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Xie Y, Huang Y, Li ZY, Jiang W, Shi NX, Lu Y, Cao G, Yin Z, Lin XJ. Interleukin-21 receptor signaling promotes metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis-driven hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing immunosuppressive IgA + B cells. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:95. [PMID: 38720319 PMCID: PMC11077880 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of immune surveillance is tightly linked to the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to determine the role of interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R) in MASH-driven HCC. METHODS The clinical significance of IL-21R was assessed in human HCC specimens using immunohistochemistry staining. Furthermore, the expression of IL-21R in mice was assessed in the STAM model. Thereafter, two different MASH-driven HCC mouse models were applied between IL-21R-deficient mice and wild type controls to explore the role of IL-21R in MASH-driven HCC. To further elucidate the potential mechanisms by which IL-21R affected MASH-driven HCC, whole transcriptome sequencing, flow cytometry and adoptive lymphocyte transfer were performed. Finally, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescent staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and western blotting were conducted to explore the mechanism by which IL-21R induced IgA+ B cells. RESULTS HCC patients with high IL-21R expression exhibited poor relapse-free survival, advanced TNM stage and severe steatosis. Additionally, IL-21R was demonstrated to be upregulated in mouse liver tumors. Particularly, ablation of IL-21R impeded MASH-driven hepatocarcinogenesis with dramatically reduction of lipid accumulation. Moreover, cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte activation was enhanced in the absence of IL-21R due to the reduction of immunosuppressive IgA+ B cells. Mechanistically, the IL-21R-STAT1-c-Jun/c-Fos regulatory axis was activated in MASH-driven HCC and thus promoted the transcription of Igha, resulting in the induction of IgA+ B cells. CONCLUSIONS IL-21R plays a cancer-promoting role by inducing IgA+ B cells in MASH-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. Targeting IL-21R signaling represents a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- B-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/etiology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fatty Liver/metabolism
- Fatty Liver/pathology
- Fatty Liver/etiology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Immunoglobulin A/metabolism
- Interleukin-21 Receptor alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Interleukin-21 Receptor alpha Subunit/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/etiology
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-21/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin-21/genetics
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xie
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yu Huang
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Li
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Weihua Jiang
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Nan-Xi Shi
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yuanzhi Lu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Guangchao Cao
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
| | - Xue-Jia Lin
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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Akinsipe T, Mohamedelhassan R, Akinpelu A, Pondugula SR, Mistriotis P, Avila LA, Suryawanshi A. Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302587. [PMID: 38533507 PMCID: PMC10963559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L. Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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3
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Li X, Wu M, Lu J, Yu J, Chen D. Interleukin-21 as an adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy: Current advances and future directions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189084. [PMID: 38354828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, it's well-recognized that a considerable proportion of patients fail to benefit from immunotherapy, and to improve immunotherapy response is clinically urgent. Insufficient immune infiltration and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME) are main contributors to immunotherapy resistance. Thus sustaining functional self-renewal capacity for immune cells and subverting immune-suppressive signals are potential strategies for boosting the efficacy of immunotherapy. Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a crucial cytokine, which could enhance cytotoxic function of immune cells and reduces immunosuppressive cells enrichment in TME, shows promising orientations as an immunoadjuvant in tumor immunotherapy. This review focuses on IL-21 in cancer treatment, including function and mechanisms of IL-21, preclinical and clinical studies, and future directions for IL-21-assisted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Dawei Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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4
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Tang L, Li Q, Chen L, Li X, Gu S, He W, Pan Q, Wang L, Sun J, Yi X, Li Y. IL-21 collaborates with anti-TIGIT to restore NK cell function in chronic HBV infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29142. [PMID: 37815034 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Available therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are not satisfying, and interleukin-21 (IL-21) and checkpoint inhibitors are potential therapeutic options. However, the mechanism underlying IL-21 and checkpoint inhibitors in treating chronic HBV infection is unclear. To explore whether IL-21 and checkpoint inhibitors promote HBV clearance by modulating the function of natural killer (NK) cells, we measured the phenotypes and functions of NK cells in chronic HBV-infected patients and healthy controls on mRNA and protein levels. We found that chronic HBV infection disturbed the transcriptome of NK cells, including decreased expression of KLRK1, TIGIT, GZMA, PRF1, and increased expression of CD69. We also observed altered phenotypes and functions of NK cells in chronic HBV-infected patients, characterized by decreased NKG2D expression, increased TIGIT expression and impaired interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. Furthermore, these alterations cannot be restored by telbivudine treatment but can be partially restored by IL-21 and anti-TIGIT stimulation. IL-21 upregulated the expression of activating receptor CD16, CD69, and NKG2D on NK cells, enhanced IFN-γ production, cytolysis, and proliferation of NK cells, while anti-TIGIT promoted IFN-γ production in CD56dim subset exclusively in chronic HBV infected patients. Additionally, IL-21 was indispensable for anti-TIGIT in HBsAg clearance in mice bearing HBV. It enhanced IFN-γ production in splenic NK cells rather than intrahepatic NK cells, indicating a brand-new mechanism of IL-21 in HBV clearance when combined with anti-TIGIT. Overall, our findings contribute to the design of immunotherapy through enhancing the antiviral efficacy of NK cells in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanrun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Infectious Diseases Laboratory (Preparatory) of Yunnan Provincial Department of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Yunnan Provincial Clinical Medical Center (Branch) for Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Dali University, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuqin Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiying He
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianru Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Yi
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Shen W, Wang X, Xiang H, Shichi S, Nakamoto H, Kimura S, Sugiyama K, Taketomi A, Kitamura H. IFN-γ-STAT1-mediated NK2R expression is involved in the induction of antitumor effector CD8 + T cells in vivo. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:1816-1829. [PMID: 36715504 PMCID: PMC10154869 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15738] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The induction of antitumor effector T cells in the tumor microenvironment is a crucial event for cancer immunotherapy. Neurokinin receptor 2 (NK2R), a G protein-coupled receptor for neurokinin A (NKA), regulates diverse physiological functions. However, the precise role of NKA-NK2R signaling in antitumor immunity is unclear. Here, we found that an IFN-γ-STAT1 cascade augmented NK2R expression in CD8+ T cells, and NK2R-mediated NKA signaling was involved in inducing antitumor effector T cells in vivo. The administration of a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), into a liver cancer mouse model induced type I and type II IFNs and significantly suppressed the tumorigenesis of Hepa1-6 liver cancer cells in a STAT1-dependent manner. The reduction in tumor growth was diminished by the depletion of CD8+ T cells. IFN-γ stimulation significantly induced NK2R and tachykinin precursor 1 (encodes NKA) gene expression in CD8+ T cells. NKA stimulation combined with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment significantly augmented IFN-γ and granzyme B production by CD8+ T cells compared with the anti-CD3 mAb alone in vitro. ERK1/2 phosphorylation and IκBα degradation in activated CD8+ T cells were suppressed under NK2R deficiency. Finally, we confirmed that tumor growth was significantly increased in NK2R-deficient mice compared with that in wild-type mice, and the antitumor effects of poly I:C were abolished by NK2R absence. These findings suggest that IFN-γ-STAT1-mediated NK2R expression is involved in the induction of antitumor effector T cells in the tumor microenvironment, which contributes to the suppression of cancer cell tumorigenesis in vivo. In this study, we revealed that IFN-γ-STAT1-mediated NK2R expression is involved in the induction of antitumor effector CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment, which contributes to suppressing the tumorigenesis of liver cancer cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Shen
- Division of Functional Immunology, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Division of Functional Immunology, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Huihui Xiang
- Division of Functional Immunology, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Shichi
- Division of Functional Immunology, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nakamoto
- Division of Functional Immunology, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Saori Kimura
- Division of Functional Immunology, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ko Sugiyama
- Division of Functional Immunology, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akinobu Taketomi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidemitsu Kitamura
- Division of Functional Immunology, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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6
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Wang L, Liu X. An oxidative stress-related signature for predicting the prognosis of liver cancer. Front Genet 2023; 13:975211. [PMID: 36685933 PMCID: PMC9845401 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.975211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to screen for oxidative stress-related genes (OSRGs) and build an oxidative stress-related signature to predict the prognosis of liver cancer. Methods: OSRGs with a protein domain correlation score ≥ 6 were downloaded from the GeneCards database and intersected with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data for subsequent analyses. Differential immune cells (DICs) and immune and stromal scores between the normal and tumor samples were determined, followed by unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis. Immune-related OSRGs were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. An OSRG-related risk signature was then built, and the GSE14520 dataset was used for validation. A nomogram evaluation model was used to predict prognosis. Results: Nine DICs were determined between the normal and tumor groups, and three subtypes were obtained: clusters 1, 2, and 3. Cluster 1 had the best prognosis among the clusters. One hundred thirty-eight immune-related OSRGs were identified, and seven prognosis-related OSRGs were used to build the OSRG score prognostic model. Patients in the high OSRG score group had a poorer prognosis than those in the low OSRG score group. Six immune cell infiltration and enrichment scores of the 16 immune gene sets showed significant differences between the high and low OSRG score groups. Moreover, a nomogram was constructed based on the prognostic signature and clinicopathological features and had a robust predictive performance and high accuracy. Conclusion: The OSRG-related risk signature and the prognostic nomogram accurately predicted patient survival.
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STAT1 is associated with NK cell dysfunction by downregulating NKG2D transcription in chronic HBV-infected patients. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152272. [PMID: 36122437 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152272] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Natural killer (NK) cells are key players in the immune system, however, the exact mechanism of NK cell dysfunction during HBV infection remains poorly defined. METHODS Hepatitis B envelope antigen-negative (HBeAg-, n = 19) chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) patients, HBeAg-positive (HBeAg+, n = 20) CHB patients, HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC, n = 12) patients and healthy blood donors (HD, n = 20), were enrolled in our study. The phenotype and function of the corresponding NK cells of these subjects were then determined. NK cells were cocultured with HBV to assess whether HBV influences the activation of STAT1. Receptors, proliferation, apoptosis rate, and cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells were detected after STAT1 overexpression and knockdown. The relationship between STAT1 and NKG2D promoter was determined by luciferase assay. RESULTS The levels of NKG2D and STAT1 were the lowest in the HBV-HCC group compared with the HD group, followed by the HBeAg+ group and then the HBeAg- group, respectively. Interestingly, STAT1 levels were positively correlated with NKG2D expression and HBeAg status. Furthermore, STAT1 directly bound to the NKG2D promoter to regulate the transcription and expression of NKG2D. Finally, the results also suggested that knockdown of STAT1 can inhibit proliferation, increase apoptosis rate of NK-92 cells and impair cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells. CONCLUSION STAT1 is correlated with NK cell dysfunction by downregulating NKG2D transcription in HBV-infected patients. Our findings demonstrate that STAT1 is an important and positive regulator of NK cells, which could provide a potential immunotherapy target for CHB.
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Zhang W, Zhao Z, Li F. Natural killer cell dysfunction in cancer and new strategies to utilize NK cell potential for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Immunol 2022; 144:58-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Li X, Wang F, Xu X, Zhang J, Xu G. The Dual Role of STAT1 in Ovarian Cancer: Insight Into Molecular Mechanisms and Application Potentials. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:636595. [PMID: 33834023 PMCID: PMC8021797 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.636595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a transducer protein and acts as a transcription factor but its role in ovarian cancer (OC) is not completely understood. Practically, there are two-faced effects of STAT1 on tumorigenesis in different kinds of cancers. Existing evidence reveals that STAT1 has both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting functions involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, drug resistance, stemness, and immune responses mainly through interacting and regulating target genes at multiple levels. The canonical STAT1 signaling pathway shows that STAT1 is phosphorylated and activated by the receptor-activated kinases such as Janus kinase in response to interferon stimulation. The STAT1 signaling can also be crosstalk with other signaling such as transforming growth factor-β signaling involved in cancer cell behavior. OC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to symptomless or atypical symptoms and the lack of effective detection at an early stage. Furthermore, patients with OC often develop chemoresistance and recurrence. This review focuses on the multi-faced role of STAT1 and highlights the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of STAT1 in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanchen Wang
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolin Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinguo Zhang
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Liu H, Liu P, Sun D, Xing D, Wang X, Yang J, Wang S. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of interleukin-21 regulates the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:3006-3014. [PMID: 32782618 PMCID: PMC7400353 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11822] [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: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is an important cytokine that is currently being investigated for its potential use in tumor immunotherapy in the future. In tumor cells, IL-21 stimulates the immune response by increasing the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, B cells and CD8+ T cells, which in turn induces the apoptosis of tumor cells. The therapeutic effects of IL-21 have been investigated in several types of disease and numerous clinical trials are in progress. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of IL-21 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in vitro. IL-21 expression was detected in OSCC tissues via RT-qPCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses. The results demonstrated that IL-21 protein expression decreased in OSCC tissues. IL-21 was overexpressed using adenovirus in CAL-27 cells. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay demonstrated that overexpression of IL-21 inhibited cell proliferation. Furthermore, overexpression of IL-21 inhibited cell migration, detected by the wound healing assay, and promoted cell apoptosis, detected by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry analysis. The results demonstrated that overexpression of IL-21 inhibited activation of the JNK signaling pathway. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that IL-21 may function as a potent antitumor agent in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Di Sun
- Department of Pathology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Dayuan Xing
- Department of Stomatology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Jinge Yang
- Department of Emergency, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Shengzhi Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
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Yang H, Xuefeng Y, Jianhua X. Systematic review of the roles of interleukins in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 506:33-43. [PMID: 32142718 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high morbidity and mortality that is often accompanied by immune system disorders and local lymphocyte infiltration. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, cancer cells, stromal cells, and the numerous cytokines they produce, such as chemokines, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, and interleukins, collectively constitute the tumor microenvironment. As a main type of immune effector, interleukin plays opposing roles in regulating tumor cell progression, adhesion, and migration according to its different subtypes. Many reports have concentrated on the roles that interleukins play in HCC, but understanding them systematically remains challenging. This study reviewed the current data to comprehensively summarize the relationships between HCC progression and human interleukin gene families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Yang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421002, China
| | - Yang Xuefeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421002, China
| | - Xiao Jianhua
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.
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