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Leng X, Zhang M, Xu Y, Wang J, Ding N, Yu Y, Sun S, Dai W, Xue X, Li N, Yang Y, Shi Z. Non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets in cancer and its clinical application. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100947. [PMID: 39149142 PMCID: PMC11325817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer genomics has led to the discovery of numerous oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that play critical roles in cancer development and progression. Oncogenes promote cell growth and proliferation, whereas tumor suppressor genes inhibit cell growth and division. The dysregulation of these genes can lead to the development of cancer. Recent studies have focused on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including circular RNA (circRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA), as therapeutic targets for cancer. In this article, we discuss the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes of ncRNAs associated with different types of cancer and their potential as therapeutic targets. Here, we highlight the mechanisms of action of these genes and their clinical applications in cancer treatment. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and identifying specific therapeutic targets are essential steps towards the development of effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Leng
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yujing Xu
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ning Ding
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yancheng Yu
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shanliang Sun
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Weichen Dai
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xin Xue
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Nianguang Li
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ye Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhihao Shi
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
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Seller A, Tegeler CM, Mauermann J, Schreiber T, Hagelstein I, Liebel K, Koch A, Heitmann JS, Greiner SM, Hayn C, Dannehl D, Engler T, Hartkopf AD, Hahn M, Brucker SY, Salih HR, Märklin M. Soluble NKG2DLs Are Elevated in Breast Cancer Patients and Associate with Disease Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4126. [PMID: 38612935 PMCID: PMC11012452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074126] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ligands of the natural killer group 2D (NKG2DL) family are expressed on malignant cells and are usually absent from healthy tissues. Recognition of NKG2DLs such as MICA/B and ULBP1-3 by the activating immunoreceptor NKG2D, expressed by NK and cytotoxic T cells, stimulates anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer. Upregulation of membrane-bound NKG2DLs in breast cancer has been demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Tumor cells release NKG2DLs via proteolytic cleavage as soluble (s)NKG2DLs, which allows for effective immune escape and is associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we collected serum from 140 breast cancer (BC) and 20 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients at the time of initial diagnosis and 20 healthy volunteers (HVs). Serum levels of sNKG2DLs were quantified through the use of ELISA and correlated with clinical data. The analyzed sNKG2DLs were low to absent in HVs and significantly higher in BC patients. For some of the ligands analyzed, higher sNKG2DLs serum levels were associated with the classification of malignant tumor (TNM) stage and grading. Low sMICA serum levels were associated with significantly longer progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). In conclusion, we provide the first insights into sNKG2DLs in BC patients and suggest their potential role in tumor immune escape in breast cancer. Furthermore, our observations suggest that serum sMICA levels may serve as a prognostic parameter in the patients analyzed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Seller
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian M. Tegeler
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-Based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Mauermann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tatjana Schreiber
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ilona Hagelstein
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kai Liebel
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - André Koch
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas S. Heitmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-Based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah M. Greiner
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Clara Hayn
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Dannehl
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Engler
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas D. Hartkopf
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Hahn
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sara Y. Brucker
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut R. Salih
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Märklin
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Ma L, Gao Y, Huo Y, Tian T, Hong G, Li H. Integrated analysis of diverse cancer types reveals a breast cancer-specific serum miRNA biomarker through relative expression orderings analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 204:475-484. [PMID: 38191685 PMCID: PMC10959809 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07208-3] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Serum microRNA (miRNA) holds great potential as a non-invasive biomarker for diagnosing breast cancer (BrC). However, most diagnostic models rely on the absolute expression levels of miRNAs, which are susceptible to batch effects and challenging for clinical transformation. Furthermore, current studies on liquid biopsy diagnostic biomarkers for BrC mainly focus on distinguishing BrC patients from healthy controls, needing more specificity assessment. METHODS We collected a large number of miRNA expression data involving 8465 samples from GEO, including 13 different cancer types and non-cancer controls. Based on the relative expression orderings (REOs) of miRNAs within each sample, we applied the greedy, LASSO multiple linear regression, and random forest algorithms to identify a qualitative biomarker specific to BrC by comparing BrC samples to samples of other cancers as controls. RESULTS We developed a BrC-specific biomarker called 7-miRPairs, consisting of seven miRNA pairs. It demonstrated comparable classification performance in our analyzed machine learning algorithms while requiring fewer miRNA pairs, accurately distinguishing BrC from 12 other cancer types. The diagnostic performance of 7-miRPairs was favorable in the training set (accuracy = 98.47%, specificity = 98.14%, sensitivity = 99.25%), and similar results were obtained in the test set (accuracy = 97.22%, specificity = 96.87%, sensitivity = 98.02%). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the 11 miRNAs within the 7-miRPairs revealed significant enrichment of target mRNAs in pathways associated with BrC. CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence that utilizing serum miRNA pairs can offer significant advantages for BrC-specific diagnosis in clinical practice by directly comparing serum samples with BrC to other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Ma
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yaru Gao
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yue Huo
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Tian Tian
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Guini Hong
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
| | - Hongdong Li
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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Yin J, Gu T, Chaudhry N, Davidson NE, Huang Y. Epigenetic modulation of antitumor immunity and immunotherapy response in breast cancer: biological mechanisms and clinical implications. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1325615. [PMID: 38268926 PMCID: PMC10806158 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1325615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in American women. The initiation and progression of BC can proceed through the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes that allow transformed cells to escape the normal cell cycle checkpoint control. Unlike nucleotide mutations, epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs), nucleosome remodeling and non-coding RNAs are generally reversible and therefore potentially responsive to pharmacological intervention. Epigenetic dysregulations are critical mechanisms for impaired antitumor immunity, evasion of immune surveillance, and resistance to immunotherapy. Compared to highly immunogenic tumor types, such as melanoma or lung cancer, breast cancer has been viewed as an immunologically quiescent tumor which displays a relatively low population of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), low tumor mutational burden (TMB) and modest response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Emerging evidence suggests that agents targeting aberrant epigenetic modifiers may augment host antitumor immunity in BC via several interrelated mechanisms such as enhancing tumor antigen presentation, activation of cytotoxic T cells, inhibition of immunosuppressive cells, boosting response to ICI, and induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD). These discoveries have established a highly promising basis for using combinatorial approaches of epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy as an innovative paradigm to improve outcomes of BC patients. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how epigenetic processes regulate immune cell function and antitumor immunogenicity in the context of the breast tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we discuss the therapeutic potential and latest clinical trials of the combination of immune checkpoint blockers with epigenetic agents in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yin
- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tiezheng Gu
- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Norin Chaudhry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Nancy E. Davidson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Yang C, Qian C, Zheng W, Dong G, Zhang S, Wang F, Wei Z, Xu Y, Wang A, Zhao Y, Lu Y. Ginsenoside Rh2 enhances immune surveillance of natural killer (NK) cells via inhibition of ERp5 in breast cancer. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155180. [PMID: 38043385 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One critical component of the immune system that prevents breast cancer cells from forming distant metastasis is natural killer (NK) cells participating in immune responses to tumors. Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) as one of the major active ingredients of ginseng has been employed in treatment of cancers, but the function of GRh2 in modulating the development of breast cancer remains elusive. PURPOSE This study was to dissect the effect of GRh2 against breast cancer and its potential mechanisms associated with NK cells, both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells were used to establish in situ and hematogenous mouse models. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 were respectively co-cultured with NK92MI cells or primary NK cells in vitro. Anti-tumor efficacy of GRh2 was verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), high resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning of lungs and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry, in vivo depletion of NK cells, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence and cell transfection were performed for investigating the anti-tumor mechanisms of GRh2. Molecular docking, microscale thermophoresis (MST) and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were employed to determine the binding between endoplasmic reticulum protein 5 (ERp5) and GRh2. RESULTS We demonstrated that GRh2 exerted prominent impacts on retarding the growth and metastasis of breast cancer through boosting the cytotoxic function of NK cells, as validated by the elevated release of perforin, granzyme B and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Mechanistical studies revealed that GRh2 was capable of diminishing the expression of ERp5 and GRh2 directly bound to ERp5 in MDA-MB-231 cells as well as on a recombinant protein level. GRh2 prevented the formation of soluble MICA (sMICA) and upregulated the expression level of MICA in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, the reduced lung metastasis of breast cancer by GRh2 was almost abolished upon the depletion of NK cells. Moreover, GRh2 was able to insert into the binding pocket of ERp5 directly. CONCLUSION We firstly demonstrated that GRh2 played a pivotal role in augmenting NK cell activity by virtue of modulating the NKG2D-MICA signaling axis via directly binding to ERp5, and may be further optimized to a therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weiwei Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guanglu Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feihui Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhonghong Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuhua Xu
- Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Aiyun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yin Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Toledo-Stuardo K, Ribeiro CH, Campos I, Tello S, Latorre Y, Altamirano C, Dubois-Camacho K, Molina MC. Impact of MICA 3'UTR allelic variability on miRNA binding prediction, a bioinformatic approach. Front Genet 2023; 14:1273296. [PMID: 38146340 PMCID: PMC10749337 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1273296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that participate as powerful genetic regulators. MiRNAs can interfere with cellular processes by interacting with a broad spectrum of target genes under physiological and pathological states, including cancer development and progression. Major histocompatibility complex major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A (MICA) belongs to a family of proteins that bind the natural-killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on Natural Killer cells and other cytotoxic lymphocytes. MICA plays a crucial role in the host's innate immune response to several disease settings, including cancer. MICA harbors various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in its 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR), a characteristic that increases the complexity of MICA regulation, favoring its post-transcriptional modulation by miRNAs under physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we conducted an in-depth analysis of MICA 3'UTR sequences according to each MICA allele described to date using NCBI database. We also systematically evaluated interactions between miRNAs and their putative targets on MICA 3'UTR containing SNPs using in silico analysis. Our in silico results showed that MICA SNPs rs9266829, rs 1880, and rs9266825, located in the target sequence of miRNAs hsa-miR-106a-5p, hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-20a-5p, hsa-miR-20b-5p, hsa-miR-93, hsa-miR-1207.5p, and hsa-miR-711 could modify the binding free energy between -8.62 and -18.14 kcal/mol, which may affect the regulation of MICA expression. We believe that our results may provide a starting point for further exploration of miRNA regulatory effects depending on MICA allelic variability; they may also be a guide to conduct miRNA in silico analysis for other highly polymorphic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Toledo-Stuardo
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina H. Ribeiro
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ivo Campos
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Samantha Tello
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yesenia Latorre
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Claudia Altamirano
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Karen Dubois-Camacho
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Maria Carmen Molina
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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7
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Abou Khouzam R, Janji B, Thiery J, Zaarour RF, Chamseddine AN, Mayr H, Savagner P, Kieda C, Gad S, Buart S, Lehn JM, Limani P, Chouaib S. Hypoxia as a potential inducer of immune tolerance, tumor plasticity and a driver of tumor mutational burden: Impact on cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:104-123. [PMID: 38029865 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
In cancer patients, immune cells are often functionally compromised due to the immunosuppressive features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) which contribute to the failures in cancer therapies. Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that developing tumors adapt to the immunological environment and create a local microenvironment that impairs immune function by inducing immune tolerance and invasion. In this context, microenvironmental hypoxia, which is an established hallmark of solid tumors, significantly contributes to tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance through the induction of tumor plasticity/heterogeneity and, more importantly, through the differentiation and expansion of immune-suppressive stromal cells. We and others have provided evidence indicating that hypoxia also drives genomic instability in cancer cells and interferes with DNA damage response and repair suggesting that hypoxia could be a potential driver of tumor mutational burden. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on how hypoxic stress in the TME impacts tumor angiogenesis, heterogeneity, plasticity, and immune resistance, with a special interest in tumor immunogenicity and hypoxia targeting. An integrated understanding of the complexity of the effect of hypoxia on the immune and microenvironmental components could lead to the identification of better adapted and more effective combinational strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Clearly, the discovery and validation of therapeutic targets derived from the hypoxic tumor microenvironment is of major importance and the identification of critical hypoxia-associated pathways could generate targets that are undeniably attractive for combined cancer immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Bassam Janji
- Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, 6A, rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg city, Luxembourg.
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Rania Faouzi Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ali N Chamseddine
- Gastroenterology Department, Cochin University Hospital, Université de Paris, APHP, Paris, France; Ambroise Paré - Hartmann Private Hospital Group, Oncology Unit, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
| | - Hemma Mayr
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Surgery & Transplantation, University and University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre Savagner
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; Centre for Molecular Biophysics, UPR 4301 CNRS, 45071 Orleans, France; Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Sophie Gad
- Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE), Paris Sciences Lettres University (PSL), 75014 Paris, France; UMR CNRS 9019, Genome Integrity and Cancers, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France.
| | - Stéphanie Buart
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Jean-Marie Lehn
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Perparim Limani
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Surgery & Transplantation, University and University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
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8
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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9
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Zhang J, Luo Q, Li X, Guo J, Zhu Q, Lu X, Wei L, Xiang Z, Peng M, Ou C, Zou Y. Novel role of immune-related non-coding RNAs as potential biomarkers regulating tumour immunoresponse via MICA/NKG2D pathway. Biomark Res 2023; 11:86. [PMID: 37784183 PMCID: PMC10546648 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex class I related chain A (MICA) is an important and stress-induced ligand of the natural killer group 2 member D receptor (NKG2D) that is expressed in various tumour cells. Given that the MICA/NKG2D signalling system is critically embedded in the innate and adaptive immune responses, it is particularly involved in the surveillance of cancer and viral infections. Emerging evidence has revealed the important roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in different cancer types. We searched for all relevant publications in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science database using the keywords ncRNA, MICA, NKG2D, cancer, and miRNAs. All relevant studies published from 2008 to the 2023 were retrieved and collated. Notably, we found that miRNAs can target to NKG2D mRNA and MICA mRNA 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR), leading to translation inhibition of NKG2D and MICA degradation. Several immune-related MICA/NKG2D pathways may be dysregulated in cancer with aberrant miRNA expressions. At the same time, the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis holds that circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs induce an abnormal MICA expression by directly targeting downstream miRNAs to mediate mRNA suppression in cancer. This review summarizes the novel mechanism of immune escape in the ncRNA-related MICA/NKG2D pathway mediated by NK cells and cancer cells. Moreover, we identified the miRNA-NKG2D, miRNA-MICA and circRNA/lncRNA/mRNA-miRNA-mRNA/MICA axis. Thus, we were particularly concerned with the regulation of mediated immune escape in the MICA/NKG2D pathway by ncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers of immunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Qizhi Luo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Junshuang Guo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Quan Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaofang Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Leiyan Wei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiqing Xiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Manqing Peng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Chunlin Ou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
| | - Yizhou Zou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
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10
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Afra F, Mahboobipour AA, Salehi Farid A, Ala M. Recent progress in the immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: Non-coding RNA-based immunotherapy may improve the outcome. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115104. [PMID: 37393866 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most lethal cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) significantly improved the prognosis of HCC; however, the therapeutic response remains unsatisfactory in a substantial proportion of patients or needs to be further improved in responders. Herein, other methods of immunotherapy, including vaccine-based immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy, cytokine delivery, kynurenine pathway inhibition, and gene delivery, have been adopted in clinical trials. Although the results were not encouraging enough to expedite their marketing. A major proportion of human genome is transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Preclinical studies have extensively investigated the roles of ncRNAs in different aspects of HCC biology. HCC cells reprogram the expression pattern of numerous ncRNAs to decrease the immunogenicity of HCC, exhaust the cytotoxic and anti-cancer function of CD8 + T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and M1 macrophages, and promote the immunosuppressive function of T Reg cells, M2 macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Mechanistically, cancer cells recruit ncRNAs to interact with immune cells, thereby regulating the expression of immune checkpoints, functional receptors of immune cells, cytotoxic enzymes, and inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, prediction models based on the tissue expression or even serum levels of ncRNAs could predict response to immunotherapy in HCC. Moreover, ncRNAs markedly potentiated the efficacy of ICIs in murine models of HCC. This review article first discusses recent advances in the immunotherapy of HCC, then dissects the involvement and potential application of ncRNAs in the immunotherapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Afra
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Mahboobipour
- Tracheal Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Salehi Farid
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moein Ala
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Wang L, Zhang K, Feng J, Wang D, Liu J. The Progress of Platelets in Breast Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:811-821. [PMID: 37589033 PMCID: PMC10426457 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s418574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer and the sixth leading cause of death, seriously affecting the quality of life of women. Platelets, one of the fragments derived from megakaryocytes, are being increasingly investigated by tumor researchers because of their anticoagulant function. According to relevant studies, platelets, as the key source of circulating angiogenesis-related factors, can regulate tumor angiogenesis and vascular integrity, and they can also affect the tumor microenvironment, thereby facilitating the proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells. By covering or transferring normal MHC I molecules to tumor cells, platelets can protect tumor cells from being killed by the immune system and facilitate tumor cell metastasis. However, details on the mechanisms involved have remained elusive. This paper reviews and analyzes studies of the role of platelets in tumorigenesis, tumor cell proliferation, tumor metastasis, and cancer treatment to provide readers with a better understanding of the relevant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luchang Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, 610017, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaijiong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Hojjatipour T, Maali A, Azad M. Natural killer cell epigenetic reprogramming in tumors and potential for cancer immunotherapy. Epigenomics 2023; 15:249-266. [PMID: 37125432 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical members of the innate lymphoid cell population and have a pivotal role in cancer eradication. NK cell maturation, development and function are tightly regulated by epigenetic modifications, which can also be recruited for cancer propagation and immune escape. NK cells have the potential to be activated against tumors through several epigenetic regulators. Given that epigenetic changes are inducible and reversible, focusing on aberrant epigenetic regulations recruited by tumor cells provides a tremendous opportunity for cancer treatment. This review presents a comprehensive picture of NK cell normal epigenetic regulation and cancer-driven epigenetic modifications. From our perspective, a better understanding of epigenetic regulators that can edit and revise NK cells' activity is a promising avenue for NK cell-based therapy in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology & Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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13
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Arianfar E, Khandoozi SR, Mohammadi S, Memarian A. Suppression of CD56 bright NK cells in breast cancer patients is associated with the PD-1 and TGF-βRII expression. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:841-851. [PMID: 36414921 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells, as professional cytotoxic cells, play a key role against cancer in the early and metastatic stages. Their functional defects are highly associated with the initiation or progression of breast cancer (BC). Here, we investigated the phenotypic characterization of NK cells in 26 newly diagnosed BC patients in comparison to 12 healthy counterparts. METHODS Expression of CXCR3 and PD-1, and also NKG2D, and TGF-βRII were studied on CD56dim and CD56bright NK cells from fresh peripheral blood (PB) samples using flow cytometry. The plasma levels of IFN-γ and soluble MIC-A levels were also assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Both CD56dim and CD56bright NK subtypes showed lower CXCR3 and NKG2D expression in BC patients than healthy subjects. Furthermore, patients' CD56bright NK cells significantly showed higher expression levels of TGF-βRII and PD-1. Interestingly, increased concentration of MIC-A level in plasma of BC patients was associated with the higher TGF-βRII and PD-1 expression in all NK cells, while the plasma level of IFN-γ was associated with the lower TGF-βRII expression on CD56bright NK cells in these patients. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated phenotypically suppressed-NK cells, especially in the CD56bright subset of BC patients. It specifies their potential incompetence and outlines decrement of their anti-tumor activity, which could be interrelated with the tumor pathogenesis, TME immunosuppression, and so disease progression. The induction of compensatory mechanisms revives NK cells function and could be used in combination with the conventional treatments as a putative therapeutic approach for targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Arianfar
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Mohammadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Memarian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. .,Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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14
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Youlin K, Simin L, Jian K, Li Z. Inhibition of miR-20a by pterostilbene facilitates prostate cancer cells killed by NK cells via up-regulation of NKG2D ligands and TGF-β1down-regulation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14957. [PMID: 37064475 PMCID: PMC10102449 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a potent role in antitumor immunity via spontaneously eliminating tumor directly. However, some tumors such as prostate cancer constantly escape this immune response by down-regulating cell surface molecule recognition and/or secreting immune impressive cytokines. Here, we found pterostilbene, a natural agent with potent anticancer activity, could enhance expression of major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related proteins A and B (MICA/B) on prostate cancer cells surface, which are ligands of the natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) expressed by NK cells, and inhibit TGF-β1 secretion by prostate cancer cells. Further, we discovered that these effects were caused by inhibition of miR-20a in prostate cancer cells by pterostilbene. MiR-20a could target the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of MICA/B, resulting in their expression down-regulation. Inhibition of TGF-β1 function by its specific antibody attenuated its impairment to NKG2D on NK cells. Finally, we observed that pterostilbene-treated prostate cancer cells were more easily to be killed by NK cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrated inhibition of miR-20a by pterostilbene in prostate cancer cells could increase MICA/B expression and decrease TGF-β1 secretion, which enhanced NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity againt prostate cancer cells, suggesting a potential approach for increasing anti-prostate cancer immune.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang Youlin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Liang Simin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kang Jian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Corresponding author.
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15
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Chocholska S, Zarobkiewicz M, Szymańska A, Lehman N, Woś J, Bojarska-Junak A. Prognostic Value of the miR-17~92 Cluster in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021705. [PMID: 36675221 PMCID: PMC9866777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-17∼92 cluster members in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Six microRNAs (miRNAs)-miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-19b-1, miR-20a, and miR-92a-1-very poorly characterized in CLL patients, were chosen for the study to consider their possible role as cancer biomarkers. It is currently unclear to which extent miR-17~92 expression is related to other routinely measured CLL markers, and whether the findings can be of any clinical significance. To achieve this goal, we report the expression levels of these miRNAs detected by RT-qPCR in purified CD19+ B lymphocytes of 107 CLL patients and correlate them with existing clinical data. The study provides new evidence regarding the heterogeneity of miR-17~92 cluster members' expression in CLL patients. Higher miR-17-5p expression was associated with unfavorable prognostic factors (i.e., 17p and 11q deletions, CD38 and ZAP-70 expression). On the other hand, miR-19a, miR-20a, and miR-92a-1 negatively correlated with these adverse factors. The presence of del(13q) as a sole aberration was associated with a significantly lower miR-17-5p as well as higher miR-19a-3p and miR-92a-1-5p expression compared to patients carrying unfavorable genetic aberrations. Particularly, miR-20a could be considered an independent favorable prognostic factor. In a multivariate analysis, high miR-20a expression remained an independent marker predicting long TTT (time to treatment) for CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Chocholska
- Department of Haematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Zarobkiewicz
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Szymańska
- Department of Clinical Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Natalia Lehman
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Justyna Woś
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bojarska-Junak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-4486420
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16
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Allahyari E, Velaei K, Sanaat Z, Jalilzadeh N, Mehdizadeh A, Rahmati M. RNA interference: Promising approach for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cell Biol Int 2022; 47:833-847. [PMID: 36571107 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Today, cancer is one of the main health-related challenges, and in the meantime, breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers among women, with an alarming number of incidences and deaths every year. For this reason, the discovery of novel and more effective approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of the disease are very important. In this regard, scientists are looking for diagnostic molecules to achieve the above-mentioned goals with higher accuracy and specificity. RNA interference (RNAi) is a posttranslational regulatory process mediated by microRNA intervention and small interfering RNAs. After transcription and edition, these two noncoding RNAs are integrated and activated with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and AGO2 to connect the target mRNA by their complementary sequence and suppress their translation, thus reducing the expression of their target genes. These two RNAi categories show different patterns in different BC types and stages compared to healthy cells, and hence, these molecules have high diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic potentials. This article aims to review the RNAi pathway and diagnostic and therapeutic potentials with a special focus on BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Allahyari
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Velaei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical, Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sanaat
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Jalilzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rahmati
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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17
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Otmani K, Rouas R, Lewalle P. OncomiRs as noncoding RNAs having functions in cancer: Their role in immune suppression and clinical implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:913951. [PMID: 36189271 PMCID: PMC9523483 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.913951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, microRNAs have been established as central players in tumorigenesis, but above all, they have opened an important door for our understanding of immune and tumor cell communication. This dialog is largely due to onco-miR transfer from tumor cells to cells of the tumor microenvironment by exosome. This review outlines recent advances regarding the role of oncomiRs in enhancing cancer and how they modulate the cancer-related immune response in the tumor immune microenvironment.MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of noncoding RNA that are important posttranscriptional regulators of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation into proteins. By regulating gene expression, miRNAs enhance or inhibit cancer development and participate in several cancer biological processes, including proliferation, invasion metastasis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and immune escape. Consistent with their widespread effects, miRNAs have been categorized as oncogenes (oncomiRs) or tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs. MiRNAs that promote tumor growth, called oncomiRs, inhibit messenger RNAs of TS genes and are therefore overexpressed in cancer. In contrast, TS miRNAs inhibit oncogene messenger RNAs and are therefore underexpressed in cancer. Endogenous miRNAs regulate different cellular pathways in all cell types. Therefore, they are not only key modulators in cancer cells but also in the cells constituting their microenvironments. Recently, it was shown that miRNAs are also involved in intercellular communication. Indeed, miRNAs can be transferred from one cell type to another where they regulate targeted gene expression. The primary carriers for the transfer of miRNAs from one cell to another are exosomes. Exosomes are currently considered the primary carriers for communication between the tumor and its surrounding stromal cells to support cancer progression and drive immune suppression. Exosome and miRNAs are seen by many as a hope for developing a new class of targeted therapy. This review outlines recent advances in understanding the role of oncomiRs in enhancing cancer and how they promote its aggressive characteristics and deeply discusses the role of oncomiRs in suppressing the anticancer immune response in its microenvironment. Additionally, further understanding the mechanism of oncomiR-related immune suppression will facilitate the use of miRNAs as biomarkers for impaired antitumor immune function, making them ideal immunotherapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Otmani
- Experimental Hematology Laboratory, Hematology Department, Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematology Department, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Khalid Otmani,
| | - Redouane Rouas
- Hematology Department, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematological Cell Therapy Unit, Hematology Department, Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Lewalle
- Experimental Hematology Laboratory, Hematology Department, Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematology Department, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematological Cell Therapy Unit, Hematology Department, Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Comprehensive Analysis of the Immune Implication of AKAP12 in Stomach Adenocarcinoma. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3445230. [PMID: 36148016 PMCID: PMC9489422 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3445230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A kinase anchor protein 12 (AKAP12) as a tumor suppressor in various cancers has been extensively studied and confirmed. However, its immune implication in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) remains uncertain. Here, using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), integrated repository portal for tumor-immune system interactions (TISIDB), and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interaction Gene/Proteins (STRING) database, we systematically analyzed the immune correlation of AKAP12 from three aspects including immune infiltration cells, immune-related pathways, and immunomodulators and developed a AKAP12-related 4-gene signature for prognosis prediction. Our results showed that AKAP12 mRNA and protein levels were downregulated in STAD patients, and its expression was positively related to CD4+ T cells and macrophages. In addition, the immune cell infiltration levels were associated with AKAP12 gene copy number deletion in STAD. Based on CCLE database, we found that AKAP12 coexpressed genes were enriched in several immune- and cancer-related pathways, which was further validated by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Moreover, we identified 46 immunomodulators that were significantly related to AKAP12 expression using TISIDB database, and these immunomodulators were involved in immune-related pathways including Th17 cell differentiation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Additionally, based on the 46 AKAP12-related immunomodulators, a 4-gene risk prediction signature was developed using the Cox regression model. The risk signature was identified as an independent prognostic factor, which can accurately predict the prognosis of patients with STAD, showing good predictive performance. Furthermore, we constructed a prognostic nomogram and calibration to predict and assess patient survival probabilities by integrating the risk score and other clinical factors. In conclusion, our study provides strong evidence that AKAP12 is closely related to tumor immunity in STAD from three aspects: immune infiltration cells, immune pathways, and immunomodulators. More importantly, the AKAP12-related prognostic signature may have a good application prospect for clinical practice.
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Razeghian E, Kameh MC, Shafiee S, Khalafi F, Jafari F, Asghari M, Kazemi K, Ilkhani S, Shariatzadeh S, Haj-Mirzaian A. The role of the natural killer (NK) cell modulation in breast cancer incidence and progress. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10935-10948. [PMID: 36008609 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07865-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The importance of the immune system on tumor surveillance has been investigated for many years, and its impact on controlling tumor progression has been verified. An important subgroup of the innate immune system is natural killer (NK) cells, whose essential function in modulating tumor behavior and suppressing metastasis and tumor growth has been demonstrated. The first idea of NK cells' crucial biological processes was demonstrated through their potent ability to conduct direct cellular cytotoxicity, even without former sensitization. These properties of NK cells allow them to recognize transformed cells that have attenuated self-ligand and express stress-induced ligands. Furthermore, secretion of various cytokines and chemokines after their activation leads to tumor elimination via either direct cytotoxic effect on malignant cells or activation of the adaptive immune system. In addition, novel immunotherapeutic approaches tend to take advantage of NK cells' ability, leading to antibody-based approaches, the formation of engineered CAR-NK cells, and adoptive cell transfer. However, the restricted functionality of NK cells and the inability to infiltrate tumors are its blind spots in breast cancer patients. In this review, we gathered newly acquired data on the biology and functions of NK cells in breast cancer and proposed ways to employ this knowledge for novel therapeutic approaches in cancers, particularly breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Razeghian
- Human Genetics Division, Medical Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdis Chahar Kameh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepehr Shafiee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farima Khalafi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fehimeh Jafari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Radiation Oncology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiarash Kazemi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siavash Shariatzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Arvin Haj-Mirzaian
- Department of Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Expressional regulation of NKG2DLs is associated with the tumor development and shortened overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152239. [PMID: 35780757 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer group 2D ligands (NKG2DLs) are expressed on tumor cells as a ligand for Natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) receptors. NKG2DLs interact with NKG2D to induce immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity for eliminating tumors. Studies demonstrated that tumor cells can reduce NKG2DLs' expression to escape from anti-tumor immunity, leading to an aggressive cancer phenotype and poor prognosis in some cancers. However, these studies are limited and there is no comprehensive work on the regulation of NKG2DLs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) which is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Here, we conducted an in silico analysis to evaluate the changes in NKG2DLs in LUAD by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus datasets including tumor vs. normal comparisons, TNM stages, survival and infiltrating immune estimation profile. Results indicated that some members of NKG2DL were downregulated in LUAD as compared to normal samples. We determined that MICA (MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A) was the most and significantly downregulated ligand among others and the results were nearly consistent with the different datasets which we used. Furthermore, survival analysis revealed that down-regulated MICA transcript expression might be one of the prognostic indicators of LUAD. Interestingly, according to the immune cell infiltrating analysis, there wasn't a direct correlation between the MICA transcript expression and immune cell infiltration, while for MICB there was. In addition, in genetic alteration, DNA methylation and miRNA analyses, we did not observe critical outcomes that would clarify the down-regulated MICA expression in detail. Regardless, this study is highly comprehensive and contributes valuable suggestions to further functional studies about the regulation of NKG2DLs and promising immunotherapeutic approaches in LUAD.
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21
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Roy RK, Yadav R, Sharma U, Kaushal Wasson M, Sharma A, Tanwar P, Jain A, Prakash H. Impact of non-coding RNAs on cancer directed immune therapies: Now then and forever. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:981-992. [PMID: 35489027 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the host genome's epigenetic modifications are essential for living organisms to adapt to extreme conditions. DNA methylation, covalent modifications of histone, and inter-association of non-coding RNAs facilitate the cellular manifestation of epigenetic changes in the genome. Out of various factors involved in the epigenetic programming of the host, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA, snoRNA and piRNA are new generation non-coding molecules that influence a variety of cellular processes like immunity, cellular differentiation, and tumor development. During tumor development, temporal changes in miRNA/LncRNA rheostat influence sterile inflammatory responses accompanied by the changes in the carcinogenic signaling in the host. At the cellular level, this is manifested by the up-regulation of Inflammasome and inflammatory pathways, which promotes cancer-related inflammation. Given this, we discuss the potential of lncRNAs, miRNAs, circular RNA, snoRNA and piRNA in regulating inflammation and tumor development in the host. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumar Roy
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University, India
| | - Rakhi Yadav
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University, India
| | - Uttam Sharma
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | | | - Ashok Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Pranay Tanwar
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B R Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Aklank Jain
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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22
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Fang X, Guo L, Xing Z, Shi L, Liang H, Li A, Kuang C, Tao B, Yang Q. IDO1 can impair NK cells function against non-small cell lung cancer by downregulation of NKG2D Ligand via ADAM10. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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23
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Gao F, He S, Jin A. MiRNAs and lncRNAs in NK cell biology and NK/T-cell lymphoma. Genes Dis 2021; 8:590-602. [PMID: 34291131 PMCID: PMC8278539 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The important role of lncRNAs and miRNAs in directing immune responses has become increasingly clear. Recent evidence conforms that miRNAs and lncRNAs are involved in NK cell biology and diseases through RNA-protein, RNA-RNA, or RNA-DNA interactions. In this view, we summarize the contribution of miRNAs and lncRNAs to NK cell lineage development, activation and function, highlight the biological significance of functional miRNAs or lncRNAs in NKTL and discuss the potential of these miRNAs and lncRNAs as innovative biomarkers/targets for NKTL early diagnosis, target treatment and prognostic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- FengXia Gao
- Department of Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
| | - SiRong He
- Department of Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
| | - AiShun Jin
- Department of Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
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Alves E, McLeish E, Blancafort P, Coudert JD, Gaudieri S. Manipulating the NKG2D Receptor-Ligand Axis Using CRISPR: Novel Technologies for Improved Host Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:712722. [PMID: 34456921 PMCID: PMC8397441 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.712722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The activating immune receptor natural killer group member D (NKG2D) and its cognate ligands represent a fundamental surveillance system of cellular distress, damage or transformation. Signaling through the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis is critical for early detection of viral infection or oncogenic transformation and the presence of functional NKG2D ligands (NKG2D-L) is associated with tumor rejection and viral clearance. Many viruses and tumors have developed mechanisms to evade NKG2D recognition via transcriptional, post-transcriptional or post-translational interference with NKG2D-L, supporting the concept that circumventing immune evasion of the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis may be an attractive therapeutic avenue for antiviral therapy or cancer immunotherapy. To date, the complexity of the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis and the lack of specificity of current NKG2D-targeting therapies has not allowed for the precise manipulation required to optimally harness NKG2D-mediated immunity. However, with the discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, novel opportunities have arisen in the realm of locus-specific gene editing and regulation. Here, we give a brief overview of the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis in humans and discuss the levels at which NKG2D-L are regulated and dysregulated during viral infection and oncogenesis. Moreover, we explore the potential for CRISPR-based technologies to provide novel therapeutic avenues to improve and maximize NKG2D-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Alves
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Emily McLeish
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jerome D. Coudert
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Silvana Gaudieri
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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25
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The Role of microRNAs in NK Cell Development and Function. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082020. [PMID: 34440789 PMCID: PMC8391642 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical use of natural killer (NK) cells is at the forefront of cellular therapy. NK cells possess exceptional antitumor cytotoxic potentials and can generate significant levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Multiple genetic manipulations are being tested to augment the anti-tumor functions of NK cells. One such method involves identifying and altering microRNAs (miRNAs) that play essential roles in the development and effector functions of NK cells. Unique miRNAs can bind and inactivate mRNAs that code for cytotoxic proteins. MicroRNAs, such as the members of the Mirc11 cistron, downmodulate ubiquitin ligases that are central to the activation of the obligatory transcription factors responsible for the production of inflammatory cytokines. These studies reveal potential opportunities to post-translationally enhance the effector functions of human NK cells while reducing unwanted outcomes. Here, we summarize the recent advances made on miRNAs in murine and human NK cells and their relevance to NK cell development and functions.
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26
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Khalaf K, Hana D, Chou JTT, Singh C, Mackiewicz A, Kaczmarek M. Aspects of the Tumor Microenvironment Involved in Immune Resistance and Drug Resistance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:656364. [PMID: 34122412 PMCID: PMC8190405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.656364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and ever-changing "rogue organ" composed of its own blood supply, lymphatic and nervous systems, stroma, immune cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). These complex components, utilizing both benign and malignant cells, nurture the harsh, immunosuppressive and nutrient-deficient environment necessary for tumor cell growth, proliferation and phenotypic flexibility and variation. An important aspect of the TME is cellular crosstalk and cell-to-ECM communication. This interaction induces the release of soluble factors responsible for immune evasion and ECM remodeling, which further contribute to therapy resistance. Other aspects are the presence of exosomes contributed by both malignant and benign cells, circulating deregulated microRNAs and TME-specific metabolic patterns which further potentiate the progression and/or resistance to therapy. In addition to biochemical signaling, specific TME characteristics such as the hypoxic environment, metabolic derangements, and abnormal mechanical forces have been implicated in the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will provide an overview of tumor microenvironmental composition, structure, and features that influence immune suppression and contribute to treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Khalaf
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Doris Hana
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jadzia Tin-Tsen Chou
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Chandpreet Singh
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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27
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Xing Y, Ruan G, Ni H, Qin H, Chen S, Gu X, Shang J, Zhou Y, Tao X, Zheng L. Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Its Related miRNAs in Tumor Progression. Front Immunol 2021; 12:624725. [PMID: 34084160 PMCID: PMC8167795 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MiRNA is a type of small non-coding RNA, by regulating downstream gene expression that affects the progression of multiple diseases, especially cancer. MiRNA can participate in the biological processes of tumor, including proliferation, invasion and escape, and exhibit tumor enhancement or inhibition. The tumor immune microenvironment contains numerous immune cells. These cells include lymphocytes with tumor suppressor effects such as CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, as well as some tumor-promoting cells with immunosuppressive functions, such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. MiRNA can affect the tumor immune microenvironment by regulating the function of immune cells, which in turn modulates the progression of tumor cells. Investigating the role of miRNA in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment will help elucidate the specific mechanisms of interaction between immune cells and tumor cells, and may facilitate the use of miRNA as a predictor of immune disorders in tumor progression. This review summarizes the multifarious roles of miRNA in tumor progression through regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment, and provides guidance for the development of miRNA drugs to treat tumors and for the use of miRNA as an auxiliary means in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Xing
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guojing Ruan
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiwei Ni
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Qin
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Simiao Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyue Gu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiamin Shang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yantong Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Tao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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28
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Xia M, Wang B, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wang X. Epigenetic Regulation of NK Cell-Mediated Antitumor Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:672328. [PMID: 34017344 PMCID: PMC8129532 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.672328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical innate lymphocytes that can directly kill target cells without prior immunization. NK cell activation is controlled by the balance of multiple germline-encoded activating and inhibitory receptors. NK cells are a heterogeneous and plastic population displaying a broad spectrum of functional states (resting, activating, memory, repressed, and exhausted). In this review, we present an overview of the epigenetic regulation of NK cell-mediated antitumor immunity, including DNA methylation, histone modification, transcription factor changes, and microRNA expression. NK cell-based immunotherapy has been recognized as a promising strategy to treat cancer. Since epigenetic alterations are reversible and druggable, these studies will help identify new ways to enhance NK cell-mediated antitumor cytotoxicity by targeting intrinsic epigenetic regulators alone or in combination with other strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoran Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xulong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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29
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Yu Z, Liu W, He Y, Sun M, Yu J, Jiao X, Han Q, Tang H, Zhang B, Xian Y, Qi J, Gong J, Xin W, Shi G, Shan F, Zhang R, Li J, Wei M. HLA-A2.1-restricted ECM1-derived epitope LA through DC cross-activation priming CD8 + T and NK cells: a novel therapeutic tumour vaccine. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:71. [PMID: 33910591 PMCID: PMC8082934 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01081-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CD8+ T cell-mediated adaptive cellular immunity and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated innate immunity both play important roles in tumour immunity. This study aimed to develop therapeutic tumour vaccines based on double-activation of CD8+ T and NK cells. Methods The immune Epitope database, Molecular Operating Environment software, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for epitope identification. Flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, UPLC-QTOF-MS, and RNA-seq were utilized for evaluating immunity of PBMC-derived DCs, CD8+ T or NK cells and related pathways. HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice combined with immunologically reconstituted tumour-bearing mice were used to examine the antitumour effect and safety of epitope vaccines. Results We identified novel HLA-A2.1-restricted extracellular matrix protein 1(ECM1)-derived immunodominant epitopes in which LA induced a potent immune response. We also found that LA-loaded DCs upregulated the frequency of CD3+/CD8+ T cells, CD45RO+/CD69+ activated memory T cells, and CD3−/CD16+/CD56+ NK cells. We demonstrated cytotoxic granule release of LA/DC-CTLs or LA/DC-NK cells and cytotoxicity against tumour cells and microtissue blocks via the predominant IFN-γ/perforin/granzyme B cell death pathway. Further investigating the mechanism of LA-mediated CD8+ T activation, we found that LA could be internalized into DCs through phagocytosis and then formed a LA-MHC-I complex presented onto the DC surface for recognition of the T cell receptor to upregulate Zap70 phosphorylation levels to further activate CD8+ T cells by DC-CTL interactions. In addition, LA-mediated DC-NK crosstalk through stimulation of the TLR4-p38 MAPK pathway increased MICA/B expression on DCs to interact with NKG2D for NK activation. Promisingly, LA could activate CD8+ T cells and NK cells simultaneously via interacting with DCs to suppress tumours in vivo. Moreover, the safety of LA was confirmed. Conclusions LA-induced immune antitumour activity through DC cross-activation with CD8+ T and NK cells, which demonstrated proof-of-concept evidence for the capability and safety of a novel therapeutic tumour vaccine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13045-021-01081-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojin Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wensi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ying He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,The Third Department of Medical Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Mingli Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jiankun Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qiang Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, Hebei Province, China
| | - Haichao Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yunkai Xian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wang Xin
- Liaoning Medical Diagnosis and Treatment R&D Centre Co. Ltd., Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Gang Shi
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Intitute, No.77, Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Intitute, No.77, Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Jianping Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. .,Transfusion Medicine Institute, Liaoning Blood Centre, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. .,Transfusion Medicine Institute, Harbin Blood Centre, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 13, Beihai Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. .,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Antitumour Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumours, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
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Cancer Stem Cells Are Possible Key Players in Regulating Anti-Tumor Immune Responses: The Role of Immunomodulating Molecules and MicroRNAs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071674. [PMID: 33918136 PMCID: PMC8037840 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review provides a critical overview of the state of the art of the characterization of the immunological profile of a rare component of the tumors, denominated cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer initiating cells (CICs). These cells are endowed with the ability to form and propagate tumors and resistance to therapies, including the most innovative approaches. These investigations contribute to understanding the mechanisms regulating the interaction of CSCs/CICs with the immune system and identifying novel therapeutic approaches to render these cells visible and susceptible to immune responses. Abstract Cancer cells endowed with stemness properties and representing a rare population of cells within malignant lesions have been isolated from tumors with different histological origins. These cells, denominated as cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer initiating cells (CICs), are responsible for tumor initiation, progression and resistance to therapies, including immunotherapy. The dynamic crosstalk of CSCs/CICs with the tumor microenvironment orchestrates their fate and plasticity as well as their immunogenicity. CSCs/CICs, as observed in multiple studies, display either the aberrant expression of immunomodulatory molecules or suboptimal levels of molecules involved in antigen processing and presentation, leading to immune evasion. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that can regulate either stemness properties or their immunological profile, with in some cases dual functions, can provide insights into these mechanisms and possible interventions to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs/CICs and reverting their immunogenicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the immunoregulatory features of CSCs/CICs including miRNA profiles involved in the regulation of the interplay between stemness and immunological properties.
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Nair MG, Somashekaraiah VM, Ramamurthy V, Prabhu JS, Sridhar TS. miRNAs: Critical mediators of breast cancer metastatic programming. Exp Cell Res 2021; 401:112518. [PMID: 33607102 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA mediated aberrant gene regulation has been implicated in several diseases including cancer. Recent research has highlighted the role of epigenetic modulation of the complex process of breast cancer metastasis by miRNAs. miRNAs play a crucial role in the process of metastatic evolution by facilitating alterations in the phenotype of tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment that promote this process. They act as critical determinants of the multi-step progression starting from carcinogenesis all the way to organotropism. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of the compelling role of miRNAs in breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumathy G Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India.
| | | | - Vishakha Ramamurthy
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Jyothi S Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - T S Sridhar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India
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32
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Baugh R, Khalique H, Seymour LW. Convergent Evolution by Cancer and Viruses in Evading the NKG2D Immune Response. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3827. [PMID: 33352921 PMCID: PMC7766243 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor and its family of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) are key components in the innate immune system, triggering NK, γδ and CD8+ T cell-mediated immune responses. While surface NKG2DL are rarely found on healthy cells, expression is significantly increased in response to various types of cellular stress, viral infection, and tumour cell transformation. In order to evade immune-mediated cytotoxicity, both pathogenic viruses and cancer cells have evolved various mechanisms of subverting immune defences and preventing NKG2DL expression. Comparisons of the mechanisms employed following virus infection or malignant transformation reveal a pattern of converging evolution at many of the key regulatory steps involved in NKG2DL expression and subsequent immune responses. Exploring ways to target these shared steps in virus- and cancer-mediated immune evasion may provide new mechanistic insights and therapeutic opportunities, for example, using oncolytic virotherapy to re-engage the innate immune system towards cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonard W. Seymour
- Anticancer Viruses and Cancer Vaccines Research Group, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; (R.B.); (H.K.)
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33
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Guo L, Chen Y, Wang J, Chen C. Down-regulation of UL16-binding protein 3 mediated by interferon-gamma impairs immune killing in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:6509-6523. [PMID: 33194048 PMCID: PMC7653630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor characterized by a large number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and high expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) has proven to be the strongest inducers of PD-L1. This study aims at investigating the effect of IFN-γ on the expression of natural killer group 2, member D ligands (NKG2DLs), a series of immune-activating proteins, and their further effect on immune killing in NPC. METHODS RNA-seq data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was downloaded and analyzed for the correlation between IFN-γ and NKG2DLs. IHC staining of clinical biopsy samples was performed to support the correlation between IFN-γ and ULBP3. Different NPC cell lines were treated with IFN-γ (100 U/ml) and the expression of PD-L1 and ULBP3 were detected at different time points. The 5-8F cell lines with PD-L1 over-expression and ULBP3 knockout were established and the T-cell cytotoxicity assay was performed to investigate the effect of ULPB3 on cytotoxicity. RESULTS Correlation analysis and IHC staining showed that the expression of ULBP3 had a significant negative correlation with IFN-γ in NPC patients. The vitro assays revealed that ULBP3 can be time-dependently down-regulated by IFN-γ. The cytotoxicity of CD8+ T-cells that were co-cultured with ULBP3 knockout 5-8F cells was significantly impaired compared to wild type 5-8F cells. CONCLUSIONS IFN-γ can significantly down-regulate the expression of ULBP3 in NPC. And the down-regulation of ULBP3 and the up-regulation of PD-L1 are both mediated by IFN-γ and may collectively play a role in the inhibition of immune killing in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology of Head and Neck Cancers, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital & Fujian Cancer HospitalFuzhou 350000, China
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhou 350000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital & Fujian Cancer HospitalFuzhou 350000, China
- Cancer Bio-immunotherapy Center, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital & Fujian Cancer HospitalFuzhou 350000, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational MedicineFuzhou 350000, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology of Head and Neck Cancers, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital & Fujian Cancer HospitalFuzhou 350000, China
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhou 350000, China
| | - Chuanben Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology of Head and Neck Cancers, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital & Fujian Cancer HospitalFuzhou 350000, China
- Cancer Bio-immunotherapy Center, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital & Fujian Cancer HospitalFuzhou 350000, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational MedicineFuzhou 350000, China
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Sheng Y, Tong L, Geyu L. An immune risk score with potential implications in prognosis and immunotherapy of metastatic melanoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106921. [PMID: 32871477 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. We found that immune response played important roles in melanoma metastasis by GSEA analysis. Therefore, we constructed the immune risk score (IRS) by the LASSO-COX analysis in the sequencing metastatic samples from the TCGA database. Then, initial diagnosis patients with metastasis were selected as the test cohort. Importantly, we adopted overall survival (OS) as the survival outcome for initial diagnosis patients, while adopting the observed survival interval (OBS) as the survival outcome for sequencing samples which could avoid biologically meaningless associations. We found that the IRS had high power for predicting 2, 3 and 5-year survival in training (AUC = 0.70, 0.69 and 0.68) and test cohorts (AUC = 0.72, 0.70 and 0.65). The IRS was significantly associated with prognosis both in the metastatic samples (HR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.16-2.19) and patients with metastasis (HR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.69-4.53). we further used other independent melanoma cohorts from the GEO databases to confirm the reliability and validity of the IRS (P < 0.01 in all cohorts). The practical nomogram was also built using the IRS and clinical information with high c-index both in training (0.76, 95%CI = 0.72-0.80) and test cohorts (0.72, 95%CI = 0.65-0.79). Finally, IRS showed the predictive value of survival outcome and response of immunotherapy patients, and increased the predictive ability of current immune checkpoint gene markers. In conclusion, the IRS can serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Liu Tong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Liang Geyu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Sereno M, Videira M, Wilhelm I, Krizbai IA, Brito MA. miRNAs in Health and Disease: A Focus on the Breast Cancer Metastatic Cascade towards the Brain. Cells 2020; 9:E1790. [PMID: 32731349 PMCID: PMC7463742 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that mainly act by binding to target genes to regulate their expression. Due to the multitude of genes regulated by miRNAs they have been subject of extensive research in the past few years. This state-of-the-art review summarizes the current knowledge about miRNAs and illustrates their role as powerful regulators of physiological processes. Moreover, it highlights their aberrant expression in disease, including specific cancer types and the differential hosting-metastases preferences that influence several steps of tumorigenesis. Considering the incidence of breast cancer and that the metastatic disease is presently the major cause of death in women, emphasis is put in the role of miRNAs in breast cancer and in the regulation of the different steps of the metastatic cascade. Furthermore, we depict their involvement in the cascade of events underlying breast cancer brain metastasis formation and development. Collectively, this review shall contribute to a better understanding of the uniqueness of the biologic roles of miRNAs in these processes, to the awareness of miRNAs as new and reliable biomarkers and/or of therapeutic targets, which can change the landscape of a poor prognosis and low survival rates condition of advanced breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sereno
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Mafalda Videira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.S.); (M.V.)
- Department of Galenic Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania, Str. Liviu Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - István A. Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania, Str. Liviu Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.S.); (M.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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microRNAs in the Antitumor Immune Response and in Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer: From Biological Mechanisms to Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082805. [PMID: 32316552 PMCID: PMC7216039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and the occurrence of metastasis drastically worsens the prognosis and reduces overall survival. Understanding the biological mechanisms that regulate the transformation of malignant cells, the consequent metastatic transformation, and the immune surveillance in the tumor progression would contribute to the development of more effective and targeted treatments. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs) have proven to be key regulators of the tumor-immune cells crosstalk for the hijack of the immunosurveillance to promote tumor cells immune escape and cancer progression, as well as modulators of the metastasis formation process, ranging from the preparation of the metastatic site to the transformation into the migrating phenotype of tumor cells. In particular, their deregulated expression has been linked to the aberrant expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes to promote tumorigenesis. This review aims at summarizing the role and functions of miRNAs involved in antitumor immune response and in the metastasis formation process in breast cancer. Additionally, miRNAs are promising targets for gene therapy as their modulation has the potential to support or inhibit specific mechanisms to negatively affect tumorigenesis. With this perspective, the most recent strategies developed for miRNA-based therapeutics are illustrated.
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37
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Yi M, Xu L, Jiao Y, Luo S, Li A, Wu K. The role of cancer-derived microRNAs in cancer immune escape. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:25. [PMID: 32222150 PMCID: PMC7103070 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During malignant transformation, accumulated somatic mutations endow cancer cells with increased invasiveness and immunogenicity. Under selective pressure, these highly immunogenic cancer cells develop multiple strategies to evade immune attack. It has been well established that cancer cells could downregulate the expression of major histocompatibility complex, acquire alterations in interferon pathway, and upregulate the activities of immune checkpoint pathways. Besides, cancer cells secret numerous cytokines, exosomes, and microvesicles to regulate the functions and abundances of components in the tumor microenvironment including immune effector cells and professional antigen presentation cells. As the vital determinant of post-transcriptional regulation, microRNAs (miRNAs) not only participate in cancer initiation and progression but also regulate anti-cancer immune response. For instance, some miRNAs affect cancer immune surveillance and immune escape by interfering the expression of immune attack-associated molecules. A growing body of evidence indicated that cancer-derived immune modulatory miRNAs might be promising targets to counteract cancer immune escape. In this review, we summarized the role of some miRNAs in cancer immune escape and discussed their potential clinical application as treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Linping Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008 China
| | - Ying Jiao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Suxia Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008 China
| | - Anping Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008 China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008 China
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38
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Zhang L, Xu X, Su X. Noncoding RNAs in cancer immunity: functions, regulatory mechanisms, and clinical application. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:48. [PMID: 32122338 PMCID: PMC7050126 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well acknowledged that immune system is deeply involved in cancer initiation and progression, and can exert both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic effects, depending on specific microenvironment. With the better understanding of cancer-associated immune cells, especially T cells, immunotherapy was developed and applied in multiple cancers and exhibits remarkable efficacy. However, currently only a subset of patients have responses to immunotherapy, suggesting that a boarder view of cancer immunity is required. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), mainly including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are identified as critical regulators in both cancer cells and immune cells, thus show great potential to serve as new therapeutic targets to improve the response of immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the functions and regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs in cancer immunity, and highlight the potential of ncRNAs as novel targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, 1 Tong Dao Street, Huimin District, Hohhot, 010050, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiaonan Xu
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, FL, 33612-9497, USA
| | - Xiulan Su
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, 1 Tong Dao Street, Huimin District, Hohhot, 010050, Inner Mongolia, China.
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Al-Abdallah A, Jahanbani I, Mehdawi H, Ali RH, Al-Brahim N, Mojiminiyi O, Junaid TA. Down-regulation of the human major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) and its receptor is mediated by microRNA-146b-5p and is a potential mechanism of immunoediting in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 113:104379. [PMID: 31935378 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Immune escape is one of the main reasons for the rapid progression of cancer and the poor efficacy of immunotherapy. Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is usually accompanied by intra-tumoral lymphocytic infiltration. The mechanisms regulating this tumor associated immune response or its evasion are not well understood. The major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related proteins A (MICA) and its receptor the natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) are major executers of the anti-tumor defense. This work aimed to study the expression and regulation of MICA-NKG2D and its association with the lymphocytic infiltration and miRNAs in PTC. Expression of MICA and NKG2D in thyroid tissues, and in cultured primary thyroid cancer cells and lymphocytes transfected with miR-146b-5p inhibitor/mimic was tested by RT-PCR. Results were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. MICA is expressed in malignant and benign thyroid tissues with no association with aggressive behavior. Expression of MICA and NKG2D in PTC is concomitant with the presence of tumor associated lymphocytic response and is regulated by miR-146b-5p. MiR-146b-5p indirectly downregulates NKG2D expression in cancer cells and in lymphocytes. Overexpression of miR-146b-5p in PTC down-regulates MICA expression possibly to reduce the immunogenicity of the tumor cells. Targeting of the MICA-NKG2D axis by miR-146b-5p might be one of the ways adopted by thyroid cancer cells to aid the tumor in evading the immune response. The importance of our findings resides in the potential therapeutic use of MICA, NKG2D and miRNA-146b-5p as targets or modulators to enable the immune response against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Al-Abdallah
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
| | - Iman Jahanbani
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
| | - Heba Mehdawi
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
| | - Rola H Ali
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
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Xiao Z, Chen S, Feng S, Li Y, Zou J, Ling H, Zeng Y, Zeng X. Function and mechanisms of microRNA-20a in colorectal cancer. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:1605-1616. [PMID: 32104211 PMCID: PMC7027132 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. CRC currently has no specific biomarkers to promote its diagnosis and treatment and the underlying mechanisms regulating its pathogenesis have not yet been determined. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, non-coding RNAs that exhibit regulatory functions and have been demonstrated to serve a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulatory processes of gene expression that is associated with cell physiology and disease progression. Recently, abnormal miR-20a expression has been identified in a number of cancers types and this has become a novel focus within cancer research. High levels of miR-20a expression have been identified in CRC tissues, serum and plasma. In a recent study, miR-20a was indicated to be present in feces and to exhibit a high sensitivity to CRC. Therefore, miR-20a may be used as a marker for CRC and an indicator that can prevent the invasive examination of patients with this disease. Changes in the expression of miR-20a during chemotherapy can be used as a biomarker for monitoring resistance to treatment. In conclusion, miR-20a exhibits the potential for clinical application as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for use in patients with CRC. The present study focused on the role and mechanisms of miR-20a in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Xiao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Shi Chen
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Shujun Feng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Yukun Li
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Juan Zou
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Hui Ling
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zeng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China.,School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Xi Zeng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
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41
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Peighambarzadeh F, Najafalizadeh A, Esmaeil N, Rezaei A, Ashrafi F, Ganjalikhani Hakemi M. Optimization of In Vitro Expansion and Activation of Human Natural Killer Cells against Breast Cancer Cell Line. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol 2020; 12:17-23. [PMID: 32153734 PMCID: PMC7035457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regarding to the increase of cancer deaths in recent years and disability of common therapies to eradicate cancers, as well as expansion of Natural Killer (NK) cell therapy, it seems so vital to find new useful therapies against cancers. Breast cancer is the second main cause of cancer death among women. As it is impossible for a majority of patients to receive NK cell therapy, an attempt was made to establish a low-cost and efficient method for expanding and activating NK cells against breast cancer cell line (MCF7). METHODS NK cells were isolated from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) applying either MACS based NK cell enrichment kit or antibodies and complement as cytotoxic method. Then, the NK cells were cultured in Stem Cell Growth Medium (SCGM) with feeder layer (irradiated PBMCs) along with PHA or OKT3. IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 were used to expand NK cells and finally their cytotoxic activity was investigated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Highly pure NK cells were obtained and no significant difference between the two isolation methods was found. Using IL-2 plus IL-15, the number of NK cells increased up to100 fold after 16 days. No significant effect was observed after IL-21 treatment. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that cytotoxicity method can be considered a low-cost alternative for NK cell isolation kits. It seems that culturing NK cells for 14 days in either PHA or OKT3 supplemented SCGM medium would be more effective than culturing for 16 days in the presence of IL-21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Peighambarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Anahita Najafalizadeh
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Ashrafi
- Hematology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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42
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Awad AR, Youness RA, Ibrahim M, Motaal AA, El-Askary HI, Assal RA, Gad MZ. An acetylated derivative of vitexin halts MDA-MB-231 cellular progression and improves its immunogenic profile through tuning miR- 20a-MICA/B axis. Nat Prod Res 2019; 35:3126-3130. [PMID: 31691589 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1686372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The activating immune ligands, MICA/B, act as a "kill me" signal through the NKG2D receptor expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. Recently, the oncogenic miR-20a was found to mediate immune escape through repressing MICA/B levels in breast cancer (BC) cells. However, targeting miR-20a-MICA/B using natural compounds has rarely been investigated. Our group has successfully isolated 3'-O-acetylvitexin that showed cytotoxic effects against colon cancer cells but has never been evaluated in BC. Our aim is to investigate the effects of 3'-O-acetylvitexin on BC cell lines and to further elucidate its molecular mechanism of action.The results showed that 3'-O-acetylvitex depicted a more pronounced dose-dependent repression of TNBC cellular viability, colonogenicity and migration capacity than Vitexin. 3'-O-acetylvitexin treatment resulted in a marked dose-dependent repression of miR-20a with a concomitant dose-dependent increase in MICA/B expression. In conclusion, 3'-O-acetylvitexin might act as a promising therapeutic agent for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya R Awad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Ibrahim
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira Abdel Motaal
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hesham I El-Askary
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem A Assal
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z Gad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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43
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Saultz JN, Freud AG, Mundy-Bosse BL. MicroRNA regulation of natural killer cell development and function in leukemia. Mol Immunol 2019; 115:12-20. [PMID: 30100210 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are now recognized as important regulators of all cellular processes, including immune function and cancer survival. These evolutionary preserved, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules mediate important functional effects primarily through post-transcriptional regulation of protein expression. MiRNAs are known to mediate multiple oncogenic pathways in tumor cells, both tumor promoting and tumor suppressing. In addition to a direct tumor cell effect, miRNAs have also been shown to play a critical role in immune cell development, function and survival. Here we expand on previous reports to evaluate miRNA regulation in natural killer (NK) cells primarily in humans and focus on their influence on NK cell development and function in the setting of hematologic malignancies. In addition, we highlight the most recent miRNA discoveries in hematologic malignancies and discuss areas of future exploration relevant to the translational field of innate immunology and miRNA-based therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Saultz
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Aharon G Freud
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Bethany L Mundy-Bosse
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
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44
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BCL11B regulates MICA/B-mediated immune response by acting as a competitive endogenous RNA. Oncogene 2019; 39:1514-1526. [PMID: 31673069 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immune surveillance is an important host protection process that inhibits carcinogenesis and maintains cellular homeostasis. The major histocompatibility complex class I-related molecules A and B (MICA and MICB) are NKG2D ligands that play important roles in tumor immune surveillance. In the present study, by a combined bioinformatics prediction and experimental approach, we identify BCL11B 3'-UTR as a putative MICA and MICB ceRNA. We demonstrate in several human cell lines of different origins that the knockdown of BCL11B downregulates surface expression of MICA and MICB. Furthermore, we demonstrate miRNA dependency of BCL11B-mediated MICA and MICB regulation in Dicer knockdown HCT116 cells. In addition, MICA/B-targeting miRNAs (miR-17, miR-93, miR-20a, miR-20b, miR-106a, and miR-106b) repressed the expression of BCL11B by targeting its 3'-UTR. Moreover, we showed that the BCL11B knockdown-mediated downregulation of MICA/B resulted in reduced NK cell elimination in vitro and in vivo through reduced recognition of NKG2D. Of particular significance, BCL11B displays tumor-suppressive properties. The expression of BCL11B is downregulated in colon cancer tissues and associated with a reduced median survival of colon cancer patients. Taken together, our study revealed a new mechanism of BCL11B that prevents immune evasion of cancerous cells by upregulation of the NKG2D ligands MICA and MICB in a ceRNA manner.
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45
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Liu H, Wang S, Xin J, Wang J, Yao C, Zhang Z. Role of NKG2D and its ligands in cancer immunotherapy. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:2064-2078. [PMID: 31720075 PMCID: PMC6834480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The activating receptor natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) is involved in both innate and adaptive immunities, and functions as a "master switch" in determining the activation status of natural killer (NK) cells. NKG2D binds to a diverse family of ligand molecules, which are only expressed at low levels in normal cells but can be upregulated by a cellular stress response. The NKG2D-NKG2D ligand (NKG2DL) pathway has been considered to be promising target for immunotherapy because of the selective expression of "stress-induced ligands" on tumor cells and the strong NK cell activating potency of NKG2D. Diverse strategies that are aimed at targeting the NKG2D pathway for cancer therapy are based on a thorough understanding of this mechanism, as well as that of NKG2D-mediated cancer immunity. In this review, we summarize the major findings regarding the antitumor immune response mediated by the NKG2D receptor and its ligands, and discuss the potential clinical applications of targeting the NKG2D/NKG2DL pathway for immunotherapy in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Xin
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cuiping Yao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhenxi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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46
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Cox ST, Hernandez D, Danby R, Turner TR, Madrigal JA. Diversity and characterisation of polymorphic 3' untranslated region haplotypes of MICA and MICB genes. HLA 2019; 92:392-402. [PMID: 30471210 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MICA and MICB genes encode ligands that interact with the natural killer (NK) cell activating receptor, NKG2D. These ligands display a highly polymorphic allelic repertoire, although the true functional significance of this polymorphism remains elusive. We previously reported additional polymorphism in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) proximal promoter region of these genes by sequencing international histocompatibility workshop (IHW) cell line DNA promoter and coding regions. The present study extends this analysis by further characterising the 3'UTR region of the same IHW reference panel to achieve a more complete understanding of MICA and MICB haplotype diversity and possible functional relevance. We found 17 extended MICA haplotypes encompassing the coding region and 3'UTR, including four novel haplotypes identified in IHW cell line DNA. This increased to 21 when also considering the 5'UTR proximal promoter region. Analysis of the MICB 3'UTR revealed two novel sequences in cell lines KLO and WIN designated MICB-UTR8 and UTR9, respectively. A total of 11 MICB haplotypes were identified in this study and five were unique. The present study, characterising MICA/B 3'UTR polymorphism utilising IHW reference cell lines, could be useful for future studies investigating the role of microRNA in post-transcriptional repression of gene expression and for immunotherapy strategies to combat cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Cox
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Diana Hernandez
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Robert Danby
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas R Turner
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - J Alejandro Madrigal
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
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47
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Valipour B, Velaei K, Abedelahi A, Karimipour M, Darabi M, Charoudeh HN. NK cells: An attractive candidate for cancer therapy. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19352-19365. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Valipour
- Stem Cell Research Centre Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Kobra Velaei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Masoud Darabi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
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48
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Cucè M, Gallo Cantafio ME, Siciliano MA, Riillo C, Caracciolo D, Scionti F, Staropoli N, Zuccalà V, Maltese L, Di Vito A, Grillone K, Barbieri V, Arbitrio M, Di Martino MT, Rossi M, Amodio N, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Botta C. Trabectedin triggers direct and NK-mediated cytotoxicity in multiple myeloma. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:32. [PMID: 30898137 PMCID: PMC6429746 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0714-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic instability is a feature of multiple myeloma (MM), and impairment in DNA damaging response (DDR) has an established role in disease pathobiology. Indeed, a deregulation of DNA repair pathways may contribute to genomic instability, to the establishment of drug resistance to genotoxic agents, and to the escape from immune surveillance. On these bases, we evaluated the role of different DDR pathways in MM and investigated, for the first time, the direct and immune-mediated anti-MM activity of the nucleotide excision repair (NER)-dependent agent trabectedin. METHODS Gene-expression profiling (GEP) was carried out with HTA2.0 Affymetrix array. Evaluation of apoptosis, cell cycle, and changes in cytokine production and release have been performed in 2D and 3D Matrigel-spheroid models through flow cytometry on MM cell lines and patients-derived primary MM cells exposed to increasing nanomolar concentrations of trabectedin. DNA-damage response has been evaluated through Western blot, immunofluorescence, and DNA fragmentation assay. Trabectedin-induced activation of NK has been assessed by CD107a degranulation. miRNAs quantification has been done through RT-PCR. RESULTS By comparing GEP meta-analysis of normal and MM plasma cells (PCs), we observed an enrichment in DNA NER genes in poor prognosis MM. Trabectedin triggered apoptosis in primary MM cells and MM cell lines in both 2D and 3D in vitro assays. Moreover, trabectedin induced DDR activation, cellular stress with ROS production, and cell cycle arrest. Additionally, a significant reduction of MCP1 cytokine and VEGF-A in U266-monocytes co-cultures was observed, confirming the impairment of MM-promoting milieu. Drug-induced cell stress in MM cells led to upregulation of NK activating receptors ligands (i.e., NKG2D), which translated into increased NK activation and degranulation. Mechanistically, this effect was linked to trabectedin-induced inhibition of NKG2D-ligands negative regulators IRF4 and IKZF1, as well as to miR-17 family downregulation in MM cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings indicate a pleiotropic activity of NER-targeting agent trabectedin, which appears a promising candidate for novel anti-MM therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cucè
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Eugenia Gallo Cantafio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Siciliano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Riillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Staropoli
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Di Vito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vito Barbieri
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariamena Arbitrio
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, UOS of Pharmacology, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy.
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Cirino Botta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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49
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Barrow AD, Colonna M. Exploiting NK Cell Surveillance Pathways for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11010055. [PMID: 30626155 PMCID: PMC6356551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can evoke potent anti-tumour activity. This function is largely mediated through a battery of specialised cell-surface receptors which probe the tissue microenvironment for changes in surface and secretory phenotypes that may alert to the presence of infection or malignancy. These receptors have the potential to arouse the robust cytotoxic and cytokine-secreting functions of NK cells and so must be tightly regulated to prevent autoimmunity. However, such functions also hold great promise for clinical intervention. In this review, we highlight some of the latest breakthroughs in fundamental NK cell receptor biology that have illuminated our understanding of the molecular strategies NK cells employ to perceive malignant cells from normal healthy cells. Moreover, we highlight how these sophisticated tumour recognition strategies are being harnessed for cancer immunotherapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander David Barrow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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50
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Huang CF, Wang SC, Chang WT, Yeh ML, Huang CI, Lin ZY, Chen SC, Chuang WL, Huang JF, Dai CY, Chen YL, Yu ML. Lower protein expression levels of MHC class I chain-related gene A in hepatocellular carcinoma are at high risk of recurrence after surgical resection. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15821. [PMID: 30361527 PMCID: PMC6202341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MHC class I chain-related gene A (MICA) variants have been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Their association with MICA expression in cancer cells and cancer recurrence is unknown. SNP rs2596542 of MICA was tested in 193 HCC patients with surgical resection. The corresponding MICA expression in the cancer tissue was measured by immunochemistry microarray. Patients with the SNP rs2596542 A allele had significantly lower MICA expression in tumor tissue than did those with the GG genotype (24.7 ± 15.1% vs. 41.5 ± 23.4%, P < 0.001). Patients who had HCC recurrence had significantly lower MICA expression in tumor tissue (34.2 ± 21.8% vs. 24.0 ± 19.8%, P = 0.03). Cox regression analysis revealed that the factors independently predictive of HCC recurrence included low MICA expression (hazard ratio [HR]/95%confidence intervals [CI]: 2.77/1.07–7.14, P = 0.035) and tumor size (HR/CI: 5.22/2.11–12.96, P < 0.001). Compared to patients with tumors <5 cm and MICA expression >30%, patients with either one and both two risk factors had HCC HRs of 9.76 (C.I. 1.27–75.03, P = 0.03) and 27.30 (C.I. 3.46–215.6, P = 0.002), respectively. We concluded that low cellular MICA expressions were at a greater risk of HCC recurrence after curative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chi Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tsan Chang
- Division of General and Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zu-Yau Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Cherng Chen
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Li Chen
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.
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