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Stephan-Falkenau S, Streubel A, Mairinger T, Blum TG, Kollmeier J, Mairinger FD, Bauer T, Pfannschmidt J, Hollmann M, Wessolly M. Integrated Clinical, Molecular and Immunological Characterization of Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinomas Reveals an Immune Escape Mechanism That May Influence Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10558. [PMID: 37445733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) has highly aggressive biological behaviour and poor clinical outcomes, raising expectations for new therapeutic strategies. We characterized 179 PSC by immunohistochemistry, next-generation sequencing and in silico analysis using a deep learning algorithm with respect to clinical, immunological and molecular features. PSC was more common in men, older ages and smokers. Surgery was an independent factor (p < 0.01) of overall survival (OS). PD-L1 expression was detected in 82.1% of all patients. PSC patients displaying altered epitopes due to processing mutations showed another PD-L1-independent immune escape mechanism, which also significantly influenced OS (p < 0.02). The effect was also maintained when only advanced tumour stages were considered (p < 0.01). These patients also showed improved survival with a significant correlation for immunotherapy (p < 0.05) when few or no processing mutations were detected, although this should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of patients studied. Genomic alterations for which there are already approved drugs were present in 35.4% of patients. Met exon 14 skipping was found more frequently (13.7%) and EGFR mutations less frequently (1.7%) than in other NSCLC. In summary, in addition to the divergent genomic landscape of PSC, the specific immunological features of this prognostically poor subtype should be considered in therapy stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Stephan-Falkenau
- Institute for Tissue Diagnostics, MVZ at Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Streubel
- Institute for Tissue Diagnostics, MVZ at Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Mairinger
- Institute for Tissue Diagnostics, MVZ at Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten-Gerriet Blum
- Department of Pneumology, Heckeshorn Lung Clinic, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Kollmeier
- Department of Pneumology, Heckeshorn Lung Clinic, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian D Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Torsten Bauer
- Department of Pneumology, Heckeshorn Lung Clinic, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Pfannschmidt
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heckeshorn Lung Clinic, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel Hollmann
- Institute for Tissue Diagnostics, MVZ at Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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2
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Wang Y, Jasinski-Bergner S, Wickenhauser C, Seliger B. Cancer Immunology: Immune Escape of Tumors-Expression and Regulation of HLA Class I Molecules and Its Role in Immunotherapies. Adv Anat Pathol 2023; 30:148-159. [PMID: 36517481 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The addition of "avoiding immune destruction" to the hallmarks of cancer demonstrated the importance of cancer immunology and in particular the role of immune surveillance and escape from malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms contributing to immune impairment and immune responses are diverse. Loss or reduced expression of the HLA class I molecules are major characteristics of human cancers resulting in an impaired recognition of tumor cells by CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This is of clinical relevance and associated with worse patients outcome and limited efficacy of T-cell-based immunotherapies. Here, we summarize the role of HLA class I antigens in cancers by focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for HLA class I defects, which are caused by either structural alterations or deregulation at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels. In addition, the influence of HLA class I abnormalities to adaptive and acquired immunotherapy resistances will be described. The in-depth knowledge of the different strategies of malignancies leading to HLA class I defects can be applied to design more effective cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", Brandenburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale)
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, GermanyLeipzig, Germany
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", Brandenburg, Germany
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3
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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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4
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Subbarayan K, Massa C, Leisz S, Steven A, Bethmann D, Biehl K, Wickenhauser C, Seliger B. Biglycan as a potential regulator of tumorgenicity and immunogenicity in K-RAS-transformed cells. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2069214. [PMID: 35529675 PMCID: PMC9067524 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2069214] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix component biglycan (BGN) plays an essential role in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. A deficient BGN expression associated with reduced immunogenicity was found in HER-2/neu-overexpressing cells. To determine whether BGN is suppressed by oncogene-driven regulatory networks, the expression and function of BGN was analyzed in murine and human BGNlow/BGNhigh K-RASG12V-transformed model systems as well as in different patients' datasets of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) lesions. K-RAS-mutated CRC tissues expressed low BGN mRNA and protein levels when compared to normal colon epithelial cells, which was associated with a reduced patients' survival. Transfection of BGN in murine and human BGNlow K-RAS-expressing cells resulted in a reduced growth and migration of BGNhigh vs BGNlow K-RAS cells. In addition, increased MHC class I surface antigens as a consequence of an enhanced antigen processing machinery component expression was found upon restoration of BGN, which was confirmed by RNA-sequencing of BGNlow vs. BGNhigh K-RAS models. Furthermore, a reduced tumor formation of BGNhigh versus BGNlow K-RAS-transformed fibroblasts associated with an enhanced MHC class I expression and an increased frequency of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in tumor lesions was found. Our data provide for the first time an inverse link between BGN and K-RAS expression in murine and human K-RAS-overexpressing models and CRC lesions associated with altered growth properties, reduced immunogenicity and worse patients' outcome. Therefore, reversion of BGN might be a novel therapeutic option for K-RAS-associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Subbarayan
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sandra Leisz
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - André Steven
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Daniel Bethmann
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Katharina Biehl
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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Maggs L, Sadagopan A, Moghaddam AS, Ferrone S. HLA class I antigen processing machinery defects in antitumor immunity and immunotherapy. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:1089-1101. [PMID: 34489208 PMCID: PMC8651070 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen-processing machinery (APM) plays a crucial role in the synthesis and expression of HLA class I tumor antigen-derived peptide complexes; the latter mediate the recognition and elimination of malignant cells by cognate T cells. Defects in HLA class I APM component expression and/or function are frequently found in cancer cells, providing them with an immune escape mechanism that has relevance in the clinical course of the disease and in the response to T-cell-based immunotherapy. The majority of HLA class I APM defects (>75%) are caused by epigenetic mechanisms or dysregulated signaling and therefore can be corrected by strategies that counteract the underlying mechanisms. Their application in oncology is likely to improve responses to T-cell-based immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Maggs
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ananthan Sadagopan
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Sanjari Moghaddam
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Immune Therapy Resistance and Immune Escape of Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030551. [PMID: 33535559 PMCID: PMC7867077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The genetic adaptability of malignant cells and their consequent heterogeneity even within the same patient poses a great obstacle to cancer patient treatment. This review summarizes the data obtained in the last decade on different preclinical mice models as well as on various immunotherapeutic clinical trials in distinct solid and hematopoietic cancers on how the immune system can be implemented in tumor therapy. Moreover, the different intrinsic and extrinsic escape strategies utilized by the tumor to avoid elimination by the immune system are recapitulated together with the different approaches proposed to overcome them in order to succeed and/or to enhance therapy efficacy. Abstract Immune therapy approaches such as checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell therapy represent promising therapeutic options for cancer patients, but their efficacy is still limited, since patients frequently develop innate or acquired resistances to these therapies. Thus, one major goal is to increase the efficiency of immunotherapies by overcoming tumor-induced immune suppression, which then allows for immune-mediated tumor clearance. Innate resistance to immunotherapies could be caused by a low immunogenicity of the tumor itself as well as an immune suppressive microenvironment composed of cellular, physical, or soluble factors leading to escape from immune surveillance and disease progression. So far, a number of strategies causing resistance to immunotherapy have been described in various clinical trials, which broadly overlap with the immunoediting processes of cancers. This review summarizes the novel insights in the development of resistances to immune therapy as well as different approaches that could be employed to overcome them.
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Lazaridou MF, Massa C, Handke D, Mueller A, Friedrich M, Subbarayan K, Tretbar S, Dummer R, Koelblinger P, Seliger B. Identification of microRNAs Targeting the Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing TAP1 in Melanoma. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9092690. [PMID: 32825219 PMCID: PMC7563967 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying molecular mechanisms of the aberrant expression of components of the HLA class I antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) in tumors leading to evasion from T cell-mediated immune surveillance could be due to posttranscriptional regulation mediated by microRNAs (miRs). So far, some miRs controlling the expression of different APM components have been identified. Using in silico analysis and an miR enrichment protocol in combination with small RNA sequencing, miR-26b-5p and miR-21-3p were postulated to target the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the peptide transporter TAP1, which was confirmed by high free binding energy and dual luciferase reporter assays. Overexpression of miR-26b-5p and miR-21-3p in melanoma cells downregulated the TAP1 protein and reduced expression of HLA class I cell surface antigens, which could be reverted by miR inhibitors. Moreover, miR-26b-5p overexpression induced a decreased T cell recognition. Furthermore, an inverse expression of miR-26b-5p and miR-21-3p with TAP1 was found in primary melanoma lesions, which was linked with the frequency of CD8+ T cell infiltration. Thus, miR-26-5p and miR-21-3p are involved in the HLA class I-mediated immune escape and might be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for HLA class Ilow melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Filothei Lazaridou
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany; (M.-F.L.); (C.M.); (D.H.); (A.M.); (M.F.); (K.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany; (M.-F.L.); (C.M.); (D.H.); (A.M.); (M.F.); (K.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Diana Handke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany; (M.-F.L.); (C.M.); (D.H.); (A.M.); (M.F.); (K.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Anja Mueller
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany; (M.-F.L.); (C.M.); (D.H.); (A.M.); (M.F.); (K.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Michael Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany; (M.-F.L.); (C.M.); (D.H.); (A.M.); (M.F.); (K.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Karthikeyan Subbarayan
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany; (M.-F.L.); (C.M.); (D.H.); (A.M.); (M.F.); (K.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Sandy Tretbar
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany; (M.-F.L.); (C.M.); (D.H.); (A.M.); (M.F.); (K.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Institute of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Peter Koelblinger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany; (M.-F.L.); (C.M.); (D.H.); (A.M.); (M.F.); (K.S.); (S.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-345-557-4054
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Lazaridou MF, Gonschorek E, Massa C, Friedrich M, Handke D, Mueller A, Jasinski-Bergner S, Dummer R, Koelblinger P, Seliger B. Identification of miR-200a-5p targeting the peptide transporter TAP1 and its association with the clinical outcome of melanoma patients. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1774323. [PMID: 32923135 PMCID: PMC7458634 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1774323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor escape is often associated with abnormalities in the surface expression of the human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) antigens thereby limiting CD8+ cytotoxic T cell responses. This impaired HLA-I surface expression can be mediated by deficient expression of components of the antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) due to epigenetic, transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional processes. Since a discordant mRNA and protein expression pattern of APM components including the peptide transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) has been frequently described in tumors of distinct origin, a post-transcriptional control of APM components caused by microRNAs (miR) was suggested. Using an in silico approach, miR-200a-5p has been identified as a candidate miR binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of TAP1. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated a specific binding of miR-200a-5p to the TAP1 3'-UTR. Furthermore, the miR-200a-5p expression is inversely correlated with the TAP1 protein expression in HEK293T cells and in a panel of melanoma cell lines as well as in primary melanoma lesions. High levels of miR-200a-5p expression were associated with a shorter overall survival of melanoma patients. Overexpression of miR-200a-5p reduced TAP1 levels, which was accompanied by a decreased HLA-I surface expression and an enhanced NK cell sensitivity of melanoma cells. These data show for the first time a miR-mediated control of the peptide transporter subunit TAP1 in melanoma thereby leading to a reduced HLA-I surface expression accompanied by an altered immune recognition and reduced patients' survival. Abbreviations Ab: antibody; ACTB: β-actin; APM: antigen processing and presentation machinery; ATCC: American tissue culture collection; β2-m: β2-microglobulin; BSA: bovine serum albumin; CTL: cytotoxic T lymphocyte; FCS: fetal calf serum; FFL: firefly luciferase; FFPE: formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HC: heavy chain; HLA: human leukocyte antigen; HLA-I: HLA class I; HRP: horseradish peroxidase; IFN: interferon; im-miR: immune modulatory miRNA; LMP: low molecular weight protein; luc: luciferase; MFI: mean fluorescence intensity; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; miR: microRNA; NC: negative control; NK: natural killer; NSCLC: non-small cell lung carcinoma; OS: overall survival; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cells; RBP: RNA-binding proteins; RL: Renilla; RLU: relative light units; TAP: transporter associated with antigen processing; tpn: tapasin; UTR: untranslated region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evamaria Gonschorek
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Diana Handke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Anja Mueller
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Institute of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Koelblinger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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9
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HLA Class I Antigen Processing Machinery Defects in Cancer Cells-Frequency, Functional Significance, and Clinical Relevance with Special Emphasis on Their Role in T Cell-Based Immunotherapy of Malignant Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2055:325-350. [PMID: 31502159 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9773-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MHC class I antigen abnormalities have been shown to be one of the major immune escape mechanisms murine and human cancer cells utilize to avoid recognition and destruction by host immune system. This mechanism has clinical relevance, since it is associated with poor prognosis and/or reduced patients' survival in many types of malignant diseases. The recent impressive clinical responses to T cell-based immunotherapies triggered by checkpoint inhibitors have rekindled tumor immunologists and clinical oncologists' interest in the analysis of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen processing machinery (APM) expression and function in malignant cells. Abnormalities in the expression, regulation and/or function of components of this machinery have been associated with the development of resistances to T cell-based immunotherapies. In this review, following the description of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I APM organization and function, the information related to the frequency of defects in HLA class I APM component expression in various types of cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms is summarized. Then the impact of these defects on clinical response to T cell-based immunotherapies and strategies to revert this immune escape process are discussed.
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Friedrich M, Jasinski-Bergner S, Lazaridou MF, Subbarayan K, Massa C, Tretbar S, Mueller A, Handke D, Biehl K, Bukur J, Donia M, Mandelboim O, Seliger B. Tumor-induced escape mechanisms and their association with resistance to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1689-1700. [PMID: 31375885 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy aims to activate the immune system to fight cancer in a very specific and targeted manner. Despite the success of different immunotherapeutic strategies, in particular antibodies directed against checkpoints as well as adoptive T-cell therapy, the response of patients is limited in different types of cancers. This attributes to escape of the tumor from immune surveillance and development of acquired resistances during therapy. In this review, the different evasion and resistance mechanisms that limit the efficacy of immunotherapies targeting tumor-associated antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules on the surface of the malignant cells are summarized. Overcoming these escape mechanisms is a great challenge, but might lead to a better clinical outcome of patients and is therefore currently a major focus of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maria-Filothei Lazaridou
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Subbarayan
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sandy Tretbar
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Mueller
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Diana Handke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Katharina Biehl
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jürgen Bukur
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marco Donia
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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11
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Subbarayan K, Leisz S, Wickenhauser C, Bethmann D, Massa C, Steven A, Seliger B. Biglycan-mediated upregulation of MHC class I expression in HER-2/neu-transformed cells. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1373233. [PMID: 29632715 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1373233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix protein biglycan (BGN) has oncogenic or tumor suppressive potential depending on the cellular origin. HER-2/neu overexpression in murine fibroblasts and human model systems is inversely correlated with BGN expression. Upon its restoration BGNhigh HER-2/neu+ fibroblasts were less tumorigenic in immune competent mice when compared to BGNlow/neg HER-2/neu+ cells, which was associated with enhanced immune cell responses and higher frequencies of immune effector cells in tumors and peripheral blood. The increased immunogenicity of BGNhigh HER-2/neu+ fibroblasts appears to be due to upregulated MHC class I surface antigens and reduced expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β isoforms and the TGF-β receptor 1 suggesting a link between BGN, TGF-β pathway and HER-2/neu-mediated downregulation of MHC class I antigens. Treatment of BGNlow/neg HER-2/neu+ cells with recombinant BGN or an inhibitor of TGF-β enhanced MHC class I surface antigens in BGNlow/neg HER-2/neu-overexpressing murine fibroblasts, which was mediated by a transcriptional upregulation of major MHC class I antigen processing components. Furthermore, BGN expression in HER-2/neu+ cells was accompanied by an increased expression of the proteoglycan decorin (DCN). Since recombinant DCN also elevated MHC class I surface expression in BGNlow/neg HER-2/neu+ cells, both proteoglycans might act synergistically. This was in accordance with in silico analyses of mRNA data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset available for breast cancer (BC) patients. Thus, our data provide for the first time evidence that proteoglycan signatures are modulated by HER-2/neu and linked to MHC class I-mediated immune escape associated with an altered TGF-β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Subbarayan
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle/ Saale, Germany
| | - Sandra Leisz
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle/ Saale, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle/ Saale, Germany
| | - Daniel Bethmann
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle/ Saale, Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle/ Saale, Germany
| | - André Steven
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle/ Saale, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle/ Saale, Germany
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12
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Steven A, Leisz S, Sychra K, Hiebl B, Wickenhauser C, Mougiakakos D, Kiessling R, Denkert C, Seliger B. Hypoxia-mediated alterations and their role in the HER-2/neuregulated CREB status and localization. Oncotarget 2018; 7:52061-52084. [PMID: 27409833 PMCID: PMC5239535 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is involved in the tumorigenicity of HER-2/neu-overexpressing murine and human tumor cells, but a link between the HER-2/neu-mediated CREB activation, its posttranslational modification and localization and changes in the cellular metabolism, due to an altered (tumor) microenvironment remains to be established. The present study demonstrated that shRNA-mediated silencing of CREB in HER-2/neu-transformed cells resulted in decreased tumor formation, which was associated with reduced angiogenesis, but increased necrotic and hypoxic areas in the tumor. Hypoxia induced pCREBSer133, but not pCREBSer121 expression in HER-2/neu-transformed cells. This was accompanied by upregulation of the hypoxia-inducible genes GLUT1 and VEGF, increased cell migration and matrix metalloproteinase-mediated invasion. Treatment of HER-2/neu+ cells with signal transduction inhibitors targeting in particular HER-2/neu was able to revert hypoxia-controlled CREB activation. In addition to changes in the phosphorylation, hypoxic response of HER-2/neu+ cells caused a transient ubiquitination and SUMOylation as well as a co-localization of nuclear CREB to the mitochondrial matrix. A mitochondrial localization of CREB was also demonstrated in hypoxic areas of HER-2/neu+ mammary carcinoma lesions. This was accompanied by an altered gene expression pattern, activity and metabolism of mitochondria leading to an increased respiratory rate, oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial membrane potential and consequently to an enhanced apoptosis and reduced cell viability. These data suggest that the HER-2/neu-mediated CREB activation caused by a hypoxic tumor microenvironment contributes to the neoplastic phenotype of HER-2/neu+ cells at various levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Steven
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sandra Leisz
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | | | - Bernhard Hiebl
- Centre for Basic Medical Research, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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13
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Steven A, Leisz S, Wickenhauser C, Schulz K, Mougiakakos D, Kiessling R, Denkert C, Seliger B. Linking CREB function with altered metabolism in murine fibroblast-based model cell lines. Oncotarget 2017; 8:97439-97463. [PMID: 29228623 PMCID: PMC5722575 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The cAMP-responsive element binding protein CREB is frequently overexpressed and activated in tumors of distinct histology, leading to enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis as well as reduced apoptosis. The de-regulated expression of CREB might be linked with transcriptional as well as post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms. We show here that altered CREB expression levels and function are associated with changes in the cellular metabolism. Using comparative proteome-based analysis an altered expression pattern of proteins involved in the cellular metabolism in particular in glycolysis was found upon CREB down-regulation in HER-2/neu-transfected cell lines. This was associated with diminished expression levels of the glucose transporter 1, reduced glucose uptake and reduced glycolytic activity in HER-2/neu-transfected cells with down-regulated CREB when compared to HER-2/neu+ cells. Furthermore, hypoxia-induced CREB activity resulted in changes of the metabolism in HER-2/neu transfected cells. Low pH values in the supernatant of HER-2/neu transformants were restored by CREB down-regulation, but further decreased by hypoxia. The altered intracellular pH values were associated with a distinct expression of lactate dehydrogenase, and its substrate lactate. Moreover, enhanced phosphorylation of CREB on residue Ser133 was accompanied by a down-regulation of pERK and an up-regulation of pAKT. CREB promotes the detoxification of ROS by catalase, therefore protecting the mitochondrial activity under oxidative stress. These data suggest that there might exists a link between CREB function and the altered metabolism in HER-2/neu-transformed cells. Thus, targeting these altered metabolic pathways might represent an attractive therapeutic approach at least for the treatment of patients with HER-2/neu overexpressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Steven
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sandra Leisz
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Kristin Schulz
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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14
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Seliger B. Immune modulatory microRNAs as a novel mechanism to revert immune escape of tumors. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017; 36:49-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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15
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Rahn J, Lennicke C, Kipp AP, Müller AS, Wessjohann LA, Lichtenfels R, Seliger B. Altered protein expression pattern in colon tissue of mice upon supplementation with distinct selenium compounds. Proteomics 2017; 17. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201600486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jette Rahn
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Claudia Lennicke
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Anna P. Kipp
- German Institute of Human Nutrition; Potsdam-Rehbrücke; Nuthetal Germany
| | - Andreas S. Müller
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
- Delacon Biotechnik GmbH; Steyregg Austria
| | | | - Rudolf Lichtenfels
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
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16
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Concha-Benavente F, Ferris RL. Oncogenic growth factor signaling mediating tumor escape from cellular immunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2017; 45:52-59. [PMID: 28208102 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Unrestrained growth factor signals can promote carcinogenesis, as well as other hallmarks of cancer such as immune evasion. Our understanding of the function and complex regulation of HER family of receptors has led to the development of targeted therapeutic agents that suppress tumor growth. However, these receptors also mediate escape from recognition by the host immune system. We discuss how HER family of oncogenic receptors downregulate tumor antigen presentation and upregulate suppressive membrane-bound or soluble secreted inhibitory molecules that ultimately lead to impaired cellular immunity mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) recognition. Implementing this knowledge into new therapeutic strategies to enhance tumor immunogenicity may restore effector cell mediated immune clearance of tumors and clinical efficacy of tumor-targeted immunotherapy against HER receptor overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Concha-Benavente
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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17
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Lennicke C, Rahn J, Bukur J, Hochgräfe F, Wessjohann LA, Lichtenfels R, Seliger B. Modulation of MHC class I surface expression in B16F10 melanoma cells by methylseleninic acid. Oncoimmunology 2016; 6:e1259049. [PMID: 28680742 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1259049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The essential trace element selenium (Se) might play a role in cancer prevention as well as for cancer therapy. Its metabolite methylselenol is able to kill cells through distinct mechanisms including induction of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage and apoptosis. Since methylselenol affects innate immune responses by modulating the expression of NKG2D ligands, the aim of this study was to determine whether the methylselenol generating compound methylseleninic acid (MSA) influences the expression of the MHC class I surface antigens and growth properties thereby reverting immune escape. Treatment of B16F10 melanoma cells expressing low basal MHC class I surface antigens with dimethyldiselenide (DMDSe) and MSA, but not with selenomethionine and selenite resulted in a dose-dependent upregulation of MHC class I cell surface antigens. This was due to a transcriptional upregulation of some major components of the antigen processing machinery (APM) and the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway and accompanied by a reduced migration of B16F10 melanoma cells in the presence of MSA. Comparative "ome"-based profilings of untreated and MSA-treated melanoma cells linked the anti-oxidative response system with MHC class I antigen processing. Since MSA treatment enhanced MHC class I surface expression also on different human tumors cell lines, MSA might affect the malignant phenotype of various tumor cells by restoring MHC class I APM component expression due to an altered redox status and by partially mimicking IFN-gamma signaling thereby providing a novel mechanism for the chemotherapeutic potential of methylselenol generating Se compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lennicke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jette Rahn
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jürgen Bukur
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Falko Hochgräfe
- Junior Research Group Pathoproteomics, Competence Center Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Rudolf Lichtenfels
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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18
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Seliger B. Molecular mechanisms of HLA class I-mediated immune evasion of human tumors and their role in resistance to immunotherapies. HLA 2016; 88:213-220. [PMID: 27659281 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although the human immune system can recognize and eradicate tumor cells, tumors have also been shown to develop different strategies to escape immune surveillance, which has been described for the first time in different mouse models. The evasion of immune recognition was often associated with a poor prognosis and reduced survival of patients. During the last years the molecular mechanisms, which protect tumor cells from this immune attack, have been identified and appear to be more complex than initially expected. However, next to the composition of cellular, soluble and physical components of the tumor microenvironment, the tumor cells changes to limit immune responses. Of particular importance are classical and non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens, which often showed a deregulated expression in cancers of distinct origin. Furthermore, HLA class I abnormalities were linked to defects in the interferon signaling, which have both been shown to be essential for mounting immune responses and are involved in resistances to T cell-based immunotherapies. Therefore this review summarizes the expression, regulation, function and clinical relevance of HLA class I antigens in association with the interferon signal transduction pathway and its role in adaptive resistances to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
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19
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Lennicke C, Rahn J, Kipp AP, Dojčinović BP, Müller AS, Wessjohann LA, Lichtenfels R, Seliger B. Individual effects of different selenocompounds on the hepatic proteome and energy metabolism of mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:3323-3334. [PMID: 27565357 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selenium (Se) exerts its biological activity largely via selenoproteins, which are key enzymes for maintaining the cellular redox homeostasis. However, besides these beneficial effects there is also evidence that an oversupply of Se might increase the risk towards developing metabolic disorders. To address this in more detail, we directly compared effects of feeding distinct Se compounds and concentrations on hepatic metabolism and expression profiles of mice. METHODS Male C57BL6/J mice received either a selenium-deficient diet or diets enriched with adequate or high doses of selenite, selenate or selenomethionine for 20weeks. Subsequently, metabolic parameters, enzymatic activities and expression levels of hepatic selenoproteins, Nrf2 targets, and additional redox-sensitive proteins were analyzed. Furthermore, 2D-DIGE-based proteomic profiling revealed Se compound-specific differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS Whereas heterogeneous effects between high concentrations of the Se compounds were observed with regard to body weight and metabolic activities, selenoproteins were only marginally increased by high Se concentrations in comparison to the respective adequate feeding. In particular the high-SeMet group showed a unique response compromising higher hepatic Se levels in comparison to all other groups. Accordingly, hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, and GSTpi1 expression were comparably high in the high-SeMet and Se-deficient group, indicating that compound-specific effects of high doses appear to be independent of selenoproteins. CONCLUSIONS Not only the nature, but also the concentration of Se compounds differentially affect biological processes. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Thus, it is important to consider Se compound-specific effects when supplementing with selenium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lennicke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jette Rahn
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anna P Kipp
- German Institute of Human Nutrition, Potsdam-Rehbruecke, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Biljana P Dojčinović
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Center of Chemistry, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andreas S Müller
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Delacon Biotechnik GmbH, 4221 Steyregg, Austria
| | | | - Rudolf Lichtenfels
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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20
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Bedognetti D, Hendrickx W, Ceccarelli M, Miller LD, Seliger B. Disentangling the relationship between tumor genetic programs and immune responsiveness. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 39:150-8. [PMID: 26967649 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Correlative studies in humans have demonstrated that an active immune microenvironment characterized by the presence of a T-helper 1 immune response typifies a tumor phenotype associated with better outcome and increased responsiveness to immune manipulation. This phenotype also signifies the counter activation of immune-regulatory mechanisms. Variables modulating the development of an effective anti-tumor immune response are increasingly scrutinized as potential therapeutic targets. Genetic alterations of cancer cells that functionally influence intratumoral immune response include mutational load, specific mutations of genes involved in oncogenic pathways and copy number aberrations involving chemokine and cytokine genes. Inhibiting oncogenic pathways that prevent the development of the immune-favorable cancer phenotype may complement modern immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Bedognetti
- Tumor Biology, Immunology and Therapy Section, Division of Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Wouter Hendrickx
- Tumor Biology, Immunology and Therapy Section, Division of Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- Qatar Computing Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lance D Miller
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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21
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Stoehr C, Bukur J, Massa C, Braun J, Hüttelmaier S, Spath V, Wartenberg R, Legal W, Taubert H, Wach S, Wullich B, Hartmann A, Seliger B. Clinical relevance of miR-mediated HLA-G regulation and the associated immune cell infiltration in renal cell carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1008805. [PMID: 26155421 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1008805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In human tumors of distinct origin including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the non-classical human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is frequently expressed, thereby inhibiting the cytotoxic activity of T and natural killer (NK) cells. Recent studies demonstrated a strong post-transcriptional gene regulation of the HLA-G by miR-152, -148A, -148B and -133A. Standard methods were applied to characterize the expression and function of HLA-G, HLA-G-regulatory microRNAs (miRs) and the immune cell infiltration in 453 RCC lesions using a tissue microarray and five RCC cell lines linking these results to clinical parameters. Direct interactions with HLA-G regulatory miRs and the HLA-G 3' untranslated region (UTR) were detected and the affinities of these different miRs to the HLA-G 3'-UTR compared. qPCR analyses and immunohistochemical staining revealed an inverse expression of miR-148A and -133A with the HLA-G protein in situ and in vitro. Stable miR overexpression caused a downregulation of HLA-G protein enhancing the NK and LAK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in in vitro CD107a activation assays revealing a HLA-G-dependent cytotoxic activity of immune effector cells. A significant higher frequency of CD3+/CD8+ T cell lymphocytes, but no differences in the activation markers CD69, CD25 or in the presence of CD56+, FoxP3+ and CD4+ immune cells were detected in HLA-G+ compared to HLA-G- RCC lesions. This could be associated with higher WHO grade, but not with a disease-specific survival. These data suggest a miR-mediated control of HLA-G expression in RCC, which is associated with a distinct pattern of immune cell infiltration.
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Key Words
- ACTB, β-actin
- APM, antigen processing machinery
- B7-H1, B7 homolog 1
- CDS, coding sequence; Cr, chromium
- COPZ2, coatomer protein complex, subunit zeta 2
- DAC, 5′-aza-2′-desoxycytidine, GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- HLA-G, human leukocyte antigen G
- HRP, horseradish peroxidase
- IFNγ, interferon gamma
- IHC, immunohistochemistry
- IL, interleukin
- ILT, immunoglobulin-like transcript
- LAK, lymphokine-activated killer cell
- MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cells
- MFI, mean-specific fluorescence intensity
- NK, natural killer cell
- RCC, renal cell carcinoma
- SNP, single nucleotide polymorphism
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor β
- TIL, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte
- TMA, tissue microarray
- Treg, regulatory T cell
- UTR, untranslated region
- WB, Western blot analysis
- WT, wild type
- immune escape
- luc, luciferase
- mAb, monoclonal antibody
- miR, microRNA
- miTRAP, miRNA trapping by RNA in vitro affinity purification
- microRNA
- n.d., not determined
- n.o.s., not otherwise specified; ntc., non-template control
- non-classical HLA class I molecules
- renal cell carcinoma
- sHLA-G, soluble HLA-G
- tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
- β-gal, β-galactosidase
- β2-m, β-2-microglobulin
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg ; Halle, Germany
| | - Christine Stoehr
- Institute of Pathology; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg ; Erlangen, Germany
| | - Juergen Bukur
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg ; Halle, Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg ; Halle, Germany
| | - Juliane Braun
- Institute of Molecular Medicine; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg ; Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg ; Halle, Germany
| | - Verena Spath
- Institute of Pathology; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg ; Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roland Wartenberg
- Institute of Pathology; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg ; Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Legal
- Clinic of Urology; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg ; Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Clinic of Urology; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg ; Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Wach
- Clinic of Urology; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg ; Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wullich
- Clinic of Urology; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg ; Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg ; Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg ; Halle, Germany
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22
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Ascierto PA, Grimaldi AM, Anderson AC, Bifulco C, Cochran A, Garbe C, Eggermont AM, Faries M, Ferrone S, Gershenwald JE, Gajewski TF, Halaban R, Hodi FS, Kefford R, Kirkwood JM, Larkin J, Leachman S, Maio M, Marais R, Masucci G, Melero I, Palmieri G, Puzanov I, Ribas A, Saenger Y, Schilling B, Seliger B, Stroncek D, Sullivan R, Testori A, Wang E, Ciliberto G, Mozzillo N, Marincola FM, Thurin M. Future perspectives in melanoma research: meeting report from the "Melanoma Bridge", Napoli, December 5th-8th 2013. J Transl Med 2014; 12:277. [PMID: 25348889 PMCID: PMC4232645 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-014-0277-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The fourth "Melanoma Bridge Meeting" took place in Naples, December 5 to 8th, 2013. The four topics discussed at this meeting were: Diagnosis and New Procedures, Molecular Advances and Combination Therapies, News in Immunotherapy, and Tumor Microenvironment and Biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo A Ascierto
- />Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Bifulco
- />Translational Molecular Pathology, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Portland, OR USA
| | - Alistair Cochran
- />Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA USA
| | - Claus Garbe
- />Center for Dermato Oncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Mark Faries
- />Donald L. Morton Melanoma Research Program, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- />Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jeffrey E Gershenwald
- />Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Thomas F Gajewski
- />Departments of Medicine and of Pathology, Immunology and Cancer Program, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Ruth Halaban
- />Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - F Stephen Hodi
- />Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA
| | - Richard Kefford
- />Westmead Institute for Cancer Research, Westmead Millennium Institute and Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - John M Kirkwood
- />Division of Hematology/Oncology, Departments of Medicine, Dermatology, and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Melanoma Program of the Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - James Larkin
- />Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sancy Leachman
- />Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Michele Maio
- />Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Richard Marais
- />Molecular Oncology Group, The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX UK
| | - Giuseppe Masucci
- />Department of Oncology-Pathology, The Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ignacio Melero
- />Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - Giuseppe Palmieri
- />Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Sassari, Italy
| | - Igor Puzanov
- />Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Antoni Ribas
- />Tumor Immunology Program, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Yvonne Saenger
- />Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Bastian Schilling
- />Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- />German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- />Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Halle, Germany
| | - David Stroncek
- />Cell Processing Section, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Ryan Sullivan
- />Center for Melanoma, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | | | - Ena Wang
- />Division Chief of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Nicola Mozzillo
- />Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Magdalena Thurin
- />Cancer Diagnosis Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
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23
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Stehle F, Gonschorek E, Kalich J, Schulz K, Huettelmaier S, Braun J, Seliger B. Identification of 14-3-3β gene as a novel miR-152 target using a proteome-based approach. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:31121-35. [PMID: 25228695 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.556290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated that miR-152 overexpression down-regulates the nonclassical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule HLA-G in human tumors thereby contributing to their immune surveillance. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, the protein expression profile of HLA-G(+), miR-152(low) cells, and their miR-152-overexpressing (miR(high)) counterparts was compared leading to the identification of 24 differentially expressed proteins. These were categorized according to their function and localization demonstrating for most of them an important role in the initiation and progression of tumors. The novel miR-152 target 14-3-3 protein β/α/YWHAB (14-3-3β) is down-regulated upon miR-152 overexpression, although its overexpression was often found in tumors of distinct origin. The miR-152-mediated reduction of the 14-3-3β expression was accompanied by an up-regulation of BAX protein expression resulting in a pro-apoptotic phenotype. In contrast, the reconstitution of 14-3-3β expression in miR-152(high) cells increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic BCL2 gene, enhances the proliferative activity in the presence of the cytostatic drug paclitaxel, and causes resistance to apoptosis induced by this drug. By correlating clinical microarray data with the patients' outcome, a link between 14-3-3β and HLA-G expression was found, which could be associated with poor prognosis and overall survival of patients with tumors. Because miR-152 controls both the expression of 14-3-3β and HLA-G, it exerts a dual role in tumor cells by both altering the immunogenicity and the tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle and
| | - Franziska Stehle
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle and
| | - Evamaria Gonschorek
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle and
| | - Jana Kalich
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle and
| | - Kristin Schulz
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle and
| | - Stefan Huettelmaier
- the Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Juliane Braun
- the Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- From the Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle and
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24
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Quandt D, Jasinski-Bergner S, Müller U, Schulze B, Seliger B. Synergistic effects of IL-4 and TNFα on the induction of B7-H1 in renal cell carcinoma cells inhibiting allogeneic T cell proliferation. J Transl Med 2014; 12:151. [PMID: 24885059 PMCID: PMC4079621 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The importance of B7-H molecules for the T cell/tumor communication and its impact on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progression and prognosis has been recently described. Cytokine treatment of RCC has earlier been shown to be beneficial in preclinical settings, but its clinical implementation has not proven to be as effective. This might be partially explained by the yet incomplete picture of cellular alterations in tumor cells upon cytokine treatment investigated in detail in this study. Methods RCC tumor cell lines were treated with different cytokines alone or in combination. The constitutive and/or cytokine-induced expression of cytokine receptors signaling components and B7-H molecules in RCC cells were analysed by qPCR and flow cytometry. A mcherry reporter gene construct containing B7-H1 promoter was cloned and its activity was determined upon transfection in cytokine-stimulated cells. Cytokine pretreated tumor cells were co-cultured with allogeneic CD8+ T cells from healthy donors and T cell proliferation as well as cytokine secretion was determined. Results A heterogeneous, but constitutive B7-H1,-H2,-H3 and H4 expression was found on human RCC cell lines. IL-4 and TNFα treatment led to strong synergistic induction of B7-H1 in RCC cells, whereas B7-H2 was only increased by TNFα. In contrast, B7-H3 and B7-H4 expression were not altered by these cytokines. Treatment of RCC cells with TNFα and IL-4 was accompanied by an activation of signaling molecules like NF-κB, IκB and STAT6. The cytokine-mediated up-regulation of B7-H1 was due to transcriptional control as determined by an increased B7-H1 promoter activity in the presence of IL-4 and TNFα. Despite HLA class I and LFA-1 were also increased, the cytokine-mediated up-regulation of B7-H1 was more pronounced and caused an inhibition of allospecifc CD8+ T cell proliferation. Conclusion Thus, IL-4 and TNFα, which could be released by immune cells of the tumor microenvironment, are able to control the B7-H1 expression in RCC thereby altering T cell responses. These data are of importance for understanding the complex interplay of tumor cells with immune cells orchestrated by a number of different soluble and membrane bound mediators and for the implementation of check point antibodies directed against B7-H1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str, 2, Halle 06112, Germany.
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25
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Seliger B. The link between MHC class I abnormalities of tumors, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and transcription factors. J Immunotoxicol 2014; 11:308-10. [DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2013.875084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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26
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Fang XY, Ye DQ. E2F1: a potential therapeutic target for systematic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatol Int 2013; 34:1175-6. [PMID: 24071937 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-013-2873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
E2F1 is a transcriptional activator, which binds to DNA, and regulates the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle progression. Many elegant studies have revealed that E2F1 plays a crucial role in regulating the apoptosis process of DC and T cells. In addition, the pathogenesis of SLE involves marked immune dysfunction, and in particular, the function of immunosuppressive elements of the immune system is impaired, including regulatory T cell function and DC. Thus, therapeutic agents targeting E2F1 might result in important innovative therapies for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People's Republic of China
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27
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Seliger B, Kiessling R. The two sides of HER2/neu: immune escape versus surveillance. Trends Mol Med 2013; 19:677-84. [PMID: 24035606 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The oncogene HER2 is one of the prototypes for targeted immunotherapy of cancer using both monoclonal antibodies as well as T cell based immunotherapies. Effective humoral and cellular immune responses against HER2 can be induced, but these responses can be influenced by the effects of this oncogene on the target tumor cells. The processes involved in HER2-mediated adaptive and innate immunity and the molecular mechanisms underlying the escape of HER2-expressing tumor cells from immune surveillance, particularly from cytotoxic T cells, are discussed. Implementing this knowledge in clinical trials to revert immune evasion may help optimize immunotherapies directed against HER2-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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28
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Steven A, Leisz S, Massa C, Iezzi M, Lattanzio R, Lamolinara A, Bukur J, Müller A, Hiebl B, Holzhausen HJ, Seliger B. HER-2/neu mediates oncogenic transformation via altered CREB expression and function. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 11:1462-77. [PMID: 24025972 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-13-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The cyclic (c)AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) plays a key role in many cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and signal transduction. Furthermore, CREB overexpression was found in tumors of distinct origin and evidence suggests an association with tumorigenicity. To establish a mechanistic link between HER-2/neu-mediated transformation and CREB protein expression and function, in vitro models of HER-2/neu-overexpressing and HER-2/neu-negative/silenced counterparts as well as human mammary carcinoma lesions with defined HER-2/neu status were used. HER-2/neu overexpression resulted in the induction and activation of CREB protein in vitro and in vivo, whereas short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated inhibition of HER-2/neu correlated with downregulated CREB activity. CREB activation in HER-2/neu-transformed cells enhanced distinct signal transduction pathways, whereas their inhibition negatively interfered with CREB expression and/or activation. CREB downregulation in HER-2/neu-transformed cells by shRNA and by the inhibitors KG-501 and lapatinib caused morphologic changes, reduced cell proliferation with G0-G1 cell-cycle arrest, which was rescued by CREB expression. This was accompanied by reduced cell migration, wound healing, an increased fibronectin adherence, invasion, and matrix metalloproteinase expression. In vivo shCREB-HER-2/neu(+) cells, but not control cells, exerted a significantly decreased tumorgenicity that was associated with decreased proliferative capacity, enhanced apoptosis, and increased frequency of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, CREB plays an important role in the HER-2/neu-mediated transformation by altering in vitro and in vivo growth characteristics. IMPLICATIONS These data suggest that CREB affects tumor immunogenicity and is a potential target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Steven
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle, Germany.
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29
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Leone P, Shin EC, Perosa F, Vacca A, Dammacco F, Racanelli V. MHC class I antigen processing and presenting machinery: organization, function, and defects in tumor cells. J Natl Cancer Inst 2013; 105:1172-87. [PMID: 23852952 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djt184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 362] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The surface presentation of peptides by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules is critical to all CD8(+) T-cell adaptive immune responses, including those against tumors. The generation of peptides and their loading on MHC class I molecules is a multistep process involving multiple molecular species that constitute the so-called antigen processing and presenting machinery (APM). The majority of class I peptides begin as proteasome degradation products of cytosolic proteins. Once transported into the endoplasmic reticulum by TAP (transporter associated with antigen processing), peptides are not bound randomly by class I molecules but are chosen by length and sequence, with peptidases editing the raw peptide pool. Aberrations in APM genes and proteins have frequently been observed in human tumors and found to correlate with relevant clinical variables, including tumor grade, tumor stage, disease recurrence, and survival. These findings support the idea that APM defects are immune escape mechanisms that disrupt the tumor cells' ability to be recognized and killed by tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells. Detailed knowledge of APM is crucial for the optimization of T cell-based immunotherapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Leone
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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30
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Simone LC, Smith BL, Solheim JC. Impact of beta 2-microglobulin on tapasin expression and covalent association. Cell Immunol 2012; 279:66-9. [PMID: 23089196 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2012.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cellular immunity is dependent on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules enabling cytotoxic T cell recognition of malignant and infected cells. Loading of antigenic peptides onto MHC class I is assisted by a peptide-loading protein complex including tapasin. We found that tapasin expression is enhanced by beta 2-microglobulin via both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. In addition, using conditions which preserve the tapasin-ERp57 disulfide-bonded conjugate, we demonstrated that beta 2-microglobulin increases tapasin-containing protein complexes, and reduces the level of MHC class I/ERp57 complexes lacking tapasin. Overall, our results provide a new perspective on the regulation of tapasin expression and association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Simone
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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31
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Zou L, Xu HG, Ren W, Jin R, Wang Y, Zhou GP. Transcriptional activation of the human CD2AP promoter by E2F1. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42774. [PMID: 22880102 PMCID: PMC3411847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) is an adaptor molecule involved in T cell receptor signaling and podocyte homeostasis. CD2AP-deficient mice develop nephritic syndrome and renal failure caused by glomerulosclerosis. Transcription factor E2F1 is a key regulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Here we report that E2F1 up-regulates the human CD2AP promoter and further increases the mRNA and protein levels of the human CD2AP in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. By semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis we demonstrate that ectopic expression of E2F1 elevates the mRNA and protein levels of CD2AP. Consistently, transient transfection assays prove that overexpression of E2F1 transactivates the CD2AP promoter while knocking-down of endogenous E2F1 by a shRNA strategy results in reduction of the CD2AP promoter activity. Toward understanding the underlying mechanism of this regulation, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation and mutations of the putative Sp1 binding sites, demonstrating that E2F1 can bind to Sp1 binding site and overexpression of E2F1 is capable of increasing the binding of E2F1 and decreasing the binding of Sp1 to Sp1 binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hua-Guo Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Ren
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guo-Ping Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail:
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32
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Bukur J, Jasinski S, Seliger B. The role of classical and non-classical HLA class I antigens in human tumors. Semin Cancer Biol 2012; 22:350-8. [PMID: 22465194 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In human tumors alterations in the surface expression and/or function of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens are frequently found and equip neoplastic cells with mechanisms to escape immune control. The aberrant expression of HLA class I molecules can be caused by structural alterations or dysregulations of genes encoding the classical HLA class I antigens and/or components of the HLA class I antigen processing machinery (APM). The dysregulation of APM components could occur at the epigenetic, transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. In some malignancies these abnormalities are significantly associated with a higher tumor staging, grading, disease progression and a reduced survival of patients as well as a failure to CD8(+) T cell-based immunotherapies. In addition to HLA class I abnormalities, expression of the non-classical HLA-G antigen is often induced in tumors, which could be mediated by various microenvironmental factors. Interestingly, soluble HLA-G serum and plasma levels have been useful markers for the prediction of some malignancies. The biological consequence of HLA-G expression or sHLA-G is an escape from T and NK cell-mediated recognition. Thus, alterations of non-classical and classical HLA class I antigens and components of the antigen processing pathway provide tumor cells with different mechanisms to inactivate immune responses resulting in tumor growth and evasion from host immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Bukur
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
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33
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Seliger B. Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of HLA class I abnormalities. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:249-254. [PMID: 22120755 PMCID: PMC11029063 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1153-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the MHC class I surface antigens represent one mechanism of tumor cells to escape from natural or immunotherapy-induced antitumor immune responses. In order to restore MHC class I expression, knowledge about the underlying molecular mechanisms of MHC class I defects in different tumor types is required. In most cases, abnormalities of MHC class I expression are reversible by cytokines suggesting a deregulation rather than structural abnormalities of members of the antigen-processing and presentation machinery (APM). The impaired expression of APM components could be controlled at the epigenetic, transcriptional and/or posttranscriptional level. Furthermore, a direct link between altered transcription factor binding, interferon signal transduction and MHC class I APM component expression has been shown, which might be further associated with cell cycle progression. This information will not only give novel insights into the (patho) physiology of the antigen-processing and presenting pathway, but will help in the future to design effective T cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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34
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Kim JM, Kim JS, Yoo DY, Ko SH, Kim N, Kim H, Kim YJ. Stimulation of dendritic cells with Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin negatively regulates their maturation via the restoration of E2F1. Clin Exp Immunol 2011; 166:34-45. [PMID: 21910723 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2011.04447.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori induces an infiltration of dendritic cells (DCs) into the infected gastric mucosa. Although DCs play an important role in the regulation of inflammation, the effects of H. pylori vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) on DC maturation process have not yet been elucidated. The role of VacA in DC maturation following co-exposure to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated. The treatment of immature DCs with LPS up-regulated the expression of surface molecules [e.g. CD40, CD80, CD86 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II], as well as the production of cytokines [e.g. interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-12p70 and tumour necrosis gactor (TNF)-α] compared with those of unstimulated controls. Co-stimulation with H. pylori VacA significantly reduced the up-regulated DC maturation markers induced by LPS. In addition, VacA sustained the immature state of DCs with high endocytosis and low migratory capacity. The LPS-induced down-regulation of E2F1 expression in DCs was recovered by co-stimulation with VacA. Moreover, suppression of E2F1 by small interfering RNA resulted in a significant recovery of the inhibited DC maturation by VacA. In contrast, VacA did not affect nuclear factor (NF)-κB responses to LPS and the NF-κB signal was not associated with VacA-induced inhibition of DC maturation. These results suggest that the exposure of DCs to H. pylori VacA negatively regulates DC maturation via the restoration of E2F1. The immunomodulatory action of VacA on DCs may contribute to the ability of VacA-producing H. pylori to establish a persistent infection in the gastric mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Hanyang University College of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicin Department of Food and Nutrition, Yonsei University, Seoul Department of Biotechnology, Joongbu University, Choongnam, Korea.
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