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Bredel D, Tihic E, Mouraud S, Danlos FX, Susini S, Aglave M, Alfaro A, Mohamed-Djalim C, Rouanne M, Halse H, Bigorgne A, Tselikas L, Dalle S, Hartl DM, Baudin E, Guettier C, Vibert E, Rosmorduc O, Robert C, Ferlicot S, Parier B, Albiges L, de Montpreville VT, Besse B, Mercier O, Even C, Breuskin I, Classe M, Radulescu C, Lebret T, Pautier P, Gouy S, Scoazec JY, Zitvogel L, Marabelle A, Bonvalet M. Immune checkpoints are predominantly co-expressed by clonally expanded CD4 +FoxP3 + intratumoral T-cells in primary human cancers. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:333. [PMID: 38057799 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02897-6] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to anti-PD(L)1, anti-CTLA-4 and anti-LAG-3, novel immune checkpoint proteins (ICP)-targeted antibodies have recently failed to demonstrate significant efficacy in clinical trials. In these trials, patients were enrolled without screening for drug target expression. Although these novel ICP-targeted antibodies were expected to stimulate anti-tumor CD8 + T-cells, the rationale for their target expression in human tumors relied on pre-clinical IHC stainings and transcriptomic data, which are poorly sensitive and specific techniques for assessing membrane protein expression on immune cell subsets. Our aim was to describe ICP expression on intratumoral T-cells from primary solid tumors to better design upcoming neoadjuvant cancer immunotherapy trials. METHODS We prospectively performed multiparameter flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) paired with TCR sequencing on freshly resected human primary tumors of various histological types to precisely determine ICP expression levels within T-cell subsets. RESULTS Within a given tumor type, we found high inter-individual variability for tumor infiltrating CD45 + cells and for T-cells subsets. The proportions of CD8+ T-cells (~ 40%), CD4+ FoxP3- T-cells (~ 40%) and CD4+ FoxP3+ T-cells (~ 10%) were consistent across patients and indications. Intriguingly, both stimulatory (CD25, CD28, 4-1BB, ICOS, OX40) and inhibitory (PD-1, CTLA-4, PD-L1, CD39 and TIGIT) checkpoint proteins were predominantly co-expressed by intratumoral CD4+FoxP3+ T-cells. ScRNA-Seq paired with TCR sequencing revealed that T-cells with high clonality and high ICP expressions comprised over 80% of FoxP3+ cells among CD4+ T-cells. Unsupervised clustering of flow cytometry and scRNAseq data identified subsets of CD8+ T-cells and of CD4+ FoxP3- T-cells expressing certain checkpoints, though these expressions were generally lower than in CD4+ FoxP3+ T-cell subsets, both in terms of proportions among total T-cells and ICP expression levels. CONCLUSIONS Tumor histology alone does not reveal the complete picture of the tumor immune contexture. In clinical trials, assumptions regarding target expression should rely on more sensitive and specific techniques than conventional IHC or transcriptomics. Flow cytometry and scRNAseq accurately characterize ICP expression within immune cell subsets. Much like in hematology, flow cytometry can better describe the immune contexture of solid tumors, offering the opportunity to guide patient treatment according to drug target expression rather than tumor histological type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Bredel
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Edi Tihic
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Séverine Mouraud
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - François-Xavier Danlos
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Gustave Roussy, Département d'Innovation Thérapeutique Et d'Essais Précoces (DITEP), 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Sandrine Susini
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Marine Aglave
- Gustave Roussy, Plateforme de bioinformatique, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Alexia Alfaro
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, UMS 23/3655, Plateforme Imagerie Et Cytométrie, Villejuif, France
| | - Chifaou Mohamed-Djalim
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Mathieu Rouanne
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Héloise Halse
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Amélie Bigorgne
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Lambros Tselikas
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Département d'Anesthésie, Chirurgie et Imagerie Interventionnelle, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Stéphane Dalle
- Department of Dermatology, HCL Cancer Institute, Lyon Cancer Research Center, 69495, Lyon, France
| | - Dana M Hartl
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Département d'Anesthésie, Chirurgie et Imagerie Interventionnelle, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Baudin
- Gustave Roussy, Département d'Oncologie Médicale, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Catherine Guettier
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital Bicêtre, AP-HP, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- UMR-S 1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse Université Paris Saclay, 94800, Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Vibert
- UMR-S 1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse Université Paris Saclay, 94800, Villejuif, France
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, AP-HP, 94800, Villejuif, France
| | - Olivier Rosmorduc
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, AP-HP, 94800, Villejuif, France
| | - Caroline Robert
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Gustave Roussy, Département d'Oncologie Médicale, F-94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U981, Gustave Roussy, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Sophie Ferlicot
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital Bicêtre, AP-HP, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 9019, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Bastien Parier
- Service de Chirurgie Urologique, Hôpital Bicêtre, AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Laurence Albiges
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Gustave Roussy, Département d'Oncologie Médicale, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Benjamin Besse
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Gustave Roussy, Département d'Oncologie Médicale, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Olaf Mercier
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique Et Transplantation Cardio-Pulmonaire, Hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, UMR_S 999 INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, GHPSJ, 92350, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Caroline Even
- Gustave Roussy, Département d'Oncologie Médicale, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Ingrid Breuskin
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Département d'Anesthésie, Chirurgie et Imagerie Interventionnelle, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Marion Classe
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Biopathologie, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Camélia Radulescu
- Département de Pathologie, Hôpital Foch, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 92150, Suresnes, France
| | - Thierry Lebret
- Département d'Urologie, Hôpital Foch, UVSQ-Université Paris-Saclay, 92150, Suresnes, France
| | - Patricia Pautier
- Gustave Roussy, Département d'Oncologie Médicale, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Sébastien Gouy
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Département d'Anesthésie, Chirurgie et Imagerie Interventionnelle, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Biopathologie, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Aurélien Marabelle
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France.
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France.
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
- Gustave Roussy, Département d'Innovation Thérapeutique Et d'Essais Précoces (DITEP), 94805, Villejuif, France.
| | - Mélodie Bonvalet
- Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Édouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunothérapie (LRTI), 94805, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM) CIC1428, Centre d'Investigation Clinique BIOTHERIS, 94805, Villejuif, France
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2
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Bossio SN, Abrate C, Tosello Boari J, Rodriguez C, Canale FP, Ramello MC, Brunotto V, Richer W, Rocha D, Sedlik C, Vincent-Salomon A, Borcoman E, Del Castillo A, Gruppi A, Fernandez E, Acosta Rodríguez EV, Piaggio E, Montes CL. CD39 + conventional CD4 + T cells with exhaustion traits and cytotoxic potential infiltrate tumors and expand upon CTLA-4 blockade. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2246319. [PMID: 37885970 PMCID: PMC10599196 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2246319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional CD4+ T (Tconv) lymphocytes play important roles in tumor immunity; however, their contribution to tumor elimination remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a subset of tumor-infiltrating Tconv cells characterized by the expression of CD39. In several mouse cancer models, we observed that CD39+ Tconv cells accumulated in tumors but were absent in lymphoid organs. Compared to tumor CD39- counterparts, CD39+ Tconv cells exhibited a cytotoxic and exhausted signature at the transcriptomic level, confirmed by high protein expression of inhibitory receptors and transcription factors related to the exhaustion. Additionally, CD39+ Tconv cells showed increased production of IFNγ , granzyme B, perforin and CD107a expression, but reduced production of TNF. Around 55% of OVA-specific Tconv from B16-OVA tumor-bearing mice, expressed CD39. In vivo CTLA-4 blockade induced the expansion of tumor CD39+ Tconv cells, which maintained their cytotoxic and exhausted features. In breast cancer patients, CD39+ Tconv cells were found in tumors and in metastatic lymph nodes but were less frequent in adjacent non-tumoral mammary tissue and not detected in non-metastatic lymph nodes and blood. Human tumor CD39+ Tconv cells constituted a heterogeneous cell population with features of exhaustion, high expression of inhibitory receptors and CD107a. We found that high CD4 and ENTPD1 (CD39) gene expression in human tumor tissues correlated with a higher overall survival rate in breast cancer patients. Our results identify CD39 as a biomarker of Tconv cells, with characteristics of both exhaustion and cytotoxic potential, and indicate CD39+ Tconv cells as players within the immune response against tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina N. Bossio
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carolina Abrate
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jimena Tosello Boari
- Institut Curie Research Center, Translational Research Department, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Constanza Rodriguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fernando P. Canale
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María C. Ramello
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Valentina Brunotto
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Wilfrid Richer
- Institut Curie Research Center, Translational Research Department, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Dario Rocha
- Centro de Investigación y desarrollo en inmunología y enfermedades infecciosas (CIDIE-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Christine Sedlik
- Institut Curie Research Center, Translational Research Department, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Diagnostic and Theranostic Medicine Division, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Edith Borcoman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Adriana Gruppi
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Elmer Fernandez
- Centro de Investigación y desarrollo en inmunología y enfermedades infecciosas (CIDIE-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Eva V. Acosta Rodríguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Eliane Piaggio
- Institut Curie Research Center, Translational Research Department, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Carolina L. Montes
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
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3
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Koppensteiner L, Mathieson L, Pattle S, Dorward DA, O'Connor R, Akram AR. Location of CD39 + T cell subpopulations within tumors predict differential outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006770. [PMID: 37648263 PMCID: PMC10471883 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006770] [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] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE An improved mechanistic understanding of immunosuppressive pathways in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is important to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Here, we investigate the prognostic significance of the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 in NSCLC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The expression and localization of CD39, CD73 and CD103 was digitally quantified in a cohort of 162 early treatment naïve NSCLC patients using multiplex-immunofluorescence and related to patient outcome. Expression among different cell-populations was assessed via flow cytometry. Targeted RNA-Seq was performed on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from digested NSCLC tumor tissue and single-cell RNA-Seq data was analyzed to investigate the functional significance of CD39+ T cell populations. RESULTS We demonstrate that flow cytometry of early untreated NSCLC patients shows an upregulation of CD39 expression in the tumor tissue among natural killer (NK) cells, fibroblasts and T cells. CD73 expression is mainly found among fibroblasts and Epcam+cells in the tumor tissue. Multiplex Immunofluorescence in a cohort of 162 early untreated NSCLC patients demonstrates that CD39 expression is mainly localized in the tumor stroma while CD73 expression is equally distributed between tumor nest and stroma, and high expression of CD39 and CD73 in the tumor stroma is associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 5 years. Additionally, we find that CD8+T cells located in the tumor nest express CD103 and the density of CD39+CD103+CD8+ T cells in the tumor nest predicts improved RFS at 5 years. Targeted RNA-Seq shows that the tumor microenvironment of NSCLC upregulates regulatory pathways in CD4+ T cells and exhaustion in CD8+ T cells, and analysis of a single cell RNA sequencing dataset shows that CD39+CD4+ cells are enriched in Treg signature gene-sets, and CD39+CD103+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte show gene signatures indicative of an exhausted cytotoxic phenotype with upregulated expression of CXCL13. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of patterns of distribution and location are required to understand the prognostic impact of CD39+ T cell populations in NSCLC. This study provides an improved understanding of spatial and functional characteristics of CD39+ T cells and their significance to patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Layla Mathieson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Samuel Pattle
- Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Richard O'Connor
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ahsan R Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Vignali PDA, DePeaux K, Watson MJ, Ye C, Ford BR, Lontos K, McGaa NK, Scharping NE, Menk AV, Robson SC, Poholek AC, Rivadeneira DB, Delgoffe GM. Hypoxia drives CD39-dependent suppressor function in exhausted T cells to limit antitumor immunity. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:267-279. [PMID: 36543958 PMCID: PMC10402660 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01379-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are critical for elimination of cancer cells. Factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME) can drive these cells to a hypofunctional state known as exhaustion. The most terminally exhausted T (tTex) cells are resistant to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy and might instead limit immunotherapeutic efficacy. Here we show that intratumoral CD8+ tTex cells possess transcriptional features of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and are similarly capable of directly suppressing T cell proliferation ex vivo. tTex cell suppression requires CD39, which generates immunosuppressive adenosine. Restricted deletion of CD39 in endogenous CD8+ T cells resulted in slowed tumor progression, improved immunotherapy responsiveness and enhanced infiltration of transferred tumor-specific T cells. CD39 is induced on tTex cells by tumor hypoxia, thus mitigation of hypoxia limits tTex suppression. Together, these data suggest tTex cells are an important regulatory population in cancer and strategies to limit their generation, reprogram their immunosuppressive state or remove them from the TME might potentiate immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo D A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kristin DePeaux
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - McLane J Watson
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chenxian Ye
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - B Rhodes Ford
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Konstantinos Lontos
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nicole K McGaa
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nicole E Scharping
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashley V Menk
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Simon C Robson
- Center for Inflammation Research, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda C Poholek
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dayana B Rivadeneira
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Greg M Delgoffe
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Chen Z, Guo ML, Li YY, Yan K, Li L, Shen F, Guan H, Liu QZ, Xu B, Lian ZX. Immune profiling identifies CD8+ T-cell subset signatures as prognostic markers for recurrence in papillary thyroid cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894919. [PMID: 36420264 PMCID: PMC9676940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thyroid tissue has a special immune microenvironment that is not well characterized. Whether immune cells have a prognostic value in the recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) needs further investigation. Methods Multinodular non-toxic goiter (MNG) was taken as normal tissue for the difficulty in obtaining completely normal thyroid tissue (normal thyroid function, no thyroiditis, and no nodules). We compared the composition of mononuclear cells (MNCs) in peripheral blood and thyroid tissues from MNG and PTC patients by high-dimensional flow cytometry profiling and verified the results by multiplex immunohistochemistry. The recurrence rates of PTC patients with different CD8+T cell subset signatures were compared using TCGA database. Results We observed that the immune cell composition of MNG was different from that in peripheral blood. Thyroid tissue contains higher percentages of T cells and NK cells. Moreover, the percentages of memory T cells and Treg cells were higher in thyroid than in peripheral blood and increased in PTC tumors. We further focused on the antitumoral CD8+T cells and found that the expression patterns of PD-1, CD39, and CD103 on CD8+T cells were different between MNG and PTC. Importantly, we found higher percentages of PD-1+CD39+CD103+CD8+T and PD-1+CD39+CD103-CD8+T cells in PTC tumor tissues from recurrent patients than non-recurrent patients. By analyzing PTC data from TCGA database, we found that the expression patterns of these molecules were associated with different pathologic types and genders among PTC patients. Moreover, patients with PD-1hiCD39loCD103hiCD8hi, PD-1hiCD39hiCD103loCD8hi, and PD-1loCD39hiCD103hiCD8hi expression patterns have a higher 10-year recurrence-free survival. Conclusion The immune microenvironment in MNG tissue is distinct from that in peripheral blood and paratumor tissue. More memory CD8+T cells were detected in PTC, and expression patterns of PD-1, CD39, and CD103 on CD8+T cells were significantly different in physiology and gender and associated with the recurrence rate of PTC. These observations indicate that CD8+T cell signatures may be useful prognostic markers for PTC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Li Guo
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Yi Li
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Li
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Shen
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haixia Guan
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing-Zhi Liu
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Qing-Zhi Liu,
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Qing-Zhi Liu,
| | - Zhe-Xiong Lian
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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6
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Hamoud AR, Bach K, Kakrecha O, Henkel N, Wu X, McCullumsmith RE, O’Donovan SM. Adenosine, Schizophrenia and Cancer: Does the Purinergic System Offer a Pathway to Treatment? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911835. [PMID: 36233136 PMCID: PMC9570456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For over a century, a complex relationship between schizophrenia diagnosis and development of many cancers has been observed. Findings from epidemiological studies are mixed, with reports of increased, reduced, or no difference in cancer incidence in schizophrenia patients. However, as risk factors for cancer, including elevated smoking rates and substance abuse, are commonly associated with this patient population, it is surprising that cancer incidence is not higher. Various factors may account for the proposed reduction in cancer incidence rates including pathophysiological changes associated with disease. Perturbations of the adenosine system are hypothesized to contribute to the neurobiology of schizophrenia. Conversely, hyperfunction of the adenosine system is found in the tumor microenvironment in cancer and targeting the adenosine system therapeutically is a promising area of research in this disease. We outline the current biochemical and pharmacological evidence for hypofunction of the adenosine system in schizophrenia, and the role of increased adenosine metabolism in the tumor microenvironment. In the context of the relatively limited literature on this patient population, we discuss whether hypofunction of this system in schizophrenia, may counteract the immunosuppressive role of adenosine in the tumor microenvironment. We also highlight the importance of studies examining the adenosine system in this subset of patients for the potential insight they may offer into these complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Rizaq Hamoud
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Karen Bach
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Ojal Kakrecha
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Nicholas Henkel
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Robert E. McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Neurosciences Institute, ProMedica, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Sinead M. O’Donovan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Correspondence:
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7
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Liu Z, Liu X, Shen H, Xu X, Zhao X, Fu R. Adenosinergic axis and immune checkpoint combination therapy in tumor: A new perspective for immunotherapy strategy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:978377. [PMID: 36159861 PMCID: PMC9493240 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.978377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There are two figures and one table in this review, the review consists of 5823 words, without the description of figures and table, but including references. Tumor cells escape anti-tumor immune responses in various ways, including functionally shaping the microenvironment through the secretion of various chemokines and, cytokines. Adenosine is a powerful immunosuppressive metabolite, that is frequently elevated in the extracellular tumor microenvironment (TME). Thus, it has recently been proposed as a novel antitumor immunoassay for targeting adenosine- generating enzymes, such as CD39, CD73, and adenosine receptors. In recent years, the discovery of the immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death 1(PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), has also greatly changed treatment methods and ideas for malignant tumors. Malignant tumor immunotherapy has been developed from point-to-point therapy targeting immune checkpoints, combining different points of different pathways to create a therapy based on the macroscopic immune regulatory system network. This article reviews the theoretical basis of the adenosine energy axis and immune checkpoint combined therapy for malignant tumors and the latest advances in malignant tumors.
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8
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Han Y, Xia L, Wang X, Xiong H, Zeng L, Wang Z, Zhang T, Xia K, Hu X, Su T. Study on the expression and function of chordin like 1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Dis 2022. [PMID: 35510812 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14240] [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: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the role and related mechanism of chordin like 1 (CHRDL1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS The expressions of CHRDL1 were analyzed in both mRNA and protein levels by bioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization in OSCC. Survival analysis was used to determine the relationship between CHRDL1 and prognosis. In addition, enrichment analysis was used to suggest signal pathways involved in CHRDL1. Besides, the relationships between CHRDL1 and miRNAs, hypoxia, and immune infiltration were explored. RESULTS The mRNA level of CHRDL1 in OSCC was significantly lower than that in normal tissues, while the protein level was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. The high mRNA levels of CHRDL1 suggested a poor prognosis in patients with OSCC. The enrichment results showed that CHRDL1 might be involved in the Calcium signaling pathway, dilated cardiomyopathy, and focal adhesion. 7 immune cells were positively correlated with CHRDL1, while Tgd was negatively correlated with CHRDL1. In addition, we also found that hsa-miR-455-3p directly targeted CHRDL1 and reduced the mRNA levels of CHRDL1. CONCLUSION CHRDL1 plays a vital role in promoting cancer in OSCC and is downregulated at the mRNA levels by hsa-miR-455-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Han
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Lu Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Haofeng Xiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Liujun Zeng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zijia Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
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9
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Janho dit Hreich S, Benzaquen J, Hofman P, Vouret-Craviari V. The Purinergic Landscape of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081926. [PMID: 35454832 PMCID: PMC9025794 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Despite recent therapeutic advances, including targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, the disease progresses in almost all advanced lung cancers and in up to 50% of early-stage cancers. The purpose of this review is to discuss whether purinergic checkpoints (CD39, CD73, P2RX7, and ADORs), which shape the immune response in the tumor microenvironment, may represent novel therapeutic targets to combat progression of non-small cell lung cancer by enhancing the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Janho dit Hreich
- Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN, CNRS, INSERM), FHU OncoAge, Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice, France; (S.J.d.H.); (J.B.)
| | - Jonathan Benzaquen
- Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN, CNRS, INSERM), FHU OncoAge, Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice, France; (S.J.d.H.); (J.B.)
| | - Paul Hofman
- CHU Nice, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France;
- Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN, CNRS, INSERM, Team 4), Université Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- CHU Nice, FHU OncoAge, Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033-00025), Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Valérie Vouret-Craviari
- Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN, CNRS, INSERM), FHU OncoAge, Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice, France; (S.J.d.H.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-492-031-223
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10
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Overexpression of PD-1 and CD39 in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes compared with peripheral blood lymphocytes in triple-negative breast cancer. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262650. [PMID: 35051220 PMCID: PMC8775239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Growing evidence highlighted the primary role of the immune system in the disease course of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study aim was to investigate the expression of PD-1 and CD39 on CD4+ and CD8+ cells infiltrating tumor tissue compared to their counterparts in peripheral blood and explore its association with tumor characteristics, disease progression, and prognosis in females with TNBC. Patients and methods The study included 30 TNBC patients and 20 healthy controls. Cancer and normal breast tissue and peripheral blood samples were collected for evaluation of the expression of PD-1 and CD39 on CD4+ and CD8+T cells by flow cytometry. Results A marked reduction in the percentage of CD8+ T lymphocytes and a significant increase in the frequencies of CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes expressing PD1 and CD39 were evident in tumor tissue in comparison with the normal breast tissue. The DFS was inversely related to the cancer tissue PD1+CD8+ and CD39+CD8+ T lymphocytes. Almost all studied cells were significantly increased in the tumor tissue than in peripheral blood. Positive correlations were detected among peripheral PD1+CD4+T lymphocytes and each of cancer tissue PD1+CD4+, PD1+CD8+and CD39+CD8+T cells, and among peripheral and cancer tissue CD39+CD4+and CD39+CD8+ T cells. Conclusions The CD39 and PD1 inhibitory pathways are synergistically utilized by TNBC cells to evade host immune response causing poor survival. Hence, combinational immunotherapy blocking these pathways might be a promising treatment strategy in this type of cancer.
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11
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KSHV infection drives poorly cytotoxic CD56-negative natural killer cell differentiation in vivo upon KSHV/EBV dual infection. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109056. [PMID: 33951431 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpesvirus infections shape the human natural killer (NK) cell compartment. While Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) expands immature NKG2A+ NK cells, human cytomegalovirus (CMV) drives accumulation of adaptive NKG2C+ NK cells. Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a close relative of EBV, and both are associated with lymphomas, including primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), which nearly always harbors both viruses. In this study, KSHV dual infection of mice with reconstituted human immune system components leads to the accumulation of CD56-CD16+CD38+CXCR6+ NK cells. CD56-CD16+ NK cells were also more frequently found in KSHV-seropositive Kenyan children. This NK cell subset is poorly cytotoxic against otherwise-NK-cell-susceptible and antibody-opsonized targets. Accordingly, NK cell depletion does not significantly alter KSHV infection in humanized mice. These data suggest that KSHV might escape NK-cell-mediated immune control by driving CD56-CD16+ NK cell differentiation.
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12
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Tøndell A, Subbannayya Y, Wahl SGF, Flatberg A, Sørhaug S, Børset M, Haug M. Analysis of Intra-Tumoral Macrophages and T Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Indicates a Role for Immune Checkpoint and CD200-CD200R Interactions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1788. [PMID: 33918618 PMCID: PMC8069596 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors shows beneficial responses, but only in a proportion of patients. To improve immunotherapy in NSCLC, we need to map the immune checkpoints that contribute immunosuppression in NSCLC-associated immune cells and to identify novel pathways that regulate immunosuppression. Here, we investigated the gene expression profiles of intra-tumoral immune cells isolated from NSCLC patients and compared them to the expression profiles of their counterparts in adjacent healthy tissue. Transcriptome analysis was performed on macrophages, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The data was subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment and weighted correlation network analysis in order to identify mediators of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment in NSCLC. Immune cells from NSCLC revealed a consistent differential expression of genes involved in interactions between myeloid cells and lymphocytes. We further identified several immunosuppressive molecules and pathways that may be activated in tumor-associated macrophages in NSCLC. Importantly, we report novel data on immune cell expression of the newly described CD200/CD200R1 pathway, and the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LILRs), which may represent novel innate immune checkpoints, dampening the anti-tumor T cell immune response in NSCLC. Our study substantiates the importance of tumor-associated macrophages as a mediator of immunosuppression and a promising target for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Tøndell
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Yashwanth Subbannayya
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sissel Gyrid Freim Wahl
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Pathology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arnar Flatberg
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Central Administration, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sveinung Sørhaug
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Magne Børset
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Markus Haug
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
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13
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Joshua DE, Vuckovic S, Favaloro J, Lau KHA, Yang S, Bryant CE, Gibson J, Ho PJ. Treg and Oligoclonal Expansion of Terminal Effector CD8 + T Cell as Key Players in Multiple Myeloma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:620596. [PMID: 33708212 PMCID: PMC7940512 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.620596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical paradigm of host-tumor interaction, i.e. elimination, equilibrium, and escape (EEE), is reflected in the clinical behavior of myeloma which progresses from the premalignant condition, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS). Despite the role of other immune cells, CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells have emerged as the dominant effectors of host control of the myeloma clone. Progression from MGUS to myeloma is associated with alterations in Tregs and terminal effector CD8+ T cells (TTE). These changes involve CD39 and CD69 expression, affecting the adenosine pathway and residency in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, together with oligoclonal expansion within CD8+ TTE cells. In this mini-review article, in the context of earlier data, we summarize our recent understanding of Treg involvement in the adenosine pathway, the significance of oligoclonal expansion within CD8+ TTE cells and BM-residency of CD8+ TTE cells in MGUS and newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas E Joshua
- Institute of Haematology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Slavica Vuckovic
- Institute of Haematology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - James Favaloro
- Institute of Haematology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ka Hei Aleks Lau
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Shihong Yang
- Institute of Haematology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Christian E Bryant
- Institute of Haematology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Gibson
- Institute of Haematology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Phoebe Joy Ho
- Institute of Haematology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Strunz B, Bister J, Jönsson H, Filipovic I, Crona-Guterstam Y, Kvedaraite E, Sleiers N, Dumitrescu B, Brännström M, Lentini A, Reinius B, Cornillet M, Willinger T, Gidlöf S, Hamilton RS, Ivarsson MA, Björkström NK. Continuous human uterine NK cell differentiation in response to endometrial regeneration and pregnancy. Sci Immunol 2021; 6:6/56/eabb7800. [PMID: 33617461 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abb7800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune cell differentiation is critical for adequate tissue-specific immune responses to occur. Here, we studied differentiation of human uterine natural killer cells (uNK cells). These cells reside in a tissue undergoing constant regeneration and represent the major leukocyte population at the maternal-fetal interface. However, their physiological response during the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy remains elusive. By surface proteome and transcriptome analysis as well as using humanized mice, we identify a differentiation pathway of uNK cells in vitro and in vivo with sequential acquisition of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and CD39. uNK cell differentiation occurred continuously in response to the endometrial regeneration and was driven by interleukin-15. Differentiated uNK cells displayed reduced proliferative capacity and immunomodulatory function including enhanced angiogenic capacity. By studying human uterus transplantation and monozygotic twins, we found that the uNK cell niche could be replenished from circulation and that it was under genetic control. Together, our study uncovers a continuous differentiation pathway of human NK cells in the uterus that is coupled to profound functional changes in response to local tissue regeneration and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Strunz
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jonna Bister
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Jönsson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iva Filipovic
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva Crona-Guterstam
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Egle Kvedaraite
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalie Sleiers
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bogdan Dumitrescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mälarsjukhuset, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Antonio Lentini
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Reinius
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Cornillet
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim Willinger
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Gidlöf
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Russell S Hamilton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin A Ivarsson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Hofman P. New insights into the interaction of the immune system with non-small cell lung carcinomas. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2020; 9:2199-2213. [PMID: 33209644 PMCID: PMC7653157 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The basis of current and future lung cancer immunotherapy depends mainly on our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of interactions between cancer and immune cells (ICs), as well as on interactions occurring between the different populations of intra-tumor ICs. These interactions are very complex, as virtually all immune cell types, including macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells and T and B lymphocytes can infiltrate lung cancer tissues at the same time. Moreover these interactions lead to progressive emergence of an imbalance in ICs. Initially ICs have an anti-tumor effect but then induce immune tolerance and eventually tumor progression and dissemination. All the cells of innate and adaptive intra-tumor immunity engage in this progressive phenotypic switch. A majority of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients do not benefit from the expected positive responses associated with current immunotherapy. Thus, there is urgent need to better understand the different roles of the associated cancer ICs. This review summarizes some of the new insights into this domain, with particular focus on: the myeloid cell population associated with tumors, the tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), the role of the P2 purinergic receptors (P2R) and ATP, and the new concept of the “liquid microenvironment” implying blood circulating ICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hofman
- CHU Nice, FHU OncoAge, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,CNRS, INSERM, IRCAN, FHU OncoAge, Team 4, Hospital-Integrated Biobank, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,CHU Nice, FHU OncoAge, Hospital-Integrated Biobank, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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16
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Giatromanolaki A, Kouroupi M, Pouliliou S, Mitrakas A, Hasan F, Pappa A, Koukourakis MI. Ectonucleotidase CD73 and CD39 expression in non-small cell lung cancer relates to hypoxia and immunosuppressive pathways. Life Sci 2020; 259:118389. [PMID: 32898522 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is released at a high concentration in the tumor microenvironment. The overexpression of ectonucleotidases in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metabolizing ΑΤP to the immunosuppressive adenosine, is studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined the expression of the ectonucleotidases CD73 and CD39 in NSCLC in parallel with immunological parameters and markers of hypoxia and anaerobic metabolism. In vitro experiments with A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines were also conducted. RESULTS CD73 and CD39 were not expressed by normal bronchial and alveolar epithelium. In contrast, these were overexpressed by cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). High CD73 cancer cell expression was directly linked with lactate dehydrogenase LDH5 and with hypoxia-inducible factor HIF1α expression by cancer cells. The expression of CD39 by CAFs was directly linked with PD-L1 expression by cancer cells. A significant abundance of FOXP3+ and PD-1+ TILs was noted in tumors with high CD73 and CD39 stroma expression. In in vitro experiments, hypoxia and acidity induced CD73 mRNA and protein levels in cancer cell lines. Exposure of cancer cell lines to adenosine induced the expression of PD-L1 and LDHA mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION Ectonucleotidases are up-regulated in cancer cells, CAFs, and TILs in lung tumors. Such overexpression is linked with regulatory TIL-phenotype and PD-L1 up-regulation by cancer cells. Overexpression of LDH5 is up-regulated by adenosine, creating a vicious cycle, as the high amounts of ATP produced by LDH5-mediated anaerobic glycolysis promote the production of adenosine by a tumor microenvironment rich in ectonucleotidases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Maria Kouroupi
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Stamatia Pouliliou
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Achilleas Mitrakas
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Fatma Hasan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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17
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Chen S, Wu S, Zhang L, Zhang W, Liu Y, Chen B, Zhao S, Li W, Sun C, Wang L, Jia K, Wang H, Chen P, Wu C, Zhu J, He Y, Zhou C. CD39: the potential target in small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2020; 9:1483-1495. [PMID: 32953520 PMCID: PMC7481638 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background It has been proven that the treatment window of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is short, so it is vital to find other possible therapeutic targets. CD39 inhibits natural killer (NK) cells and promotes the occurrence and metastasis of tumors. There has been little research about the role of CD39 in SCLC, so we explored the correlation between CD39 and other surface antigens, and its association with survival in SCLC. Methods This study included 75 patients with SCLC from Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. After paraffin embedding and sectioning, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied. Then we identify cutoff value for CD39 and other surface antigens based on the analysis of ROC curve in RFS by SPSS. All statistical analyses were based on SPSS and Graphpad Prism8. Chi-square test, Kendall's tau-b correlation analysis, Logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier method, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were conducted. In all analyses, P = 0.05 distinguished whether they had statistical significance. Results Of the 75 SCLC patients enrolled in this study, 61.33% positively expressed CD39. A correlation between CD39 and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (P=0.007), CD3 (P<0.001), CD4 (P<0.001), CD8 (P<0.001), and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) (P<0.001) on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was identified by correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis. Based on Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, we found that CD39 affected relapse-free survival (RFS) [negative vs. positive, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2765-0.9862, P=0.0390]. SCLC patients with high-expressed CD39 and low-expressed PD-L1 had poor prognosis (P<0.001). Positive expression of CD39 and negative expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3 also indicated shorter RFS (P=0.0409). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to confirm the factors that influenced RFS. Conclusions CD39, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), and PD-L1 expressed on TILs but not on tumor cells. CD39 has a significant association with PD-L1, CD3, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3 on TILs. The positive expression of CD39 predicts poor prognosis. SCLC patients with low expression of CD39 combined with high expression of PD-L1 or CD3, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3 have a more favorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanhao Chen
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shengyu Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Pathology Department, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Pathology Department, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sha Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenglong Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Anhui No.2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Keyi Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peixin Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Pathology Department, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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18
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Passarelli A, Aieta M, Sgambato A, Gridelli C. Targeting Immunometabolism Mediated by CD73 Pathway in EGFR-Mutated Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A New Hope for Overcoming Immune Resistance. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1479. [PMID: 32760402 PMCID: PMC7371983 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the relevant antitumor efficacy of immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the results in patients whose cancer harbors activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are disappointing. The biological mechanisms underlying immune escape and both unresponsiveness and resistance to immunotherapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients have been partially investigated. To this regard, lung cancer immune escape largely involves high amounts of adenosine within the tumor milieu with broad immunosuppressive effects. Indeed, besides immune checkpoint receptors and their ligands, other mechanisms inducing immunosuppression and including adenosine produced by ecto-nucleotidases CD39 and CD73 contribute to lung tumorigenesis and progression. Here, we review the clinical results of immune checkpoint inhibitors in EGFR-mutant NSCLC, focusing on the dynamic immune composition of EGFR-mutant tumor microenvironment. The adenosine pathway-mediated dysregulation of energy metabolism in tumor microenvironment is suggested as a potential mechanism involved in the immune escape process. Finally, we report the strong rationale for planning strategies of combination therapy with immune checkpoints blockade and adenosine signaling inhibition to overcome immune escape and immunotherapy resistance in EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Passarelli
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Onco-Hematology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Michele Aieta
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Onco-Hematology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sgambato
- Laboratory of Pre-clinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Cesare Gridelli
- Division of Medical Oncology, "S.G. Moscati" Hospital, Avellino, Italy
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19
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Zheng Y, Li Y, Tang B, Zhao Q, Wang D, Liu Y, Guo M, Zhao S, Qi Y, Zhang Y, Huang L. IL-6-induced CD39 expression on tumor-infiltrating NK cells predicts poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:2371-2380. [PMID: 32524362 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02629-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a predominant innate lymphocyte subset, mediates eradicating malignant cells. Purinergic signaling by ectonucleotidase CD39 can suppress T-cell response in caner. However, the role of CD39 in NK cells has not been fully elucidated. Here, we characterized CD39 expression on NK cells and its clinical relevance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Peripheral blood and tissue samples were collected from 36 ESCC patients. We observed that the proportion of NK cells significantly decreased but CD39 was obviously up-regulated on NK cells from cancerous tissues compared to paired peripheral blood in ESCC patients. Furthermore, tumor-infiltrating NK cells with high CD39 expression exhibited a phenotype of functional impairment. In vitro, conditioned media of ESCC cell lines could induce CD39 expression on peripheral NK cells from healthy donors. IL-6 was identified as the major cytokine produced by ESCC cell lines and also elevated in both tumor tissues and blood serum from ESCC patients. Recombinant IL-6 significantly induced surface CD39 expression in human NK cells, while IL-6-receptor antagonist tocilizumab prevented this effect. Finally, tumor-infiltrating CD39+ NK cells were correlated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Thus, tumor-derived IL-6 might impair NK cell functions through induction of CD39 expression. CD39+ NK cells may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Zheng
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Li
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Tang
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qitai Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wang
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Liu
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengxing Guo
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Song Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lan Huang
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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