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Kwon MJ, Park HY, Lim H, Son IT, Kim MJ, Kim NY, Kim MJ, Nam ES, Cho SJ, Bang WJ, Kang HS. Potential Molecular Markers Related to Lymph Node Metastasis and Stalk Resection Margins in Pedunculated T1 Colorectal Cancers Using Digital Spatial Profiling: A Pilot Study with a Small Case Series. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1103. [PMID: 38256174 PMCID: PMC10816845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a debate regarding the prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in pedunculated T1 colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study with four cases of pedunculated T1 CRCs, we aimed to investigate gene expression variations based on the distance from the Haggitt line (HL) and identify potential molecular risk factors for LNM. By leveraging the Cancer Transcriptome Atlas and digital spatial profiling technology, we meticulously analyzed discrete regions, including the head, HL, proximal stalk region (300-1000 μm from HL), and distal stalk region (1500-2000 μm from HL) to identify spatially sequential molecular changes. Our findings showed significant overall gene expression variations among the head, proximal stalk, and distal stalk regions of pedunculated T1 CRCs compared to the control adenoma. Compared to LNM-negative T1 CRCs, LNM-positive T1 CRC showed that the expression of genes involved in immune-related pathways such as B2M, HLA-B, and HLA-E were significantly downregulated in the distal stalk region compared to the proximal stalk region. In summary, our results may tentatively suggest considering endoscopic resection of the stalk with a minimum 2000 μm margin from the HL, taking into account the gene expression alterations related to immune-related pathways. However, we acknowledge the limitations of this pilot study, notably the small case series, which may restrict the depth of interpretation. Further validation is imperative to substantiate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ha Young Park
- Department of Pathology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Tae Son
- Department of Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Kim
- Department of Radiology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Nan Young Kim
- Hallym Institute of Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Hallym University Medical Center, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jeong Kim
- Department of Surgery, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05355, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sook Nam
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05355, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Cho
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05355, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jin Bang
- Department of Urology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Suk Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
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Jiang CY, Zhao L, Green MD, Ravishankar S, Towlerton AMH, Scott AJ, Raghavan M, Cusick MF, Warren EH, Ramnath N. Class II HLA-DRB4 is a predictive biomarker for survival following immunotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:345. [PMID: 38172168 PMCID: PMC10764770 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48546-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are important treatment options for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). However, not all patients benefit from ICIs and can experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Limited understanding exists for germline determinants of ICI efficacy and toxicity, but Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes have emerged as a potential predictive biomarker. We performed HLA typing on 85 patients with mNSCLC, on ICI therapy and analyzed the impact of HLA Class II genotype on progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and irAEs. Most patients received pembrolizumab (83.5%). HLA-DRB4 genotype was seen in 34/85 (40%) and its presence correlated with improved OS in both univariate (p = 0.022; 26.3 months vs 10.2 months) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.011, HR 0.49, 95% CI [0.29, 0.85]). PFS did not reach significance (univariate, p = 0.12, 8.2 months vs 5.1 months). Eleven patients developed endocrine irAEs. HLA-DRB4 was the predominant genotype among these patients (9/11, 81.8%). Cumulative incidence of endocrine irAEs was higher in patients with HLA-DRB4 (p = 0.0139). Our study is the first to suggest that patients with metastatic NSCLC patients on ICI therapy with HLA-DRB4 genotype experience improved survival outcomes. Patients with HLA-DRB4 had the longest median OS (26.3 months). Additionally, we found a correlation between HLA-DRB4 and the occurrence of endocrine irAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Y Jiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael D Green
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Andrea M H Towlerton
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anthony J Scott
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Malini Raghavan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew F Cusick
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Edus H Warren
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nithya Ramnath
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center (VA Ann Arbor Health System), 2215 Fuller Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Otálora-Otálora BA, López-Rivera JJ, Aristizábal-Guzmán C, Isaza-Ruget MA, Álvarez-Moreno CA. Host Transcriptional Regulatory Genes and Microbiome Networks Crosstalk through Immune Receptors Establishing Normal and Tumor Multiomics Metafirm of the Oral-Gut-Lung Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16638. [PMID: 38068961 PMCID: PMC10706695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316638] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome has shown a correlation with the diet and lifestyle of each population in health and disease, the ability to communicate at the cellular level with the host through innate and adaptative immune receptors, and therefore an important role in modulating inflammatory process related to the establishment and progression of cancer. The oral cavity is one of the most important interaction windows between the human body and the environment, allowing the entry of an important number of microorganisms and their passage across the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. In this review, the contribution of the microbiome network to the establishment of systemic diseases like cancer is analyzed through their synergistic interactions and bidirectional crosstalk in the oral-gut-lung axis as well as its communication with the host cells. Moreover, the impact of the characteristic microbiota of each population in the formation of the multiomics molecular metafirm of the oral-gut-lung axis is also analyzed through state-of-the-art sequencing techniques, which allow a global study of the molecular processes involved of the flow of the microbiota environmental signals through cancer-related cells and its relationship with the establishment of the transcription factor network responsible for the control of regulatory processes involved with tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Javier López-Rivera
- Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Specialized Laboratory, Clinica Universitaria Colombia, Clínica Colsanitas S.A., Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
| | - Claudia Aristizábal-Guzmán
- Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Unidad de Investigación, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá 110131, Colombia;
| | - Mario Arturo Isaza-Ruget
- Keralty, Sanitas International Organization, Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá 110131, Colombia;
| | - Carlos Arturo Álvarez-Moreno
- Infectious Diseases Department, Clinica Universitaria Colombia, Clínica Colsanitas S.A., Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
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Expression of HLA class I is associated with immune cell infiltration and patient outcome in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20367. [PMID: 36437379 PMCID: PMC9701770 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24890-3] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Downregulation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I is one mechanism of escaping anti-tumor immunity by tumor cells. This study was conducted to compare HLA class I expression in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) and to evaluate its association with immune cell infiltration of the tumors and clinical outcome of the patients. A total of 830 cases comprising 288 DCIS and 542 IBC were included in this study. Immunohistochemistry for HLA class I expression was performed using HLA-ABC in tissue microarrays and was analyzed in relation to clinicopathologic characteristics of tumors and infiltration of CD4+, CD8+, and FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) subsets and PD-L1+ immune cells. As a whole, there was no difference in HLA class I expression between DCIS and IBC when dichotomized into high or low expression. However, in the HR-negative group, a high level of HLA class I expression was more frequent in IBC than DCIS. On the contrary, in the HR-positive group, a complete loss of HLA class I expression was more frequently observed in IBC than DCIS. High HLA class I expression level was generally associated with aggressive clinicopathologic features of IBC and was associated with high CD4+, CD8+, and FOXP3+ TIL and PD-L1+ immune cell infiltration in both DCIS and IBC. In survival analyses, HLA class I expression was not associated with clinical outcome in DCIS and IBC as a whole; however, low HLA class I expression was associated with poor clinical outcome in HR-negative IBC, especially in triple-negative subtype. In conclusion, this study showed that HLA class I expression increased in association with increased immune cell infiltration during in situ to invasive transition of HR-negative breast cancer, and HLA class I down-regulation had a prognostic value in HR-negative breast cancer.
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Known Cellular and Receptor Interactions of Animal and Human Coronaviruses: A Review. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020351. [PMID: 35215937 PMCID: PMC8878323 DOI: 10.3390/v14020351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to review all currently known interactions between animal and human coronaviruses and their cellular receptors. Over the past 20 years, three novel coronaviruses have emerged that have caused severe disease in humans, including SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2); therefore, a deeper understanding of coronavirus host-cell interactions is essential. Receptor-binding is the first stage in coronavirus entry prior to replication and can be altered by minor changes within the spike protein-the coronavirus surface glycoprotein responsible for the recognition of cell-surface receptors. The recognition of receptors by coronaviruses is also a major determinant in infection, tropism, and pathogenesis and acts as a key target for host-immune surveillance and other potential intervention strategies. We aim to highlight the need for a continued in-depth understanding of this subject area following on from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with the possibility for more zoonotic transmission events. We also acknowledge the need for more targeted research towards glycan-coronavirus interactions as zoonotic spillover events from animals to humans, following an alteration in glycan-binding capability, have been well-documented for other viruses such as Influenza A.
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Tariq F, Khan W, Ahmad W, Riaz SK, Khan M, Sherwani S, Haque S, Malik MFA, Iftikhar MJ, Khan S, Haq F. Effect of MHC Linked 7-Gene Signature on Delayed Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111129. [PMID: 34834481 PMCID: PMC8625636 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111129] [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: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated immune response significantly affects hepatocellular carcinoma's (HCC) prognosis. Human Leukocyte Antigens are key in devising immune responses against HCC. Here, we investigated how HLAs modulate HCC development at the transcriptomic level. RNA-seq data of 576 patients from two independent cohorts was retrieved. The clinicopathological relevance of all HLA genes was investigated using Fisher-Exact, correlation, and Kaplan-Meier and cox regression survival tests. Clustering of ~800 immune-related genes against HLAs was completed using a ward-agglomerative method. Networks were generated using 40 HLA associated unique genes and hub genes were investigated. HLAs including HLA-DMA, HLA-DMB, HLA-DOA and HLA-DRB6 were associated with delayed recurrence in both discovery (204 HCC cases) and validation (372 HCC cases) cohorts. Clustering analyses revealed 40 genes associated with these four HLAs in both cohorts. A set of seven genes (NCF4, TYROBP, LCP2, ZAP70, PTPRC, FYN and WAS) was found co-expressed at gene-gene interaction level in both cohorts. Furthermore, survival analysis revealed seven HLA-linked genes as predictors of delayed recurrence. Multivariate analysis also predicted that mean expression of 7-gene is an independent predictor of delayed recurrence in both cohorts. We conclude that the expression of 7-gene signature may lead to improved patient prognosis. Further studies are required for consideration in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fomaz Tariq
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (F.T.); (W.K.); (W.A.); (S.K.R.); (M.F.A.M.)
| | - Walizeb Khan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (F.T.); (W.K.); (W.A.); (S.K.R.); (M.F.A.M.)
| | - Washaakh Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (F.T.); (W.K.); (W.A.); (S.K.R.); (M.F.A.M.)
| | - Syeda Kiran Riaz
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (F.T.); (W.K.); (W.A.); (S.K.R.); (M.F.A.M.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840-77845, USA
| | - Mahvish Khan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Ha’il University, Ha’il 55211, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Subuhi Sherwani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Ha’il University, Ha’il 55211, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Görükle Campus, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa 16059, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Faraz Arshad Malik
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (F.T.); (W.K.); (W.A.); (S.K.R.); (M.F.A.M.)
| | | | - Saif Khan
- Department of Basic Dental and Medical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Ha’il University, Ha’il 55211, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (S.K.); (F.H.)
| | - Farhan Haq
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (F.T.); (W.K.); (W.A.); (S.K.R.); (M.F.A.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.K.); (F.H.)
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Takahashi A, Umemura A, Yano K, Okishio S, Kataoka S, Okuda K, Seko Y, Yamaguchi K, Moriguchi M, Okanoue T, Itoh Y. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Stimulate HLA Class I Expression by Augmenting the IFNγ/STAT1 Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:707473. [PMID: 34458148 PMCID: PMC8385668 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.707473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immunotherapies has shown efficacy in the treatment of multiple cancers, but the immunomodulatory effect of TKIs on the tumor cell phenotype remains unknown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Given that human lymphocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) is essential for tumor antigen presentation and subsequent antitumor immunity, we examined the effects of regorafenib, as well as other TKIs (sorafenib, lenvatinib and cabozantinib) on HLA-I expression in HCC cell lines. Regorafenib increased cell surface HLA-I and β2-microglobulin protein expression in the presence of interferon γ (IFNγ). The expressions of various genes associated with the HLA-I antigen processing pathway and its transcriptional regulators were also upregulated by regorafenib. Furthermore, we found that regorafenib had an activating effect on signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1), and that regorafenib-induced HLA-I expression was dependent on the augmented IFNγ/STAT1 signaling pathway. Trametinib, an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase MEK, also activated IFNγ/STAT1 signaling and increased HLA-I expression, whereas the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor buparlisib did not. Given that regorafenib directly inhibits Raf/MEK/ERK signaling, the downregulation of the MEK/ERK pathway appears to be one of the mechanisms by which regorafenib promotes STAT1 activation. Sorafenib, lenvatinib, and cabozantinib also showed the same effects as regorafenib, while regorafenib had most potent effects on HLA-I expression, possibly dependent on its stronger inhibitory activity against the MEK/ERK pathway. These results support the clinical combination of TKIs with immunotherapy for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Takahashi
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi Umemura
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kota Yano
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinya Okishio
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Seita Kataoka
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Okuda
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Seko
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kanji Yamaguchi
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Michihisa Moriguchi
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Okanoue
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saiseikai Suita Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshito Itoh
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Pan-cancer association of HLA gene expression with cancer prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:422-432. [PMID: 33981015 PMCID: PMC8329209 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01400-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is to bind peptide fragments derived from genomic mutations or pathogens and display them on the cell surface for recognition by cognate T cells to initiate an immune response. METHODS In this study, we provide a comprehensive investigation of HLA gene expression in a pan-cancer manner involving 33 cancer types. We utilised gene expression data from several databases and immune checkpoint blockade-treated patient cohorts. RESULTS We show that MHC expression varies strongly among cancer types and is associated with several genomic and immunological features. While immune cell infiltration was generally higher in tumours with higher HLA gene expression, CD4+ T cells showed significantly different correlations among cancer types, separating them into two clusters. Furthermore, we show that increased HLA gene expression is associated with prolonged survival in the majority of cancer types. Lastly, HLA gene expression is associated with patient response to immune checkpoint blockade, which is especially prominent for HLA class II expression in tumour biopsies taken during treatment. CONCLUSION We show that HLA gene expression is an important feature of tumour biology that has significant impact on patient prognosis.
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Piatakova A, Polakova I, Smahelova J, Johari SD, Nunvar J, Smahel M. Distinct Responsiveness of Tumor-Associated Macrophages to Immunotherapy of Tumors with Different Mechanisms of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Downregulation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123057. [PMID: 34205330 PMCID: PMC8235485 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the major cell subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) where they can either be pro-tumorigenic or contribute to an anti-tumor immunity. The TME and TAM phenotype were analyzed after combined immuno-therapy (IT) in tumor models characterized by distinct expression of major histocompatibility class I complex (MHC-I) molecules, i.e., tumors induced with TC-1 (MHC-I-proficient), TC-1/A9 (reversibly downregulated), and TC-1/dB2m (irreversibly downregulated) cells. We found out that combined IT highly activated immune reactions in the TME of TC-1 and TC-1/A9 tumors, but the TME of TC-1/dB2m tumors remained almost unchanged. Correspondingly, TAMs from TC-1/A9 tumors were able to destroy tumor cells in vitro, while TAMs isolated from TC-1/dB2m tumors showed profoundly decreased cytotoxicity. Hence, various capabilities of TAMs in tumors with distinct expression of MHC-I molecules should be considered when applying IT, particularly IT focused on TAMs. Abstract Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) plentifully infiltrate the tumor microenvironment (TME), but their role in anti-tumor immunity is controversial. Depending on the acquired polarization, they can either support tumor growth or participate in the elimination of neoplastic cells. In this study, we analyzed the TME by RNA-seq and flow cytometry and examined TAMs after ex vivo activation. Tumors with normal and either reversibly or irreversibly decreased expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules were induced with TC-1, TC-1/A9, and TC-1/dB2m cells, respectively. We found that combined immunotherapy (IT), composed of DNA immunization and the CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) ODN1826, evoked immune reactions in the TME of TC-1- and TC-1/A9-induced tumors, while the TME of TC-1/dB2m tumors was mostly immunologically unresponsive. TAMs infiltrated both tumor types with MHC-I downregulation, but only TAMs from TC-1/A9 tumors acquired the M1 phenotype upon IT and were cytotoxic in in vitro assay. The anti-tumor effect of combined IT was markedly enhanced by a blockade of the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R), but only against TC-1/A9 tumors. Overall, TAMs from tumors with irreversible MHC-I downregulation were resistant to the stimulation of cytotoxic activity. These data suggest the dissimilarity of TAMs from different tumor types, which should be considered when utilizing TAMs in cancer IT.
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