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Massa C, Wang Y, Marr N, Seliger B. Interferons and Resistance Mechanisms in Tumors and Pathogen-Driven Diseases—Focus on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Antigen Processing Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076736. [PMID: 37047709 PMCID: PMC10095295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs), divided into type I, type II, and type III IFNs represent proteins that are secreted from cells in response to various stimuli and provide important information for understanding the evolution, structure, and function of the immune system, as well as the signaling pathways of other cytokines and their receptors. They exert comparable, but also distinct physiologic and pathophysiologic activities accompanied by pleiotropic effects, such as the modulation of host responses against bacterial and viral infections, tumor surveillance, innate and adaptive immune responses. IFNs were the first cytokines used for the treatment of tumor patients including hairy leukemia, renal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. However, tumor cells often develop a transient or permanent resistance to IFNs, which has been linked to the escape of tumor cells and unresponsiveness to immunotherapies. In addition, loss-of-function mutations in IFN signaling components have been associated with susceptibility to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and mycobacterial infections. In this review, we summarize general features of the three IFN families and their function, the expression and activity of the different IFN signal transduction pathways, and their role in tumor immune evasion and pathogen clearance, with links to alterations in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II antigen processing machinery (APM). In addition, we discuss insights regarding the clinical applications of IFNs alone or in combination with other therapeutic options including immunotherapies as well as strategies reversing the deficient IFN signaling. Therefore, this review provides an overview on the function and clinical relevance of the different IFN family members, with a specific focus on the MHC pathways in cancers and infections and their contribution to immune escape of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Massa
- Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Hochstr. 29, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Yuan Wang
- Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany
| | - Nico Marr
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Hochstr. 29, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Hochstr. 29, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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2
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DiVincenzo MJ, Schwarz E, Ren C, Barricklow Z, Moufawad M, Yu L, Fadda P, Angell C, Sun S, Howard JH, Chung C, Slingluff C, Gru AA, Kendra K, Carson WE. Expression Patterns of microRNAs and Associated Target Genes in Ulcerated Primary Cutaneous Melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:630-638.e3. [PMID: 36202232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.09.654] [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: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Ulcerated cutaneous melanoma carries a poor prognosis, and the underlying biology driving its aggressive behavior is largely unexplored. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, noncoding RNAs that inhibit the expression of specific genes and exhibit dysregulated expression patterns in cancer. We hypothesized that a unique miR profile exists in ulcerated relative to nonulcerated melanoma and that miR expression inversely correlates with target genes of biologic importance. Expression of miRs and mRNAs was assessed in ulcerated and nonulcerated cutaneous melanomas using the NanoString Human miRNA and Tumor Signaling 360 mRNA assays and validated in an independent cohort. Pathway enrichment and functional annotations for differentially expressed miRs and mRNAs were determined using publicly available databases. Pearson correlations were employed to predict potential miR‒mRNA binding pairs. Ulcerated melanoma tissue showed at least 1.5-fold change in relative expression of 24 miRs, including miR-206, miR-1-3p, and miR-4286 (>2.25-fold decrease, P < 0.048) and miR-146a-5p, miR-196b-5p, and miR-363-3p (>2.5-fold increase, P < 0.014). Ulcerated melanomas also had 21 differentially expressed mRNAs relative to nonulcerated tumors (P < 0.01), among which two had an inverse correlation in expression with regulatory miRs (SOCS3 and miR-218-5p and IL7R and miR-376c-5p). This miR expression profile adds to the molecular characterization of the poorly understood histopathologic phenotype of ulcerated melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory J DiVincenzo
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily Schwarz
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Casey Ren
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Zoe Barricklow
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Maribelle Moufawad
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lianbo Yu
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Paolo Fadda
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Colin Angell
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Steven Sun
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - J Harrison Howard
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Catherine Chung
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Craig Slingluff
- Surgical Oncology Division, UVA Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Alejandro A Gru
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kari Kendra
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - William E Carson
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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Xing J, Jia Z, Li Y, Han Y. Construction of immunotherapy-related prognostic gene signature and small molecule drug prediction for cutaneous melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:939385. [PMID: 35957907 PMCID: PMC9358033 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.939385] [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: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cutaneous melanoma (CM), a kind of skin cancer with a high rate of advanced mortality, exhibits a wide variety of driver and transmitter gene alterations in the immunological tumor microenvironment (TME) associated with tumor cell survival and proliferation. Methods We analyzed the immunological infiltration of TME cells in normal and malignant tissues using 469 CM and 556 normal skin samples. We used a single sample gene set enrichment assay (ssGSEA) to quantify the relative abundance of 28 cells, then used the LASSO COX regression model to develop a riskScore prognostic model, followed by a small molecule drug screening and molecular docking validation, which was then validated using qRT-PCR and IHC. Results We developed a prognosis model around seven essential protective genes for the first time, dramatically elevated in tumor tissues, as did immune cell infiltration. Multivariate Cox regression results indicated that riskScore is an independent and robust prognostic indicator, and its predictive value in immunotherapy was verified. Additionally, we identified Gabapentin as a possible small molecule therapeutic for CM. Conclusions A riskScore model was developed in this work to analyze patient prognosis, TME cell infiltration features, and treatment responsiveness. The development of this model not only aids in predicting patient response to immunotherapy but also has significant implications for the development of novel immunotherapeutic agents and the promotion of tailored treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Xing
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ziqi Jia
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Han, ; Yan Li,
| | - Yan Han
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Han, ; Yan Li,
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SOCS3 gene silencing does not occur through methylation and mutations in gastric cancer. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1114-1125. [PMID: 35596898 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00715-3] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is ranked the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Mutations and epigenetic alterations in several essential genes, including p53, KRAS, PIK3CA, FAT4 and ARID1A, are often reported. Furthermore, loss of SOCS3 expression was reported in GC, suggesting its tumor suppressor role. To assess the mutational and methylation status of SOCS3, we performed gene panel exome sequencing on 47 human GC samples. The SOCS3 gene was rarely mutated, suggesting alternative regulation mechanisms, such as promoter hypermethylation and/or long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). We first explored SOCS3 promoter methylation status in 44 human GC samples by methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). Thirteen out of forty-four patients (29.5%) displayed a methylation pattern. Then, to see whether SOCS3 expression is silenced by CpG methylation, we examined publicly available databases (cbioportal and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)). The analysis revealed β values lower than 0.1, indicating hypo-methylation in healthy and GC samples. Moreover, moderate methylation (β < 0.4) and high methylation (β > 0.4) did not affect the free survival, suggesting that methylation is unlikely to be the mechanism ruling SOCS3 silencing in GC. Next, to assess the regulatory effects of lncRNAs on SOCS3, we silenced the AC125807.2-lncRNA and quantified the SOCS3 gene expression in AGS and NCI-N87 gastric cancer cell line. SOCS3 was found to be downregulated following AC125807.2-lncRNA silencing in AGS cells, suggesting the potential implication of lncRNA AC125807.2 in SOCS3 regulation. However, in NCI-N87 cells, there was no significant change in SOCS3 expression. In conclusion, neither mutations nor hypermethylation was associated with the SOCS3 downregulation in GC, and alternative mechanisms, including non-coding RNAs-mediated gene silencing, may be proposed.
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Carbotti G, Nikpoor AR, Vacca P, Gangemi R, Giordano C, Campelli F, Ferrini S, Fabbi M. IL-27 mediates HLA class I up-regulation, which can be inhibited by the IL-6 pathway, in HLA-deficient Small Cell Lung Cancer cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2017; 36:140. [PMID: 29020964 PMCID: PMC5637329 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Recently, immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 antibodies has shown clinical benefit in recurrent Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Since anti-PD-1 re-activates anti-tumor Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) responses, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms regulating HLA class I, and PD-L1 expression in HLA-negative SCLC. Here we addressed the role of IL-27, a cytokine related to both IL-6 and IL-12 families. Methods The human SCLC cell lines NCI-N592, -H69, -H146, -H446 and -H82 were treated in vitro with different cytokines (IL-27, IFN-γ, IL-6 or a soluble IL-6R/IL-6 chimera [sIL-6R/IL-6]) at different time points and analyzed for tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT proteins by Western blot, for surface molecule expression by immunofluorescence and FACS analyses or for specific mRNA expression by QRT-PCR. Relative quantification of mRNAs was calculated by the ΔΔCT method. The Student’s T test was used for the statistical analysis of experimental replicates. Results IL-27 triggered STAT1/3 phosphorylation and up-regulated the expression of surface HLA class I antigen and of TAP1 and TAP2 mRNA in four out of five SCLC cell lines tested. The IL-27-resistant NCI-H146 cells showed up-regulation of HLA class I by IFN-γ. IFN-γ also induced expression of PD-L1 in SCLC cells, while IL-27 was less potent in this respect. IL-27 failed to activate STAT1/3 phosphorylation in NCI-H146 cells, which display a low expression of the IL-27RA and GP130 receptor chains. As GP130 is shared in IL-27R and IL-6R complexes, we assessed its functionality in response to sIL-6R/IL-6. sIL-6R/IL-6 failed to trigger STAT1/3 signaling in NCI-H146 cells, suggesting low GP130 expression or uncoupling from signal transduction. Although both sIL-6R/IL-6 and IL-27 triggered STAT1/3 phosphorylation, sIL-6R/IL-6 failed to up-regulate HLA class I expression, in relationship to the weak activation of STAT1. Finally sIL-6R/IL-6 limited IL-27-effects, particularly in NCI-H69 cells, in a SOCS3-independent manner, but did not modify IFN-γ induced HLA class I up-regulation. Conclusions In conclusion, IL-27 is a potentially interesting cytokine for restoring HLA class I expression for SCLC combined immunotherapy purposes. However, the concomitant activation of the IL-6 pathway may limit the IL-27 effect on HLA class I induction but did not significantly alter the responsiveness to IFN-γ. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-017-0608-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Carbotti
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS for Oncology, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Amin Reza Nikpoor
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS for Oncology, 16132, Genoa, Italy.,Immunogenetic and Cell Culture Department, Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, 919677-3117, Iran
| | - Paola Vacca
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS for Oncology, 16132, Genoa, Italy.,Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gangemi
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS for Oncology, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Giordano
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS for Oncology, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Campelli
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS for Oncology, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvano Ferrini
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS for Oncology, 16132, Genoa, Italy. .,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, UOC Bioterapie, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Marina Fabbi
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS for Oncology, 16132, Genoa, Italy. .,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, UOC Bioterapie, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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6
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Jiang M, Zhang WW, Liu P, Yu W, Liu T, Yu J. Dysregulation of SOCS-Mediated Negative Feedback of Cytokine Signaling in Carcinogenesis and Its Significance in Cancer Treatment. Front Immunol 2017; 8:70. [PMID: 28228755 PMCID: PMC5296614 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are major negative feedback regulators of cytokine signaling mediated by the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway. In particular, SOCS1 and SOCS3 are strong inhibitors of JAKs and can play pivotal roles in the development and progression of cancers. The abnormal expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in cancer cells is associated with the dysregulation of cell growth, migration, and death induced by multiple cytokines and hormones in human carcinomas. In addition, the mechanisms involved in SOCS1- and SOCS3-regulated abnormal development and activation of immune cells in carcinogenesis, including T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, are still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to further discuss the molecules and signal pathways regulating the expression and function of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in various types of cancers and elucidate the feasibility and efficiency of SOCS-based target therapeutic strategy in anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen-Wen Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin , China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinpu Yu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China; Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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7
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SOCS1 in cancer: An oncogene and a tumor suppressor. Cytokine 2016; 82:87-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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8
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Brassinin inhibits STAT3 signaling pathway through modulation of PIAS-3 and SOCS-3 expression and sensitizes human lung cancer xenograft in nude mice to paclitaxel. Oncotarget 2016; 6:6386-405. [PMID: 25788267 PMCID: PMC4467444 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) is frequently observed in tumor cells. We found that brassinin (BSN) suppressed both constitutive and IL-6-inducible STAT3 activation in lung cancer cells. Moreover, BSN induced PIAS-3 protein and mRNA, whereas the expression of SOCS-3 was reduced. Knockdown of PIAS-3 by small interfering RNA prevented inhibition of STAT3 and cytotoxicity by BSN. Overexpression of SOCS-3 in BSN-treated cells increased STAT3 phosphorylation and cell viability. BSN down-regulated STAT3-regulated gene products, inhibited proliferation, invasion, as well as induced apoptosis. Most importantly, when administered intraperitoneally, combination of BSN and paclitaxel significantly decreased the tumor development in a xenograft lung cancer mouse model associated with down-modulation of phospho-STAT3, Ki-67 and CD31. We suggest that BSN inhibits STAT3 signaling through modulation of PIAS-3 and SOCS-3, thereby attenuating tumor growth and increasing sensitivity to paclitaxel.
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9
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de Winde CM, Veenbergen S, Young KH, Xu-Monette ZY, Wang XX, Xia Y, Jabbar KJ, van den Brand M, van der Schaaf A, Elfrink S, van Houdt IS, Gijbels MJ, van de Loo FAJ, Bennink MB, Hebeda KM, Groenen PJTA, van Krieken JH, Figdor CG, van Spriel AB. Tetraspanin CD37 protects against the development of B cell lymphoma. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:653-66. [PMID: 26784544 DOI: 10.1172/jci81041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common hematological malignancy and represents a substantial clinical problem. The molecular events that lead to B cell lymphoma are only partially defined. Here, we have provided evidence that deficiency of tetraspanin superfamily member CD37, which is important for B cell function, induces the development of B cell lymphoma. Mice lacking CD37 developed germinal center-derived B cell lymphoma in lymph nodes and spleens with a higher incidence than Bcl2 transgenic mice. We discovered that CD37 interacts with suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3); therefore, absence of CD37 drives tumor development through constitutive activation of the IL-6 signaling pathway. Moreover, animals deficient for both Cd37 and Il6 were fully protected against lymphoma development, confirming the involvement of the IL-6 pathway in driving tumorigenesis. Loss of CD37 on neoplastic cells in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) directly correlated with activation of the IL-6 signaling pathway and with worse progression-free and overall survival. Together, this study identifies CD37 as a tumor suppressor that directly protects against B cell lymphomagenesis and provides a strong rationale for blocking the IL-6 pathway in patients with CD37- B cell malignancies as a possible therapeutic intervention.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Germinal Center/metabolism
- Germinal Center/pathology
- Interleukin-6/genetics
- Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/genetics
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Knockout
- Tetraspanins/genetics
- Tetraspanins/metabolism
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism
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10
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Tobelaim WS, Beaurivage C, Champagne A, Pomerleau V, Simoneau A, Chababi W, Yeganeh M, Thibault P, Klinck R, Carrier JC, Ferbeyre G, Ilangumaran S, Saucier C. Tumour-promoting role of SOCS1 in colorectal cancer cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14301. [PMID: 26391193 PMCID: PMC4585755 DOI: 10.1038/srep14301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The SOCS1 (Suppressor Of Cytokine Signalling 1) protein is considered a tumour suppressor. Notably, the SOCS1 gene is frequently silenced in cancer by hypermethylation of its promoter. Besides blocking inflammation, SOCS1 tumour suppressor activity involves Met receptor inhibition and enhancement of p53 tumour suppressor activity. However, the role of SOCS1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains understudied and controversial. Here, we investigated SOCS1 relevance for CRC by querying gene expression datasets of human CRC specimens from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and by SOCS1 gain/loss-of-function analyses in murine and human colon carcinoma cells. Our results show that SOCS1 mRNA levels in tumours were more often elevated than reduced with respect to matched adjacent normal tissue of CRC specimens (n = 41). The analysis of TCGA dataset of 431 CRC patients revealed no correlation between SOCS1 expression and overall survival. Overexpression of SOCS1 in CRC cells triggered cell growth enhancement, anchorage-independent growth and resistance to death stimuli, whereas knockdown of SOCS1 reduced these oncogenic features. Moreover, SOCS1 overexpression in mouse CT26 cells increased tumourigenesis in vivo. Biochemical analyses showed that SOCS1 pro-oncogenic activity correlated with the down-modulation of STAT1 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that SOCS1 may work as an oncogene in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Tobelaim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Claudia Beaurivage
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Audrey Champagne
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Véronique Pomerleau
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Aline Simoneau
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Walid Chababi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Mehdi Yeganeh
- Department of Pediatrics and Immunology division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Philippe Thibault
- Department of Microbiology and Infectiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Roscoe Klinck
- Department of Microbiology and Infectiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Julie C Carrier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Gerardo Ferbeyre
- Department of Biochemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Department of Pediatrics and Immunology division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Caroline Saucier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
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11
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Li G, Xu J, Wang Z, Yuan Y, Li Y, Cai S, He Y. Low expression of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 is a poor prognostic indicator for gastric cancer patients. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 141:443-52. [PMID: 25261987 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1838-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Inflammation plays an important role in gastric cancer (GC) development and progression. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 and SOCS-3 negatively regulate proinflammatory cytokine signaling; however, their prognostic significance in GC remains unknown. We evaluated the clinicopathological correlation and prognostic significance of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 in GC. METHODS SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 mRNA levels were analyzed in 80 paired gastric tumor and adjacent normal mucosal tissues using a microarray dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the prognostic impact of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 immunohistochemical expression on overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in 186 consecutive GC patients who underwent curative surgery. RESULTS SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 mRNA expression levels were lower in gastric tumor tissues than in matched normal mucosa. OS and RFS were significantly longer in the high SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 expression groups than in their corresponding low expression groups (p < 0.05). High simultaneous SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 expression were associated with longer OS compared with low simultaneous SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 expression (68.8 vs. 22.2 months; p < 0.001). SOCS-1 [hazards ratio (HR) 0.54, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.87, p = 0.011] and SOCS-3 (HR 0.46, 95 % CI 0.26-0.80, p = 0.006) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Only SOCS-1 (HR 0.20, 95 % CI 0.11-0.38, p = 0.006) was an independent prognostic factor for RFS. CONCLUSION Low SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 expression are poor prognostic indicators in GC. GC patients with low SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 expression need close follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghua Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan 2nd Street, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
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12
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Ahmed CM, Johnson HM. Short peptide type I interferon mimetics: therapeutics for experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, melanoma, and viral infections. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2014; 34:802-9. [PMID: 24811478 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2014.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical canonical model of interferon (IFN) signaling focuses solely on the activation of STAT transcription factors, which limits the model in terms of specific gene activation, associated epigenetic events, and IFN mimetic development. Accordingly, we have developed a noncanonical model of IFN signaling and report the development of short type I IFN peptide mimetic peptides based on the model. The mimetics, human IFNα1(152-189), human IFNβ(150-187), and ovine IFNτ(156-195) are derived from the C-terminus of the parent IFNs and function intracellularly based on the noncanonical model. Vaccinia virus produces a decoy IFN receptor (B18R) that inhibits type I IFN, but the IFN mimetics bypass B18R for effective antiviral activity. By contrast, both parent IFNs and mimetics inhibited vesicular stomatitis virus. The mimetics also possessed anti-tumor activity against murine melanoma B16 tumor cells in culture and in mice, including synergizing with suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 antagonist. Finally, the mimetics were potent therapeutics against experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The mimetics lack toxic side effects of the parent IFNs and, thus, are a potent therapeutic replacement of IFNs as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulbul M Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
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13
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Toomer KH, Chen Z. Autoimmunity as a double agent in tumor killing and cancer promotion. Front Immunol 2014; 5:116. [PMID: 24672527 PMCID: PMC3957029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy through manipulation of the immune system holds great potential for the treatment of human cancers. However, recent trials targeting the negative immune regulators cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, programed death 1 (PD-1), and PD-1 receptor ligand (PD-L1) demonstrated that clinically significant antitumor responses were often associated with the induction of autoimmune toxicity. This finding suggests that the same immune mechanisms that elicit autoimmunity may also contribute to the destruction of tumors. Given the fact that the immunological identity of tumors might be largely an immunoprivileged self, autoimmunity may not represent a wholly undesirable outcome in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Rather, targeted killing of cancer cells and autoimmune damage to healthy tissues may be intricately linked through molecular mechanisms, in particular inflammatory cytokine signaling. On the other hand, since chronic inflammation is a well-recognized condition that promotes tumor development, it appears that autoimmunity can be a "double agent" in mediating either pro-tumor or antitumor effects. This review surveys the tumor-promoting and tumoricidal activities of several prominent cytokines: IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-17, IL-23, IL-4, and IL-13, produced by three major subsets of T helper cells that interact with innate immune cells. Many of these cytokines exert divergent and seemingly contradictory effects on cancer development in different human and animal models, suggesting a high degree of context dependence in their functions. We hypothesize that these inflammatory cytokines could mediate a feedback loop of autoimmunity, antitumor immunity, and tumorigenesis. Understanding the diverse and paradoxical roles of cytokines from autoimmune responses in the setting of cancer will advance the long-term goal of improving cancer immunotherapy, while minimizing the hazards of immune-mediated tissue damage and the possibility of de novo tumorigenesis, through proper monitoring and preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H Toomer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, FL , USA
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, FL , USA ; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, FL , USA
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14
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Inagaki-Ohara K, Kondo T, Ito M, Yoshimura A. SOCS, inflammation, and cancer. JAKSTAT 2013; 2:e24053. [PMID: 24069550 PMCID: PMC3772102 DOI: 10.4161/jkst.24053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways elicited by cytokines and hormones have been shown to regulate distinct stages of development. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are negative feedback regulators of cytokine signaling mediated by the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. In particular, SOCS1 and SOCS3 are potent inhibitors of JAKs and can play pivotal roles in inflammation, as well as in the development and progression of cancers. Abnormal expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in cancer cells has been reported in human carcinoma associated with dysregulation of signals from cytokine receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and hormone receptors, resulting in malignancies. In this review, we focus on the role of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in cancer development. In addition, the potential of SOCS as a therapeutic target and diagnostic aid will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Inagaki-Ohara
- Department of Gastroenterology; Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology; Research Institute; National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM); Ichikawa, Japan
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Prognostic significance of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 expression in human cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma Res 2012; 21:483-90. [PMID: 21876460 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0b013e32834acc37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most common and aggressive forms of human cancers and has a poor prognosis. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been found in several human cancers and is thought to correlate aggressive disease and poor response. In this study, we investigated the clinical role of STAT3 and its natural inhibitor, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), in human cutaneous melanoma development and progression. Immunohistochemical analysis of pSTAT3, SOCS3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 expression was performed on 90 primary melanomas and 43 common melanocytic nevi specimens. The expression of STAT3 mRNA was further detected by in-situ hybridization in the same cohort of patients. The association of STAT3 mRNA, pSTAT3, and SOCS3 protein expression with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival was analyzed. Altered expression of STAT3 mRNA, pSTAT3, and SOCS3 protein was observed in melanoma specimens, compared with benign melanocytic nevi. High expression of pSTAT3 was correlated to large tumor diameter, depth of tumor invasion, tumor lymph node metastasis, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, and poor patient survival. Decreased expression of SOCS3 was correlated to depth of tumor invasion, tumor lymph node metastasis, the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and pSTAT3, and poor patient survival. Moreover, the expression of pSTAT3 was conversely correlated to SOCS3 expression in melanoma. Our results indicate that deregulated expression of pSTAT3 and SOCS3 might possess potential roles in the development and progression of human cutaneous melanoma.
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16
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Zhang J, Li H, Yu JP, Wang SE, Ren XB. Role of SOCS1 in tumor progression and therapeutic application. Int J Cancer 2012; 130:1971-80. [PMID: 22025331 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
SOCS1, a prototype molecule of the SOCS family, was initially defined as a suppressor of cytokine signaling. The molecular mechanisms of SOCS1-mediated functions have been subsequently identified by studies using gene knockout mice and gene silencing technology. As part of a negative feedback regulation, SOCS1 downregulates cytokine signaling through direct inhibition of the JAK tyrosine kinase and the signaling cascade of activated cytokine receptors, thereby attenuating cytokine-initiated signal transduction. Moreover, other studies have demonstrated that SOCS1 also downregulates TLR signaling through direct and indirect mechanisms. Both cytokine receptor and TLR signaling pathways mediate important functions in survival, maturation and differentiation of various types of cells and in the regulation of immune function. Abnormal expression of SOCS1 in tumor cells has been detected in various human cancers, where it is associated with dysregulation of cytokine receptor and TLR signaling to promote cell transformation. Recent studies on the function of SOCS1 in tumor cells have revealed its novel role in carcinogenesis. In this review, we will focus on the mechanism of action of SOCS1 in both tumor cells and antigen-presenting cells in the tumor microenvironment. The potential of using SOCS1 as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in tumor diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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17
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Tumor Dormancy Resulting from Subcutaneous Injection to SCID Mice with Cultured Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells Is Mediated via IFN-γ Induction of a Highly Differentiated Phenotype. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2011; 26:417-26. [DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2011.0958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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18
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Role of SOCS-1 Gene on Melanoma Cell Growth and Tumor Development. Transl Oncol 2011; 4:101-9. [PMID: 21461173 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.10250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 12/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and its incidence has increased dramatically over the years. The murine B16F10 melanoma in syngeneic C57Bl/6 mice has been used as a highly aggressive model to investigate tumor development. Presently, we demonstrate in the B16F10-Nex2 subclone that silencing of SOCS-1, a negative regulator of Jak/Stat pathway, leads to reversal of the tumorigenic phenotype and inhibition of melanoma cell metastasis. SOCS-1 silencing with short hairpin RNA affected tumor growth and cell cycle regulation with arrest at the S phase with large-sized nuclei, reduced cell motility, and decreased melanoma cell invasion through Matrigel. A clonogenic assay showed that SOCS-1 acted as a modulator of resistance to anoikis. In addition, downregulation of SOCS-1 decreased the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (mainly the phosphorylated-R), Ins-Rα, and fibroblast growth factor receptor. In vivo, silencing of SOCS-1 inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth and metastatic development in the lungs. Because SOCS-1 is expressed in most melanoma cell lines and bears a relation with tumor invasion, thickness, and stage of disease, the present results on the effects of SOCS-1 silencing in melanoma suggest that this regulating protein can be a target of cancer therapy.
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19
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Cornforth AN, Fowler AW, Carbonell DJ, Dillman RO. Resistance to the proapoptotic effects of interferon-gamma on melanoma cells used in patient-specific dendritic cell immunotherapy is associated with improved overall survival. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 60:123-31. [PMID: 20960187 PMCID: PMC11029524 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-010-0925-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The use of whole cell tumor vaccines and various means of loading antigen onto dendritic cells have been under investigation for over a decade. Induction of apoptosis and the exposure of immune-stimulating proteins are thought to be beneficial for the use in immunotherapy protocols, but conclusive evidence in the clinical setting has been lacking. Incubation of melanoma cell lines with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) increased phosphatidylserine and calreticulin exposure, but not in the IFN-γ-resistant cell line Lu-1205. Short-term autologous melanoma cell lines used for loading dendritic cells for immunotherapy showed differential response to the pro-apoptotic effects of IFN-γ. These IFN-γ-treated tumor cells (TCs) were irradiated and used for loading antigen for dendritic cell therapy. A log-rank comparison of survival for patients whose TCs were found to be either sensitive (upregulated phosphatidylserine and calreticulin) or insensitive to IFN-γ revealed a strongly significant correlation to progression-free (p = 0.003) and overall survival (p = 0.002) favorably in those patients whose cell lines were resistant to the proapoptotic effect of IFN-γ. These results suggest that the use of IFN-γ in anti-melanoma dendritic cell-based immunotherapy may only be beneficial when the cells do not undergo apoptosis in response to IFN-γ and support the contention that the use of some apoptotic cells in vaccines may be detrimental.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Cornforth
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Hoag Cancer Center, 1 Hoag Drive Bldg 41, 92663, Newport Beach, CA, USA.
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20
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Saydmohammed M, Joseph D, Syed V. Curcumin suppresses constitutive activation of STAT-3 by up-regulating protein inhibitor of activated STAT-3 (PIAS-3) in ovarian and endometrial cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2010; 110:447-56. [PMID: 20235152 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) is constitutively activated in ovarian and endometrial cancers and is implicated in uncontrolled cell growth. Thus, its disruption could be an effective approach to control tumorigenesis. Curcumin is a dihydroxyphenolic compound, with proven anti-cancer efficacy in various cancer models. We examined the anti-tumor mechanism of curcumin on STAT-3 and on the negative regulators of STAT-3, including suppressors of cytokine signaling proteins (SOCS-1 and SOCS-3), protein inhibitors of activated STAT (PIAS-1 and PIAS-3), and SH2 domain-containing phosphatases (SHP-1 and SHP-2) in ovarian and endometrial cancer cell lines. Treatment of cancer cells with curcumin induced a dose- and time-dependent decrease of constitutive IL-6 expression and of constitutive and IL-6-induced STAT-3 phosphorylation, which is associated with decreased cell viability and increased cleavage of caspase-3. The inhibition of STAT-3 activation by curcumin was reversible, and phosphorylated STAT-3 levels returned to control levels 24 h after curcumin removal. Compared to normal cells baseline expression of SOCS-3 was high in cancer cells and a marked decrease in SOCS-3 expression was seen following curcumin treatment. Overexpression of SOCS-3 in curcumin-treated cells increased expression of phosphorylated STAT-3 and resulted in increased cell viability. Normal ovarian and endometrial cells exhibited high expression of PIAS-3 protein, whereas in cancer cells the expression was greatly reduced. Curcumin increased PIAS-3 expression in cancer cells. Of significance, siRNA-mediated knockdown of PIAS-3 overcomes the inhibitory effect of curcumin on STAT-3 phosphorylation and cell viability. In conclusion, curcumin suppresses JAK-STAT signaling via activation of PIAS-3, thus attenuating STAT-3 phosphorylation and tumor cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manush Saydmohammed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799, USA
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21
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Lesinski GB, Zimmerer JM, Kreiner M, Trefry J, Bill MA, Young GS, Becknell B, Carson WE. Modulation of SOCS protein expression influences the interferon responsiveness of human melanoma cells. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:142. [PMID: 20398276 PMCID: PMC2858748 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endogenously produced interferons can regulate the growth of melanoma cells and are administered exogenously as therapeutic agents to patients with advanced cancer. We investigated the role of negative regulators of interferon signaling known as suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) in mediating interferon-resistance in human melanoma cells. Methods Basal and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) or interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins was evaluated by immunoblot analysis in a panel of n = 10 metastatic human melanoma cell lines, in human embryonic melanocytes (HEM), and radial or vertical growth phase melanoma cells. Over-expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins in melanoma cells was achieved using the PINCO retroviral vector, while siRNA were used to inhibit SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression. Tyr701-phosphorylated STAT1 (P-STAT1) was measured by intracellular flow cytometry and IFN-stimulated gene expression was measured by Real Time PCR. Results SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins were expressed at basal levels in melanocytes and in all melanoma cell lines examined. Expression of the SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins was also enhanced following stimulation of a subset of cell lines with IFN-α or IFN-γ. Over-expression of SOCS proteins in melanoma cell lines led to significant inhibition of Tyr701-phosphorylated STAT1 (P-STAT1) and gene expression following stimulation with IFN-α (IFIT2, OAS-1, ISG-15) or IFN-γ (IRF1). Conversely, siRNA inhibition of SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in melanoma cells enhanced their responsiveness to interferon stimulation. Conclusions These data demonstrate that SOCS proteins are expressed in human melanoma cell lines and their modulation can influence the responsiveness of melanoma cells to IFN-α and IFN-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory B Lesinski
- Department of Surgery Arthur G, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J, Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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22
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Saha B, Jyothi Prasanna S, Chandrasekar B, Nandi D. Gene modulation and immunoregulatory roles of interferon gamma. Cytokine 2009; 50:1-14. [PMID: 20036577 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2009.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 11/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) is a central regulator of the immune response and signals via the Janus Activated Kinase (JAK)-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway. Phosphorylated STAT1 homodimers translocate to the nucleus, bind to Gamma Activating Sequence (GAS) and recruit additional factors to modulate gene expression. A bioinformatics analysis revealed that greater number of putative promoters of immune related genes and also those not directly involved in immunity contain GAS compared to response elements (RE) for Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF)1, Nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) and Activator Protein (AP)1. GAS is present in putative promoters of well known IFNgamma-induced genes, IRF1, GBP1, CXCL10, and other genes identified were TLR3, VCAM1, CASP4, etc. Analysis of three microarray studies revealed that the expression of a subset of only GAS containing immune genes were modulated by IFNgamma. As a significant correlation exists between GAS containing immune genes and IFNgamma-regulated gene expression, this strategy may identify novel IFNgamma-responsive immune genes. This analysis is integrated with the literature on the roles of IFNgamma in mediating a plethora of functions: anti-microbial responses, antigen processing, inflammation, growth suppression, cell death, tumor immunity and autoimmunity. Overall, this review summarizes our present knowledge on IFNgamma mediated signaling and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banishree Saha
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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Humpoliková-Adámková L, Kovařík J, Dušek L, Lauerová L, Boudný V, Fait V, Fojtová M, Krejčí E, Kovařík A. Interferon-alpha treatment may negatively influence disease progression in melanoma patients by hyperactivation of STAT3 protein. Eur J Cancer 2009; 45:1315-1323. [PMID: 19232485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/13/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is an important drug used in anti-melanoma therapy. However, metastases eventually reappear in almost 60% of melanoma patients, who have received adjuvant cytokine therapy suggesting that IFN-alpha can paradoxically promote disease progression in some cases, at least. In this study, we have investigated the possibility that a growth-promoting STAT3 protein might be activated by interferon-alpha in melanoma cells. We examined 24 primary cultures established from node metastases of melanoma patients who were monitored in a 5-year clinical follow-up. The patients differed in the course of disease and survival end-points. Using Western blot analyses, we show that interferon-alpha stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation at tyrosine (Y705) residue in 17% of cases. These over-reactive cell populations originated from patients who had the shortest disease-free intervals. A significant correlation was obtained between the length of survival end-points and a lack of STAT3 activation by IFN-alpha. No STAT3 induction was observed in normal melanocytes. The STAT1 activation at tyrosine (Y701) occurred at a similar frequency as that of STAT3 (17%) albeit in different patients, no clear correlation with the clinical status could be made. The interferon-alpha/beta receptors (IRFARs) were expressed irrespective to the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) inducibility suggesting that signalling defects occur downstream from IRFAR. We propose that in some cases the application of IFN-alpha could increase the probability of disease progression via overactive STAT3. The tests for STAT3 inducibility prior to cytokine immunotherapy in the clinic are therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Humpoliková-Adámková
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Kovařík
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - L Dušek
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - L Lauerová
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - V Boudný
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - V Fait
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Fojtová
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - E Krejčí
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - A Kovařík
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
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Abstract
Interferons represent a protein family with pleiotropic functions including immunomodulatory, cytostatic, and cytotoxic activities. Based on these effects, interferons are involved in innate as well as adaptive immunity, thereby shaping the tumor host immune responses. These cytokines, alone or in combination, have been successfully implemented for the treatment of some malignancies. However, it has been recently demonstrated that tumor cells could be resistant to interferon treatment, which may be associated with an escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to summarize the frequency of impaired interferon signal transduction, their underlying molecular mechanisms, and their clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Halle, Germany
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25
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Brantley EC, Nabors LB, Gillespie GY, Choi YH, Palmer CA, Harrison K, Roarty K, Benveniste EN. Loss of protein inhibitors of activated STAT-3 expression in glioblastoma multiforme tumors: implications for STAT-3 activation and gene expression. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:4694-704. [PMID: 18676737 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-0618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE STATs activate transcription in response to numerous cytokines, controlling proliferation, gene expression, and apoptosis. Aberrant activation of STAT proteins, particularly STAT-3, is implicated in the pathogenesis of many cancers, including GBM, by promoting cell cycle progression, stimulating angiogenesis, and impairing tumor immune surveillance. Little is known about the endogenous STAT inhibitors, the PIAS proteins, in human malignancies. The objective of this study was to examine the expression of STAT-3 and its negative regulator, PIAS3, in human tissue samples from control and GBM brains. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Control and GBM human tissues were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry to determine the activation status of STAT-3 and expression of the PIAS3 protein. The functional consequence of PIAS3 inhibition by small interfering RNA or PIAS3 overexpression in GBM cells was determined by examining cell proliferation, STAT-3 transcriptional activity, and STAT-3 target gene expression. This was accomplished using [(3)H]TdR incorporation, STAT-3 dominant-negative constructs, reverse transcription-PCR, and immunoblotting. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS STAT-3 activation, as assessed by tyrosine and serine phosphorylation, was elevated in GBM tissue compared with control tissue. Interestingly, we observed expression of PIAS3 in control tissue, whereas PIAS3 protein expression in GBM tissue was greatly reduced. Inhibition of PIAS3 resulted in enhanced glioblastoma cellular proliferation. Conversely, PIAS3 overexpression inhibited STAT-3 transcriptional activity, expression of STAT-3-regulated genes, and cell proliferation. We propose that the loss of PIAS3 in GBM contributes to enhanced STAT-3 transcriptional activity and subsequent cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Brantley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0005, USA
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Brantley EC, Benveniste EN. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3: a molecular hub for signaling pathways in gliomas. Mol Cancer Res 2008; 6:675-84. [PMID: 18505913 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-07-2180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and severe primary brain tumor in adults. Its aggressive and infiltrative nature renders the current therapeutics of surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy relatively ineffective. Accordingly, recent research has focused on the elucidation of various signal transduction pathways in glioblastoma, particularly aberrant activation. This review focuses on the signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) signal transduction pathway in the context of this devastating tumor. STAT-3 is aberrantly activated in human glioblastoma tissues, and this activation is implicated in controlling critical cellular events thought to be involved in gliomagenesis, such as cell cycle progression, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. There are no reports of gain-of-function mutations in glioblastoma; rather, the activation of STAT-3 is thought to be a consequence of either dysregulation of upstream kinases or loss of endogenous inhibitors. This review provides detailed insight into the multiple mechanisms of STAT-3 activation in glioblastoma, as well as describing endogenous and chemical inhibitors of this pathway and their clinical significance. In glioblastoma, STAT-3 acts a molecular hub to link extracellular signals to transcriptional control of proliferation, cell cycle progression, and immune evasion. Because STAT-3 plays this central role in glioblastoma signal transduction, it has significant potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Brantley
- Department of Cell Biology, 1918 University Boulevard, MCLM 395A, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0005, USA
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Takahashi Y, Kaneda H, Takasuka N, Hattori K, Nishikawa M, Watanabe Y, Takakura Y. Enhancement of antiproliferative activity of interferons by RNA interference-mediated silencing of SOCS gene expression in tumor cells. Cancer Sci 2008; 99:1650-5. [PMID: 18754879 PMCID: PMC11158848 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2008.00850.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins, negative regulators of interferon (IFN)-induced signaling pathways, is involved in IFN resistance of tumor cells. To improve the growth inhibitory effect of IFN-beta and IFN-gamma on a murine melanoma cell line, B16-BL6, and a murine colon carcinoma cell line, Colon26 cells, SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 gene expression in tumor cells was downregulated by transfection of plasmid DNA expressing short hairpin RNA targeting one of these genes (pshSOCS-1 and pshSOCS-3, respectively). Transfection of pshSOCS-1 significantly increased the antiproliferative effect of IFN-gamma on B16-BL6 cells. However, any other combinations of plasmids and IFN had little effect on the growth of B16-BL6 cells. In addition, transfection of pshSOCS-1 and pshSOCS-3 produced little improvement in the effect of IFN on Colon26 cells. To understand the mechanism underlining these findings, the level of SOCS gene expression was measured by real time polymerase chain reaction. Addition of IFN-gamma greatly increased the SOCS-1 mRNA expression in B16-BL6 cells. Taking into account the synergistic effect of pshSOCS-1 and IFN-gamma on the growth of B16-BL6 cells, these findings suggest that IFN-gamma-induced high SOCS-1 gene expression in B16-BL6 cells significantly interferes with the antiproliferative effect of IFN-gamma. These results indicate that silencing SOCS gene expression can be an effective strategy to enhance the antitumor effect of IFN under conditions in which the SOCS gene expression is upregulated by IFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Worschech A, Kmieciak M, Knutson KL, Bear HD, Szalay AA, Wang E, Marincola FM, Manjili MH. Signatures associated with rejection or recurrence in HER-2/neu-positive mammary tumors. Cancer Res 2008; 68:2436-46. [PMID: 18381452 PMCID: PMC2478745 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-6822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown T-cell-mediated rejection of the neu-overexpressing mammary carcinoma cells (MMC) in wild-type FVB mice. However, following rejection of primary tumors, a fraction of animals experienced a recurrence of a neu antigen-negative variant (ANV) of MMC (tumor evasion model) after a long latency period. In the present study, we determined that T cells derived from wild-type FVB mice can specifically recognize MMC by secreting IFN-gamma and can induce apoptosis of MMC in vitro. Neu transgenic (FVBN202) mice develop spontaneous tumors and cannot reject it (tumor tolerance model). To dissect the mechanisms associated with rejection or tolerance of MMC tumors, we compared transcriptional patterns within the tumor microenvironment of MMC undergoing rejection with those that resisted it either because of tumor evasion/antigen loss recurrence (ANV tumors) or because of intrinsic tolerance mechanisms displayed by the transgenic mice. Gene profiling confirmed that immune rejection is primarily mediated through activation of IFN-stimulated genes and T-cell effector mechanisms. The tumor evasion model showed combined activation of Th1 and Th2 with a deviation toward Th2 and humoral immune responses that failed to achieve rejection likely because of lack of target antigen. Interestingly, the tumor tolerance model instead displayed immune suppression pathways through activation of regulatory mechanisms that included in particular the overexpression of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-10 receptor, and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 and SOCS-3. These data provide a road map for the identification of novel biomarkers of immune responsiveness in clinical trials.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/immunology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/biosynthesis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Female
- Immune Tolerance
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Interleukin-10/biosynthesis
- Interleukin-10/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Mice
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/genetics
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/immunology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Rats
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/immunology
- Receptors, Interleukin-10/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Interleukin-10/immunology
- Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Protein
- Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/biosynthesis
- Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Worschech
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Transfusion Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, MD
- Genelux Corporation, San Diego Science Center, San Diego, CA
- Institute for Biochemistry, Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Maciej Kmieciak
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, VCU School of Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Keith L. Knutson
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Harry D. Bear
- Department of Surgery, VCU School of Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Aladar A. Szalay
- Genelux Corporation, San Diego Science Center, San Diego, CA
- Institute for Biochemistry and Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ena Wang
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Transfusion Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Masoud H. Manjili
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, VCU School of Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA
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Abstract
Understanding regulatory pathways involved in melanoma development and progression has advanced significantly in recent years. It is now appreciated that melanoma is the result of complex changes in multiple signaling pathways that affect growth control, metabolism, motility and the ability to escape cell death programs. Here we review the major signaling pathways currently known to be deregulated in melanoma with an implication to its development and progression. Among these pathways are Ras, B-Raf, MEK, PTEN, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3Ks) and Akt which are constitutively activated in a significant number of melanoma tumors, in most cases due to genomic change. Other pathways discussed in this review include the [Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), transforming growth factor-beta pathways which are also activated in melanoma, although the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. As a paradigm for remodeled signaling pathways, melanoma also offers a unique opportunity for targeted drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Lopez-Bergami
- Signal Transduction Program, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
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