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Guo W, Jia L, Xie L, Kiang JG, Wang Y, Sun F, Lin Z, Wang E, Zhang Y, Huang P, Sun T, Zhang X, Bian Z, Tang T, Guo J, Ferrone S, Wang X. Turning anecdotal irradiation-induced anticancer immune responses into reproducible in situ cancer vaccines via disulfiram/copper-mediated enhanced immunogenic cell death of breast cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:298. [PMID: 38678042 PMCID: PMC11055882 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06644-3] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Irradiation (IR) induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors, but it rarely leads to the abscopal effect (AE); even combining IR with immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown only anecdotal success in inducing AEs. In this study, we aimed to enhance the IR-induced immune response and generate reproducible AEs using the anti-alcoholism drug, disulfiram (DSF), complexed with copper (DSF/Cu) to induce tumor ICD. We measured ICD in vitro and in vivo. In mouse tumor models, DSF/Cu was injected intratumorally followed by localized tumor IR, creating an in situ cancer vaccine. We determined the anticancer response by primary tumor rejection and assessed systemic immune responses by tumor rechallenge and the occurrence of AEs relative to spontaneous lung metastasis. In addition, we analyzed immune cell subsets and quantified proinflammatory and immunosuppressive chemokines/cytokines in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and blood of the vaccinated mice. Immune cell depletion was investigated for its effects on the vaccine-induced anticancer response. The results showed that DSF/Cu and IR induced more potent ICD under hypoxia than normoxia in vitro. Low-dose intratumoral (i.t.) injection of DSF/Cu and IR(12Gy) demonstrated strong anti-primary and -rechallenged tumor effects and robust AEs in mouse models. These vaccinations also increased CD8+ and CD4+ cell numbers while decreasing Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the 4T1 model, and increased CD8+, dendritic cells (DC), and decreased Treg cell numbers in the MCa-M3C model. Depleting both CD8+ and CD4+ cells abolished the vaccine's anticancer response. Moreover, vaccinated tumor-bearing mice exhibited increased TNFα levels and reduced levels of immunosuppressive chemokines/cytokines. In conclusion, our novel approach generated an anticancer immune response that results in a lack of or low tumor incidence post-rechallenge and robust AEs, i.e., absence of or decreased spontaneous lung metastasis in tumor-bearing mice. This approach is readily translatable to clinical settings and may increase IR-induced AEs in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jia
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ling Xie
- Division of Pathology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Juliann G Kiang
- Radiation Combined Injury Program, AFRRI USU F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fengfei Sun
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zunwen Lin
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Enwen Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yida Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peigen Huang
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ting Sun
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Tiejun Tang
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Soldano Ferrone
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Wang X, Guo W, Jia L, Xie L, Kiang J, Wang Y, Wang F, Lin Z, Wang E, Zhang Y, Huang P, Sun T, Zhang X, Bian Z, Tang T, Guo J, Ferrone S. Turning anecdotal irradiation-induced anti-cancer immune responses into reproducible in situ cancer vaccines via disulfiram/copper-mediated enhanced immunogenic cell death of breast cancer cells. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3195392. [PMID: 37645899 PMCID: PMC10462241 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3195392/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Irradiation (IR) induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors, but it rarely leads to the abscopal effect (AE). However, combining IR with immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown anecdotal success in inducing AEs. In this study, we aimed to enhance the IR-induced immune response and generate reproducible AEs using the anti-alcoholism drug disulfiram (DSF) and copper complex (DSF/Cu) via induction of tumor ICD. We measured ICD in vitro and in vivo. In mouse tumor models, DSF/Cu was injected intratumorally followed by localized tumor IR, creating an in situ cancer vaccine. We determined the anti-cancer response by primary tumor rejection and assessed systemic immune responses by tumor rechallenge and the occurrence of AEs, i.e., spontaneous lung metastasis. Additionally, we analyzed immune cell subsets and quantified proinflammatory and immunosuppressive chemokines/cytokines in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and blood of the vaccinated mice. Immune cell depletion was investigated for its effects on the vaccine-induced anti-cancer response. The results showed that DSF/Cu and IR induced more potent ICD under hypoxia than normoxia in vitro. Low-dose intratumoral injection of DSF/Cu and IR demonstrated strong anti-primary and -rechallenged tumor effects and robust AEs in mouse models. These vaccinations also increased CD8 + and CD4 + cell numbers while decreasing Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the 4T1 model, and increased CD8+, DC, and decreased Treg cell numbers in the MCa-M3C model. Depleting both CD8 + and CD4 + cells abolished the vaccine's anticancer response. Moreover, vaccinated tumor-bearing mice exhibited increased TNFα levels and reduced levels of immunosuppressive chemokines/cytokines. In conclusion, our novel approach generated an anti-cancer immune response, resulting in a lack of or low tumor incidence post-rechallenge and robust AEs, i.e., the absence of or decreased spontaneous lung metastasis in tumor-bearing mice. This approach is readily translatable to clinical settings and may increase IR-induced AEs in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Wang
- Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School
| | - Wei Guo
- Masschusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Lin Jia
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Ling Xie
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | | | - Yangyang Wang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Fuyou Wang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Zunwen Lin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Enwen Wang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Yida Zhang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Peigen Huang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Ting Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School
| | | | | | | | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
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Rubino V, Carriero F, Palatucci AT, Giovazzino A, Leone S, Nicolella V, Calabrò M, Montanaro R, Brancaleone V, Pane F, Chiurazzi F, Ruggiero G, Terrazzano G. Adaptive and Innate Cytotoxic Effectors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) Subjects with Stable Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119596. [PMID: 37298547 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterised by the expansion of a neoplastic mature B cell clone. CLL clinical outcome is very heterogeneous, with some subjects never requiring therapy and some showing an aggressive disease. Genetic and epigenetic alterations and pro-inflammatory microenvironment influence CLL progression and prognosis. The involvement of immune-mediated mechanisms in CLL control needs to be investigated. We analyse the activation profile of innate and adaptive cytotoxic immune effectors in a cohort of 26 CLL patients with stable disease, as key elements for immune-mediated control of cancer progression. We observed an increase in CD54 expression and interferon (IFN)-γ production by cytotoxic T cells (CTL). CTL ability to recognise tumour-targets depends on human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-class I expression. We observed a decreased expression of HLA-A and HLA-BC on B cells of CLL subjects, associated with a significant reduction in intracellular calnexin that is relevant for HLA surface expression. Natural killer (NK) cells and CTL from CLL subjects show an increased expression of the activating receptor KIR2DS2 and a reduction of 3DL1 and NKG2A inhibiting molecules. Therefore, an activation profile characterises CTL and NK cells of CLL subjects with stable disease. This profile is conceivable with the functional involvement of cytotoxic effectors in CLL control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rubino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Carriero
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Angela Giovazzino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Leone
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Nicolella
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Calabrò
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabrizio Pane
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Chiurazzi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ruggiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
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4
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Overexpression of immunoproteasome low-molecular-mass polypeptide 7 and inhibiting role of next-generation proteasome inhibitor ONX 0912 on cell growth in glioma. Neuroreport 2021; 30:1031-1038. [PMID: 31503210 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the expression level of immunoproteasome and its clinical significance in glioma preliminarily. Furthermore, we studied the function and molecular mechanism of proteasome inhibitor ONX 0912 on glioma cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of immunoproteasome in glioma and tumor-adjacent brain tissues was detected by western blot. Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of low-molecular-mass polypeptide 7 in 55 cases of glioma tissues and 6 cases of tumor-adjacent brain tissues. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between the expression level of low-molecular-mass polypeptide 7 and clinical characteristics. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were applied to analyze the correlation between low-molecular-mass polypeptide 7 expression and prognosis of patients. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2Htetrazolium) (MTS) proliferation assay was introduced to detect the impact of ONX 0912 on proliferation of glioma cells. Western blot was used to detect the apoptosis- and autophagy-related protein in glioma cell treated with ONX 0912. RESULTS Our results showed that only low-molecular-mass polypeptide 7 expression was notably upregulated in gliomas in comparison with tumor-adjacent brain tissues and further increased in malignant gliomas compared with benign gliomas (P < 0.01). In the multivariate Cox proportional regression analyses, it was evident that low-molecular-mass polypeptide 7 was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor (P < 0.05). The results of MTS assay showed that ONX 0912 could inhibit the proliferation of glioma cell. Besides, we found that ONX 0912 could prompt apoptosis and autophagosome accumulation, which may be responsible for inhibiting glioma cell proliferation. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our results indicated that low-molecular-mass polypeptide 7 might be a candidate prognostic biomarker, and proteasome inhibitor ONX 0912 might act as a potential treatment agent for glioma.
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De Pasquale C, Campana S, Barberi C, Sidoti Migliore G, Oliveri D, Lanza M, Musolino C, Raimondo G, Ferrone S, Pollicino T, Ferlazzo G. Human Hepatitis B Virus Negatively Impacts the Protective Immune Crosstalk Between Natural Killer and Dendritic Cells. Hepatology 2021; 74:550-565. [PMID: 33482027 PMCID: PMC8295401 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the clearance of human viruses but their activity is significantly impaired in patients infected with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Cooperation with dendritic cells (DCs) is pivotal for obtaining optimal NK cell antiviral function; thus, we investigated whether HBV might impact the ability of DCs to sustain NK cell functions. APPROACH AND RESULTS Human DCs were poor stimulators of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production by NK cells when exposed to HBV, while maintaining the capability to trigger NK cell cytotoxicity. HBV prevented DC maturation but did not affect their expression of human leukocyte antigen class I, thus allowing DCs to evade NK cell lysis. Tolerogenic features of DCs exposed to HBV were further supported by their increased expression of IL-10 and the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which contributed to the impairment of DC-mediated NK cell IFN-γ production and proliferation, respectively. HBV could also inhibit the expression of inducible immunoproteasome (iP) subunits on DCs. In fact, NK cells could induce iP subunit expression on DCs, but they failed in the presence of HBV. Remarkably, circulating blood DC antigen1 (BDCA1)+ DCs isolated from patients with CHB were functionally compromised, hence altering, in turn, NK cell responses. CONCLUSIONS The abnormal NK-DC interplay caused by HBV may significantly impair the efficacy of antiviral immune response in patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia De Pasquale
- Laboratory of Immunology and BiotherapyUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly.,Department of Human PathologyUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly
| | - Stefania Campana
- Laboratory of Immunology and BiotherapyUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly.,Department of Human PathologyUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly
| | - Chiara Barberi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | | | - Daniela Oliveri
- Cell Factory Center and Division of Clinical PathologyUniversity Hospital G. MartinoMessinaItaly
| | - Marika Lanza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly
| | - Cristina Musolino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly.,Division of Clinical and Molecular HepatologyUniversity Hospital G. MartinoMessinaItaly
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly.,Division of Clinical and Molecular HepatologyUniversity Hospital G. MartinoMessinaItaly
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of SurgeryMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human PathologyUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly.,Division of Clinical and Molecular HepatologyUniversity Hospital G. MartinoMessinaItaly
| | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Laboratory of Immunology and BiotherapyUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly.,Department of Human PathologyUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly.,Cell Factory Center and Division of Clinical PathologyUniversity Hospital G. MartinoMessinaItaly
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de Sousa E, Lérias JR, Beltran A, Paraschoudi G, Condeço C, Kamiki J, António PA, Figueiredo N, Carvalho C, Castillo-Martin M, Wang Z, Ligeiro D, Rao M, Maeurer M. Targeting Neoepitopes to Treat Solid Malignancies: Immunosurgery. Front Immunol 2021; 12:592031. [PMID: 34335558 PMCID: PMC8320363 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.592031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful outcome of immune checkpoint blockade in patients with solid cancers is in part associated with a high tumor mutational burden (TMB) and the recognition of private neoantigens by T-cells. The quality and quantity of target recognition is determined by the repertoire of ‘neoepitope’-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), or peripheral T-cells. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), produced by T-cells and other immune cells, is essential for controlling proliferation of transformed cells, induction of apoptosis and enhancing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression, thereby increasing immunogenicity of cancer cells. TCR αβ-dependent therapies should account for tumor heterogeneity and availability of the TCR repertoire capable of reacting to neoepitopes and functional HLA pathways. Immunogenic epitopes in the tumor-stroma may also be targeted to achieve tumor-containment by changing the immune-contexture in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Non protein-coding regions of the tumor-cell genome may also contain many aberrantly expressed, non-mutated tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) capable of eliciting productive anti-tumor immune responses. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and/or RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of cancer tissue, combined with several layers of bioinformatic analysis is commonly used to predict possible neoepitopes present in clinical samples. At the ImmunoSurgery Unit of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown (CCU), a pipeline combining several tools is used for predicting private mutations from WES and RNA-Seq data followed by the construction of synthetic peptides tailored for immunological response assessment reflecting the patient’s tumor mutations, guided by MHC typing. Subsequent immunoassays allow the detection of differential IFN-γ production patterns associated with (intra-tumoral) spatiotemporal differences in TIL or peripheral T-cells versus TIL. These bioinformatics tools, in addition to histopathological assessment, immunological readouts from functional bioassays and deep T-cell ‘adaptome’ analyses, are expected to advance discovery and development of next-generation personalized precision medicine strategies to improve clinical outcomes in cancer in the context of i) anti-tumor vaccination strategies, ii) gauging mutation-reactive T-cell responses in biological therapies and iii) expansion of tumor-reactive T-cells for the cellular treatment of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric de Sousa
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana R Lérias
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Antonio Beltran
- Department of Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Carolina Condeço
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Kamiki
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Nuno Figueiredo
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Carvalho
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Zhe Wang
- Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), Applied Adaptome Immunology Institute, Nanjing, China
| | - Dário Ligeiro
- Lisbon Centre for Blood and Transplantation, Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação (IPST), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Martin Rao
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.,I Medical Clinic, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Patel SS, Nota SP, Sabbatino F, Nielsen GP, Deshpande V, Wang X, Ferrone S, Schwab JH. Defective HLA Class I Expression and Patterns of Lymphocyte Infiltration in Chordoma Tumors. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2021; 479:1373-1382. [PMID: 33273248 PMCID: PMC8133041 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000001587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no effective systemic therapies for chordoma. The recent successes of immunotherapeutic strategies in other cancers have resulted in a resurgence of interest in using immunotherapy in chordoma. These approaches rely on a functional interaction between the host's immune system and the expression of tumor peptides via the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I antigen. It is not known whether chordoma cells express the HLA Class I antigen. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES (1) Do chordoma tumors exhibit defects in HLA Class I antigen expression? (2) What is the pattern of lymphocyte infiltration in chordoma tumors? METHODS Patients with chordoma treated at Massachusetts General Hospital between 1989 and 2009 were identified with permission from the institutional review board. Of the 75 patients who were identified, 24 human chordoma tumors were selected from 24 distinct patients based on tissue availability. Histology slides from these 24 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded chordoma tissue samples were deparaffinized using xylene and ethanol and underwent heat-induced antigen retrieval in a citrate buffer. Samples were incubated with monoclonal antibodies directed against HLA Class I antigen processing machinery components. Antibody binding was detected via immunohistochemical staining. Staining intensity (negative, weakly positive, strongly positive) was assessed semiquantitatively and the percentage of chordoma cells stained for HLA Class I antigen subunits was assessed quantitatively. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained histology slides from the same 24 chordoma samples were assessed qualitatively for the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and histologic location of these lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies directed against CD4 and CD8 was performed in a quantitative manner to identify the lymphocyte subtype present in chordoma tumors. All results were scored independently by two investigators and were confirmed by a senior bone and soft tissue pathologist. RESULTS Seven of 24 chordoma samples exhibited no staining by the anti-HLA-A heavy chain monoclonal antibody HC-A2, two had weak staining intensity, and eight had a heterogeneous staining pattern, with fewer than 60% of chordoma cells exhibiting positive staining results. Four of 24 samples tested were not stained by the anti-HLA-B/C heavy chain monoclonal antibody HC-10, five had weak staining intensity, and 11 displayed a heterogeneous staining pattern. For the anti-β-2-microglobulin monoclonal antibody NAMB-1, staining was detected in all samples, but 11 had weak staining intensity and four displayed a heterogeneous staining pattern. Twenty-one of 24 samples tested had decreased expression in at least one subunit of HLA Class I antigens. No tumors were negative for all three subunits. Lymphocytic infiltration was found in 21 of 24 samples. Lymphocytes were primarily found in the fibrous septae between chordoma lobules but also within the tumor lobules and within the fibrous septae and tumor lobules. Twenty-one of 24 tumors had CD4+ T cells and 11 had CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION In chordoma tissue samples, HLA Class I antigen defects commonly were present, suggesting a mechanism for escape from host immunosurveillance. Additionally, nearly half of the tested samples had cytotoxic CD8+ T cells present in chordoma tumors, suggesting that the host may be capable of mounting an immune response against chordoma tumors. The resulting selective pressure imposed on chordoma tumors may lead to the outgrowth of chordoma cell subpopulations that can evade the host's immune system. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These findings have implications in the design of immunotherapeutic strategies for chordoma treatment. T cell recognition of tumor cells requires HLA Class I antigen expression on the targeted tumor cells. Defects in HLA Class I expression may play a role in the clinical course of chordoma and may account for the limited or lack of efficacy of T cell-based immunity triggered by vaccines and/or checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalin S Patel
- S. S. Patel, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- S. S. Patel, S. P. Nota, S. Ferrone, J. H. Schwab, Orthopaedic Oncology Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. Sabbatino, X. Wang, S. Ferrone, Surgical Oncology Service, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- G. P. Nielsen, V. Deshpande, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sjoerd P Nota
- S. S. Patel, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- S. S. Patel, S. P. Nota, S. Ferrone, J. H. Schwab, Orthopaedic Oncology Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. Sabbatino, X. Wang, S. Ferrone, Surgical Oncology Service, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- G. P. Nielsen, V. Deshpande, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Sabbatino
- S. S. Patel, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- S. S. Patel, S. P. Nota, S. Ferrone, J. H. Schwab, Orthopaedic Oncology Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. Sabbatino, X. Wang, S. Ferrone, Surgical Oncology Service, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- G. P. Nielsen, V. Deshpande, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G Petur Nielsen
- S. S. Patel, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- S. S. Patel, S. P. Nota, S. Ferrone, J. H. Schwab, Orthopaedic Oncology Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. Sabbatino, X. Wang, S. Ferrone, Surgical Oncology Service, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- G. P. Nielsen, V. Deshpande, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vikram Deshpande
- S. S. Patel, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- S. S. Patel, S. P. Nota, S. Ferrone, J. H. Schwab, Orthopaedic Oncology Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. Sabbatino, X. Wang, S. Ferrone, Surgical Oncology Service, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- G. P. Nielsen, V. Deshpande, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xinhui Wang
- S. S. Patel, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- S. S. Patel, S. P. Nota, S. Ferrone, J. H. Schwab, Orthopaedic Oncology Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. Sabbatino, X. Wang, S. Ferrone, Surgical Oncology Service, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- G. P. Nielsen, V. Deshpande, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- S. S. Patel, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- S. S. Patel, S. P. Nota, S. Ferrone, J. H. Schwab, Orthopaedic Oncology Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. Sabbatino, X. Wang, S. Ferrone, Surgical Oncology Service, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- G. P. Nielsen, V. Deshpande, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph H Schwab
- S. S. Patel, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- S. S. Patel, S. P. Nota, S. Ferrone, J. H. Schwab, Orthopaedic Oncology Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. Sabbatino, X. Wang, S. Ferrone, Surgical Oncology Service, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- G. P. Nielsen, V. Deshpande, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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HLA Class I Antigen Processing Machinery Defects in Cancer Cells-Frequency, Functional Significance, and Clinical Relevance with Special Emphasis on Their Role in T Cell-Based Immunotherapy of Malignant Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2055:325-350. [PMID: 31502159 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9773-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MHC class I antigen abnormalities have been shown to be one of the major immune escape mechanisms murine and human cancer cells utilize to avoid recognition and destruction by host immune system. This mechanism has clinical relevance, since it is associated with poor prognosis and/or reduced patients' survival in many types of malignant diseases. The recent impressive clinical responses to T cell-based immunotherapies triggered by checkpoint inhibitors have rekindled tumor immunologists and clinical oncologists' interest in the analysis of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen processing machinery (APM) expression and function in malignant cells. Abnormalities in the expression, regulation and/or function of components of this machinery have been associated with the development of resistances to T cell-based immunotherapies. In this review, following the description of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I APM organization and function, the information related to the frequency of defects in HLA class I APM component expression in various types of cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms is summarized. Then the impact of these defects on clinical response to T cell-based immunotherapies and strategies to revert this immune escape process are discussed.
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9
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Ludwig S, Sharma P, Theodoraki MN, Pietrowska M, Yerneni SS, Lang S, Ferrone S, Whiteside TL. Molecular and Functional Profiles of Exosomes From HPV(+) and HPV(-) Head and Neck Cancer Cell Lines. Front Oncol 2018; 8:445. [PMID: 30370252 PMCID: PMC6194188 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes produced by tumor cells have been shown to reprogram functions of human immune cells. Molecular cargos of exosomes isolated from supernatants of HPV(+) and HPV(−) head and neck cancer (HNC) cell lines or from HNC patients' plasma were compared. The exosome protein profiles resembled those of respective parent tumor cells. Only HPV(+) exosomes carried E6/E7, p16, and survivin. HPV(−) exosomes were negative for cyclin D1 and carried low p53 levels. Immunomodulatory molecules (TGF-β, FasL, OX40, OX40L, and HSP70) were carried by HPV(+) and HPV(−) exosomes. These exosomes co-incubated with human T cells induced apoptosis and suppressed T cell activation and proliferation. HPV(−) exosomes suppressed DC maturation and expression of antigen processing machinery (APM) components. In contrast, HPV(+) exosomes promoted DC maturation and did not suppress expression of APM components in mature DCs. While DCs readily internalized exosomes, T lymphocytes resisted their uptake during the initial 12 h co-culture. Thus, HPV(+) exosomes capable of sustaining DC functions may play a key role in promoting anti-tumor immune responses thereby improving outcome in patients with HPV(+) cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Ludwig
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Marie-Nicole Theodoraki
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Monika Pietrowska
- Gliwice Branch, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Saigopalakrishna S Yerneni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Stephan Lang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Massachussets General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Theresa L Whiteside
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Departments of Pathology, Immunology and Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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10
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Romoli MR, Di Gennaro P, Gerlini G, Sestini S, Brandani P, Ferrone S, Borgognoni L. High Antigen Processing Machinery component expression in Langerhans cells from melanoma patients' sentinel lymph nodes. Cell Immunol 2017; 320:29-37. [PMID: 28870403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Langerhans cells (LCs) from melanoma patients sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) are poor T cell activators mostly due to an immature immunophenotype. However Antigen Presenting Machinery (APM) role is unknown. We investigated HLA-class I APM components (Delta, LMP-7/10, TAP-1, Calnexin, Tapasin, β2-microglobulin and HLA-A,B,C) in LCs from healthy donors skin and melanoma patients SLN. APM component levels were low in immature epidermal LCs and significantly increased after maturation (p<0.05); their levels were significantly high in SLN LCs (p<0.01). APM component expression correlated with melanoma Breslow's thickness and SLN metastases: HLA-A,B,C level was significantly lower in SLN LCs from thick lesions patients compared with those from thin/intermediate lesions (p<0.05); β2-microglobulin level was significantly higher in positive SLN LCs compared to negative ones (p<0.05). Functionally, SLN LCs did not phagocytose exogenous antigens. These findings extend LCs knowledge indicating that they are not fully impaired by melanoma, contributing to design new LCs-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Raffaella Romoli
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit, Tuscan Tumour Institute (ITT) - S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Di Gennaro
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit, Tuscan Tumour Institute (ITT) - S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy; Dept. Surgery and Translational Medicine, Dermatology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Gianni Gerlini
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit, Tuscan Tumour Institute (ITT) - S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Sestini
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit, Tuscan Tumour Institute (ITT) - S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Brandani
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit, Tuscan Tumour Institute (ITT) - S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Dept. Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Borgognoni
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit, Tuscan Tumour Institute (ITT) - S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
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11
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Gameiro SR, Malamas AS, Tsang KY, Ferrone S, Hodge JW. Inhibitors of histone deacetylase 1 reverse the immune evasion phenotype to enhance T-cell mediated lysis of prostate and breast carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:7390-402. [PMID: 26862729 PMCID: PMC4884926 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical promise of cancer immunotherapy relies on the premise that the immune system can recognize and eliminate tumor cells identified as non-self. However, tumors can evade host immune surveillance through multiple mechanisms, including epigenetic silencing of genes involved in antigen processing and immune recognition. Hence, there is an unmet clinical need to develop effective therapeutic strategies that can restore tumor immune recognition when combined with immunotherapy, such as immune checkpoint blockade and therapeutic cancer vaccines. We sought to examine the potential of clinically relevant exposure of prostate and breast human carcinoma cells to histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors to reverse tumor immune escape to T-cell mediated lysis. Here we demonstrate that prostate (LNCAP) and breast (MDA-MB-231) carcinoma cells are more sensitive to T-cell mediated lysis in vitro after clinically relevant exposure to epigenetic therapy with either the pan-HDAC inhibitor vorinostat or the class I HDAC inhibitor entinostat. This pattern of immunogenic modulation was observed against a broad range of tumor-associated antigens, such as CEA, MUC1, PSA, and brachyury, and associated with augmented expression of multiple proteins involved in antigen processing and tumor immune recognition. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition studies identified HDAC1 as a key determinant in the reversal of carcinoma immune escape. Further, our findings suggest that the observed reversal of tumor immune evasion is driven by a response to cellular stress through activation of the unfolded protein response. This offers the rationale for combining HDAC inhibitors with immunotherapy, including therapeutic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anthony S Malamas
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kwong Y Tsang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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12
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Sottile R, Pangigadde PN, Tan T, Anichini A, Sabbatino F, Trecroci F, Favoino E, Orgiano L, Roberts J, Ferrone S, Kärre K, Colucci F, Carbone E. HLA class I downregulation is associated with enhanced NK-cell killing of melanoma cells with acquired drug resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Eur J Immunol 2015; 46:409-19. [PMID: 26564811 PMCID: PMC4832274 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The frequent development of drug resistance to targeted therapies in cancer patients has stimulated interest in strategies counteracting resistance. Combining immunotherapies with targeted therapies is one such strategy. In this context, we asked whether human NK cells can target melanoma cells that have acquired resistance to selective inhibitors targeting activating mutants of the B‐Raf kinase (BRAF inhibitors, BRAFi). We generated drug‐resistant cell variants in vitro from human BRAF‐mutant melanoma cell lines MEL‐HO, COLO‐38, SK‐MEL‐37, 1520 and from primary melanoma cells freshly isolated from two patients. All drug‐resistant cell variants remained susceptible to lysis by IL‐2‐activated NK cells; and two BRAFi‐resistant lines (BRAFi‐R) became significantly more susceptible to NK‐cell lysis than their parental lines. This was associated with significant HLA class I antigen downregulation and PD‐L1 upregulation on the drug‐resistant lines. Although blocking HLA class I enhanced the extent of lysis of both BRAFi‐R and parental cells to NK‐cell‐mediated lysis, antibody‐mediated inhibition of PD1–PD‐L1 interactions had no detectable effect. HLA class I antigen expression on BRAFi‐R melanoma variants thus appears to play a major role in their susceptibility to NK‐cell cytotoxicity. These findings suggest that NK‐cell‐based immunotherapy may be a viable approach to treat melanoma patients with acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Sottile
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pradeepa N Pangigadde
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Thomas Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea Anichini
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Elvira Favoino
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Orgiano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - James Roberts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Klas Kärre
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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13
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Wang Y, Wang X, Ferrone CR, Schwab JH, Ferrone S. Intracellular antigens as targets for antibody based immunotherapy of malignant diseases. Mol Oncol 2015; 9:1982-93. [PMID: 26597109 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the potential use of intracellular tumor antigens as targets of antibody-based immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors. In addition, it describes the characteristics of the intracellular tumor antigens targeted with antibodies which have been described in the literature and have been identified in the authors' laboratory. Finally, the mechanism underlying the trafficking of the intracellular tumor antigens to the plasma membrane of tumor cells are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Wang
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Cristina R Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Joseph H Schwab
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
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14
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Chang CC, Pirozzi G, Wen SH, Chung IH, Chiu BL, Errico S, Luongo M, Lombardi ML, Ferrone S. Multiple structural and epigenetic defects in the human leukocyte antigen class I antigen presentation pathway in a recurrent metastatic melanoma following immunotherapy. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:26562-75. [PMID: 26381407 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.676130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scant information is available about the molecular basis of multiple HLA class I antigen-processing machinery defects in malignant cells, although this information contributes to our understanding of the molecular immunoescape mechanisms utilized by tumor cells and may suggest strategies to counteract them. In the present study we reveal a combination of IFN-γ-irreversible structural and epigenetic defects in HLA class I antigen-processing machinery in a recurrent melanoma metastasis after immunotherapy. These defects include loss of tapasin and one HLA haplotype as well as selective silencing of HLA-A3 gene responsiveness to IFN-γ. Tapasin loss is caused by a germ-line frameshift mutation in exon 3 (TAPBP(684delA)) along with a somatic loss of the other gene copy. Selective silencing of HLA-A3 gene and its IFN-γ responsiveness is associated with promoter CpG methylation nearby site-α and TATA box, reversible after DNA methyltransferase 1 depletion. This treatment combined with tapasin reconstitution and IFN-γ stimulation restored the highest level of HLA class I expression and its ability to elicit cytotoxic T cell responses. These results represent a novel tumor immune evasion mechanism through impairing multiple components at various levels in the HLA class I antigen presentation pathway. These findings may suggest a rational design of combinatorial cancer immunotherapy harnessing DNA demethylation and IFN-γ response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chung Chang
- From the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013,
| | - Giuseppe Pirozzi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Naples 80131, Italy, and
| | - Shao-Hsuan Wen
- From the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013
| | - I-Hsin Chung
- From the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013
| | - Bau-Lin Chiu
- From the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013
| | - Simona Errico
- Department of Experimental Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Naples 80131, Italy, and
| | - Monica Luongo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Naples 80131, Italy, and
| | - Maria Luisa Lombardi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Naples 80131, Italy, and
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Departments of Surgery and of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
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15
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Tsao CY, Sabbatino F, Cheung NKV, Hsu JCF, Villani V, Wang X, Ferrone S. Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of GD2 ganglioside-specific monoclonal antibody 3F8 in human melanoma cells. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1023975. [PMID: 26405581 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1023975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial clinical effects of immunotherapy with GD2-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in melanoma and neuroblastoma patients have stimulated interest in characterizing the mechanisms underlying their antitumor effects. Previous studies have shown that GD2-specific mAbs mediate complement- and cell-dependent cytotoxicity and induce caspase-dependent apoptosis of tumor cells. In this study, we showed that GD2-specific mAb 3F8, which is undergoing clinical evaluation, inhibited the in vitro growth and induced apoptosis of melanoma cells. This effect was dose- and time-dependent, mediated by the interaction of mAb 3F8 combining site with GD2 ganglioside, associated with GD2 expression level on the cell surface, mAb internalization and increase of GD2 containing endosomes triggered by mAb 3F8. The induction of apoptosis by mAb 3F8 was mediated by caspase 3-, 7-, and 8-dependent pathways, downregulation of the anti-apoptotic molecules survivin and cytochrome c, and caspase 9 independent-AIF release from mitochondria. In addition, analyses of signaling pathway components demonstrated that mAb 3F8 strongly inhibited AKT and FAK activation and increased cleaved PARP expression. These results indicated that multiple mechanisms played a role in the antitumor activity of mAb 3F8 in melanoma cells. This information should provide a mechanistic basis for the optimization of the rational design of immunotherapeutic strategies in the mAb-based treatment of GD2 positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yen Tsao
- Department of Surgery; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston, MA USA
| | - Francesco Sabbatino
- Department of Surgery; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston, MA USA
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Jeff Chi-Feng Hsu
- Department of Surgery; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston, MA USA
| | - Vincenzo Villani
- Department of Surgery; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston, MA USA
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Department of Surgery; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston, MA USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston, MA USA
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16
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Sabbatino F, Wang Y, Wang X, Flaherty KT, Yu L, Pepin D, Scognamiglio G, Pepe S, Kirkwood JM, Cooper ZA, Frederick DT, Wargo JA, Ferrone S, Ferrone CR. PDGFRα up-regulation mediated by sonic hedgehog pathway activation leads to BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma cells with BRAF mutation. Oncotarget 2015; 5:1926-41. [PMID: 24732172 PMCID: PMC4039118 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Control of BRAF(V600E) metastatic melanoma by BRAF inhibitor (BRAF-I) is limited by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Growth factor receptor up-regulation is among the mechanisms underlying BRAF-I resistance of melanoma cells. Here we demonstrate for the first time that PDGFRα up-regulation causes BRAF-I resistance. PDGFRα inhibition by PDGFRα-specific short hairpin (sh)RNA and by PDGFRα inhibitors restores and increases melanoma cells' sensitivity to BRAF-I in vitro and in vivo. This effect reflects the inhibition of ERK and AKT activation which is associated with BRAF-I resistance of melanoma cells. PDGFRα up-regulation is mediated by Sonic Hedgehog Homolog (Shh) pathway activation which is induced by BRAF-I treatment. Similarly to PDGFRα inhibition, Shh inhibition by LDE225 restores and increases melanoma cells' sensitivity to BRAF-I. These effects are mediated by PDGFRα down-regulation and by ERK and AKT inhibition. The clinical relevance of these data is indicated by the association of PDGFRα up-regulation in melanoma matched biopsies of BRAF-I +/- MEK inhibitor treated patients with shorter time to disease progression and less tumor regression. These findings suggest that monitoring patients for early PDGFRα up-regulation will facilitate the identification of those who may benefit from the treatment with BRAF-I in combination with clinically approved PDGFRα or Shh inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sabbatino
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA
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17
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Gameiro SR, Jammeh ML, Wattenberg MM, Tsang KY, Ferrone S, Hodge JW. Radiation-induced immunogenic modulation of tumor enhances antigen processing and calreticulin exposure, resulting in enhanced T-cell killing. Oncotarget 2015; 5:403-16. [PMID: 24480782 PMCID: PMC3964216 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is used for local tumor control through direct killing of tumor cells. Radiation-induced cell death can trigger tumor antigen-specific immune responses, but these are often noncurative. Radiation has been demonstrated to induce immunogenic modulation (IM) in various tumor types by altering the biology of surviving cells to render them more susceptible to T cell-mediated killing. Little is known about the mechanism(s) underlying IM elicited by sub-lethal radiation dosing. We have examined the molecular and immunogenic consequences of radiation exposure in breast, lung, and prostate human carcinoma cells. Radiation induced secretion of ATP and HMGB1 in both dying and surviving tumor cells. In vitro and in vivo tumor irradiation induced significant upregulation of multiple components of the antigen-processing machinery and calreticulin cell-surface expression. Augmented CTL lysis specific for several tumor-associated antigens was largely dictated by the presence of calreticulin on the surface of tumor cells and constituted an adaptive response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, mediated by activation of the unfolded protein response. This study provides evidence that radiation induces a continuum of immunogenic alterations in tumor biology, from immunogenic modulation to immunogenic cell death. We also expand the concept of immunogenic modulation, where surviving tumor cells recovering from radiation-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress become more sensitive to CTL killing. These observations offer a rationale for the combined use of radiation with immunotherapy, including for patients failing RT alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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18
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Resistance of Cancer Stem Cells to Cell-Mediated Immune Responses. RESISTANCE TO TARGETED ANTI-CANCER THERAPEUTICS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-17807-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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19
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Morandi F, Di Carlo E, Ferrone S, Petretto A, Pistoia V, Airoldi I. IL-27 in human secondary lymphoid organs attracts myeloid dendritic cells and impairs HLA class I-restricted antigen presentation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:2634-42. [PMID: 24554774 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Different cytokines play crucial roles in inflammation and in polarizing immune responses, including IL-27 that exerts pro- and anti-inflammatory functions. Although the activity of IL-27 is well characterized in murine immune cells, only limited information is available regarding the natural cellular sources of IL-27 in humans and its effects on human immune cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent professional APCs that in the immature state are positioned throughout peripheral tissues by acting as sentinels, sensing the presence of Ags. Activated DCs migrate into the lymph nodes and direct Ag-specific T cell responses, thus acting as key players in both adaptive and innate immunity. In this study we asked whether IL-27 is produced by human secondary lymphoid organs and what is its functional role on human DCs. To our knowledge, we provide the first evidence that 1) in lymph nodes, macrophages are the major source for IL-27; 2) immature and mature human DCs express functional IL-27R; 3) IL-27 exerts immunosuppressive activity by crippling the Ag processing machinery in immature DCs under steady-state conditions and after pulsing with a viral Ag; and 4) IL-27 is chemotactic for human DCs. Our findings highlight novel mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressive activity of IL-27, suggesting that this cytokine may function as a homeostatic cytokine in secondary lymphoid organs by limiting duration and/or intensity of ongoing adaptive immune responses. The results presented in this study pave the way to future studies aimed at investigating whether dysregulation of IL-27 expression and function may be involved in pathogenesis of autoimmune disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Morandi
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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20
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Müller M, Agaimy A, Zenk J, Ettl T, Iro H, Hartmann A, Seliger B, Schwarz S. The prognostic impact of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen abnormalities in salivary gland cancer. A clinicopathological study of 288 cases. Histopathology 2013; 62:847-59. [PMID: 23611358 DOI: 10.1111/his.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To study abnormalities of proteins of the major histocompatibility complex class I in a series of 288 salivary gland carcinomas, and to correlate findings with patients' overall survival (OS). METHODS AND RESULTS Protein expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, heavy chain (HC)-10, β2 -microglobulin, low molecular weight polypeptides (LMP) 2 and 7, transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) 1 and 2, calnexin, calreticulin, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) p57 and tapasin was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and semiquantitatively analyzed. As compared with normal salivary gland tissue, HLA-A, LMP7, TAP2 and HLA class I were significantly down-regulated in salivary gland carcinomas, whereas β2 -microglobulin, calnexin, LMP2, and TAP1 were upregulated. Expression of calreticulin, ERp57 and tapasin was unaltered. In univariate Kaplan-Meier analyses, low expression of LMP7 (P = 0.005) and high expression of β2 -microglobulin (P = 0.028), HLA-A (P < 0.001), TAP1 (P = 0.01), and tapasin (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with shorter OS. In multivariate analysis incorporating tumour stage, nodal/distant metastasis, and grade, HLA-A (P = 0.014), LMP7 (P = 0.033), and tapasin (P = 0.024), as well as distant metastasis (P = 0.012) and high tumour grade (P < 0.001), remained statistically significant. CONCLUSION The prognostic influence of up-regulated HLA-A and tapasin and down-regulated LMP7 may provide a rationale for targeting these specific components of the antigen processing and presentation pathway in salivary gland carcinomas.
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Wu MS, Li CH, Ruppert JG, Chang CC. Cytokeratin 8-MHC class I interactions: a potential novel immune escape phenotype by a lymph node metastatic carcinoma cell line. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 441:618-23. [PMID: 24183726 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.10.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Defective human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression in malignant cells facilitates their escape from destruction by CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In this study, a post-translational mechanism of HLA class I abnormality that does not involve defects in the HLA subunits and antigen processing machinery components was identified and characterized. The marked HLA class I downregulation phenotype of a metastatic carcinoma cell line can be readily reversed by trypsin, suggesting a masking effect by serine protease-sensitive HLA class I-interacting factors. Co-immunoprecipitation, combined with LC-tandem mass spectrometry and immunoblotting identified these factors as cytokeratin (CK) 8 and its heterodimeric partners CK18 and CK19. Ectopic CK8/18 or CK8/19 expression in HEK293 cells resulted in surface CK8 expression with an HLA class I downregulation phenotype, while redirecting CK8/18 and CK8/19 to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) had no such effect. This observation and the failure to constrain CK8/18 and CK8/19 membrane trafficking by an ER-Golgi transport inhibitor suggested an ER-independent route for CK8 access to HLA class I molecules. Monoclonal antibody mapping revealed a potential CK8 blockade of HLA class I-CD8 and -TCR contacts. These findings, along with the emerging role of cell surface CK8 in cancer metastasis, may imply a dual strategy for tumor cell survival in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Syue Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Morandi B, Bonaccorsi I, Mesiti M, Conte R, Carrega P, Costa G, Iemmo R, Martini S, Ferrone S, Cantoni C, Mingari MC, Moretta L, Ferlazzo G. Characterization of human afferent lymph dendritic cells from seroma fluids. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:4858-66. [PMID: 24078697 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) migrate from peripheral tissues to secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) through the afferent lymph. Owing to limitations in investigating human lymph, DCs flowing in afferent lymph have not been properly characterized in humans until now. In this study, DCs present in seroma, an accrual of human afferent lymph occurring after lymph node surgical dissection, were isolated and analyzed in detail. Two main DC subsets were identified in seroma that corresponded to the migratory DC subsets present in lymph nodes, that is, CD14(+) and CD1a(+). The latter also included CD1a(bright) Langerhans cells. The two DC subsets appeared to share the same monocytic precursor and to be developmentally related; both of them spontaneously released high levels of TGF-β and displayed similar T cell-activating and -polarizing properties. In contrast, they differed in the expression of surface molecules, including TLRs; in their phagocytic activity; and in the expression of proteins involved in Ag processing and presentation. It is worth noting that although both subsets were detected in seroma in the postsurgical inflammatory phase, only CD1a(+) DCs migrated via afferent lymph under steady-state conditions. In conclusion, the high numbers of DCs contained in seroma fluids allowed a proper characterization of human DCs migrating via afferent lymph, revealing a continuous stream of DCs from peripheral regions toward SLOs under normal conditions. Moreover, we showed that, in inflammatory conditions, distinct subsets of DCs can migrate to SLOs via afferent lymph.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Morandi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Selective modulation of MHC class II chaperons by a novel IFN-γ-inducible class II transactivator variant in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 440:190-5. [PMID: 24055710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Class II transactivator (CIITA) plays a critical role in controlling major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II gene expression. In this study, two novel alternatively spliced variants of human interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible CIITA, one missing exon 7 (CIITAΔE7), the other with TAG inserted at exon 4/5 junction (CIITA-TAG), were identified and characterized. Both variants are naturally occurring since they are present in primary cells. Unlike CIITA-TAG, CIITAΔE7 is expressed more abundantly in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells than in the non-transformed counterpart BEAS-2B cells following IFN-γ stimulation. Transfection experiments showed that CIITAΔE7 induced a markedly lower level of surface HLA-DR, -DP, -DQ expression than CIITA-TAG in A549 cells but not in BEAS-2B cells, although both variants elicited similar amounts of total DR, DP, and DQ proteins. This differential effect was correlated with, in A549 cells, decreased expression of Ii and HLA-DM genes, along with increased expression of HLA-DO genes. Ii and HLA-DM are chaperons assisting in HLA class II assembly, while HLA-DO functions to inhibit endosomal peptide loading and HLA class II membrane transport. These findings raise the possibility that CIITAΔE7 interacts with unknown cancer-associated factors to selectively modulate genes involved in the assembly and transport of HLA class II molecules.
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Schilling B, Harasymczuk M, Schuler P, Egan J, Ferrone S, Whiteside TL. IRX-2, a novel immunotherapeutic, enhances functions of human dendritic cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e47234. [PMID: 23408925 PMCID: PMC3567103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In a recent phase II clinical trial for HNSCC patients, IRX-2, a cell-derived biologic, promoted T-cell infiltration into the tumor and prolonged overall survival. Mechanisms responsible for these IRX-2-mediated effects are unknown. We hypothesized that IRX-2 enhanced tumor antigen-(TA)-specific immunity by up-regulating functions of dendritic cells (DC). Methodology/Principal Findings Monocyte-derived DC obtained from 18 HNSCC patients and 12 healthy donors were matured using IRX-2 or a mix of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 (“conv. mix”). Multicolor flow cytometry was used to study the DC phenotype and antigen processing machinery (APM) component expression. ELISPOT and cytotoxicity assays were used to evaluate tumor-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). IL-12p70 and IL-10 production by DC was measured by Luminex® and DC migration toward CCL21 was tested in transwell migration assays. IRX-2-matured DC functions were compared with those of conv. mix-matured DC. IRX-2-matured DC expressed higher levels (p<0.05) of CD11c, CD40, CCR7 as well as LMP2, TAP1, TAP2 and tapasin than conv. mix-matured DC. IRX-2-matured DC migrated significantly better towards CCL21, produced more IL-12p70 and had a higher IL12p70/IL-10 ratio than conv. mix-matured DC (p<0.05 for all). IRX-2-matured DC carried a higher density of tumor antigen-derived peptides, and CTL primed with these DC mediated higher cytotoxicity against tumor targets (p<0.05) compared to the conv. mix-matured DC. Conclusion Excellent ability of IRX-2 to induce ex vivo DC maturation in HNSCC patients explains, in part, its clinical benefits and emphasizes its utility in ex vivo maturation of DC generated for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Schilling
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Malgorzata Harasymczuk
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Patrick Schuler
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - James Egan
- IRX Therapeutic Inc., Farmingdale, New York, United States of America
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Theresa L. Whiteside
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Leibowitz MS, Srivastava RM, Andrade Filho PA, Egloff AM, Wang L, Seethala RR, Ferrone S, Ferris RL. SHP2 is overexpressed and inhibits pSTAT1-mediated APM component expression, T-cell attracting chemokine secretion, and CTL recognition in head and neck cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:798-808. [PMID: 23363816 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-1517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen processing machinery (APM) component downregulation permits escape of malignant cells from recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and correlates with poor prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Activated STAT1 (pSTAT1) is necessary for APM component expression in HNC cells. We investigated whether an overexpressed phosphatase was responsible for basal suppression of pSTAT1 and subsequent APM component-mediated immune escape in HNC cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription PCR of paired HNC tumors was performed for the phosphatases src homology domain-containing phosphatase (SHP)-1 and SHP2. Depletion of phosphatase activity in HNC and STAT1(-/-) tumor cells was achieved by siRNA knockdown. HLA class I-restricted, tumor antigen-specific CTL were used in IFN-γ ELISPOT assays against HNC cells. Chemokine secretion was measured after SHP2 depletion in HNC cells. RESULTS SHP2, but not SHP1, was significantly upregulated in HNC tissues. In HNC cells, SHP2 depletion significantly upregulated expression of pSTAT1 and HLA class I APM components. Overexpression of SHP2 in nonmalignant keratinocytes inhibited IFN-γ-mediated STAT1 phosphorylation, and SHP2 depletion in STAT1(-/-) tumor cells did not significantly induce IFN-γ-mediated APM component expression, verifying STAT1 dependence of SHP2 activity. SHP2 depletion induced recognition of HNC cells by HLA class I-restricted CTL and secretion of inflammatory, T-cell attracting chemokines, RANTES and IP10. CONCLUSION These findings suggest for the first time an important role for SHP2 in APM-mediated escape of HNC cells from CTL recognition. Targeting SHP2 could enhance T-cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Wastowski IJ, Simões RT, Yaghi L, Donadi EA, Pancoto JT, Poras I, Lechapt-Zalcman E, Bernaudin M, Valable S, Carlotti CG, Flajollet S, Jensen SS, Ferrone S, Carosella ED, Kristensen BW, Moreau P. Human leukocyte antigen-G is frequently expressed in glioblastoma and may be induced in vitro by combined 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and interferon-γ treatments: results from a multicentric study. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 182:540-52. [PMID: 23219427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule involved in immune tolerance processes, playing an important role in the maintenance of the semi-allogeneic fetus. Although HLA-G expression is restricted in normal tissues, it is broadly expressed in malignant tumors and may favor tumor immune escape. We analyzed HLA-G protein and mRNA expression in tumor samples from patients with glioblastoma collected in France, Denmark, and Brazil. We found HLA-G protein expression in 65 of 108 samples and mRNA in 20 of 21 samples. The absence of HLA-G protein expression was associated with a better long-term survival rate. The mechanisms underlying HLA-G gene expression were investigated in glioma cell lines U251MG, D247MG, and U138MG. Induction of HLA-G transcriptional activity was dependent of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment and enhanced by interferon-γ. HLA-G protein expression was observed in U251MG cells only. These cells exhibited a permissive chromatin state at the HLA-G gene promoter and the highest levels of induced HLA-G transcriptional activity following 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment. Several antigen-presenting machinery components were up-regulated in U251MG cells after demethylating and IFN-γ treatments, suggesting an effect on the up-regulation of HLA-G cell surface expression. Therefore, because of its role in tumor tolerance, HLA-G found to be expressed in glioblastoma samples should be taken into consideration in clinical studies on the pathology and in the design of therapeutic strategies to prevent its expression in HLA-G-negative tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela J Wastowski
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Institut des Maladies Emergentes et des Thérapies Innovantes, Service de Recherches en Hémato-Immunologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
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Tudor CS, Dawson CW, Eckhardt J, Niedobitek G, Büttner AC, Seliger B, Hartmann A, Buettner M. c-Myc and EBV-LMP1: two opposing regulators of the HLA class I antigen presentation machinery in epithelial cells. Br J Cancer 2012; 106:1980-8. [PMID: 22588558 PMCID: PMC3388564 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) up-regulates the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen presentation machinery (APM). This appears counterintuitive with immune evasion in EBV-associated tumours like nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: Latent membrane protein 1-transfected epithelial cell lines were used as a model system to study the impact of LMP1 and c-Myc on HLA class I components. The expression of components of the HLA class I APM, c-Myc and Ki-67 was analysed in LMP1+ and LMP1− NPC by immunohistochemistry. Results: In epithelial cells, LMP1 up-regulated HLA class I APM. This effect could be counteracted by c-Myc, which itself was up-regulated by LMP1 apparently through IL6 induction and Jak3/STAT3 activation. Studies of NPC biopsies revealed down-regulation of HLA class I APM expression. No difference was observed between LMP1+ and LMP1− NPC. However, expression of Ki-67 and c-Myc were up-regulated in LMP1+ tumours. Conclusion: These findings raise the possibility that c-Myc activation in NPC might antagonise the effect of LMP1 on HLA class I expression thus contributing to immune escape of tumour cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Tudor
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Nephropathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
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Tanaka K, Tsuchikawa T, Miyamoto M, Maki T, Ichinokawa M, Kubota KC, Shichinohe T, Hirano S, Ferrone S, Dosaka-Akita H, Matsuno Y, Kondo S. Down-regulation of Human Leukocyte Antigen class I heavy chain in tumors is associated with a poor prognosis in advanced esophageal cancer patients. Int J Oncol 2011; 40:965-74. [PMID: 22134332 PMCID: PMC3584652 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2011.1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The HLA class I antigen processing machinery (APM) plays a crucial role in the anticancer immune response. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of APM components in esophageal cancer. A total of 11 esophageal cancer cell lines were evaluated by Western blot analysis for 13 HLA class I APM components. There was a different expression pattern among cancer cell lines for HLA class I heavy chain (HLA-HC), β2 microglobulin, Tapasin, TAP-1, TAP-2, LMP-7 and LMP-10. Immunohistochemical staining utilizing a tissue microarray method for HLA class I APM expression showing different expression patterns among cell lines was performed for 95 surgical specimens from patients with esophageal cancer. Prognostic factors were the down-regulation of HLA-HC, and the up-regulation of β2 microglobulin and TAP-1 in the cancer tissues. Multivariate analysis using a Cox regression model indicated that the down-regulation of HLA-HC, and up-regulation of TAP-1 in cancer tissues are independent, unfavorable prognostic factors (hazard ratio, 2.361 and 2.297; P=0.0141 and 0.0145, respectively). Although there was no significant difference in survival for selected p-stage I and II patients (n=54) in all APM components, only down-regulation of HLA-HC was an unfavorable prognostic factor by a Cox regression model for selected p-stage III and IV patients (n=41). In conclusion, the current results suggest that the down-regulation of HLA-HC in tumors is especially associated with a poor prognosis among advanced esophageal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimitaka Tanaka
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15, West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8648, Japan.
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Liu Y, Komohara Y, Domenick N, Ohno M, Ikeura M, Hamilton RL, Horbinski C, Wang X, Ferrone S, Okada H. Expression of antigen processing and presenting molecules in brain metastasis of breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 61:789-801. [PMID: 22065046 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1137-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Defects in human leukocyte antigen class I antigen processing machinery (APM) component expression can have a negative impact on the clinical course of tumors and the response to T cell-based immunotherapy. Since brain metastases of breast cancer are of increasing clinical significance, the APM component expression levels and CD8(+) T cell infiltration patterns were analyzed in primary breast and metastatic brain lesions of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. Comparison of unpaired 50 primary and 33 brain metastases showed lower expression of β2-microglobulin, transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) 1, TAP2 and calnexin in the brain lesions. Although no significant differences were found in APM component scores between primary breast and brain lesions in 15 paired cases, primary breast lesions of which patients eventually developed brain metastases showed lower levels of β2-microglobulin, TAP1 and calnexin compared with breast lesions without known brain metastases. The extent of CD8(+) T cell infiltration was significantly higher in the lesions without metastasis compared with the ones with brain metastases, and was positively associated with the expression of TAP1 and calnexin. Furthermore, mouse tumor cells stably transfected with silencing hairpin (sh)RNA for TAP1 demonstrated a decreased susceptibility to cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vitro and enhanced spontaneous brain metastasis in vivo. These data support the functional significance of TAP1 expression in tumor cells. Taken together, our data suggest that patients with low or defective TAP1 or calnexin in primary breast cancers may be at higher risks for developing brain metastasis due to the defects in T cell-based immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Brain Tumor Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Wang X, Katayama A, Wang Y, Yu L, Favoino E, Sakakura K, Favole A, Tsuchikawa T, Silver S, Watkins SC, Kageshita T, Ferrone S. Functional characterization of an scFv-Fc antibody that immunotherapeutically targets the common cancer cell surface proteoglycan CSPG4. Cancer Res 2011; 71:7410-22. [PMID: 22021902 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell surface chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) is an attractive target for antibody-based cancer immunotherapy because of its role in tumor cell biology, its high expression on malignant cells including cancer-initiating cells, and its restricted distribution in normal tissues. The clinical use of CSPG4 has been hampered by the lack of a CSPG4-specific chimeric, humanized, or fully human monoclonal antibody. To overcome this limitation, we generated a CSPG4-specific fully human single-chain antibody termed scFv-FcC21 and characterized its specificity and antitumor activity. Viable CSPG4(+) melanoma cells were used in a screen of a human scFv phage display library that included CDR3 engineered to optimize antibody binding sites. The scFv antibody isolated was then recombinantly engineered with a human immunoglobulin G1 Fc region to construct the fully human antibody scFv-FcC21, which recognized tumors of neuroectodermal origin, various types of carcinomas, mesotheliomas, and sarcomas as well as myeloid leukemias. scFv-FcC21 inhibited in vitro growth and migration of tumor cells and in vivo growth of human tumor xenografts. These effects were mediated by inhibition of the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and focal adhesion kinase signaling pathways that are critical for tumor cell growth and migration, respectively. Our findings define the CSPG4-specific fully human scFv-FcC21 antibody as a candidate therapeutic agent to target the many types of tumors that express CSPG4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Wang
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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Chikamatsu K, Takahashi G, Sakakura K, Ferrone S, Masuyama K. Immunoregulatory properties of CD44+ cancer stem-like cells in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Head Neck 2011; 33:208-15. [PMID: 20848440 DOI: 10.1002/hed.21420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD44 was found as a surface marker in cancer stem cell (CSC) of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN); however, the immunologic properties of such CSCs have not yet been elucidated. METHODS The immunologic properties of CD44+ cancer stem-like cells were compared with those of CD44- cells using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS CD44+ cells exhibited weak HLA-A2 and class II expression. Interestingly, downregulation of transporter antigen processing (TAP)2 was found in CD44+ cells. The CD44+ cell population produced significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-8, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β than the CD44- cell population. Moreover, CD44+ cells have been shown to not only more strongly inhibit T-cell proliferation, but also to more efficiently inhibit regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) as compared with CD44- cells. Additionally, CD44+ cells suppressed Th1 responses and enhanced regulatory T cell responses. CONCLUSION CSCs might have higher malignant potential with numerous escape strategies from immune attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Chikamatsu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Yamanashi, Faculty of Medicine, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan.
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Rizvi SM, Del Cid N, Lybarger L, Raghavan M. Distinct functions for the glycans of tapasin and heavy chains in the assembly of MHC class I molecules. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:2309-20. [PMID: 21263072 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Complexes of specific assembly factors and generic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones, collectively called the MHC class I peptide-loading complex (PLC), function in the folding and assembly of MHC class I molecules. The glycan-binding chaperone calreticulin (CRT) and partner oxidoreductase ERp57 are important in MHC class I assembly, but the sequence of assembly events and specific interactions involved remain incompletely understood. We show that the recruitments of CRT and ERp57 to the PLC are codependent and also dependent upon the ERp57 binding site and the glycan of the assembly factor tapasin. Furthermore, the ERp57 binding site and the glycan of tapasin enhance β(2)m and MHC class I heavy (H) chain recruitment to the PLC, with the ERp57 binding site having the dominant effect. In contrast, the conserved MHC class I H chain glycan played a minor role in CRT recruitment into the PLC, but impacted the recruitment of H chains into the PLC, and glycan-deficient H chains were impaired for tapasin-independent and tapasin-assisted assembly. The conserved MHC class I glycan and tapasin facilitated an early step in the assembly of H chain-β(2)m heterodimers, for which tapasin-ERp57 or tapasin-CRT complexes were not required. Together, these studies provide insights into how PLCs are constructed, demonstrate two distinct mechanisms by which PLCs can be stabilized, and suggest the presence of intermediate H chain-deficient PLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Monem Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Respa A, Bukur J, Ferrone S, Pawelec G, Zhao Y, Wang E, Marincola FM, Seliger B. Association of IFN-gamma signal transduction defects with impaired HLA class I antigen processing in melanoma cell lines. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:2668-78. [PMID: 21248298 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-2114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abnormalities in the constitutive and IFN-γ-inducible HLA class I surface antigen expression of tumor cells is often associated with an impaired expression of components of the antigen processing machinery (APM). Hence, we analyzed whether there exists a link between the IFN-γ signaling pathway, constitutive HLA class I APM component expression, and IFN-γ resistance. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The basal and IFN-γ-inducible expression profiles of HLA class I APM and IFN-γ signal transduction cascade components were assessed in melanoma cells by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis and/or flow cytometry, the integrity of the Janus activated kinase (JAK) 2 locus by comparative genomic hybridization. JAK2 was transiently overexpressed in JAK2(-) cells. The effect of IFN-γ on the cell growth was assessed by XTT [2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-S-sulfophenynl)-H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide inner salt] assay. RESULTS The analysis of 8 melanoma cell lines linked the IFN-γ unresponsiveness of Colo 857 cells determined by lack of inducibility of HLA class I surface expression on IFN-γ treatment to a deletion of JAK2 on chromosome 9, whereas other IFN-γ signaling pathway components were not affected. In addition, the constitutive HLA class I APM component expression levels were significantly reduced in JAK2(-) cells. Furthermore, JAK2-deficient cells were also resistant to the antiproliferative effect of IFN-γ. Transfection of wild-type JAK2 into JAK2(-) Colo 857 not only increased the basal APM expression but also restored their IFN-γ sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Impaired JAK2 expression in melanoma cells leads to reduced basal expression of MHC class I APM components and impairs their IFN-γ inducibility, suggesting that malfunctional IFN-γ signaling might cause HLA class I abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annedore Respa
- Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Halle, Saale, Germany
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Deficiency of activated STAT1 in head and neck cancer cells mediates TAP1-dependent escape from cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 60:525-35. [PMID: 21207025 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-010-0961-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) cells can escape recognition by tumor antigen (TA)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) by downregulation of antigen processing machinery (APM) components, such as the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-1/2 heterodimer. APM component upregulation by interferon gamma (IFN-γ) restores SCCHN cell recognition and susceptibility to lysis by CTL, but the mechanism underlying TAP1/2 downregulation in SCCHN cells is not known. Because IFN-γ activates signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1, we investigated phosphorylated (p)-STAT1 as a mediator of low basal TAP1/2 expression in SCCHN cells. SCCHN cells were found to express basal total STAT1 but low to undetectable levels of activated STAT1. The association of increased pSTAT1 levels and APM components likely reflects a cause-effect relationship, since STAT1 knockdown significantly reduced both IFN-γ-mediated APM component expression and TA-specific CTL recognition of IFN-γ-treated SCCHN cells. On the other hand, since oncogenic pSTAT3 is overexpressed in SCCHN cells and was found to heterodimerize with pSTAT1, we also tested whether pSTAT3 and pSTAT1:pSTAT3 heterodimers inhibited IFN-γ-induced STAT1 activation and APM component expression. First, STAT3 activation or depletion did not affect basal or IFN-γ-induced expression of pSTAT1 and APM components or recognition of SCCHN cells by TA-specific CTL. Second, pSTAT1:pSTAT3 heterodimers did not interfere with IFN-γ-induced STAT1 binding to the TAP1 promoter or APM protein expression. These findings demonstrate that APM component downregulation is regulated primarily by an IFN-γ-pSTAT1-mediated signaling pathway, independent of oncogenic STAT3 overexpression in SCCHN cells.
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Interferon-γ secretion by t(9;22) acute lymphoblastic leukemia-derived dendritic cells. Leuk Res 2010; 35:275-7. [PMID: 20943267 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 08/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-γ plays an important role in immunity and anti-tumor activity. It is produced by lymphocytes, but was recently shown to be also produced by human myeloid dendritic cells (DCs). We have shown that human mature t(9;22) acute lymphoblastic leukemia-derived (ALL) DCs induced autologous cytotoxic T cell responses and therefore asked whether t(9;22) ALL-DC secreted IFN-γ. IFN-γ varied among three cell line-derived ALL-DCs; median production from seven patient ALL-DCs was 3450 pg/ml (range 1450-8675). IFN-γ production was dependent on maturation of ALL-DCs. This is the first demonstration of IFN-γ production by t(9;22) ALL-DCs.
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Wang X, Osada T, Wang Y, Yu L, Sakakura K, Katayama A, McCarthy JB, Brufsky A, Chivukula M, Khoury T, Hsu DS, Barry WT, Lyerly HK, Clay TM, Ferrone S. CSPG4 protein as a new target for the antibody-based immunotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; 102:1496-512. [PMID: 20852124 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djq343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cell surface proteoglycan, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), is a potential target for monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based immunotherapy for many types of cancer. The lack of effective therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) prompted us to examine whether CSPG4 is expressed in TNBC and can be targeted with CSPG4-specific mAb. METHODS CSPG4 protein expression was assessed in 44 primary TNBC lesions, in TNBC cell lines HS578T, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435, and SUM149, and in tumor cells in pleural effusions from 12 metastatic breast cancer patients. The effect of CSPG4-specific mAb 225.28 on growth, adhesion, and migration of TNBC cells was tested in vitro. The ability of mAb 225.28 to induce regression of tumor metastases (n = 7 mice) and to inhibit spontaneous metastasis and tumor recurrence (n = 12 mice per group) was tested in breast cancer models in mice. The mechanisms responsible for the antitumor effect of mAb 225.28 were also investigated in the cell lines and in the mouse models. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS CSPG4 protein was preferentially expressed in 32 of the 44 (72.7%) primary TNBC lesions tested, in TNBC cell lines, and in tumor cells in pleural effusions from 12 metastatic breast cancer patients. CSPG4-specific mAb 225.28 statistically significantly inhibited growth, adhesion, and migration of TNBC cells in vitro. mAb 225.28 induced 73.1% regression of tumor metastasis in a TNBC cell-derived experimental lung metastasis model (mAb 225.28 vs control, mean area of metastatic nodules = 44590.8 vs 165950.8 μm(2); difference of mean = 121360.0 μm(2), 95% confidence interval = 91010.7 to 151709.4 μm(2); P < .001). Additionally, mAb 225.28 statistically significantly reduced spontaneous lung metastases and tumor recurrences in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. The mechanisms responsible for antitumor effect included increased apoptosis and reduced mitotic activity in tumor cells, decreased blood vessel density in the tumor microenvironment, and reduced activation of signaling pathways involved in cell survival, proliferation and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS This study identified CSPG4 as a new target for TNBC. The antitumor activity of CSPG4-specific mAb was mediated by multiple mechanisms, including the inhibition of signaling pathways crucial for TNBC cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Wang
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Belicha-Villanueva A, Golding M, McEvoy S, Sarvaiya N, Cresswell P, Gollnick SO, Bangia N. Identification of an alternate splice form of tapasin in human melanoma. Hum Immunol 2010; 71:1018-26. [PMID: 20600451 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2010.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2009] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Assembly of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules with peptide in the endoplasmic reticulum requires the assistance of tapasin. Alternative splicing, which is known to regulate many genes, has been reported for tapasin only in the context of mutations. Here, we report on an alternate splice form of tapasin (tpsnΔEx3) derived from a human melanoma cell line that does not appear to be caused by mutations. Excision of exon 3 results in deletion of amino acids 70 to 156 within the beta barrel region, but the membrane proximal Ig domain, the transmembrane domain, and cytoplasmic tail of tapasin are intact. Introduction of tpsnΔEx3 into a tapasin-deficient cell line does not restore MHC class I expression at the cell surface. Similar to a previously described tapasin mutant (tpsnΔN50), tpsnΔEx3 interacts with TAP. Therefore, we used these altered forms of tapasin to test the importance of MHC class I interaction with TAP. In the presence of wild-type tapasin, transfection of tpsnΔN50, but not tpsnΔEx3, reduced MHC class I expression at the cell surface likely due its ability to compete MHC class I molecules from TAP. Together these findings suggest that tumor cells may contain alternate splice forms of tapasin which may regulate MHC class I antigen presentation.
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Di Tomaso T, Mazzoleni S, Wang E, Sovena G, Clavenna D, Franzin A, Mortini P, Ferrone S, Doglioni C, Marincola FM, Galli R, Parmiani G, Maccalli C. Immunobiological characterization of cancer stem cells isolated from glioblastoma patients. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:800-13. [PMID: 20103663 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-2730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been isolated from human tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The aims of this study were the immunobiological characterization of GBM CSCs and the assessment of whether these cells represent suitable targets for immunotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN GBM CSC lines and their fetal bovine serum (FBS)-cultured non-CSC pair lines were generated and examined by flow cytometry for expression of known tumor antigens, MHC-I and MHC-II molecules, antigen-processing machinery components, and NKG2D ligands. In addition, immunogenicity and immunosuppression of such cell lines for autologous or allogeneic T lymphocytes were tested by cytokine secretion (ELISPOT) or proliferation (carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester) assays, respectively. RESULTS Both GBM CSC and FBS lines were weakly positive and negative for MHC-I, MHC-II, and NKG2D ligand molecules, respectively. Antigen-processing machinery molecules were also defective in both cell types. Upregulation of most molecules was induced by IFNs or 5-Aza deoxycytidine, although more efficiently in FBS than in CSCs. Patient T-cell responses, mediated by both TH1 and the TH2 subsets, against autologous CSC could be induced in vitro. In addition, CSC but not their paired FBS tumor lines inhibited T-cell proliferation of healthy donors. Notably, a differential gene signature that was confirmed at the protein levels for some immunologic-related molecules was also found between CSC and FBS lines. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate lower immunogenicity and higher suppressive activity of GBM CSC compared with FBS lines. The immunogenicity, however, could be rescued by immune modulation leading to anti-GBM T cell-mediated immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Di Tomaso
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Foundation Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Meyer Zu Horste G, Heidenreich H, Lehmann HC, Ferrone S, Hartung HP, Wiendl H, Kieseier BC. Expression of antigen processing and presenting molecules by Schwann cells in inflammatory neuropathies. Glia 2010; 58:80-92. [PMID: 19544394 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Schwann cells are the myelinating glia cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and can become targets of an autoimmune response in inflammatory neuropathies like the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) are known to promote autoimmune responses in target tissues by presenting self-antigens. Other cell types could participate in local autoimmune responses by acting as nonprofessional APCs. Using a combined approach of immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry analysis we demonstrate that human Schwann cells express the antigen processing and presenting machinery (APM) in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, cultured human Schwann cells increase the expression of proteasome subunit delta (Y), antigen peptide transporter TAP2, and HLA Class I and HLA Class II complexes in an inflammatory environment. In correlation with this observation, Schwann cells in sural nerve biopsies from GBS patients show increased expression of antigen processing and presenting molecules. Furthermore, cultured human Schwann cells can proteolytically digest fluorescently-labeled nonmammalian antigen ovalbumin. Taken together, our data suggest antigen processing and presentation as a possible function of Schwann cells that may contribute to (auto)immune responses within peripheral nerves.
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Alterations in the antigen processing-presenting machinery of transformed plasma cells are associated with reduced recognition by CD8+ T cells and characterize the progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma. Blood 2009; 115:1185-93. [PMID: 20008301 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-06-228676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma (MM) reflects the escape of transformed plasma cells from T-cell recognition because of impaired antigen processing-presenting machinery (APM). We studied plasma cells and CD8(+) T cells from bone marrow of 20 MGUS patients, 20 MM patients, and 10 control patients. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry revealed significantly different patterns of APM component expression in plasma cells from the 3 groups. Compared with control patients, MM samples had lower expression of proteasome subunits and peptide transporters and greater expression of chaperones, considering both percentages of stained cells and molecular equivalents of soluble fluorochrome. MGUS samples had intermediate percentages of stained cells but molecular equivalents of soluble fluorochrome similar to control patients. Real-time polymerase chain reaction documented that APM changes occurred at the transcriptional level. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that MGUS CD8(+) T cells lysed autologous transformed plasma cells more than MM CD8(+) T cells did. MGUS progression correlated directly with calnexin, calreticulin, and tapasin and indirectly with delta, LMP2, and LMP10 expression levels; MM disease status did not correlate with APM levels. APM changes may allow transformed plasma cells to elude immunesurveillance in the MGUS-MM pathogenetic sequence.
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Rizvi SM, Raghavan M. Mechanisms of function of tapasin, a critical major histocompatibility complex class I assembly factor. Traffic 2009; 11:332-47. [PMID: 20070606 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0854.2009.01025.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
For their efficient assembly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules require the specific assembly factors transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) and tapasin, as well as generic ER folding factors, including the oxidoreductases ERp57 and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and the chaperone calreticulin. TAP transports peptides from the cytosol into the ER. Tapasin promotes the assembly of MHC class I molecules with peptides. The formation of disulfide-linked conjugates of tapasin with ERp57 is suggested to be crucial for tapasin function. Important functional roles are also suggested for the tapasin transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, sites of tapasin interaction with TAP. We show that interactions of tapasin with both TAP and ERp57 are correlated with strong MHC class I recruitment and assembly enhancement. The presence of the transmembrane/cytosolic regions of tapasin is critical for efficient tapasin-MHC class I binding in interferon-gamma-treated cells, and contributes to an ERp57-independent mode of MHC class I assembly enhancement. A second ERp57-dependent mode of tapasin function correlates with enhanced MHC class I binding to tapasin and calreticulin. We also show that PDI binds to TAP in a tapasin-independent manner, but forms disulfide-linked conjugates with soluble tapasin. Thus, full-length tapasin is important for enhancing recruitment of MHC class I molecules and increasing specificity of tapasin-ERp57 conjugation. Furthermore, tapasin or the TAP/tapasin complex has an intrinsic ability to recruit MHC class I molecules and promote assembly, but also uses generic folding factors to enhance MHC class I recruitment and assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Monem Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, 5641 Medical Science Building II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5620, USA
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Maturation pathways of dendritic cells determine TAP1 and TAP2 levels and cross-presenting function. J Immunother 2009; 32:465-73. [PMID: 19609238 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e3181a1c24e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ability to cross-present exogenous antigens in the human leukocyte antigen class I pathway is key to the antigen presenting function of mature tumor cell-loaded dendritic cells (DC). Conditions of DC maturation have been shown to be important for DCs ability to produce proinflammatory cytokines and induce T cell effector functions. However, it remains unknown if the different pathways of maturation are associated with modulation of the ability of mature DCs to cross-present tumor antigens (TA). Here, we compare DC matured with 3 clinically relevant cytokine combinations including interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6 (termed DC-0), DC-0 cells incubated with prostaglandin-2 (termed DC-0+prostaglandin-2), or DC treated with interferon-gamma, interferon-alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Poly I:C, and IL1-beta (termed DC-1). We found that these DC vary in their ability to cross-present TA to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), with the DC-1 cytokine combination being significantly more effective than the other 2. TA cross presentation and CTL priming were strongly correlated with level of expression of the antigen processing machinery components, TAP1 and TAP2, indicating that these components could be used as biomarkers to standardize DC preparations for optimal function. However, the up-regulation of TAP1/TAP2 was not sufficient to explain the enhanced cross-presentation ability of DC-1 cells, as the use of IFN-gamma alone to up-regulate TAP1/TAP2 did not generate DC as effective at cross-presentation as the full DC-1 maturation cytokine combination. These data indicate for the first time that the pathways of DC maturation modulate antigen processing machinery component expression to different extents and that differently matured DC vary in the ability to cross-present TA to human leukocyte antigen class I-restricted CTL.
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Seliger B, Stoehr R, Handke D, Mueller A, Ferrone S, Wullich B, Tannapfel A, Hofstaedter F, Hartmann A. Association of HLA class I antigen abnormalities with disease progression and early recurrence in prostate cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 59:529-40. [PMID: 19820934 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-009-0769-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Defects in HLA class I antigen processing machinery (APM) component expression often have a negative impact on the clinical course of tumors and on the response to T cell-based immunotherapy. Since only scant information is available about the frequency and clinical significance of HLA class I APM component abnormalities in prostate cancer, the APM component expression pattern was analyzed in 59 primary prostate carcinoma, adjacent normal tissues, as well as in prostate carcinoma cell lines. The IFN-gamma inducible proteasome subunits LMP2 and LMP7, TAP1, TAP2, calnexin, calreticulin, ERp57, and tapasin are strongly expressed in the cytoplasm of normal prostate cells, whereas HLA class I heavy chain (HC) and beta(2)-microglobulin are expressed on the cell surface. Most of the APM components were downregulated in a substantial number of prostate cancers. With the exception of HLA class I HC, TAP2 and ERp57 not detectable in about 0.5% of tumor lesions, all other APM components were not detected in at least 21% of lesions analyzed. These APM component defects were associated with a higher Gleason grade of tumors and an early disease recurrence. Prostate carcinoma cell lines also exhibit a heterogeneous, but reduced constitutive APM component expression pattern associated with lack or reduced HLA class I surface antigens, which could be upregulated by IFN-gamma. Our results suggest that HLA class I APM component abnormalities are mainly due to regulatory mechanisms, play a role in the clinical course of prostate cancer and on the outcome of T cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany.
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de Miranda NFCC, Nielsen M, Pereira D, van Puijenbroek M, Vasen HF, Hes FJ, van Wezel T, Morreau H. MUTYH-associated polyposis carcinomas frequently lose HLA class I expression-a common event amongst DNA-repair-deficient colorectal cancers. J Pathol 2009; 219:69-76. [DOI: 10.1002/path.2569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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La Rocca R, Fulciniti M, Lakshmikanth T, Mesuraca M, Ali TH, Mazzei V, Amodio N, Catalano L, Rotoli B, Ouerfelli O, Grieco M, Gulletta E, Bond HM, Morrone G, Ferrone S, Carbone E. Early hematopoietic zinc finger protein prevents tumor cell recognition by natural killer cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:4529-37. [PMID: 19342626 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0802109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Early hematopoietic zinc finger/zinc finger protein 521 (EHZF/ZNF521) is a novel zinc finger protein expressed in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and is down-regulated during their differentiation. Its transcript is also abundant in some hematopoietic malignancies. Analysis of the changes in the antigenic profile of cells transfected with EHZF cDNA revealed up-regulation of HLA class I cell surface expression. This phenotypic change was associated with an increased level of HLA class I H chain, in absence of detectable changes in the expression of other Ag-processing machinery components. Enhanced resistance of target cells to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity was induced by enforced expression of EHZF in the cervical carcinoma cell line HeLa and in the B lymphoblastoid cell line IM9. Preincubation of transfected cells with HLA class I Ag-specific mAb restored target cell susceptibility to NK cell-mediated lysis, indicating a specific role for HLA class I Ag up-regulation in the NK resistance induced by EHZF. A potential clinical significance of these findings is further suggested by the inverse correlation between EHZF and MHC class I expression levels, and autologous NK susceptibility of freshly explanted multiple myeloma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna La Rocca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine G Salvatore, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
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Tosello V, Zamarchi R, Merlo A, Gorza M, Piovan E, Mandruzzato S, Bronte V, Wang X, Ferrone S, Amadori A, Zanovello P. Differential expression of constitutive and inducible proteasome subunits in human monocyte-derived DC differentiated in the presence of IFN-alpha or IL-4. Eur J Immunol 2009; 39:56-66. [PMID: 19065646 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200738098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Several studies strongly suggest that DC differentiated in vitro in the presence of type I IFN acquire more potent immune stimulatory properties, compared with DC differentiated in vitro with IL-4. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. To address this question, we compared the Ag-processing machinery (APM) profile in human DC grown in the presence of IFN-alpha ((IFN)DC) or IL-4 ((IL-4)DC). Using a panel of APM component-specific mAb in Western blot experiments, we found that (IFN)DC preferentially express inducible proteasome subunits (LMP2, LMP7, and MECL1) both at immature and mature stages. In contrast, immature (IL-4)DC co-express both constitutive (beta1, beta2, and beta5) and inducible subunits, as shown by Western blotting analysis. In addition, immature (IFN)DC express higher levels of TAP1, TAP2, calnexin, calreticulin, tapasin, and HLA class I molecules than (IL-4)DC. The different proteasome profiles of (IFN)DC and (IL-4)DC were associated with a greater ability of (IFN)DC to present an immunodominant epitope that requires LMP7 expression for its processing. In general, these data show the impact of cytokines on APM component expression and hence the Ag-processing ability of DC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Tosello
- Department of Oncology and Surgical Sciences, Oncology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Tourkova IL, Shurin GV, Ferrone S, Shurin MR. Interferon regulatory factor 8 mediates tumor-induced inhibition of antigen processing and presentation by dendritic cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2008; 58:567-74. [PMID: 18751977 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2008] [Accepted: 08/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suppression of dendritic cells (DCs) is a crucial mechanism by which tumor cells escape immune recognition and elimination. We have recently reported that MHC class I antigen processing machinery (APM) component expression in human DCs is down-regulated by tumor-derived gangliosides. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this abnormality were not identified. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze the role of interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF-8) in APM protein expression and the antigen presenting capacity of DCs developed in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS We demonstrate that the expression of several MHC class I APM components, including delta, MB-1, LMP-10, ERp57, and tapasin, is significantly decreased in murine DCs generated in the presence of prostate cancer cells. APM component down-regulation was associated with decreased ability of DCs to present model antigen to antigen-specific T cells. Notable, impaired antigen-presenting activity of DCs co-cultured with tumor cells was accompanied by decreased levels of IRF-8. Transduction of DCs with the silencing RNA for the IRF-8 gene also led to reduced expression of APM components in DCs and decreased antigen presenting function. CONCLUSION Together, our data suggest that tumor-induced inhibition of antigen processing and presenting function of DCs is mediated by IRF-8, a member of the interferon regulatory factor family. These results provide a new molecular target for optimizing the generation of efficient DC vaccines for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina L Tourkova
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Han LY, Fletcher MS, Urbauer DL, Mueller P, Landen CN, Kamat AA, Lin YG, Merritt WM, Spannuth WA, Deavers MT, De Geest K, Gershenson DM, Lutgendorf SK, Ferrone S, Sood AK. HLA class I antigen processing machinery component expression and intratumoral T-Cell infiltrate as independent prognostic markers in ovarian carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:3372-9. [PMID: 18519766 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-4433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Defects in the antigen processing machinery (APM) may provide tumor cells with a mechanism to escape immune recognition. The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical significance of APM component down-regulation and tumor-infiltrating T cells in ovarian carcinoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN After institutional review board approval, tumor samples from 150 patients with invasive epithelial ovarian cancers were examined for TAP1, TAP2, tapasin, HLA class I heavy chain (HLA-HC), beta 2 microglobulin, and T-cell (CD3+ and CD8+) tumor infiltration using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The majority of tumors had either heterogeneous or positive expression of TAP1, TAP2, HLA-HC, and beta 2 microglobulin (66.7%, 73.3%, 70.7%, and 63.3%, respectively), except tapasin for which 58% of the tumors lacked expression. Furthermore, 67% and 88% of the lesions possessed intratumoral and peritumoral CD3+ or CD8+ cells, respectively. The majority of APM component expression examined was significantly associated with both intratumoral and peritumoral T-cell infiltration (P < 0.05). The expression of APM components and the presence of intratumoral T-cell infiltrates were significantly associated with improved survival (all P < or = 0.01); however, peritumoral T-cell infiltrates did not significantly affect survival (P = 0.33). APM component down-regulation (P < 0.001), lack of intratumoral T-cell infiltrates (P = 0.03), and suboptimal cytoreduction (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic markers for death from ovarian carcinoma. CONCLUSION The negative effect of APM component down-regulation by itself and in combination with absent intratumoral T-cell infiltration on the survival of patients with ovarian carcinoma implies a role for immune escape in addition to immunosurveillance in the clinical course of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz Y Han
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Herman Pressler, CPB6.3244, Unit 1362, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Morandi F, Raffaghello L, Bianchi G, Meloni F, Salis A, Millo E, Ferrone S, Barnaba V, Pistoia V. Immunogenicity of human mesenchymal stem cells in HLA-class I-restricted T-cell responses against viral or tumor-associated antigens. Stem Cells 2008; 26:1275-87. [PMID: 18292209 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2007-0878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are immunosuppressive and poorly immunogenic but may act as antigen-presenting cells (APC) for CD4(+) T-cell responses; here we have investigated their ability to serve as APC for in vitro CD8(+) T-cell responses. MSC pulsed with peptides from viral antigens evoked interferon (IFN)-gamma and Granzyme B secretion in specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and were lysed, although with low efficiency. MSC transfected with tumor mRNA or infected with a viral vector carrying the Hepatitis C virus NS3Ag gene induced cytokine release but were not killed by specific CTL, even following pretreatment with IFN-gamma. To investigate the mechanisms involved in MSC resistance to CTL-mediated lysis, we analyzed expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-related antigen-processing machinery (APM) components and of immunosuppressive HLA-G molecules in MSC. The LMP7, LMP10, and ERp57 components were not expressed and the MB-1 and zeta molecules were downregulated in MSC either unmanipulated or pretreated with IFN-gamma. Surface HLA-G was constitutively expressed on MSC but was not involved in their protection from CTL-mediated lysis. MSC supernatants containing soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) inhibited CTL-mediated lysis, whereas those lacking sHLA-G did not. The role of sHLA-G in such inhibition was unambiguously demonstrated by partial restoration of lysis following sHLA-G depletion from MSC supernatants. In conclusion, human MSC can process and present HLA class I-restricted viral or tumor antigens to specific CTL with a limited efficiency, likely because of some defects in APM components. However, they are protected from CTL-mediated lysis through a mechanism that is partly sHLA-G-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Morandi
- Laboratory of Oncology, G. Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
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Ferris RL, Whiteside TL, Ferrone S. Immune escape associated with functional defects in antigen-processing machinery in head and neck cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 12:3890-5. [PMID: 16818683 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-05-2750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent revival of interest in the role of immune surveillance in the pathogenesis and control of malignant diseases has focused attention on escape mechanisms used by tumor cells to evade immune recognition. Defects in the host's tumor antigen-specific immune responses and abnormalities in tumor cell expression of HLA class I molecules and tumor antigen are known to contribute to tumor progression. However, the mechanism(s) responsible for the lack of tumor cell recognition by functional HLA class I antigen-restricted, tumor antigen-specific CTLs despite expression of the restricting HLA class I allele and targeted tumor antigen by tumor cells remain(s) unexplained. In squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN), this type of tumor escape is a rule rather than the exception. Here, we discuss evidence pointing to functional defects in the antigen-processing machinery as one mechanism underlying resistance of SCCHN cells to recognition and lysis by HLA class I antigen-restricted, tumor antigen-specific CTL. In addition, based on the restoration by IFN-gamma of SCCHN cell sensitivity to recognition by these CTL, we suggest strategies that may improve the clinical course of the disease by enhancing susceptibility of malignant cells to immune recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Ferris
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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