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Zhao D, Cai F, Liu X, Li T, Zhao E, Wang X, Zheng Z. CEACAM6 expression and function in tumor biology: a comprehensive review. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:186. [PMID: 38796667 PMCID: PMC11127906 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01053-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) is an immunoglobulin superfamily protein primarily expressed on epithelial surfaces and myeloid cells. It plays a significant role in cancer progression by inhibiting apoptosis, promoting drug resistance, and facilitating cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Overexpression of CEACAM6 has been observed in various cancers, including lung, breast, colorectal, and hepatocellular cancers, and is associated with poorer overall survival and disease-free survival. Its differential expression on tumor cell surfaces makes it a promising cancer marker. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of CEACAM6's role in different cancer types, its involvement in signaling pathways, and recent advancements in CEACAM6-targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhao
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Fei Cai
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuefei Liu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Ershu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhendong Zheng
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
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2
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Freret ME, Boire A. The anatomic basis of leptomeningeal metastasis. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20212121. [PMID: 38451255 PMCID: PMC10919154 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM), or spread of cancer to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled space surrounding the central nervous system, is a fatal complication of cancer. Entry into this space poses an anatomical challenge for cancer cells; movement of cells between the blood and CSF is tightly regulated by the blood-CSF barriers. Anatomical understanding of the leptomeninges provides a roadmap of corridors for cancer entry. This Review describes the anatomy of the leptomeninges and routes of cancer spread to the CSF. Granular understanding of LM by route of entry may inform strategies for novel diagnostic and preventive strategies as well as therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E. Freret
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adrienne Boire
- Department of Neurology, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Brain Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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3
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Wu G, Wang D, Xiong F, Wang Q, Liu W, Chen J, Chen Y. The emerging roles of CEACAM6 in human cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:27. [PMID: 38240103 PMCID: PMC10836497 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5615] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)‑related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) is a cell adhesion protein of the CEA family of glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol anchored cell surface glycoproteins. A wealth of research has demonstrated that CEACAM6 is generally upregulated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, non‑small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer and other cancers and promotes tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. The transcriptional expression of CEACAM6 is regulated by various factors, including the CD151/TGF‑β1/Smad3 axis, microRNA (miR)‑146, miR‑26a, miR‑29a/b/c, miR‑128, miR‑1256 and DNA methylation. In addition, the N‑glycosylation of CEACAM6 protein at Asn256 is mediated by α‑1,6‑mannosylglycoptotein 6‑β‑N‑acetylglucosaminyltransferase. In terms of downstream signaling pathways, CEACAM6 promotes tumor proliferation by increasing levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin‑dependent kinase 4 proteins. CEACAM6 can activate the ERK1/2/MAPK or SRC/focal adhesion kinase/PI3K/AKT pathways directly or through EGFR, leading to stimulation of tumor proliferation, invasion, migration, resistance to anoikis and chemotherapy, as well as angiogenesis. This article provides a review of the expression pattern, biological function and relationship with prognosis of CEACAM6 in cancer. In summary, CEACAM6 may be a valuable diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for human cancers exhibiting overexpression of CEACAM6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhua Wu
- Department of Biliary‑Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Biliary‑Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Biliary‑Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Biliary‑Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Wenzheng Liu
- Department of Biliary‑Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Junsheng Chen
- Department of Biliary‑Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Department of Biliary‑Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
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Goldberg M, Mondragon-Soto MG, Altawalbeh G, Meyer B, Aftahy AK. New Breakthroughs in the Diagnosis of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis: A Review of Liquid Biopsies of Cerebrospinal Fluid. Cureus 2024; 16:e55187. [PMID: 38558729 PMCID: PMC10980855 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55187] [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] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis represents a terminal stage and is a devastating complication of cancer. Despite its high incidence, current diagnostic methods fail to accurately detect this condition in a timely manner. This failure to diagnose leads to the refusal of treatment and the absence of clinical trials, hampering the development of new therapy strategies. The use of liquid biopsy is revolutionizing the field of diagnostic oncology. The dynamic and non-invasive detection of tumor markers has enormous potential in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is a condition where invasive tissue biopsy is not part of the routine diagnostic analysis, making liquid biopsy an essential diagnostic tool. Several elements in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been investigated as potential targets of liquid biopsy, including free circulating tumor cells, free circulating nucleic acids, proteins, exosomes, and even non-tumor cells as part of the dynamic tumor microenvironment. This review aims to summarize current breakthroughs in the research on liquid biopsy, including the latest breakthroughs in the identification of tumor cells and nucleic acids, and give an overview of future directions in the diagnosis of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Goldberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, DEU
| | | | - Ghaith Altawalbeh
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, DEU
| | - Bernhard Meyer
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, DEU
| | - Amir Kaywan Aftahy
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, DEU
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Steininger J, Gellrich FF, Engellandt K, Meinhardt M, Westphal D, Beissert S, Meier F, Glitza Oliva IC. Leptomeningeal Metastases in Melanoma Patients: An Update on and Future Perspectives for Diagnosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11443. [PMID: 37511202 PMCID: PMC10380419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a devastating complication of cancer with a particularly poor prognosis. Among solid tumours, malignant melanoma (MM) has one of the highest rates of metastasis to the leptomeninges, with approximately 10-15% of patients with advanced disease developing LMD. Tumour cells that metastasise to the brain have unique properties that allow them to cross the blood-brain barrier, evade the immune system, and survive in the brain microenvironment. Metastatic colonisation is achieved through dynamic communication between metastatic cells and the tumour microenvironment, resulting in a tumour-permissive milieu. Despite advances in treatment options, the incidence of LMD appears to be increasing and current treatment modalities have a limited impact on survival. This review provides an overview of the biology of LMD, diagnosis and current treatment approaches for MM patients with LMD, and an overview of ongoing clinical trials. Despite the still limited efficacy of current therapies, there is hope that emerging treatments will improve the outcomes for patients with LMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Steininger
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Friedrich Gellrich
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kay Engellandt
- Department of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias Meinhardt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dana Westphal
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Beissert
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Isabella C Glitza Oliva
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Wang X, Tang X, Gu J, Sun Z, Yang S, Mu Y, Guan M, Chen K, Liu W, Ruan H, Xu J. CEACAM6 serves as a biomarker for leptomeningeal metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:4521-4529. [PMID: 36082960 PMCID: PMC9972070 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is challenging. In our previous study, CEACAM6 mRNA was found to be highly expressed in the circulating tumor cells of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with lung adenocarcinoma with LM (LUAD-LM). The aim of this study was to identify whether CEACAM6 could be used as a biomarker for LUAD-LM. MATERIALS AND METHODS The level of CEACAM6 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in CSF from 40 LUAD-LM and 44 normal controls, and additional serum samples from 138 LUAD patients, including 12 LUAD-LM patients, and 30 healthy controls. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels in the CSF and sera were detected by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance for LUAD-LM. RESULTS CSF CEACAM6 level was higher in LUAD-LM than that in normal controls. In serum, LUAD patients had a higher level of CAECAM6 than healthy controls, and LM patients had the highest level among them. Serum CEACAM6 had a higher AUC than CEA in differentiating LM from non-LM in LUAD patients (0.95 vs. 0.64, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION CEACAM6 may serve as a potential biomarker in diagnosing LUAD-LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuemei Tang
- Central Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahui Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziwei Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengrui Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Mu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Guan
- Central Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Internet of Things Engineering, Wuxi University, Wuxi, China
| | - Haoyu Ruan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Congur I, Koni E, Onat OE, Tokcaer Keskin Z. Meta-analysis of commonly mutated genes in leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15250. [PMID: 37096065 PMCID: PMC10122459 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15250] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) is a rare type of cancer that settles at the meninges through metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer and melanoma. The molecular mechanism underlying LMC is not known, therefore molecular studies investigating the development of LMC are needed. Here, we aimed to identify commonly mutated genes in LMC caused by NSCLC, breast cancer, and melanoma using an in-slico approach and their interactions using integrated bioinformatic approaches/tools in this meta-analysis. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis using information from 16 studies that included different sequencing techniques of patients with LMC caused by three different primary cancers: breast cancer, NSCLC, and melanoma. All studies that assessed mutation information from patients with LMC were searched in PubMed, from their inception to February, 16 2022. Studies that performed NGS on LMC patients with NSCLC, breast cancer, or melanoma were included, while studies that did not apply NGS to CSF samples, did not provide information on altered genes, were reviews, editorials, or conference abstracts, or whose main goal was the detection of malignancies were all excluded. We identified commonly mutated genes in all three types of cancer. Next, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network, then performed pathway enrichment analysis. We searched National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Drug-Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb) to find candidate drugs. Results We found that TP53, PTEN, PIK3CA, IL7R, and KMT2D genes were commonly mutated genes in all three types of cancer via our meta-analysis that consisted out of 16 studies. Our pathway enrichment analysis showed that all five genes were primarily associated with regulation of cell communication and signaling, and cell proliferation. Other enriched pathways included regulation of apoptotic processes of leukocytes and fibroblasts, macroautophagy and growth. According to our drug search we found candidate drugs; Everolimus, Bevacizumab and Temozolomide, which interact with these five genes. Conclusion In conclusion, a total of 96 mutated genes in LMC were investigated via meta-analysis. Our findings suggested vital roles of TP53, PTEN, PIK3CA, KMT2D, and IL7R, which can provide insight into the molecular basis of LMC development and paving the door to the development of new targeted medicine and will encourage molecular biologists to seek biological evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irem Congur
- Department of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ekin Koni
- Department of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Emre Onat
- Department of Genome Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Foundation University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Tokcaer Keskin
- Department of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Sreenivasan VKA, Henck J, Spielmann M. Single-cell sequencing: promises and challenges for human genetics. MED GENET-BERLIN 2022; 34:261-273. [PMID: 38836091 PMCID: PMC11006387 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2022-2156] [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: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Over the last decade, single-cell sequencing has transformed many fields. It has enabled the unbiased molecular phenotyping of even whole organisms with unprecedented cellular resolution. In the field of human genetics, where the phenotypic consequences of genetic and epigenetic alterations are of central concern, this transformative technology promises to functionally annotate every region in the human genome and all possible variants within them at a massive scale. In this review aimed at the clinicians in human genetics, we describe the current status of the field of single-cell sequencing and its role for human genetics, including how the technology works as well as how it is being applied to characterize and monitor diseases, to develop human cell atlases, and to annotate the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun K A Sreenivasan
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck and Kiel University, 23562 Lübeck, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jana Henck
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck and Kiel University, 23562 Lübeck, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Human Molecular Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Malte Spielmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck and Kiel University, 23562 Lübeck, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Human Molecular Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK e. V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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Yekula A, Tracz J, Rincon-Torroella J, Azad T, Bettegowda C. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid as an Advanced Form of Liquid Biopsy for Neurological Disorders. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070812. [PMID: 35884620 PMCID: PMC9313114 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of neurological diseases are limited by the poor specificity and limited resolution of currently available techniques. Analysis of circulating cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has emerged as a promising strategy for the diagnosis, molecular characterization, and monitoring of neurological disease. In comparison to bulk sequencing analysis, single-cell sequencing studies can provide novel insights into rare cell populations and uncover heterogeneity in gene expression at a single-cell resolution, which has several implications for understanding disease pathology and treatment. Parallel development of standardized biofluid collection protocols, pre-processing strategies, reliable single-cell isolation strategies, downstream genomic analysis, and robust computational analysis is paramount for comprehensive single-cell sequencing analysis. Here we perform a comprehensive review of studies focusing on single-cell sequencing of cells in the CSF of patients with oncological or non-oncological diseases of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anudeep Yekula
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Jovanna Tracz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (J.T.); (J.R.-T.); (T.A.)
| | - Jordina Rincon-Torroella
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (J.T.); (J.R.-T.); (T.A.)
| | - Tej Azad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (J.T.); (J.R.-T.); (T.A.)
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (J.T.); (J.R.-T.); (T.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Rozowsky JS, Meesters-Ensing JI, Lammers JAS, Belle ML, Nierkens S, Kranendonk MEG, Kester LA, Calkoen FG, van der Lugt J. A Toolkit for Profiling the Immune Landscape of Pediatric Central Nervous System Malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864423. [PMID: 35464481 PMCID: PMC9022116 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies remains dismal due to limited treatment options, resulting in high mortality rates and long-term morbidities. Immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibition, cancer vaccines, engineered T cell therapies, and oncolytic viruses, have promising results in some hematological and solid malignancies, and are being investigated in clinical trials for various high-grade CNS malignancies. However, the role of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in CNS malignancies is mostly unknown for pediatric cases. In order to successfully implement immunotherapies and to eventually predict which patients would benefit from such treatments, in-depth characterization of the TIME at diagnosis and throughout treatment is essential. In this review, we provide an overview of techniques for immune profiling of CNS malignancies, and detail how they can be utilized for different tissue types and studies. These techniques include immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry for quantifying and phenotyping the infiltrating immune cells, bulk and single-cell transcriptomics for describing the implicated immunological pathways, as well as functional assays. Finally, we aim to describe the potential benefits of evaluating other compartments of the immune system implicated by cancer therapies, such as cerebrospinal fluid and blood, and how such liquid biopsies are informative when designing immune monitoring studies. Understanding and uniformly evaluating the TIME and immune landscape of pediatric CNS malignancies will be essential to eventually integrate immunotherapy into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Muriël L. Belle
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Friso G. Calkoen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
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