1
|
Li W, Pan L, Hong W, Ginhoux F, Zhang X, Xiao C, Li X. A single-cell pan-cancer analysis to show the variability of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells in immune checkpoint blockade. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6142. [PMID: 39034339 PMCID: PMC11271490 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50478-8] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells are vital components of the immune system and have pivotal functions in orchestrating immune responses. Understanding their functions within the tumor microenvironment and their interactions with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes presents formidable challenges across diverse cancer types, particularly with regards to cancer immunotherapies. Here, we explore tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) by conducting a pan-cancer analysis using single-cell transcriptomics across eight distinct cancer types, encompassing a total of 192 tumor samples from 129 patients. By examining gene expression patterns and transcriptional activities of TIMs in different cancer types, we discern notable alterations in abundance of TIMs and kinetic behaviors prior to and following immunotherapy. We also identify specific cell-cell interaction targets in immunotherapy; unique and shared regulatory profiles critical for treatment response; and TIMs associated with survival outcomes. Overall, our study illuminates the heterogeneity of TIMs and improves our understanding of tissue-specific and cancer-specific myeloid subsets within the context of tumor immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiyuan Li
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650031, China
| | - Lu Pan
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
| | - Weifeng Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310005, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310005, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou, 310005, China
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
- Institut Gustave Roussy, INSERM U1015, Bâtiment de Médecine Moléculaire 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94800, Villejuif, France
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
| | - Chunjie Xiao
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China.
| | - Xuexin Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
- Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, 171 65, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zvirblyte J, Nainys J, Juzenas S, Goda K, Kubiliute R, Dasevicius D, Kincius M, Ulys A, Jarmalaite S, Mazutis L. Single-cell transcriptional profiling of clear cell renal cell carcinoma reveals a tumor-associated endothelial tip cell phenotype. Commun Biol 2024; 7:780. [PMID: 38942917 PMCID: PMC11213875 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06478-x] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent form of renal cancer, accounting for over 75% of cases. The asymptomatic nature of the disease contributes to late-stage diagnoses and poor survival. Highly vascularized and immune infiltrated microenvironment are prominent features of ccRCC, yet the interplay between vasculature and immune cells, disease progression and response to therapy remains poorly understood. Using droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing we profile 50,236 transcriptomes from paired tumor and healthy adjacent kidney tissues. Our analysis reveals significant heterogeneity and inter-patient variability of the tumor microenvironment. Notably, we discover a previously uncharacterized vasculature subpopulation associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The cell-cell communication analysis reveals multiple modes of immunosuppressive interactions within the tumor microenvironment, including clinically relevant interactions between tumor vasculature and stromal cells with immune cells. The upregulation of the genes involved in these interactions is associated with worse survival in the TCGA KIRC cohort. Our findings demonstrate the role of tumor vasculature and stromal cell populations in shaping the ccRCC microenvironment and uncover a subpopulation of cells within the tumor vasculature that is associated with an angiogenic phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justina Zvirblyte
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Juozas Nainys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
- Droplet Genomics, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Simonas Juzenas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Karolis Goda
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Raimonda Kubiliute
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Darius Dasevicius
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, 08406, Lithuania
| | | | - Albertas Ulys
- National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, 08660, Lithuania
| | - Sonata Jarmalaite
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania.
- National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, 08660, Lithuania.
| | - Linas Mazutis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang C, Su NW, Hsu K, Kao CW, Chang MC, Chang YF, Lim KH, Chiang YH, Chang YC, Sung MT, Wu HH, Chen CG. The implication of serum HLA-G in angiogenesis of multiple myeloma. Mol Med 2024; 30:86. [PMID: 38877399 PMCID: PMC11177474 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the advances of therapies, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematological cancer that most patients experience relapse. Tumor angiogenesis is strongly correlated with cancer relapse. Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) has been known as a molecule to suppress angiogenesis. We aimed to investigate whether soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) was involved in the relapse of MM. METHODS We first investigated the dynamics of serum sHLA-G, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in 57 successfully treated MM patients undergoing remission and relapse. The interactions among these angiogenesis-related targets (sHLA-G, VEGF and IL-6) were examined in vitro. Their expression at different oxygen concentrations was investigated using a xenograft animal model by intra-bone marrow and skin grafts with myeloma cells. RESULTS We found that HLA-G protein degradation augmented angiogenesis. Soluble HLA-G directly inhibited vasculature formation in vitro. Mechanistically, HLA-G expression was regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in MM cells under hypoxia. We thus developed two mouse models of myeloma xenografts in intra-bone marrow (BM) and underneath the skin, and found a strong correlation between HLA-G and HIF-1α expressions in hypoxic BM, but not in oxygenated tissues. Yet when stimulated with IL-6, both HLA-G and HIF-1α could be targeted to ubiquitin-mediated degradation via PARKIN. CONCLUSION These results highlight the importance of sHLA-G in angiogenesis at different phases of multiple myeloma. The experimental evidence that sHLA-G as an angiogenesis suppressor in MM may be useful for future development of novel therapies to prevent relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, 25160, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Wen Su
- Department of Hematology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Nursing, and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, New Taipei, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Kate Hsu
- Nursing, and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, New Taipei, 25245, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 25160, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Wei Kao
- Department of Hematology, GCRC Laboratory, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 25160, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Chang
- Department of Hematology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fang Chang
- Department of Hematology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Hematology, GCRC Laboratory, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 25160, Taiwan
| | - Ken-Hong Lim
- Department of Hematology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Hematology, GCRC Laboratory, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 25160, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hao Chiang
- Department of Hematology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Hematology, GCRC Laboratory, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 25160, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Chang
- Department of Hematology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Hematology, GCRC Laboratory, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 25160, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ta Sung
- Department of Hematology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Hsia Wu
- Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Caleb G Chen
- Department of Hematology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Nursing, and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, New Taipei, 25245, Taiwan.
- Department of Hematology, GCRC Laboratory, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 25160, Taiwan.
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mitra A, Kumar A, Amdare NP, Pathak R. Current Landscape of Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune Arsenal to Overcome Immune Evasion. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:307. [PMID: 38785789 PMCID: PMC11118874 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion represents a leading hallmark of cancer, posing a significant obstacle to the development of successful anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cancer treatment has significantly evolved, transitioning into the era of immunotherapy from conventional methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal component in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer and offering improved prognostic outcomes for numerous patients. The remarkable success of immunotherapy has spurred significant efforts to enhance the clinical efficacy of existing agents and strategies. Several immunotherapeutic approaches have received approval for targeted cancer treatments, while others are currently in preclinical and clinical trials. This review explores recent progress in unraveling the mechanisms of cancer immune evasion and evaluates the clinical effectiveness of diverse immunotherapy strategies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and antibody-based treatments. It encompasses both established treatments and those currently under investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of efforts to combat cancer through immunological approaches. Additionally, the article emphasizes the current developments, limitations, and challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, by integrating analyses of cancer immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and exploring combination strategies and personalized approaches, it offers valuable insights crucial for the development of novel anticancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitin P. Amdare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mu L, Hu S, Li G, Wu P, Zheng K, Zhang S. Comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation gene expression profiles in GEO dataset reveals biomarkers related to malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:53. [PMID: 38427106 PMCID: PMC10907326 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00903-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation may be involved in the regulation of malignant transformation from sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The study of gene methylation changes and screening of differentially methylated loci (DMLs) are helpful to predict the possible key genes in the malignant transformation of SNIP-SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Microarray dataset GSE125399 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and differentially methylated loci (DMLs) were analyzed using R language (Limma package). ClusterProfiler R package was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) analysis on up-methylated genes and draw bubble maps. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and its visualization analysis were analyzed to speculate the possible key Genes in SNIP-SCC malignant transformation. Subsequently, SNIP cases archived in our department were collected, tissue microarray was made, and immunohistochemical staining was performed to analyze the expression levels of UCKL1, GSTT1, HLA-G, MAML2 and NRGN in different grades of sinonasal papilloma tissues. RESULTS Analysis of dataset GSE125399 identified 56 DMLs, including 49 upregulated DMLs and 7 downregulated DMLs. Thirty-one genes containing upregulated DNA methylation loci and three genes containing downregulated DNA methylation loci were obtained by methylation microarray annotation analysis. In addition, KEGG pathway visualization analysis of 31 up-methylated genes showed that there were four significantly up-methylated genes including UCKL1, GSTT1, HLA-G and MAML2, and one significantly down-methylated gene NRGN. Subsequently, compared with non-neoplasia nasal epithelial tissues, the expression of HLA-G and NRGN was upregulated in grade I, II, III and IV tissues, while the expression of MAML2 was lost. The protein expression changes of MAML2 and NRGN were significantly negatively correlated with their gene methylation levels. CONCLUSIONS By analyzing the methylation dataset, we obtained four up-regulated methylation genes UCKL1, GSTT1, HLA-G and MAML2 and one down-regulated gene NRGN. MAML2, a tumor suppressor gene with high methylation modification but loss of protein expression, and NRGN, a tumor gene with low methylation modification but upregulated protein expression, can be used as biological indicators to judge the malignant transformation of SNIP-SCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Mu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Shun Hu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Guoping Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China.
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nishimura T, Végvári Á, Nakamura H, Fujii K, Sakai H, Naruki S, Furuya N, Saji H. Cancer cell immunity-related protein co-expression networks are associated with early-stage solid-predominant lung adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1273780. [PMID: 38450191 PMCID: PMC10915646 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1273780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Solid-predominant lung adenocarcinoma (SPA), which is one of the high-risk subtypes with poor prognosis and unsatisfactory response to chemotherapy and targeted therapy in lung adenocarcinoma, remains molecular profile unclarified. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used for data mining, especially for studying biological networks based on pairwise correlations between variables. This study aimed to identify disease-related protein co-expression networks associated with early-stage SPA. Methods We assessed cancerous cells laser-microdissected from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues of a SPA group (n = 5), referencing a low-risk subtype, a lepidic predominant subtype group (LPA) (n = 4), and another high-risk subtype, micropapillary predominant subtype (MPA) group (n = 3) and performed mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Disease-related co-expression networks associated with the SPA subtype were identified by WGCNA and their upstream regulators and causal networks were predicted by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Results Among the forty WGCNA network modules identified, two network modules were found to be associated significantly with the SPA subtype. Canonical enriched pathways were highly associated with cellular growth, proliferation, and immune response. Upregulated HLA class I molecules HLA-G and HLA-B implicated high mutation burden and T cell activation in the SPA subtype. Upstream analysis implicated the involvement of highly activated oncogenic regulators, MYC, MLXIPL, MYCN, the redox master regulator NFE2L2, and the highly inhibited LARP1, leading to oncogenic IRES-dependent translation, and also regulators of the adaptive immune response, including highly activated IFNG, TCRD, CD3-TCR, CD8A, CD8B, CD3, CD80/CD86, and highly inhibited LILRB2. Interestingly, the immune checkpoint molecule HLA-G, which is the counterpart of LILRB2, was highly expressed characteristically in the SPA subtype and might be associated with antitumor immunity. Conclusion Our findings provide a disease molecular profile based on protein co-expression networks identified for the high-risk solid predominant adenocarcinoma, which will help develop future therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihide Nishimura
- Department of Chest Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Ákos Végvári
- Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Haruhiko Nakamura
- Department of Chest Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Kiyonaga Fujii
- Department of Chest Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sakai
- Department of Chest Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Saeko Naruki
- Department of Pathology, St. Marianna University Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Naoki Furuya
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Hisashi Saji
- Department of Chest Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Regmi M, Wang Y, Liu W, Dai Y, Liu S, Ma K, Lin G, Yang J, Liu H, Wu J, Yang C. From glioma gloom to immune bloom: unveiling novel immunotherapeutic paradigms-a review. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:47. [PMID: 38342925 PMCID: PMC10860318 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02973-5] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In tumor therapeutics, the transition from conventional cytotoxic drugs to targeted molecular therapies, such as those targeting receptor tyrosine kinases, has been pivotal. Despite this progress, the clinical outcomes have remained modest, with glioblastoma patients' median survival stagnating at less than 15 months. This underscores the urgent need for more specialized treatment strategies. Our review delves into the progression toward immunomodulation in glioma treatment. We dissect critical discoveries in immunotherapy, such as spotlighting the instrumental role of tumor-associated macrophages, which account for approximately half of the immune cells in the glioma microenvironment, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune microenvironment has been explored, revealing novel therapeutic targets. The uniqueness of our review is its exhaustive approach, synthesizing current research to elucidate the intricate roles of various molecules and receptors within the glioma microenvironment. This comprehensive synthesis not only maps the current landscape but also provides a blueprint for refining immunotherapy for glioma, signifying a paradigm shift toward leveraging immune mechanisms for improved patient prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moksada Regmi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science (AIMS), Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Weihai Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuwei Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shikun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guozhong Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science (AIMS), Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmology, Beijing, 100730, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmic Equipment and Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100730, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science (AIMS), Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
- National Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmology, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmic Equipment and Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Chenlong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science (AIMS), Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mejía-Guarnizo LV, Monroy-Camacho PS, Turizo-Smith AD, Rodríguez-García JA. The role of immune checkpoints in antitumor response: a potential antitumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1298571. [PMID: 38162657 PMCID: PMC10757365 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1298571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy aims to stimulate the immune system to inhibit tumor growth or prevent metastases. Tumor cells primarily employ altered expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) as a mechanism to avoid immune recognition and antitumor immune response. The antitumor immune response is primarily mediated by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, which plays a key role in the overall anti-tumor immune response. It is crucial to comprehend the molecular events occurring during the activation and subsequent regulation of these cell populations. The interaction between antigenic peptides presented on HLA-I molecules and the T-cell receptor (TCR) constitutes the initial signal required for T cell activation. Once activated, in physiologic circumstances, immune checkpoint expression by T cells suppress T cell effector functions when the antigen is removed, to ensures the maintenance of self-tolerance, immune homeostasis, and prevention of autoimmunity. However, in cancer, the overexpression of these molecules represents a common method through which tumor cells evade immune surveillance. Numerous therapeutic antibodies have been developed to inhibit immune checkpoints, demonstrating antitumor activity with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that many immune checkpoint expressions occur after T cell activation and consequently, altered HLA expression on tumor cells could diminish the clinical efficacy of these antibodies. This review provides an in-depth exploration of immune checkpoint molecules, their corresponding blocking antibodies, and their clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidy Vannessa Mejía-Guarnizo
- Cancer Biology Research Group, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogotá, Colombia
- Sciences Faculty, Master in Microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Herrity E, Pereira MP, Kim DDH. Acute myeloid leukaemia relapse after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Mechanistic diversity and therapeutic directions. Br J Haematol 2023; 203:722-735. [PMID: 37787151 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Emerging biological and clinical data, along with advances in new technologies, have exposed the mechanistic diversity in post-haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) relapse. Post-HCT relapse mechanisms are relevant for guiding sophisticated selection of therapeutic interventions and identification of areas for further research. Clonal evolution and emergence of resistant leukemic strains is a common mechanism shared by relapse post-chemotherapy and post-HCT, other mechanisms such as leukemic immune escape and donor T cell exhaustion are unique entities to post-HCT relapse. Due to diversity in the mechanisms behind post-HCT relapse, the subsequent clinical approach relies on clinician discretion, rather than objective evidence. Lack of standardized selection based on post-HCT relapse mechanism(s) could be a contributing factor to observed poor outcomes. Therapeutic strategies including donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), second transplant, immunotherapies, hypomethylating agents, and targeted strategies are supported options and efficacy may be enhanced when post-HCT AML relapse mechanism is established and guides treatment selection. This review aims, through compilation of supporting studies, to describe mechanisms of post-HCT relapse and their implications for subsequent treatment selection and inspiration for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Herrity
- Hans Messner Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariana Pinto Pereira
- Hans Messner Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dennis Dong Hwan Kim
- Hans Messner Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leukemia Program, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Couturaud B, Doix B, Carretero-Iglesia L, Allard M, Pradervand S, Hebeisen M, Rufer N. Overall avidity declines in TCR repertoires during latent CMV but not EBV infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1293090. [PMID: 38053994 PMCID: PMC10694213 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1293090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The avidity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) for antigenic peptides presented by the MHC (pMHC) on cells is an essential parameter for efficient T cell-mediated immunity. Yet, whether the TCR-ligand avidity can drive the clonal evolution of virus antigen-specific CD8 T cells, and how this process is determined in latent Cytomegalovirus (CMV)- against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-mediated infection remains largely unknown. Methods To address these issues, we quantified monomeric TCR-pMHC dissociation rates on CMV- and EBV-specific individual TCRαβ clonotypes and polyclonal CD8 T cell populations in healthy donors over a follow-up time of 15-18 years. The parameters involved during the long-term persistence of virus-specific T cell clonotypes were further evaluated by gene expression profiling, phenotype and functional analyses. Results Within CMV/pp65-specific T cell repertoires, a progressive contraction of clonotypes with high TCR-pMHC avidity and low CD8 binding dependency was observed, leading to an overall avidity decline during long-term antigen exposure. We identified a unique transcriptional signature preferentially expressed by high-avidity CMV/pp65-specific T cell clonotypes, including the inhibitory receptor LILRB1. Interestingly, T cell clonotypes of high-avidity showed higher LILRB1 expression than the low-avidity ones and LILRB1 blockade moderately increased T cell proliferation. Similar findings were made for CD8 T cell repertoires specific for the CMV/IE-1 epitope. There was a gradual in vivo loss of high-avidity T cells with time for both CMV specificities, corresponding to virus-specific CD8 T cells expressing enhanced LILRB1 levels. In sharp contrast, the EBV/BMFL1-specific T cell clonal composition and distribution, once established, displayed an exceptional stability, unrelated to TCR-pMHC binding avidity or LILRB1 expression. Conclusions These findings reveal an overall long-term avidity decline of CMV- but not EBV-specific T cell clonal repertoires, highlighting the differing role played by TCR-ligand avidity over the course of these two latent herpesvirus infections. Our data further suggest that the inhibitor receptor LILRB1 potentially restricts the clonal expansion of high-avidity CMV-specific T cell clonotypes during latent infection. We propose that the mechanisms regulating the long-term outcome of CMV- and EBV-specific memory CD8 T cell clonotypes in humans are distinct.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Couturaud
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Bastien Doix
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laura Carretero-Iglesia
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Mathilde Allard
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Pradervand
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Lausanne Genomic Technologies Facility (LGTF), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hebeisen
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lau APY, Khavkine Binstock SS, Thu KL. CD47: The Next Frontier in Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5229. [PMID: 37958404 PMCID: PMC10649163 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of PD-1/PD-L1-targeted therapy in lung cancer has resulted in great enthusiasm for additional immunotherapies in development to elicit similar survival benefits, particularly in patients who do not respond to or are ineligible for PD-1 blockade. CD47 is an immunosuppressive molecule that binds SIRPα on antigen-presenting cells to regulate an innate immune checkpoint that blocks phagocytosis and subsequent activation of adaptive tumor immunity. In lung cancer, CD47 expression is associated with poor survival and tumors with EGFR mutations, which do not typically respond to PD-1 blockade. Given its prognostic relevance, its role in facilitating immune escape, and the number of agents currently in clinical development, CD47 blockade represents a promising next-generation immunotherapy for lung cancer. In this review, we briefly summarize how tumors disrupt the cancer immunity cycle to facilitate immune evasion and their exploitation of immune checkpoints like the CD47-SIRPα axis. We also discuss approved immune checkpoint inhibitors and strategies for targeting CD47 that are currently being investigated. Finally, we review the literature supporting CD47 as a promising immunotherapeutic target in lung cancer and offer our perspective on key obstacles that must be overcome to establish CD47 blockade as the next standard of care for lung cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asa P. Y. Lau
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Sharon S. Khavkine Binstock
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Kelsie L. Thu
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang Y, Yang J, Xie S, Chen H, Zhong J, Lin X, Yu Z, Xia J. A novel prognostic signature based on immunogenic cell death score predicts outcomes and response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11411-11429. [PMID: 37382674 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05017-1] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The phenomenon of immunogenic cell death (ICD) is intricately linked to numerous antitumor treatments and exerts a profound regulatory function in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). We aimed to establish a prognostic signature from the ICD-related biomarkers to differentiate the TIME in hepatocellular carcinoma and predict diverse outcomes for patients with liver cancer. METHODS ICD score-related genes (ICDSGs) were identified using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The ICD score-related signature (ICDSsig) was established by applying LASSO and Cox regression. Model precision was verified using the external datasets. We used independent prognostic variables in clinicopathologic factors to develop a nomogram. Further, clinical characteristics, immune and molecular landscapes, the responses of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and immunotherapy, and chemotherapy sensitivity were analyzed for high- and low-risk patients. RESULTS ICD score-calculated using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA)-displayed strong associations with the TIME in HCC. We identified 34 ICDSGs after integrating the TCGA and GSE104580 datasets. Then, three novel ICDSGs (DNASE1L3, KLRB1, and LILRB1) were screened out to construct the ICDSsig; the prognostic signature performed well in the external databases. The high-risk patients had worse outcomes owing to their advanced pathological state, non-response of TACE, and immune-cold phenotype in the immune landscapes. The immune checkpoint genes, N6-methyladenosine-relevant genes, and microsatellite instability score were increased in the high-risk subgroup, thereby indicating a favorable sensitivity to immunotherapy. Common chemotherapy drugs were more effective in high-risk patients due to low half-maximal inhibitory concentration values. CONCLUSION The ICDSsig can potentially predict outcomes and therapeutic responses for patients with liver cancer and may assist clinicians in designing individualized treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Junhui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Shicheng Xie
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jinwei Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaoben Lin
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhijie Yu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Jinglin Xia
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
- National Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine. Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sun L, Kienzler JC, Reynoso JG, Lee A, Shiuan E, Li S, Kim J, Ding L, Monteleone AJ, Owens GC, Phillips JJ, Everson RG, Nathanson D, Cloughesy TF, Li G, Liau LM, Hugo W, Kim W, Prins RM. Immune checkpoint blockade induces distinct alterations in the microenvironments of primary and metastatic brain tumors. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e169314. [PMID: 37655659 PMCID: PMC10471177 DOI: 10.1172/jci169314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In comparison with responses in recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), the intracranial response of brain metastases (BrM) to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is less well studied. Here, we present an integrated single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) study of 19 ICB-naive and 9 ICB-treated BrM samples from our own and published data sets. We compared them with our previously published scRNA-Seq data from rGBM and found that ICB led to more prominent T cell infiltration into BrM than rGBM. These BrM-infiltrating T cells exhibited a tumor-specific phenotype and displayed greater activated/exhausted features. We also used multiplex immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics to reveal that ICB reduced a distinct CD206+ macrophage population in the perivascular space, which may modulate T cell entry into BrM. Furthermore, we identified a subset of progenitor exhausted T cells that correlated with longer overall survival in BrM patients. Our study provides a comprehensive immune cellular landscape of ICB's effect on metastatic brain tumors and offers insights into potential strategies for improving ICB efficacy for brain tumor patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jenny C. Kienzler
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Inflammation Research Group, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Alexander Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
| | | | | | | | - Lizhong Ding
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Joanna J. Phillips
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Richard G. Everson
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and
| | - David Nathanson
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and
| | - Timothy F. Cloughesy
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and
- Department of Neurology/Neuro-Oncology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Linda M. Liau
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and
| | - Willy Hugo
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Won Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and
| | - Robert M. Prins
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Álvarez Freile J, Qi Y, Jacob L, Lobo MF, Lourens HJ, Huls G, Bremer E. A luminescence-based method to assess antigen presentation and antigen-specific T cell responses for in vitro screening of immunomodulatory checkpoints and therapeutics. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1233113. [PMID: 37559730 PMCID: PMC10407562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1233113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigations into the strength of antigen-specific responses in vitro is becoming increasingly relevant for decision making in early-phase research of novel immunotherapeutic approaches, including adoptive cell but also immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapies. In the latter, antigen-specific rapid and high throughput tools to investigate MHC/antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) activation haven't been implemented yet. Here, we present a simple and rapid luminescence-based approach using the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E711-20 peptide as model antigen and E7-TCR transgenic Jurkat.NFAT-luciferase reporter cells. Upon E7 peptide pulsing of HLA-A2+ cell lines and macrophages, an effector to target ratio dependent increase in luminescence compared to non-pulsed cells was observed after co-incubation with E7-TCR expressing Jurkat, but not with parental cells. Analogous experiments with cells expressing full-length HPV16 identified that E7-specific activation of Jurkat cells enabled detection of endogenous antigen processing and MHC-I presentation. As proof of concept, overexpression of established checkpoints/inhibitory molecules (e.g., PD-L1 or HLA-G) significantly reduced the E7-specific TCR-induced luminescence, an effect that could be restored after treatment with corresponding targeting antagonistic antibodies. Altogether, the luminescence-based method described here represents an alternative approach for the rapid evaluation of MHC-dependent antigen-specific T cell responses in vitro. It can be used as a rapid tool to evaluate the impact of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment or novel ICI in triggering effective T cell responses, as well as speeding up the development of novel therapeutics within the immune-oncology field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Edwin Bremer
- Department of Hematology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lima K, Ribas GT, Riella LV, Borges TJ. Inhibitory innate receptors and their potential role in transplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2023; 37:100776. [PMID: 37451057 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2023.100776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The regulatory arm of the immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing excessive immune responses. Immune regulation comprises various regulatory cells and molecules that work together to suppress or regulate immune responses. The programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) are examples of inhibitory receptors that counteract activating signals and fine-tune immune responses. While most of the discoveries of immune regulation have been related to T cells and the adaptive immune system, the innate arm of the immune system also has a range of inhibitory receptors that can counteract activating signals and suppress the effector immune responses. Targeting these innate inhibitory receptors may provide a complementary therapeutic approach in several immune-related conditions, including transplantation. In this review, we will explore the potential role of innate inhibitory receptors in controlling alloimmunity during solid organ transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Lima
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme T Ribas
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Professional and Technological Education Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Leonardo V Riella
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thiago J Borges
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Carosella ED. Special Issue: 9th International Conference on HLA-G. Hum Immunol 2023:S0198-8859(23)00088-5. [PMID: 37365070 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo D Carosella
- Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie, Hôpital Saint Louis APHP, Expert International - Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), 75475 Paris Cedex 10, France.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
De Re V, Tornesello ML, Racanelli V, Prete M, Steffan A. Non-Classical HLA Class 1b and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1672. [PMID: 37371767 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of studies are underway to gain a better understanding of the role of immunity in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and to identify subgroups of individuals who may benefit the most from systemic therapy according to the etiology of their tumor. Human leukocyte antigens play a key role in antigen presentation to T cells. This is fundamental to the host's defense against pathogens and tumor cells. In addition, HLA-specific interactions with innate lymphoid cell receptors, such those present on natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cell type 2, have been shown to be important activators of immune function in the context of several liver diseases. More recent studies have highlighted the key role of members of the non-classical HLA-Ib and the transcript adjacent to the HLA-F locus, FAT10, in hepatocarcinoma. The present review analyzes the major contribution of these molecules to hepatic viral infection and hepatocellular prognosis. Particular attention has been paid to the association of natural killer and Vδ2 T-cell activation, mediated by specific HLA class Ib molecules, with risk assessment and novel treatment strategies to improve immunotherapy in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, School of Medicine, 'Aldo Moro' University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, School of Medicine, 'Aldo Moro' University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 33081 Aviano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xu X, Yin S, Wang Y, Zhu Q, Zheng G, Lu Y, Li T, Zhu C. LILRB1 + immune cell infiltration identifies immunosuppressive microenvironment and dismal outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110162. [PMID: 37075669 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immune checkpoint inhibitors are commonly used in various types of cancer, but their efficacy in ovarian cancer (OC) is limited. Thus, identifying novel immune-related therapeutic targets is crucial. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B1 (LILRB1), a key receptor of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), is involved in immune tolerance, but its role in tumor immunity remains unclear. METHODS In this study, immunofluorescence was used to identify the location of LILRB1 in OC. The effect of LILRB1 expression on clinical outcomes in 217 patients with OC was analyzed retrospectively. A total of 585 patients with OC from the TCGA database were included to explore the relationship between LILRB1 and tumor microenvironment characteristics. RESULTS LILRB1 was found to be expressed in tumor cells (TCs) and immune cells (ICs). High LILRB1+ ICs, but not LILRB1+ TCs, were associated with advanced FIGO stage, shorter survival outcomes, and worse adjuvant chemotherapy responses in OC patients. LILRB1 expression was also associated with high M2 macrophage infiltration, reduced activation of dendritic cells, and dysfunction of CD8+ T cells, suggesting an immunosuppressive phenotype. The combination of LILRB1+ ICs and CD8+ T cell levels could be used to distinguish patients with different clinical survival results. Moreover, LILRB1+ ICs infiltration with CD8+ T cells absence indicated inferior responsiveness to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. CONCLUSIONS Tumor-infiltrating LILRB1+ ICs could be applied as an independent clinical prognosticator and a predictive biomarker for therapy responsiveness to OC. Further studies targeting the LILRB1 pathway should be conducted in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Songcheng Yin
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoxing Zheng
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingsi Lu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chengming Zhu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Peripheral HLA-G/ILT-2 immune checkpoint axis in acute and convalescent COVID-19 patients. Hum Immunol 2023:S0198-8859(23)00043-5. [PMID: 36925435 PMCID: PMC10011044 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.03.002] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive non-classical human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) can elicits pro-viral activities by down-modulating immune responses. We analysed soluble forms of HLA-G, IL-6 and IL-10 as well as on immune effector cell expression of HLA-G and its cognate ILT-2 receptor in peripheral blood obtained from hospitalised and convalescent COVID-19 patients. Compared with convalescents (N = 202), circulating soluble HLA-G levels (total and vesicular-bound molecules) were significantly increased in hospitalised patients (N = 93) irrespective of the disease severity. During COVID-19, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were also elevated. Regarding the immune checkpoint expression of HLA-G/ILT-2 on peripheral immune effector cells, the frequencies of membrane-bound HLA-G on CD3+ and CD14+ cells were almost identical in patients during and post COVID-19, while the frequency of ILT-2 receptor on CD3+ and CD14+ cells was increased during acute infection. A multi-parametric correlation analysis of soluble HLA-G forms with IL-6, IL-10, activation markers CD25 and CD154, HLA-G, and ILT-2 expression on immune cells revealed a strong positive correlation of soluble HLA-G forms with membrane-bound HLA-G molecules on CD3+/CD14+ cells only in convalescents. During COVID-19, only vesicular-bound HLA-G were positively correlated with the activation marker CD25 on T cells. Thus, our data suggest that the elevated levels of soluble HLA-G in COVID-19 are due to increased expression in organ tissues other than circulating immune effector cells. The concomitant increased expression of soluble HLA-G and ILT-2 receptor frequencies supports the concept that the immune checkpoint HLA-G/ILT-2 plays a role in the immune-pathogenesis of COVID-19.
Collapse
|
20
|
Wu P, Guo Y, Xiao L, Yuan J, Tang C, Dong J, Qian Z. LILRB2-containing small extracellular vesicles from glioblastoma promote tumor progression by promoting the formation and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023:10.1007/s00262-023-03395-6. [PMID: 36853330 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03395-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B2 (LILRB2) was reported to be an inhibitory molecule with suppressive functions. sEVs mediate communication between cancer cells and other cells. However, the existence of LILRB2 on sEVs in circulation and the function of sEVs-LILRB2 are still unknown. This study aims to investigate the role of LILRB2 in GBM and determine how LILRB2 in sEVs regulates tumor immunity. METHODS LILRB2 expression in normal brain and GBM tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the effect of LILRB2 on prognosis was evaluated in an orthotopic brain tumor model. Next, a subcutaneous tumor model was constructed to evaluate the function of pirb in vivo. The immune cells in the tumor sites and spleen were detected by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Then, the presence of pirb in sEVs was confirmed by WB. The percentage of immune cells after incubation with sEVs from GL261 (GL261-sEVs) or sEVs from GL261-pirb+ (GL261-sEVs-pirb) was detected by flow cytometry. Then, the effect of pirb on sEVs was evaluated by a tumor-killing assay and proliferation assay. Finally, subcutaneous tumor models were constructed to evaluate the function of pirb on sEVs. RESULTS LILRB2 was overexpressed in human GBM tissue and was closely related to an immunosuppressive TME in GBM. Then, a protumor ability of LILRB2 was observed in subcutaneous tumor models, which was related to lower CD8 + T cells and higher MDSCs (myeloid-derived suppressor cells) in the tumor and spleen compared to those of the control group. Next, we found that pirb on sEVs (sEVs-pirb) inhibits the function of CD8 + T cells by promoting the formation and expansion of MDSCs. Furthermore, the protumor function of sEVs-pirb was demonstrated in subcutaneous tumor models. CONCLUSION We discovered that LILRB2/pirb can be transmitted between GBM cells via sEVs and that pirb on sEVs induces the formation and expansion of MDSCs. The induced MDSCs facilitate the formation of an immunosuppressive TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peitao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, 215000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhang Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, 215000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, 215000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, 215000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiyuan Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, 215000, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang J, Zhao SJ, Wang LL, Lin XX, Mor G, Liao AH. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B: A novel immune checkpoint molecule at the maternal-fetal interface. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 155:103764. [PMID: 36434938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to their crucial roles in embryo implantation, maternal-fetal tolerance induction, and pregnancy progression, immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs), such as programmed cell death-1, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, and T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3, are considered potential targets for clinical intervention in pregnancy complications. Despite the considerable progress on these molecules, our understanding of ICMs at the maternal-fetal interface is still limited. Identification of alternative and novel ICMs and the combination of multiple ICMs is urgently needed for deeply understanding the mechanism of maternal-fetal tolerance and to discover the causes of pregnancy complications. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B (LILRB) is a novel class of ICMs with strong negative regulatory effects on the immune response. Recent studies have revealed that LILRB is enriched in decidual immune cells and stromal cells at the maternal-fetal interface, which can modulate the biological behavior of immune cells and promote immune tolerance. In this review, we introduce the structural features, expression profiles, ligands, and orthologs of LILRB. In addition, the potential mechanisms and functions mediated by LILRB for sustaining the maternal-fetal tolerance microenvironment, remodeling the uterine spiral artery, and induction of pregnancy immune memory are summarized. We have also provided new suggestions for further understanding the roles of LILRB and potential therapeutic strategies for pregnancy-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Si-Jia Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Li-Ling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xin-Xiu Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ozato Y, Kojima Y, Kobayashi Y, Hisamatsu Y, Toshima T, Yonemura Y, Masuda T, Kagawa K, Goto Y, Utou M, Fukunaga M, Gamachi A, Imamura K, Kuze Y, Zenkoh J, Suzuki A, Niida A, Hirose H, Hayashi S, Koseki J, Oki E, Fukuchi S, Murakami K, Tobo T, Nagayama S, Uemura M, Sakamoto T, Oshima M, Doki Y, Eguchi H, Mori M, Iwasaki T, Oda Y, Shibata T, Suzuki Y, Shimamura T, Mimori K. Spatial and single-cell transcriptomics decipher the cellular environment containing HLA-G+ cancer cells and SPP1+ macrophages in colorectal cancer. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111929. [PMID: 36656712 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer (CRC) are poorly understood, hindering patient treatment. In the current study, we investigate whether events occurring at the invasion front are of particular importance for CRC treatment strategies. To this end, we analyze CRC tissues by combining spatial transcriptomics from patients with a public single-cell transcriptomic atlas to determine cell-cell interactions at the invasion front. We show that CRC cells are localized specifically at the invasion front. These cells induce human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) to produce secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)+ macrophages while conferring CRC cells with anti-tumor immunity, as well as proliferative and invasive properties. Taken together, these findings highlight the signaling between CRC cell populations and stromal cell populations at the cellular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Ozato
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu 874-0838, Japan; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kojima
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yuta Kobayashi
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu 874-0838, Japan; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuuichi Hisamatsu
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu 874-0838, Japan
| | - Takeo Toshima
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu 874-0838, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yonemura
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu 874-0838, Japan
| | - Takaaki Masuda
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu 874-0838, Japan
| | - Kouichi Kagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shinbeppu Hospital, Beppu 874-8538, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Goto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shinbeppu Hospital, Beppu 874-8538, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Utou
- Department of Pathology, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu 874-0838, Japan
| | - Mituko Fukunaga
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu 874-0838, Japan
| | - Ayako Gamachi
- Department of Pathology, Almeida Memorial Hospital, Oita 870-1195, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Imamura
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
| | - Yuta Kuze
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
| | - Junko Zenkoh
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
| | - Ayako Suzuki
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
| | - Atsushi Niida
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Haruka Hirose
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shuto Hayashi
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Jun Koseki
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Eiji Oki
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukuchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Medicine, Almeida Memorial Hospital, Oita 870-1195, Japan
| | - Kazunari Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oita University Hospital, Yufu 879-5593, Japan
| | - Taro Tobo
- Department of Pathology, Almeida Memorial Hospital, Oita 870-1195, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagayama
- Gastroenterological Center, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Mamoru Uemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takeharu Sakamoto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Masanobu Oshima
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasaki
- Department of Pathology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Pathology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Shibata
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
| | - Teppei Shimamura
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Koshi Mimori
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu 874-0838, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Xiao M, Zhang X, Zhang D, Deng S, Zheng A, Du F, Shen J, Yue L, Yi T, Xiao Z, Zhao Y. Complex interaction and heterogeneity among cancer stem cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma revealed by single-cell sequencing. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1050951. [PMID: 36451812 PMCID: PMC9701714 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1050951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been characterized to be responsible for multidrug resistance, metastasis, recurrence, and immunosuppressive in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the diversity of CSCs remains to be investigated. In this study, we aimed to determine the heterogeneity of CSCs and its effect on the formation of tumor microenvironment (TME). METHODS We depicted the landscape of HNSCC transcriptome profile by single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of 20 HNSCC tissues from public databases, to reveal the Cell components, trajectory changes, signaling network, malignancy status and functional enrichment of CSCs within tumors. RESULTS Immune checkpoint molecules CD276, LILRB2, CD47 were significantly upregulated in CSCs, enabling host antitumor response to be weakened or damaged. Notably, naive CSCs were divided to 2 different types of cells with different functions, exhibiting functional diversity. In addition, CSCs underwent self-renewal and tumor metastasis activity through WNT and ncWNT signaling. Among them, Regulon regulators (IRF1_394g, IRF7_160g, NFKB1_12g, NFKB2_33g and STAT1_356g) were activated in subgroups 2 and 3, suggesting their pivotal roles in the inflammatory response process in tumors. Among all CSCs, naive CSCs appear to be the most malignant resulting in a worse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the major signal transduction and biological function of CSCs during HNSCC progression, highlighting the heterogeneity of CSCs and their underlying mechanisms in the formation of an immunosuppressive TME. Therefore, our study about heterogeneity of CSCs in HNSCC can bring new insights for the treatment of HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mintao Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Duoli Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Anfu Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Yue
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Tao Yi
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xu HH, Xie YY, Jun-Gan, Yang Z, Han QY. Dynamic changes of soluble HLA-G and cytokine plasma levels in cervical cancer patients: potential role in cancer progression and immunotherapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04331-4. [PMID: 36053326 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic inflammation has been proven to be an important factor in carcinogenesis. Cytokines are the central mediators in the inflammatory microenvironment, and their release may be influenced by soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G). The aim of this study was to monitor the dynamic process of these soluble factors in patients with cervical cancer at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, trying to understand their relationship with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. METHODS We quantified plasma levels of sHLA-G and 12 cytokines using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively, in the peripheral blood of patients with cervical cancer divided into three groups: preoperation, postoperation and clinical relapse. Healthy women were used as the control group. Data were analysed by non-parametric tests, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and Kaplan-Meier plotter (log-rank test). RESULTS In this study, our findings showed that preoperation plasma levels of sHLA-G and the cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ in cervical cancer patients had a good discriminatory effect between cervical cancer patients and healthy women. It should be noted that plasma levels of sHLA-G, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly decreased within 30 days after radical hysterectomy (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between IL-6 and IL-10, IL-8 and IL-17 levels preoperatively. In contrast, sHLA-G levels were negatively correlated with IL-10 but not with other cytokines. An increased survival rate in patients with cervical cancer was associated with IL-5 < 1.70 pg/mL, IL-17 < 2.30 pg/mL, and IFN-α < 2.26 pg/mL preoperatively. In addition, our findings showed that the levels of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-17, and IFN-γ may be related to 5-year relapse rates and/or the metastasis of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION The current findings enhance our understanding of the dynamic process (preoperation, postoperation and clinical relapse) of sHLA-G and these cytokines in the plasma of patients with cervical cancer from diagnosis to prognosis. These biomarkers may play a potential therapeutic target role of such dynamic changes in the immunotherapy for cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques and Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - You-You Xie
- Radiotherapy Department, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Gan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yue Han
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mandel I, Haves Ziv D, Goldshtein I, Peretz T, Alishekevitz D, Fridman Dror A, Hakim M, Hashmueli S, Friedman I, Sapir Y, Greco R, Qu H, Nestle F, Wiederschain D, Pao L, Sharma S, Ben Moshe T. BND-22, a first-in-class humanized ILT2-blocking antibody, promotes antitumor immunity and tumor regression. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004859. [PMID: 36096532 PMCID: PMC9472153 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, considering the limited success of immunotherapy to only some cancer types and patient cohorts, there is an unmet need for developing new treatments that will result in higher response rates in patients with cancer. Immunoglobulin-like transcript 2 (ILT2), a LILRB family member, is an inhibitory receptor expressed on a variety of immune cells including T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and different myeloid cells. In the tumor microenvironment, binding of class I MHC (in particular HLA-G) to ILT2 on immune cells mediates a strong inhibitory effect, which manifests in inhibition of antitumor cytotoxicity of T and NK cells, and prevention of phagocytosis of the tumor cells by macrophages. METHODS We describe here the development and characteristics of BND-22, a novel, humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to ILT2 and blocks its interaction with classical MHC I and HLA-G. BND-22 was evaluated for its binding and blocking characteristics as well as its ability to increase the antitumor activity of macrophages, T cells and NK cells in various in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo systems. RESULTS Collectively, our data suggest that BND-22 enhances activity of both innate and adaptive immune cells, thus generating robust and comprehensive antitumor immunity. In humanized mice models, blocking ILT2 with BND-22 decreased the growth of human tumors, hindered metastatic spread to the lungs, and prolonged survival of the tumor-bearing mice. In addition, BND-22 improved the antitumor immune response of approved therapies such as anti-PD-1 or anti-EGFR antibodies. CONCLUSIONS BND-22 is a first-in-human ILT2 blocking antibody which has demonstrated efficient antitumor activity in various preclinical models as well as a favorable safety profile. Clinical evaluation of BND-22 as a monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutics is under way in patients with cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04717375.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rita Greco
- Oncology Reseach, Sanofi, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hongjing Qu
- Oncology Reseach, Sanofi, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frank Nestle
- Oncology Reseach, Sanofi, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Lily Pao
- Oncology Reseach, Sanofi, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sharad Sharma
- Oncology Reseach, Sanofi, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chen QY, Zhou WJ, Zhang JG, Zhang X, Han QY, Lin A, Yan WH. Prognostic significance of the immune checkpoint HLA-G/ILT-4 in the survival of patients with gastric cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108798. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
27
|
Tronik-Le Roux D, Daouya M, Jacquier A, Schenowitz C, Desgrandchamps F, Rouas-Freiss N, Carosella ED. The HLA-G immune checkpoint: a new immuno-stimulatory role for the α1-domain-deleted isoform. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:310. [PMID: 35596891 PMCID: PMC11072982 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04359-2] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of cancer cells, in part maintained via the expression of multiple isoforms, introduces significant challenges in designing effective therapeutic approaches. In this regard, isoforms of the immune checkpoint HLA-G have been found in most of the tumors analyzed, such as ccRCC, the most common human renal malignancy. In particular, HLA-G∆α1, which is the only HLA-G isoform described that lacks the α1 extracellular domain, has been newly identified in ccRCC and now here in trophoblasts. Using a cellular model expressing HLA-G∆α1, we have uncovered its specific and overlapping functional roles, relative to the main HLA-G isoform, i.e., the full-length HLA-G1. We found that HLA-G∆α1 has several particular features: (i) although possessing the α3 domain, it does not associate with β2-microglobulin; (ii) it may not present peptides to T cells due to absence of the peptide-binding groove; and (iii) it exerts immune-stimulatory activity towards peripheral blood NK and T cells, while all known isoforms of HLA-G are immune-inhibitory checkpoint molecules. Such immune-stimulatory properties of HLA-G∆α1 on the cytotoxic function of peripheral blood NK cells are individual dependent and are not exerted through the interaction with the known HLA-G receptor, ILT2. Importantly, we are faced here with a potential antitumor effect of an HLA-G isoform, opposed to the pro-tumor properties described for all other HLA-G isoforms, which should be taken into account in future therapeutic designs aimed at blocking this immune checkpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tronik-Le Roux
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Marina Daouya
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alix Jacquier
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Schenowitz
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - François Desgrandchamps
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
- Service d'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouas-Freiss
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Edgardo D Carosella
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Effect of HLA-G5 Immune Checkpoint Molecule on the Expression of ILT-2, CD27, and CD38 in Splenic B cells. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:4829227. [PMID: 35600048 PMCID: PMC9119744 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4829227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is an immune checkpoint molecule with a complex network of interactions with several inhibitory receptors. Although the effect of HLA-G on T cells and NK cells is well studied, the effect of HLA-G on B cells is still largely elusive. B cells are of particular interest in the context of the HLA-G-ILT-2 interaction because the ILT-2 receptor is constitutively expressed on most B cells, whereas it is only present on some subsets of T and NK cells. To characterize the effect of HLA-G5 molecules on B cells, we studied splenic B cells derived from cytomegalovirus (CMV) sero-positive donors after CMV stimulation with antigens in the presence and absence of soluble HLA-G5. In the presence of HLA-G5, increased expression of the ITIM-bearing Ig-like transcript (ILT-2) was observed on B cells, but its expression was not affected by stimulation with CMV antigens. Moreover, it became evident that HLA-G5 exposure resulted in a decreased expression of CD27 and CD38 and, accordingly, in lower proportions of CD19+CD27+CD38+ and higher proportions of CD19+CD27-CD38- B cells. Taken together, our in vitro findings demonstrate that soluble HLA-G5 suppresses markers of B cell activation, suggesting that HLA-G5 has an impact on splenic B cell differentiation and activation. Based on these results, further investigation regarding the role of HLA-G as a prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic agent with respect to B cell function appears reasonable.
Collapse
|
29
|
Jasinski-Bergner S, Eckstein M, Taubert H, Wach S, Fiebig C, Strick R, Hartmann A, Seliger B. The Human Leukocyte Antigen G as an Immune Escape Mechanism and Novel Therapeutic Target in Urological Tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811200. [PMID: 35185904 PMCID: PMC8855320 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-classical human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a potent regulatory protein involved in the induction of immunological tolerance. This is based on the binding of membrane-bound as well as soluble HLA-G to inhibitory receptors expressed on various immune effector cells, in particular NK cells and T cells, leading to their attenuated functions. Despite its restricted expression on immune-privileged tissues under physiological conditions, HLA-G expression has been frequently detected in solid and hematopoietic malignancies including urological cancers, such as renal cell and urothelial bladder carcinoma and has been associated with progression of urological cancers and poor outcome of patients: HLA-G expression protects tumor cells from anti-tumor immunity upon interaction with its inhibitory receptors by modulating both the phenotype and function of immune cells leading to immune evasion. This review will discuss the expression, regulation, functional and clinical relevance of HLA-G expression in urological tumors as well as its use as a putative biomarker and/or potential therapeutic target for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma as well as urothelial bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Wach
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Fiebig
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reiner Strick
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Main Department of GMP Cell and Gene Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vaquero-Yuste C, Juarez I, Molina-Alejandre M, Molanes-López EM, López-Nares A, Suárez-Trujillo F, Gutiérrez-Calvo A, López-García A, Lasa I, Gómez R, Fernández-Cruz E, Rodrígez-Sainz C, Arnaiz-Villena A, Martín-Villa JM. HLA-G 3'UTR Polymorphisms Are Linked to Susceptibility and Survival in Spanish Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698438. [PMID: 34557189 PMCID: PMC8453083 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is a non-classical class I HLA molecule that induces tolerance by acting on receptors of both innate and adaptive immune cells. When overexpressed in tumors, limits surveillance by the immune system. The HLA-G gene shows several polymorphisms involved in mRNA and protein levels. We decided to study the implication of two polymorphisms (rs371194629; 14bp INS/DEL and rs1063320; +3142 C/G) in paired tissue samples (tumoral and non-tumoral) from 107 Spanish patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and 58 healthy control individuals, to assess the possible association of the HLA-G gene with gastric adenocarcinoma susceptibility, disease progression and survival. The presence of somatic mutations involving these polymorphisms was also analyzed. The frequency of the 14bp DEL allele was increased in patients (70.0%) compared to controls (57.0%, p=0.025). In addition, the haplotype formed by the combination of the 14bp DEL/+3142 C variants is also increased in patients (54.1% vs 44.4%, p=0.034, OR=1.74 CI95% 1.05-2.89). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 14bp DEL/DEL patients showed lower 5-year life-expectancy than INS/DEL or INS/INS (p=0.041). Adjusting for TNM staging (Cox regression analysis) disclosed a significant difference in death risk (p=0.03) with an expected hazard 2.6 times higher. Finally, no somatic mutations were found when comparing these polymorphisms in tumoral vs non-tumoral tissues, which indicates that this is a preexisting condition in patients and not a de novo, tumor-restricted, event. In conclusion, the variants predominant in patients were those increasing HLA-G mRNA stability and HLA-G expression, clearly involving this molecule in gastric adenocarcinoma susceptibility, disease progression and survival and making it a potential target for immunotherapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vaquero-Yuste
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Juarez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Molina-Alejandre
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa María Molanes-López
- Departamento de Estadística e Investigación Operativa, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-Nares
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Suárez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Gutiérrez-Calvo
- Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela López-García
- Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Lasa
- Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Remedios Gómez
- Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Antonio Arnaiz-Villena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Martín-Villa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Adolf IC, Almars A, Dharsee N, Mselle T, Akan G, Nguma IJ, Nateri AS, Atalar F. HLA-G and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with cancer in African populations: Implications in personal medicine. Genes Dis 2021; 9:1220-1233. [PMID: 35873024 PMCID: PMC9293715 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body against malignancy. During cancer immunoediting, the immune system can recognize and keep checking the tumor cells by down-expression of some self-molecules or by increasing expression of some novel molecules. However, the microenvironment created in the course of cancer development hampers the immune ability to recognize and destroy the transforming cells. Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) is emerging as immune checkpoint molecule produced more by cancer cells to weaken the immune response against them. HLA-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule which is normally expressed in immune privileged tissues as a soluble or membrane-bound protein. HLA-G locus is highly polymorphic in the non-coding 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and in the 5′ upstream regulatory region (5′ URR). HLA-G expression is controlled by polymorphisms located in these regions, and several association studies between these polymorphic sites and disease predisposition, response to therapy, and/or HLA-G protein expression have been reported. Various polymorphisms are demonstrated to modulate its expression and this is increasingly finding more significance in cancer biology. This review focuses on the relevance of the HLA-G gene and its polymorphisms in cancer development. We highlight population genetics of HLA-G as evidence to espouse the need and importance of exploring potential utility of HLA-G in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and immunotherapy in the currently understudied African population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Chatita Adolf
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, P.O Box 608, Tanzania
| | - Amany Almars
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Nazima Dharsee
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 3592, Tanzania
| | - Teddy Mselle
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Gokce Akan
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Irene Jeremiah Nguma
- Clinical Oncology Department, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH), Mbeya P.O Box 419, Tanzania
| | - Abdolrahman S. Nateri
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fatmahan Atalar
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
- Child Health Institute, Department of Rare Diseases, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
- Corresponding author. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, P.O Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chen QY, Chen YX, Han QY, Zhang JG, Zhou WJ, Zhang X, Ye YH, Yan WH, Lin A. Prognostic Significance of Immune Checkpoints HLA-G/ILT-2/4 and PD-L1 in Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:679090. [PMID: 34054869 PMCID: PMC8155601 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.679090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising area of research for cancer treatment. In addition to the well-known ICIs targeting PD-1/PD-L1, HLA-G/ILT-2/-4 is relatively new immune checkpoint that has been evaluated in early clinical trials in patients with advanced solid tumors. In this study, the expression of HLA-G (n=157), ILT-2/4 (n=82), and PD-L1 (n=70) in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive colorectal cancer (CRC) cells was analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry, and the prognostic significance of these molecules was evaluated. In EpCAM+ CRC cells, the median percentages of HLA-G, ILT-2, ILT-4, and PD-L1 were 14.90%, 67.70%, 8.55% and 80.30%, respectively. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between them (all p<0.001). Higher levels of these immune checkpoint proteins are associated with lymph node metastasis. In addition to the AJCC stage (p=0.001), Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that higher levels of HLA-G (p=0.041), ILT-2 (p=0.060), ILT-4 (p<0.001), PD-L1 (p=0.012), HLA-GILT4 (p<0.001) and ILT-2ILT-4 (p<0.001) were significantly associated with shorter survival of CRC patients. When CRC patients were stratified by early and advanced AJCC stages, HLA-G levels were only related to the survival among CRC patients with early disease stage (p=0.024), while ILT-4 levels were significant for both CRC patients with early (p=0.001) and advanced (p=0.020) disease stages. Multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that advanced AJCC stage (HR=2.435; p=0.005) and higher ILT-4 levels (HR=2.198; p=0.063) were independent risk factors for poor outcomes in patients with CRC. In summary, among the immune checkpoints, HLA-G/ILT-2/4 and PD-L1, ILT-4 is the most significant prognostic indicator of CRC. This finding indicated that a combination of immunotherapy strategies, such as ILT-4 blockade, could improve the clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. Moreover, multicolor flow cytometry can be employed as a reliable and efficient, alternative to immunohistochemistry, for evaluating the immune checkpoint proteins expressed in tumor lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Yuan Chen
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Yu-Xin Chen
- Alberta Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Han
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Jiang-Gang Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- 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, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Yao-Han Ye
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, 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, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - 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, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| |
Collapse
|