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Tovar Perez JE, Zhang S, Hodgeman W, Kapoor S, Rajendran P, Kobayashi KS, Dashwood RH. Epigenetic regulation of major histocompatibility complexes in gastrointestinal malignancies and the potential for clinical interception. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:83. [PMID: 38915093 PMCID: PMC11197381 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01698-8] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal malignancies encompass a diverse group of cancers that pose significant challenges to global health. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a pivotal role in immune surveillance, orchestrating the recognition and elimination of tumor cells by the immune system. However, the intricate regulation of MHC gene expression is susceptible to dynamic epigenetic modification, which can influence functionality and pathological outcomes. MAIN BODY By understanding the epigenetic alterations that drive MHC downregulation, insights are gained into the molecular mechanisms underlying immune escape, tumor progression, and immunotherapy resistance. This systematic review examines the current literature on epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to MHC deregulation in esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatic and colorectal malignancies. Potential clinical implications are discussed of targeting aberrant epigenetic modifications to restore MHC expression and 0 the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic interventions. CONCLUSION The integration of epigenetic-targeted therapies with immunotherapies holds great potential for improving clinical outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies and represents a compelling avenue for future research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shilan Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200070, China
| | - William Hodgeman
- Wolfson Medical School, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Sabeeta Kapoor
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Praveen Rajendran
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, and Antibody & Biopharmaceuticals Core, Texas A&M Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Koichi S Kobayashi
- Department of Immunology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
- Hokkaido University Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, TX, 77087, USA
| | - Roderick H Dashwood
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, and Antibody & Biopharmaceuticals Core, Texas A&M Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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2
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Rubatto M, Borriello S, Sciamarrelli N, Pala V, Tonella L, Ribero S, Quaglino P. Exploring the role of epigenetic alterations and non-coding RNAs in melanoma pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. Melanoma Res 2023; 33:462-474. [PMID: 37788101 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is a rare but highly lethal type of skin cancer whose incidence is increasing globally. Melanoma is characterized by high resistance to therapy and relapse. Despite significant advances in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, many patients experience progression due to resistance mechanisms. Epigenetic changes, including alterations in chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA rearrangements, contribute to neoplastic transformation, metastasis, and drug resistance in melanoma. This review summarizes current research on epigenetic mechanisms in melanoma and their therapeutic potential. Specifically, we discuss the role of histone acetylation and methylation in gene expression regulation and melanoma pathobiology, as well as the promising results of HDAC inhibitors and DNMT inhibitors in clinical trials. We also examine the dysregulation of non-coding RNA, particularly miRNAs, and their potential as targets for melanoma therapy. Finally, we highlight the challenges of epigenetic therapies, such as the complexity of epigenetic mechanisms combined with immunotherapies and the need for combination therapies to overcome drug resistance. In conclusion, epigenetic changes may be reversible, and the use of combination therapy between traditional therapies and epigenetically targeted drugs could be a viable solution to reverse the increasing number of patients who develop treatment resistance or even prevent it. While several clinical trials are underway, the complexity of these mechanisms presents a significant challenge to the development of effective therapies. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of epigenetic mechanisms in melanoma and to develop more effective and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rubatto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
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3
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Chen Y, Yi X, Sun N, Guo W, Li C. Epigenetics Regulates Antitumor Immunity in Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:868786. [PMID: 35693795 PMCID: PMC9174518 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.868786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most malignant skin cancer, which originates from epidermal melanocytes, with increasing worldwide incidence. The escape of immune surveillance is a hallmark of the tumor, which is manifested by the imbalance between the enhanced immune evasion of tumor cells and the impaired antitumor capacity of infiltrating immune cells. According to this notion, the invigoration of the exhausted immune cells by immune checkpoint blockades has gained encouraging outcomes in eliminating tumor cells and significantly prolonged the survival of patients, particularly in melanoma. Epigenetics is a pivotal non-genomic modulatory paradigm referring to heritable changes in gene expression without altering genome sequence, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNAs, and m6A RNA methylation. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated how the dysregulation of epigenetics regulates multiple biological behaviors of tumor cells and contributes to carcinogenesis and tumor progression in melanoma. Nevertheless, the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity, as well as its implication in melanoma immunotherapy, remains elusive. In this review, we first introduce the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic innovations of melanoma. Then, the tumor microenvironment and the functions of different types of infiltrating immune cells are discussed, with an emphasis on their involvement in antitumor immunity in melanoma. Subsequently, we systemically summarize the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity in melanoma, from the perspective of distinct paradigms of epigenetics. Ultimately, the progression of the clinical trials regarding epigenetics-based melanoma immunotherapy is introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiuli Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ningyue Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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4
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Chai P, Jia R, Li Y, Zhou C, Gu X, Yang L, Shi H, Tian H, Lin H, Yu J, Zhuang A, Ge S, Jia R, Fan X. Regulation of epigenetic homeostasis in uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 89:101030. [PMID: 34861419 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) and retinoblastoma (RB), which cause blindness and even death, are the most frequently observed primary intraocular malignancies in adults and children, respectively. Epigenetic studies have shown that changes in the epigenome contribute to the rapid progression of both UM and RB following classic genetic changes. The loss of epigenetic homeostasis plays an important role in oncogenesis by disrupting the normal patterns of gene expression. The targetable nature of epigenetic modifications provides a unique opportunity to optimize treatment paradigms and establish new therapeutic options for both UM and RB with these aberrant epigenetic modifications. We aimed to review the research findings regarding relevant epigenetic changes in UM and RB. Herein, we 1) summarize the literature, with an emphasis on epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA modifications, noncoding RNAs and an abnormal chromosomal architecture; 2) elaborate on the regulatory role of epigenetic modifications in biological processes during tumorigenesis; and 3) propose promising therapeutic candidates for epigenetic targets and update the list of epigenetic drugs for the treatment of UM and RB. In summary, we endeavour to depict the epigenetic landscape of primary intraocular malignancy tumorigenesis and provide potential epigenetic targets in the treatment of these tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Ruobing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Chuandi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Ludi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Hao Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Huimin Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
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Souri Z, Wierenga APA, Mulder A, Jochemsen AG, Jager MJ. HLA Expression in Uveal Melanoma: An Indicator of Malignancy and a Modifiable Immunological Target. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081132. [PMID: 31394860 PMCID: PMC6721545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, and gives rise to metastases in 50% of cases. The presence of an inflammatory phenotype is a well-known risk factor for the development of metastases. This inflammatory phenotype is characterized by the presence of high numbers of lymphocytes and macrophages, and a high expression of the HLA Class I and II antigens. An abnormal expression of HLA Class I may influence cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) as well as Natural Killer (NK) cell responses. We provide a comprehensive review regarding the inflammatory phenotype in UM and the expression of locus- and allele-specific HLA Class I and of Class II antigens in primary UM and its metastases. Furthermore, we describe the known regulators and the role of genetics (especially chromosome 3 and BRCA-Associated Protein 1 (BAP1 status)), and, last but not least, the effect of putative therapeutic treatments on HLA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Souri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemijn P A Wierenga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arend Mulder
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aart G Jochemsen
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martine J Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
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6
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Florea ID, Karaoulani C. Epigenetic Changes of the Immune System with Role in Tumor Development. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1856:203-218. [PMID: 30178253 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8751-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor development is closely related to chronic inflammation and to evasion of immune defense mechanisms by neoplastic cells. The mediators of the inflammatory process as well as proteins involved in immune response or immune response evasion can be subject to various epigenetic changes such as methylation, acetylation, or phosphorylation. Some of these, such as cytokine suppressors, are undergoing repression through epigenetic changes, and others such as cytokines or chemokines are undergoing activation through epigenetic changes, both modifications having as a result tumor progression. The activating changes can affect the receptor molecules involved in immune response and these promote inflammation and subsequently tumor development while the inactivating changes seem to be related to the tumor regression process. The proteins involved in antigen presentation, and, therefore in immune response escape, such as classical HLA proteins and related APM (antigen presentation machinery) with their epigenetic changes contribute to the tumor development process, either to tumor progression or regression, depending on the immune effector cells that are in play.
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7
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Liu X, Zhou P, Fan F, Li D, Wu J, Lu Y, Luo Y. CpG site methylation in CRYAA promoter affect transcription factor Sp1 binding in human lens epithelial cells. BMC Ophthalmol 2016; 16:141. [PMID: 27507241 PMCID: PMC4979130 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-016-0309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related cataract (ARC) is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and α-crystallin (CRYAA) is the predominant structural protein involved in the maintenance of lens clarity and refractive properties. We previously demonstrated that CRYAA genes undergo epigenetic repression in the lens epithelia in ARC. We further analyze the underlying mechanism in the current study. METHODS The transcription factor binding sites of the CpG island of CRYAA promoter were predicted by TESS website. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to analyze the impact of the methylation of CpG sites on transcription factors. Human lens epithelial B-3 (HLE B-3) Cells were treated with demethylation agent zebularine in the concentrations of 0 (PBS as control), 10 μM, 20 μM, 50 μM, 100 μM and 200 μM, respectively. After treatment in the above concentrations for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively, CRYAA mRNA expression levels were detected by Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR. RESULTS The methylation of the CpG site of the CRYAA promoter decreased the DNA-binding capacity of transcription factor Sp1. Zebularine increased CRYAA expression in HLE B-3 Cells in a dose- dependent and time- dependent pattern. CONCLUSIONS The evidence presented suggests that the methylation of the CpG sites of the CRYAA promotor directly affect Sp1 binding, leading to down expression of CRYAA in human lens epithelial cells. Zebularine treatment could restore CRYAA expression in a dose- dependent and time- dependent pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Parkway Health, Specialty and Inpatient Center (Luwan), 170 DanShui Road, Floor 3, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China.,Hong Qiao Medical Center, 2258 HongQiao Road, Shanghai, 200033, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Jihong Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, 83 FenYang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Abou El Hassan M, Yu T, Song L, Bremner R. Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Confers BRG1 Dependency on the CIITA Locus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:5007-13. [PMID: 25862816 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1403247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
CIITA (or MHC2TA) coordinates constitutive and IFN-γ-induced expression of MHC class II genes. IFN-γ responsiveness of CIITA requires BRG1 (SMARCA4), the ATPase engine of the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex (also called BAF). SWI/SNF is defective in many human cancers, providing a mechanism to explain IFN-γ resistance. BRG1 dependency is mediated through remote elements. Short CIITA reporters lacking these elements respond to IFN-γ, even in BRG1-deficient cells, suggesting that BRG1 counters a remote repressive influence. The nature of this distal repressor is unknown, but it would represent a valuable therapeutic target to reactivate IFN-γ responsiveness in cancer. In this article, we show that the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) components EZH2 and SUZ12, as well as the associated histone mark H3K27me3, are codetected at interenhancer regions across the CIITA locus. IFN-γ caused a BRG1-dependent reduction in H3K27me3, associated with nucleosome displacement. SUZ12 knockdown restored IFN-γ responsiveness in BRG1-null cells, and it mimicked the ability of BRG1 to induce active histone modifications (H3K27ac, H3K4me) at the -50-kb enhancer. Thus, PRC2 confers BRG1 dependency on the CIITA locus. Our data suggest that, in addition to its known roles in promoting stemness and proliferation, PRC2 may inhibit immune surveillance, and it could be targeted to reactivate CIITA expression in SWI/SNF deficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abou El Hassan
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G1X5, Canada
| | - Tao Yu
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G1X5, Canada
| | - Lan Song
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G1X5, Canada
| | - Rod Bremner
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G1X5, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; and Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A9, Canada
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9
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Sigalotti L, Fratta E, Coral S, Maio M. Epigenetic drugs as immunomodulators for combination therapies in solid tumors. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 142:339-50. [PMID: 24384533 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Continuously improving knowledge of the fine mechanisms regulating cross-talk between immune cells, and of their multi-faceted interactions with cancer cells, has prompted the development of several novel immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Among these, modulation of the host's immune system by targeting immunological synapses has shown notable clinical efficacy in different tumor types. Despite this, objective clinical responses and, more importantly, long-term survival are achieved only by a fraction of patients; therefore, identification of the mechanism(s) responsible for the differential effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade in specific patient populations is an area of intense investigation. Neoplastic cells can activate multiple mechanisms to escape from immune control; among these, epigenetic reprogramming is emerging as a key player. Selected tumor-associated antigens, Human Leukocyte Antigens, and accessory/co-stimulatory molecules required for efficient recognition of neoplastic cells by the immune system have been shown to be epigenetically silenced or down-regulated in cancer. Consistent with the inherent reversibility of epigenetic silencing, "epigenetic" drugs, such as inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and of histone deacetylases, can restore the functional expression of these down-regulated molecules, thus improving the recognition of cancer cells by both the innate and adaptive immune responses. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory activity of epigenetic drugs and on their proposed clinical use in novel combined chemo-immunotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sigalotti
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Aviano, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Aviano, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Sandra Coral
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy.
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10
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Forbes NE, Abdelbary H, Lupien M, Bell JC, Diallo JS. Exploiting tumor epigenetics to improve oncolytic virotherapy. Front Genet 2013; 4:184. [PMID: 24062768 PMCID: PMC3778850 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) comprise a versatile and multi-mechanistic therapeutic platform in the growing arsenal of anticancer biologics. These replicating therapeutics find favorable conditions in the tumor niche, characterized among others by increased metabolism, reduced anti-tumor/antiviral immunity, and disorganized vasculature. Through a self-amplification that is dependent on multiple cancer-specific defects, these agents exhibit remarkable tumor selectivity. With several OVs completing or entering Phase III clinical evaluation, their therapeutic potential as well as the challenges ahead are increasingly clear. One key hurdle is tumor heterogeneity, which results in variations in the ability of tumors to support productive infection by OVs and to induce adaptive anti-tumor immunity. To this end, mounting evidence suggests tumor epigenetics may play a key role. This review will focus on the epigenetic landscape of tumors and how it relates to OV infection. Therapeutic strategies aiming to exploit the epigenetic identity of tumors in order to improve OV therapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Forbes
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hesham Abdelbary
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Center/University Health NetworkToronto, ON, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer ResearchToronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada
| | - John C. Bell
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Diallo
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
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11
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McKenna KC, Previte DM. Influence of CD8+ T regulatory cells on intraocular tumor development. Front Immunol 2012; 3:303. [PMID: 23060881 PMCID: PMC3460369 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The interior of the eye, or uvea, is a site of immune privilege where certain immune responses are attenuated or completely excluded to protect non-regenerating tissues essential for vision. One consequence of this immunoregulation is compromised immune mediated elimination of intraocular tumors. For example, certain murine tumor cell lines which are rejected by host immune responses when transplanted in the skin grow progressively when placed in the anterior chamber (a.c.) of the eye. Progressive ocular tumor growth occurs despite induction of tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses capable of eliminating a subsequent tumor challenge in the skin or opposite eye. Why these CD8+ T effectors fail to eliminate established ocular tumors is not known. It is well appreciated that growth of tumors in the a.c. induces the generation of immunosuppressive CD8+ T regulatory (Treg) cells. However, the contribution of CD8+ Treg in ocular tumor progression remains unclear. Several studies indicate that these CD8+ Treg target responding CD4+ T cells to inhibit their induction of macrophage-dependent delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to tumor antigens (Ags). However, induction of tumor-specific CD4+ T cell responses does not assure intraocular tumor elimination. This review is focused on how CD8+ Treg could influence the tumoricidal activity of ocular tumor-specific CD8+ T effector cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle C McKenna
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Immunology/Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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12
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Pisapia L, Pozzo GD, Barba P, Citro A, Harris PE, Maffei A. Contrasting effects of IFNα on MHC class II expression in professional vs. nonprofessional APCs: Role of CIITA type IV promoter. RESULTS IN IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 2:174-83. [PMID: 24371581 DOI: 10.1016/j.rinim.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that, in ex vivo cultures, IFNα downregulates the expression of MHC class II (MHCII) genes in human non-professional APCs associated with pancreatic islets. IFNα has an opposing effect on MHCII expression in professional APCs. In this study, we found that the mechanism responsible for the IFNα-mediated MHCII's downregulation in human MHCII-positive non-professional antigen presenting human non-hematopoietic cell lines is the result of the negative feedback system that regulates cytokine signal transduction, which eventually inhibits promoters III and IV of CIITA gene. Because the CIITA-PIV isoform is mostly responsible for the constitutive expression of MHCII genes in non-professional APCs, we pursued and achieved the specific knockdown of CIITA-PIV mRNA in our in vitro system, obtaining a partial silencing of MHCII molecules similar to that obtained by IFNα. We believe that our results offer a new understanding of the potential significance of CIITA-PIV as a therapeutic target for interventional strategies that can manage autoimmune disease and allograft rejection with little interference on the function of professional APCs of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pisapia
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Del Pozzo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Barba
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Citro
- Department of Medicine of Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul E Harris
- Department of Medicine of Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Antonella Maffei
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy ; Department of Medicine of Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
Mechanisms that maintain ocular immune privilege may contribute to ocular tumor progression by inhibiting tumoricidal immune responses. Consistent with that notion are observations from transplantable tumor models in mice demonstrating that the tumoricidal activity of CD8(+) cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) may be inhibited directly by interfering with CTL effector function in the eye or indirectly by abrogating the effector function of CD8+ T cell-activated intratumoral macrophages that are critical for ocular tumor rejection. In addition, epigenetic gene regulation by factors within the ocular tumor environment favors the generation of tumor variants that are resistant to CD8(+) CTL. Intratumoral macrophages may be essential for eliminating these variants because, unlike CTL, their tumoricidal activity is nonspecific. Hence, the inhibition of macrophage effector function within the eye, presumably to preserve immune privilege by minimizing ocular immunopathology, may hasten the outgrowth of tumor escape variants which contributes to ocular tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle C McKenna
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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14
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Yang W, Chen PW, Li H, Alizadeh H, Niederkorn JY. PD-L1: PD-1 interaction contributes to the functional suppression of T-cell responses to human uveal melanoma cells in vitro. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2008; 49:2518-25. [PMID: 18296654 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.07-1606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the expression of PD-L1 on human uveal melanomas and its potential to suppress T-cell function. METHODS A panel of primary and metastatic uveal melanoma cell lines was evaluated for PD-L1 expression by RT-PCR and flow cytometric analysis. Uveal melanoma-containing eyes were examined for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry. PD-L1 function was tested by coculturing IFN-gamma-pretreated uveal melanoma cells with activated Jurkat T cells for 48 hours and assessing T-cell production of IL-2 by ELISA. RESULTS Five of the nine primary and one of the five metastatic uveal melanoma cell lines tested constitutively expressed PD-L1 protein at various levels. However, all primary and metastatic uveal melanoma cell lines upregulated PD-L1 expression after stimulation with IFN-gamma. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that PD-L1 was not expressed by primary uveal melanomas in situ. IL-2 production by activated Jurkat T cells was decreased significantly when the cells were cocultured with IFN-gamma-pretreated uveal melanoma cells. More than 70% of IL-2 production was restored by addition of either anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 antibody to the coculture assays (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Expression of PD-L1 by uveal melanoma cells regulates T-cell function by suppressing IL-2 production. The results imply that the presence of IFN-gamma in the tumor local microenvironment promotes upregulation of PD-L1 expression by uveal melanoma, which may, in part, promote immune escape by impairing T-cell function. The selective blockade of PD-L1 is a potential strategy in T-cell-based immunotherapy for uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanhua Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9057, USA
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15
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Bosch JJ, Thompson JA, Srivastava MK, Iheagwara UK, Murray TG, Lotem M, Ksander BR, Ostrand-Rosenberg S. MHC class II-transduced tumor cells originating in the immune-privileged eye prime and boost CD4(+) T lymphocytes that cross-react with primary and metastatic uveal melanoma cells. Cancer Res 2007; 67:4499-506. [PMID: 17483366 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-3770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma, the most common malignancy of the eye, has a 50% rate of liver metastases among patients with large primary tumors. Several therapies prolong survival of metastatic patients; however, none are curative and no patients survive. Therefore, we are exploring immunotherapy as an alternative or adjunctive treatment. Uveal melanoma may be particularly appropriate for immunotherapy because primary tumors arise in an immune-privileged site and may express antigens to which the host is not tolerized. We are developing MHC class II (MHC II)-matched allogeneic, cell-based uveal melanoma vaccines that activate CD4(+) T lymphocytes, which are key cells for optimizing CD8(+) T-cell immunity, facilitating immune memory, and preventing tolerance. Our previous studies showed that tumor cells genetically modified to express costimulatory and MHC II molecules syngeneic to the recipient are potent inducers of antitumor immunity. Because the MHC II-matched allogeneic vaccines do not express the accessory molecule, Invariant chain, they present MHC II-restricted peptides derived from endogenously encoded tumor antigens. We now report that MHC II-matched allogeneic vaccines, prepared from primary uveal melanomas that arise in the immune-privileged eye, prime and boost IFNgamma-secreting CD4(+) T cells from the peripheral blood of either healthy donors or uveal melanoma patients that cross-react with primary uveal melanomas from other patients and metastatic tumors. In contrast, vaccines prepared from metastatic cells in the liver are less effective at activating CD4(+) T cells, suggesting that tumor cells originating in immune-privileged sites may have enhanced capacity for inducing antitumor immunity and for serving as immunotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobus J Bosch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, USA
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16
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Lindegaard J. Primary and secondary tumours of the optic nerve, with emphasis on invasion by uveal malignant melanoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0420.2006.00907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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