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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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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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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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Bertin H, Gomez-Brouchet A, Rédini F. Osteosarcoma of the jaws: An overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 156:103126. [PMID: 33113487 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common cancer of bone. Jaw osteosarcoma (JOS) is rare and it differs from long-bone OS (LBOS) in terms of the time of onset (two decades later), lower metastatic spread, and better survival. OS is characterized by the proliferation of osteoblastic precursor cells and the production of osteoid or immature bone. OS arises from a combination of genetic aberrations and a favourable microenvironment. This local microenvironment includes bone cells, blood vessels, stromal cells, and immune infiltrates, all of which may constitute potential targets for anti-cancer drugs. Differences in the clinical and biological behaviour of JOS versus LBOS are likely to at least in part be due to differences in the microenvironment between the two sites. The present review provides a brief overview of the known pathophysiological parameters involved in JOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélios Bertin
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Nantes University Hospital, 1 Place Alexis Ricordeau, 44093 Nantes Cedex 1, France; Bone Sarcoma and Remodeling of Calcified Tisues (PhyOs, UMR 1238), Nantes Medical School, 1 Rue Gaston Veil, 44035 Nantes Cedex, France.
| | - A Gomez-Brouchet
- Department of Pathology, IUCT Oncopole, Toulouse University Hospital, 1 Avenue Irène Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
| | - F Rédini
- Bone Sarcoma and Remodeling of Calcified Tisues (PhyOs, UMR 1238), Nantes Medical School, 1 Rue Gaston Veil, 44035 Nantes Cedex, France.
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Seliger B, Massa C, Yang B, Bethmann D, Kappler M, Eckert AW, Wickenhauser C. Immune Escape Mechanisms and Their Clinical Relevance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197032. [PMID: 32987799 PMCID: PMC7582858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been recently approved for the treatment of relapsed and metastatic human papilloma virus (HPV) positive and negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the response of patients is limited and the overall survival remains short with a low rate of long-term survivors. There exists growing evidence that complex and partially redundant immune escape mechanisms play an important role for the low efficacy of immunotherapies in this disease. These are caused by diverse complex processes characterized by (i) changes in the expression of immune modulatory molecules in tumor cells, (ii) alterations in the frequency, composition and clonal expansion of immune cell subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment and peripheral blood leading to reduced innate and adaptive immune responses, (iii) impaired homing of immune cells to the tumor site as well as (iv) the presence of immune suppressive soluble and physical factors in the tumor microenvironment. We here summarize the major immune escape strategies of HNSCC lesions, highlight pathways, and molecular targets that help to attenuate HNSCC-induced immune tolerance, affect the selection and success of immunotherapeutic approaches to overcome resistance to immunotherapy by targeting immune escape mechanisms and thus improve the HNSCC patients’ outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (C.M.); (B.Y.)
- Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (C.M.); (B.Y.)
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (C.M.); (B.Y.)
| | - Daniel Bethmann
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (D.B.); (C.W.)
| | - Matthias Kappler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.K.); (A.W.E.)
| | - Alexander Walter Eckert
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.K.); (A.W.E.)
- Klinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsklinik der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität; 90471 Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (D.B.); (C.W.)
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da Silva CR, Sampaio LHF, Costa MB, de Paula Carneiro Cysneiros MA, Sadissou IA, de Oliveira Rodrigues Castilho ML, de Moraes JB, Donadi EA, Wastoswki IJ. Analysis of HLA-G protein expression in leprosy. Immunogenetics 2020; 72:333-337. [PMID: 32556498 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-020-01168-4] [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: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) in leprosy. Biopsy and serum samples were collected from 18 patients presenting with leprosy and from healthy controls. Samples were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and ELISA techniques. HLA-G expression was observed in biopsy samples of all patients. The healthy control samples were consistently negative for HLA-G expression. Control plasma samples displayed significantly higher HLA-G expression than those from the patients (p < 0.01). These results are the first demonstration of the expression of HLA-G in leprosy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Isabela Jubé Wastoswki
- Universidade Estadual de Goiás (UEG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. .,Molecular Immunology Laboratory/UEG-UnU Laranjeiras, Av. Prof. Alfredo de Castro, S/N, Chácara do Governador, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74855-130, Brazil.
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Zhang Y, Jin X, Wang J. miR‑148a modulates the viability, migration and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells by regulating HLA‑G expression. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:795-801. [PMID: 31180532 PMCID: PMC6580030 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy of the oral and maxillofacial regions. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a group of endogenous small noncoding RNAs that inhibit gene expression by binding to the mRNA of target genes, and serve important roles in numerous biological processes. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect gene and protein expression levels, respectively. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected using MTT, wound healing and Matrigel assays, respectively. The association between miR-148a and human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) was analyzed using Targetscan and Luciferase reporter assays. In the present study, miR-148a was revealed to be significantly downregulated in OSCC cells. To further investigate the functions of miR-148a in OSCC, the viability, migration, and invasive abilities of SCC-9 cells were investigated following transfection with miR-148a mimics or miR-148a inhibitor. It was revealed that transfection with miR-148a mimics significantly reduced the viability, migration and invasion of cells, whereas miR-148a inhibitor significantly enhanced these properties. In addition, HLA-G was identified as a direct target of miR-148a and demonstrated to be downregulated in OSCC cells. Furthermore, it was revealed that transfection with miR-148a mimics decreased the expression levels of HLA-G mRNA and protein in SCC-9 cells, whereas transfection with miR-148a inhibitor increased the expression of HLA-G mRNA and protein. The results indicated that there was an association between miR-148a and HLA-G expression, and suggested that miR-148a may be a potential target in the treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The First People's Hospital of Jining, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Stomatology, The First People's Hospital of Jining, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First People's Hospital of Jining, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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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Gonzaga AKG, Santos HBDP, Crispim JCO, Souza LBD, Palomino GM. Immunohistochemical evaluation of HLA-G and FoxP3+ T regulatory cells in oral cavity and lower lip squamous cell carcinomas. Braz Oral Res 2019; 33:e020. [DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2019.vol33.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Lopes MLDDS, Gonzaga AKG, Mosconi C, Palomino GM, Mendonça EF, Batista AC, Silveira ÉJDD. Immune response and evasion mechanisms in lip carcinogenesis: An immunohistochemical study. Arch Oral Biol 2018; 98:99-107. [PMID: 30468994 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) are considered immune checkpoint molecules that inhibit T-cell effectiveness, contributing to tumor immune escape. This study investigated PD-L1, HLA-G, CD8, and granzyme B (GrB) expression at different stages of lip carcinogenesis. DESIGN AND RESULTS Forty cases of lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), 55 actinic cheilitis (AC), and 10 healthy lip mucosa (HLM) were submitted to immunohistochemistry. Semiquantitative (PD-L1, HLA-G), and quantitative (CD8, GrB) analysis were performed. PD-L1 and HLA-G expression in neoplastic cells/keratinocytes and stroma/connective tissue was significantly higher in LSCC and AC, compared to HLM (p<0.05). PD-L1 was not associated with clinicopathological features of the lesions. HLA-G expression by malignant cells was significantly higher in LSCCs with distant metastasis (p = 0.041).CD8+ and GrB+ cell numbers progressively increased from HLMs to LSCC, with AC exhibiting intermediate numbers (p<0.01). Most LSCCs showed coexistence of PD-L1+ and CD8+ cells (72.5%). PD-L1 was directly correlated to CD8+ and GrB+ lymphocytic infiltration in LSCCs (p<0.05). Low cytotoxic immune response was associated with lymph node metastasis in LSCC (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PD-L1 and HLA-G-mediated immune evasion mechanisms are likely to occur from early pre-malignant to advanced malignant stages of lip carcinogenesis, which might provide a rationale for therapeutic blockade of these pathways. PD-L1 expression in LSCCs was correlated with the cytotoxic markers, suggesting that PD-L1 may appear as an escape mechanism in response to an active antitumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Katarinny Goes Gonzaga
- Post-Graduate Program in Oral Pathology, Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Carla Mosconi
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Martelli Palomino
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty de Medicine, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elismauro Francisco Mendonça
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil; Araújo Jorge Hospital, Association of Cancer Combat of Goiás, Division of Head and Neck and Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Aline Carvalho Batista
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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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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Imani R, Seyedmajidi M, Ghasemi N, Moslemi D, Shafaee S, Bijani A. HLA-G Expression is Associated with an Unfavorable Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018; 19:2527-2533. [PMID: 30256047 PMCID: PMC6249475 DOI: 10.22034/apjcp.2018.19.9.2527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: HLA-G, a major histocompatibility complex of non-classical class Ib, plays a key role in the development of the primary tumors to metastatic stages. The aim of this study was to investigate HLA-G expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas and its relationship with clinicopathological factors. Methods: After immunohistochemical staining for HLA-G with 63 formalin fixed and paraffin embedded blocks (33 oral squamous cell carcinoma and 30 normal oral mucosa samples), staining intensity, percentage of stained cells and final immunoreactivity score were evaluated, along with other variables. Results: Staining intensity, percentage of stained cells and final immunoreactivity scores in oral squamous cell carcinomas were higher than those in normal oral mucosa (all P=0.001). The staining intensity in the parenchyma of squamous cell carcinoma cells was significantly associated with the clinical tumor stage (P=0.022) and the group with lymphatic metastasis exhibited a higher staining percentage (P=0.026). Staining intensity and immunoreactivity score (IRS) exhibited a significant but inverse correlation with survival rate (P=0.004 and P=0.018, respectively) and a significant direct relationship with clinical stage (P=0.001 and P=0.001). Conclusion: The results supported a role of HLA-G in development of oral squamous cell carcinomas and metastasis to lymph nodes. It might be useful in molecular-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Imani
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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Wang Z, Zhao L, Liu L, Liu X. Human leucocyte antigen-G 14-bp InDel polymorphism and oral squamous cell carcinoma risk in Chinese Han population: A case-control study. Int J Immunogenet 2018; 45:266-273. [PMID: 30030939 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a nonclassical HLA class I molecule involved in tumour immune escape. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the 14-bp insertion/deletion (InDel) polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of HLA-G gene and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) risk in Chinese Han population (216 cases and 193 healthy controls), and furthermore, to evaluate serum soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels in the OSCC patients. Our results demonstrated that the Ins allele was significantly less frequent in the OSCC patients than that in the healthy controls (odds ratio [OR] = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.99; p = 0.040). Distribution of the 14-bp genotypes in the OSCC patients and the healthy controls revealed that the Ins/Ins genotype was associated with decreased OSCC risk in both the codominant model (Ins/Ins versus Del/Del; OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.33-0.99; p = 0.044) and the log-additive model (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58-0.99; p = 0.044). The serum sHLA-G level was significantly higher in the OSCC patients than those in the healthy controls (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed the valuable diagnostic value of sHLA-G for OSCC detection, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.891 (95% CI: 0.856-0.925, p < 0.001). The OSCC patients with Ins/Ins genotype had lower serum sHLA-G levels than those with Ins/Del and Del/Del genotypes (p = 0.015). Furthermore, serum sHLA-G levels were significantly increased with the increasing TNM stages of the OSCC patients (p = 0.017). Our findings revealed that the HLA-G 14-bp InDel polymorphism might be a genetic risk factor for OSCC susceptibility, and the serum sHLA-G may act as a promising biomarker for noninvasive diagnosis of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengqi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Lina Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Lina Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Xueying Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
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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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15
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Mosconi C, Arantes DAC, Gonçalves AS, Alencar RDCG, Oliveira JC, Silva TA, Mendonça EF, Batista AC. Immunohistochemical investigations on the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1, human leukocyte antigens G and E, and granzyme B in intraoral mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Arch Oral Biol 2017; 83:55-62. [PMID: 28711734 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the expression of nonclassical human leukocyte antigen G and E (HLA-G and -E), programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and granzyme B (GB) in intraoral mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs), and to assess whether such expressions are related to metastasis, survival, staging, tumor grade and number of GB-positive cells. DESIGN For this cross-sectional study, samples of MEC (n=30) were selected and classified as low-grade (LG), intermediate-grade (IG) or high-grade (HG), according to the WHO grading system. HLA-G, -E and PD-L1 were identified by immunohistochemistry and quantified as the proportion of positive neoplastic cells. The density of GB+ cells was also evaluated. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used with a 5% significance level. RESULTS Expressions of HLA-G, -E and PD-L1 were identified in the majority of epidermoid, intermediate and clear cells, but not in the mucous cells of the MECs. The quantitative analysis of the total percentage of positive neoplastic cells showed overexpression of this set of proteins in all MEC samples. The expression of these proteins and histological grading were positively correlated [HLA-G (LG=79% positive cells, IG=96%, HG=99%; p=0.0004), HLA-E (LG=70%, IG=96%, HG=99%; p<0.0001) and PD-L1 (LG=34%, IG=79%, HG=80%; p=0.01)]. No relationship was observed between the immunosuppressive proteins and other clinicopathological parameters. Low GB density was found in all MEC samples. CONCLUSIONS The augmented expression of HLA-G, -E and PD-L1 in the intraoral MEC might suggest a role of these molecules in the scape of neoplastic cells from immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mosconi
- Federal University of Goiás, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Goiânia, Brazil.
| | - Diego Antônio Costa Arantes
- Federal University of Goiás, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Goiânia, Brazil.
| | - Andréia Souza Gonçalves
- Federal University of Goiás, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Goiânia, Brazil.
| | | | - José Carlos Oliveira
- Araújo Jorge Hospital, Association of Cancer Combat of Goiás, Division of Head and Neck, Goiânia, Brazil.
| | - Tarcília Aparecida Silva
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | | | - Aline Carvalho Batista
- Federal University of Goiás, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Goiânia, Brazil.
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16
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Gonçalves AS, Mosconi C, Jaeger F, Wastowski IJ, Aguiar MCF, Silva TA, Ribeiro-Rotta RF, Costa NL, Batista AC. Overexpression of immunomodulatory mediators in oral precancerous lesions. Hum Immunol 2017; 78:752-757. [PMID: 28941745 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) G and E, programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), IL-10 and TGF-β are proteins involved in failure of the antitumor immune response. We investigated the expression of these immunomodulatory mediators in oral precancerous lesions (oral leukoplakia-OL; n=80) and whether these molecules were related to the risk of malignant transformation. Samples of normal mucosa (n=20) and oral squamous cells carcinoma (OSCC, n=20) were included as controls. Tissue and saliva samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and ELISA respectively. Fifteen OL samples showed severe dysplasia (18.7%) and 40 samples (50%) presented combined high Ki-67/p53. Irrespective of the degree of epithelial dysplasia and the proliferation/apoptosis index of OL, the expression of HLA-G, -E, PD-L1, IL-10, TGF-β2 and -β3 was higher to control (P<0.05) and similar to OSCC (P>0.05). The number of granzyme B+ cells in OL was similar to control (P=0.28) and lower compared to OSCC (P<0.01). Salivary concentrations of sHLA-G, IL-10 and TGF-β did not allow for a distinction between OL and healthy individuals. Overexpression of immunosuppressive mediators in the OL reflects the immune evasion potential of this lesion, which is apparently independent of at cytological and proliferation/apoptosis status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Souza Gonçalves
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
| | - Carla Mosconi
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
| | - Filipe Jaeger
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | | | - Maria Cássia Ferreira Aguiar
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Tarcília Aparecida Silva
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | | | - Nádia Lago Costa
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Medicine), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
| | - Aline Carvalho Batista
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
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Rodríguez JA. HLA-mediated tumor escape mechanisms that may impair immunotherapy clinical outcomes via T-cell activation. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4415-4427. [PMID: 29085437 PMCID: PMC5649701 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the immune system provides protection from cancer by means of immunosurveillance, which serves a major function in eliminating cancer cells, it may also lead to cancer immunoediting, molding tumor immunogenicity. Cancer cells exploit several molecular mechanisms to thwart immune-mediated death by disabling cellular components of the immune system associated with tumor recognition and rejection. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are mandatory for the immune recognition and subsequent killing of neoplastic cells by the immune system, as tumor antigens must be presented in an HLA-restricted manner to be recognized by T-cell receptors. Impaired HLA-I expression prevents the activation of cytotoxic immune mechanisms, whereas impaired HLA-II expression affects the antigen-presenting capability of antigen presenting cells. Aberrant HLA-G expression by cancer cells favors immune escape by inhibiting the activities of virtually all immune cells. The development of cancer therapies based on T-cell activation must consider these HLA-associated immune evasion mechanisms, as alterations in their expression occur early and frequently in the majority of types of cancer, and have an adverse impact on the clinical response to immunotherapy. Herein, the concept of altered HLA expression as a mechanism exploited by tumors to escape immune control and induce an immunosuppressive environment is reviewed. A number of novel clinical immunotherapeutic approaches used for cancer treatment are also reviewed, and strategies for overcoming the limitations of these immunotherapeutic interventions are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefa A Rodríguez
- Cancer Biology Research Group, National Cancer Institute of Colombia, 111511 Bogotá, Colombia
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18
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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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Leone P, De Re V, Vacca A, Dammacco F, Racanelli V. Cancer treatment and the KIR-HLA system: an overview. Clin Exp Med 2017; 17:419-429. [PMID: 28188495 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-017-0455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that the success of cancer therapy depends not only on a combination of adequate procedures (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) that aim to eliminate all tumor cells, but also on the functional state of the host immune system. HLA and KIR molecules, in particular, are critical to the interactions between tumor cells and both innate and adaptive immune cells such as NK cells and T cells. Different KIR-HLA gene combinations as well as different HLA expression levels on tumor cells associate with variable tumor prognosis and response to treatment. On the other hand, different therapies have different effects on HLA molecules and immune cell functions regulated by these molecules. Here, we provide an overview of the KIR-HLA system, a description of its alterations with clinical relevance in diverse tumor types, and an analysis of the consequences that conventional cancer therapies may have on it. We also discuss how this knowledge can be exploited to identify potential immunological biomarkers that can help to select patients for tailored therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Leone
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico - 11, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Valli De Re
- Bio-Proteomics Facility, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico - 11, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Franco Dammacco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico - 11, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico - 11, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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20
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Gonçalves AS, Oliveira JP, Oliveira CFP, Silva TA, Mendonça EF, Wastowski IJ, Batista AC. Relevance of HLA-G, HLA-E and IL-10 expression in lip carcinogenesis. Hum Immunol 2016; 77:785-90. [PMID: 26723902 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
HLA-G, HLA-E and IL-10 are molecules which can provide tumor immunosuppression as well as the capacity of evasion to the immune system host. This study set out to evaluate HLA-G, HLA-E and IL-10 expression in lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and in a potentially malignant disorder (actinic cheilitis - AC), correlating the expression of these proteins with the degree of epithelial dysplasia. Immunohistochemistry was undertaken to identify HLA-G, HLA-E and IL-10 in samples from patients with LSCC (n=20), AC (n=30) and healthy lip mucosa (control) (n=10). A semiquantitative scoring system was used for analysis. Differences between the groups were evaluated using the Pearson Chi-Squared test. The percentage of LSCC samples showing high immunoreactivity (IRS>2) for HLA-G, HLA-E and IL-10 (neoplastic/epithelial cells) and HLA-E (stroma/connective tissue) was significantly higher that of the control (P<0.05). A tendency for a progressive increase in the proteins analyzed was observed from the control to AC and to LSCC. The degree of dysplasia in the AC samples was not significantly associated with the proteins evaluated (P>0.05). The high expression of HLA-G, HLA-E and IL-10 in AC and LSCC reflects the capacity that these pathologies have for evasion and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Souza Gonçalves
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
| | - Jéssica Petini Oliveira
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
| | | | - Tarcília Aparecida Silva
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Aline Carvalho Batista
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
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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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Arantes DAC, Costa NL, Mendonça EF, Silva TA, Batista AC. Overexpression of immunosuppressive cytokines is associated with poorer clinical stage of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Arch Oral Biol 2015; 61:28-35. [PMID: 26513679 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its relationship with prognostic clinical and microscopic parameters. DESIGN Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β2 in OSCC samples from 43 patients who had undergone surgical excision and neck dissection. Metastatic lymph nodes were included in the study (n=23). Samples of healthy oral mucosa (n=20) were used as controls. The sections were evaluated using a semi-quantitative method in conjunction with staining intensity. RESULTS Our findings showed that the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β2 by neoplastic and stromal cells was high in most of the OSCC samples (>70% of samples), especially when compared to the controls (≅10% of samples) (P<0.05). OSCC neoplastic cells in cervical lymph nodes were also positive for IL-10 and TGF-β2. An association between high expression of IL-10 by neoplastic cells and advanced clinical stage (T3-T4) was verified (P=0.02). Although not statistically significant, the expression of TGF-β2 was also augmented in advanced stage tumours. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the ability of OSCC neoplastic cells to secrete immunosuppressive cytokines could contribute to clinical progression by maintaining a microenvironment conducive to evasion and tumour proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nádia Lago Costa
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
| | | | - Tarcília Aparecida Silva
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Aline Carvalho Batista
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
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Gonçalves AS, Arantes DAC, Bernardes VF, Jaeger F, Silva JM, Silva TA, Aguiar MCF, Batista AC. Immunosuppressive mediators of oral squamous cell carcinoma in tumour samples and saliva. Hum Immunol 2014; 76:52-8. [PMID: 25500427 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to compare the salivary concentrations of IL-10, TGF-β1 and soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to those in healthy individuals (control group), and to correlate the expression of these mediators in saliva with that in the tumour microenvironment. Neoplastic tissue and saliva samples from patients with OSCC (n=22) were analysed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. We detected high expression of IL-10 and HLA-G in the tumour microenvironment when compared to healthy oral mucosa samples. Determination of IL-10 salivary concentration enabled us to distinguish patients with OSCC from healthy individuals (P=0.038), which showed correlation with tissue expression of this cytokine. HLA-G salivary release was similar in both groups (P=0.17) and no correlation with tumour expression was observed. TGF-β1 expression was low or absent in tumours, and salivary concentration was similar between groups. Our results suggest that of the three markers analysed, IL-10 is a potential salivary biomarker. Furthermore, the elevated expression of HLA-G and IL-10 in tumour sites could favour the escape of tumour cells from immune defense mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Souza Gonçalves
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
| | | | - Vanessa Fátima Bernardes
- Department of Pathology, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Filipe Jaeger
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Janine Mayra Silva
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Tarcília Aparecida Silva
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Maria Cássia Ferreira Aguiar
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Aline Carvalho Batista
- Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
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