutairou K, Donadi EA, Massougbodji A, Rouass-Freiss N, Courtin D, Garcia A. Evolution of the levels of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) in Beninese infant during the first year of life in a malaria endemic area: using latent class analysis. Malar J 2016; 15:78. [PMID: 26862036 PMCID: PMC4746914 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1131-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HLA-G, a non-classical HLA class I antigen, is of crucial interest during pregnancy by inhibiting maternal immune response. Its role during infections is discussed, and it has been described that high levels of soluble HLA-G during childhood increase the risk of malaria. To explore more precisely interactions between soluble HLA-G and malaria, latent class analysis was used to test whether distinct sub-populations of children, each with distinctive soluble HLA-G evolutions may suggest the existence of groups presenting variable malaria susceptibility. Method A study was conducted in Benin from 2010 to 2013 and 165 children were followed from birth to 12 months. Evolution of soluble HLA-G was studied by the latent class method. Results Three groups of children were identified: one with consistently low levels of soluble HLA-G during follow-up, a second with very high levels and a last intermediate group. In all groups, low birth weight, high number of malaria infections and high exposure to malaria transmission were associated with high level of soluble HLA-G. Placental malaria was not. Presence of soluble HLA-G in cord blood increased the probability of belonging to the highest trajectory. Conclusion These results, together with previous ones, confirm the important role of HLA-G in the individual susceptibility to malaria. Assaying soluble HLA-G at birth could be a good indicator of newborns more fragile and at risk of infections during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania C d'Almeida
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France. .,UMR216 MERIT "Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales", Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France.
| | - Ibrahim Sadissou
- UMR216 MERIT "Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales", Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France. .,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France. .,Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Benin. .,Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Gilles Cottrell
- UMR216 MERIT "Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales", Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France. .,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
| | - Rachida Tahar
- UMR216 MERIT "Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales", Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France. .,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
| | - Philippe Moreau
- UMR Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Université Paris Diderot - Paris 7, IMETI Service de Recherches en Hémato-Immunologie, Paris, France.
| | - Benoit Favier
- UMR Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Université Paris Diderot - Paris 7, IMETI Service de Recherches en Hémato-Immunologie, Paris, France.
| | | | - Eduardo A Donadi
- Division of Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Achille Massougbodji
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Benin. .,Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Nathalie Rouass-Freiss
- UMR Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Université Paris Diderot - Paris 7, IMETI Service de Recherches en Hémato-Immunologie, Paris, France.
| | - David Courtin
- UMR216 MERIT "Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales", Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France. .,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
| | - André Garcia
- UMR216 MERIT "Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales", Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France. .,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
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Lin A, Yan WH. Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) Expression in Cancers: Roles in Immune Evasion, Metastasis and Target for Therapy. Mol Med 2015; 21:782-791. [PMID: 26322846 PMCID: PMC4749493 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2015.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant induction of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) expression has been observed in various malignancies and is strongly associated with tumor immune escape, metastasis and poor prognosis. To date, great achievements have been made in understanding the underlying mechanisms of HLA-G involved in tumor progression. HLA-G could lead to tumor evasion by inhibition of immune cell cytolysis, differentiation and proliferation and inhibition of cytokine production, induction of immune cell apoptosis, generation of regulatory cells and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressive cells and by impairment of chemotaxis. Moreover, HLA-G could arm tumor cells with a higher invasive and metastatic potential with the upregulation of tumor-promoting factor expression such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), indicating that ectopic HLA-G expression could render multiple effects during the progression of malignancies. In this review, we summarized the mechanisms of HLA-G involved in promoting tumor cell immune escaping, metastasis and disease progression. Special attention will be paid to its significance as an attractive therapeutic target in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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Dias FC, Castelli EC, Collares CVA, Moreau P, Donadi EA. The Role of HLA-G Molecule and HLA-G Gene Polymorphisms in Tumors, Viral Hepatitis, and Parasitic Diseases. Front Immunol 2015; 6:9. [PMID: 25699038 PMCID: PMC4313582 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering that the non-classical HLA-G molecule has well-recognized tolerogenic properties, HLA-G expression is expected to be deleterious when present in tumor cells and in cells chronically infected by viruses, whereas HLA-G expression is expected to be advantageous in autoimmune disorders. The expression of HLA-G on tissue or peripheral blood cells, the levels of soluble HLA-G and polymorphic sites along the gene have been studied in several disorders. In this study, we revised the role of the molecule and polymorphic sites along the HLA-G gene in tumors, viral hepatitis, and parasitic disorders. Overall, several lines of evidence clearly show that the induction of HLA-G expression in tumors has been associated with worse disease outcome and disease spread. In addition, the few studies conducted on hepatitis and parasitic disorders indicate that HLA-G may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Few isolated polymorphic sites, primarily located at the coding or 3′ untranslated HLA-G region, have been evaluated in these disorders, and a complete HLA-G typing together with the study of gene regulatory elements may further help on the understanding of the influence of the genetic background on disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrício C Dias
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Erick C Castelli
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista , Botucatu , Brazil
| | - Cristhianna V A Collares
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Philippe Moreau
- Research Division in Hematology and Immunology, Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies, Saint-Louis Hospital, CEA , Paris , France
| | - Eduardo A Donadi
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
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