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Tronik-Le Roux D, Daouya M, Poras I, Desgrandchamps F, Carosella ED. HLA-G neo-expression modifies genetic programs governing tumor cell lines. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:247. [PMID: 39358558 PMCID: PMC11447172 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03768-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
The development of immunotherapies has proved to be clinically encouraging to re-establish the immune function modified by the expression of immune inhibitory molecules in tumors. However, there are still patients with poor survival rates following treatment. The elucidation of molecular mechanisms triggered by the neo-expression of particular IC in tumors would constitute a major step toward better understanding tumor evolution and would help to design future clinical protocols. To this end, we investigate the modifications triggered by the neo-expression of the immune checkpoints HLA-G in ccRCC tumor cells. We demonstrate, for the first time, that HLA-G modifies key genes implicated mainly in tumor development, angiogenesis, calcium flow and mitochondria dynamics. The involvement of HLA-G on the expression of genes belonging to these pathways such as ADAM-12, NCAM1 and NRP1 was confirmed by the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated edition of HLA-G. The data reveal multifaceted roles of HLA-G in tumor cells which are far beyond the well-known function of HLA-G in the immune anti-tumor response. This warrants further investigation of HLA-G and these new partners in tumors of different origin so as to propose future new treatments to improve health patient's outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tronik-Le Roux
- CEA Commissariat À L'Énergie Atomique Et Aux Énergies Alternatives/Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency, HIRD Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.
- UMRS Unité Mixte de Recherche Et de Service 976HIPI, Human Immunology Pathophysiology Immunotherapie Unit, IRSL Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, University of Paris, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.
| | - Marina Daouya
- CEA Commissariat À L'Énergie Atomique Et Aux Énergies Alternatives/Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency, HIRD Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- UMRS Unité Mixte de Recherche Et de Service 976HIPI, Human Immunology Pathophysiology Immunotherapie Unit, IRSL Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, University of Paris, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Poras
- CEA Commissariat À L'Énergie Atomique Et Aux Énergies Alternatives/Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency, HIRD Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- UMRS Unité Mixte de Recherche Et de Service 976HIPI, Human Immunology Pathophysiology Immunotherapie Unit, IRSL Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, University of Paris, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
| | - François Desgrandchamps
- CEA Commissariat À L'Énergie Atomique Et Aux Énergies Alternatives/Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency, HIRD Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Edgardo D Carosella
- CEA Commissariat À L'Énergie Atomique Et Aux Énergies Alternatives/Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency, HIRD Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.
- UMRS Unité Mixte de Recherche Et de Service 976HIPI, Human Immunology Pathophysiology Immunotherapie Unit, IRSL Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, University of Paris, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.
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2
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Seliger B. Role of HLA-G in tumors and upon COVID-19 infection. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110792. [PMID: 38555250 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
HLA-G expression of tumors and upon viral infections is involved in their immune escape leading to the evasion from both T and NK cell recognition. The underlying mechanisms of HLA-G expression in both pathophysiologic conditions are broad and range from genetic abnormalities to epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the frequency, regulation and clinical relevance of HLA-G expression upon neoplastic and viral transformation, its interaction with components of the microenvironment as well as its potential as diagnostic marker and/or therapeutic target. In addition, it discusses urgent topics, which have to be addressed in HLA-G research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", 14770, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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3
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Maralbashi S, Aslan C, Kahroba H, Asadi M, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Haghnavaz N, Jadidi F, Salari F, Kazemi T. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) impairs hypoxia-induced cellular and exosomal overexpression of immune-checkpoints and immunomodulatory molecules in different subtypes of breast cancer cells. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:41. [PMID: 38439112 PMCID: PMC10910708 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00844-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cells express immune-checkpoint molecules to suppress anti-tumor immune responses. In part, immune evasion takes place by secreting exosomes bearing immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules and their inducing and/or regulating agents e.g., microRNAs (miRs). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the expression of some selected immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules and their regulating miRs under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions in triple negative (TNBC) invasive and triple positive non-invasive breast cancer cell lines. METHODS MDA-MB-231 and BT-474 cells were treated with 100 µM DHA under hypoxic and normoxic conditions for 24 h. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifuge and confirmed by electron microscope and anti-CD9, -CD63, -CD81 immunoblotting. Total RNA from cells and exosomes were extracted and expression of CD39, CD73, CD47, CD80, PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4 genes and their related miRs were evaluated by quantitative Real-time PCR. RESULTS This study showed significant over-expression of immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules under hypoxic condition. Treatment with DHA resulted in a significant decrease in immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecule expression as well as an upregulation of their regulatory miRNA expression. CONCLUSION DHA supplementation may be utilized in breast cancer therapy for down-regulation of cellular and exosomal immune escape-related molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Maralbashi
- Applied drug research center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Cynthia Aslan
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Houman Kahroba
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Milad Asadi
- Department of Basic Oncology, Health Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Navideh Haghnavaz
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Salari
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran.
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Durmanova V, Tedla M, Rada D, Bandzuchova H, Kuba D, Suchankova M, Ocenasova A, Bucova M. Analysis of HLA-G 14 bp Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism and HLA-G, ILT2 and ILT4 Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients. Diseases 2024; 12:34. [PMID: 38391781 PMCID: PMC10888050 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is the checkpoint molecule involved in the suppression of the immune response. Increased expression of HLA-G and its ILTs receptors have been correlated with tumor progression in various cancer types. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors, the effect of HLA-G, ILT2 and ILT4 expression on cancer development has to be explained. The 34 HNSCC patients and 98 controls were genotyped for the HLA-G 14 bp ins/del polymorphism. In HNSCC lesions, HLA-G, ILT2 and ILT4 mRNA expression was analysed using real-time PCR. The association between HLA-G, ILT2 and ILT4 mRNA expression and clinical variables (age at onset, TNM staging system and p16 positivity) was also evaluated. No genetic association between the HLA-G 14 bp ins/del and HNSCC risk was detected (p > 0.05). However, in the non-metastatic HNSCC group, a significantly higher HLA-G mRNA expression was noted in tumors in the T4 stage compared to those in the T1 and T2 stages (p = 0.0289). ILT2 mRNA expression was significantly increased in non-metastatic vs. metastatic tumors (p = 0.0269). Furthermore, a significantly higher ILT4 mRNA expression was noted in tumors in the T1+T2 stage compared to those in the T3 stage (p = 0.0495). Our results suggest that the HLA-G molecule creates an immunological microenvironment involved in HNSCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimira Durmanova
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Tedla
- Department of Ears, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bratislava, Comenius University in Bratislava, 851 07 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dusan Rada
- Department of Ears, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bratislava, Comenius University in Bratislava, 851 07 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Daniel Kuba
- National Transplant Organisation, 831 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Magda Suchankova
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Agata Ocenasova
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Maria Bucova
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Wang S, Wang J, Xia Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Liu M, Gao Q, Zhang C. Harnessing the potential of HLA-G in cancer therapy: advances, challenges, and prospects. J Transl Med 2024; 22:130. [PMID: 38310272 PMCID: PMC10838004 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockades have been prized in circumventing and ablating the impediments posed by immunosuppressive receptors, reaching an exciting juncture to be an innovator in anticancer therapy beyond traditional therapeutics. Thus far, approved immune checkpoint blockades have principally targeted PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 with exciting success in a plethora of tumors and yet are still trapped in dilemmas of limited response rates and adverse effects. Hence, unveiling new immunotherapeutic targets has aroused immense scientific interest in the hope of expanding the clinical application of immune checkpoint blockades to scale new heights. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, is enriched on various malignant cells and is involved in the hindrance of immune effector cells and the facilitation of immunosuppressive cells. HLA-G stands out as a crucial next-generation immune checkpoint showing great promise for the benefit of cancer patients. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the expression pattern and immunological functions of HLA-G, as well as its interaction with well-characterized immune checkpoints. Since HLA-G can be shed from the cell surface or released by various cells as free soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) or as part of extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely HLA-G-bearing EVs (HLA-GEV), we discuss the potential of sHLA-G and HLA-GEV as predictive biomarkers. This review also addresses the advancement of HLA-G-based therapies in preclinical and clinical settings, with a focus on their clinical application in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yueqiang Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Jang A, Lichterman JN, Zhong JY, Shoag JE, Garcia JA, Zhang T, Barata PC. Immune approaches beyond traditional immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2276629. [PMID: 37947202 PMCID: PMC10653627 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2276629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially clear cell RCC, is generally considered an immunotherapy-responsive cancer. Recently, the prognosis for patients with locally advanced and metastatic RCC has significantly improved with the regulatory approvals of anti-PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens. Yet in most cases, RCC will remain initially unresponsive to treatment or will develop resistance over time. Hence, there remains an unmet need to understand what leads to ICI resistance and to develop novel immune and nonimmune treatments to enhance the response to ICIs. In this review, we highlight recently published studies and the latest clinical studies investigating the next generation of immune approaches to locally advanced and metastatic RCC beyond traditional ICIs. These trials include cytokines, gut microbiota-based therapies, novel immune checkpoint agents, vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. These agents are being evaluated as monotherapy or in combination with traditional ICIs and will hopefully provide improved outcomes to patients with RCC soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Jang
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jake N. Lichterman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey Y. Zhong
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Shoag
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jorge A. Garcia
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tian Zhang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Pedro C. Barata
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Moavro DE, Andrini L, Iribarne A, Colaci P, García M. HLA-G expression in transitional bladder carcinoma. Relationship with tumor invasion level and patient survival: Experience in a public hospital in Argentina. Hum Immunol 2023:S0198-8859(23)00062-9. [PMID: 37069040 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.03.008] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Transitional carcinoma (TC) is the most common neoplasm of the bladder (80%). The immune checkpoint (IC) Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) expression has been demonstrated within numerous types of cancer and correlates with the degree of malignancy. This study aims for HLA-G expression in the bladder TC in a public hospital in Argentina linking its malignancy grade with the survival of the patients. We study thirty TC samples, in which we determine the invasion level and the HLA-G expression by immunohistochemistry. From all analyzed cases, 23 correspond to high-grade TC, of whom 91% presented HLA-G immunostaining and 83% compromised the muscularis propria layer of the bladder. Four patients in this group have not exceeded 5 years of survival. This data confirms that HLA-G expression in the bladder TC is associated with greater aggressiveness. Therefore, adding this immunostaining to the immunohistochemical panel used in the routine diagnosis of this neoplasm would be very useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián E Moavro
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina; Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos "General San Martín", La Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Laura Andrini
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ailén Iribarne
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Colaci
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela García
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina
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El Marsafy S, Larghero J. Cancer Cell De-Differentiation: Plasticity-Driven Stratagem For Tumor Metastasis and Recurrence. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 18:54-61. [PMID: 35676837 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x17666220608101852] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor recurrence is a colossal challenge in clinical oncology. This multifactorial problem is attributed to the emergence of additional genetic mutations and the presence of dormant cancer cells. However, the plasticity of non-stem cancer cells and the acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC) functionality is another contributing factor to tumor recurrence. Herein, I focus attention on the mechanisms that fuel cancer cell de-differentiation and the interplay between intra-cellular regulators and tumor microenvironment (TME) landscape that promotes cancer cell stemness. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumor cell de-differentiation is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic strategies that prevent cancer from ever recurring.
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Chen YW, Rini BI, Beckermann KE. Emerging Targets in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4843. [PMID: 36230766 PMCID: PMC9561986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual immune checkpoint blockade targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 (ipilimumab/nivolumab) or the IO combinations targeting PD-1 and anti-VEGF TKIs (pembrolizumab/axitinib, nivolumab/cabozantinib, pembrolizumab/lenvatinib) have demonstrated an overall survival benefit in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Despite this significant improvement in clinical outcomes in the frontline setting from IO/IO or the IO/TKI combinations, there is a subset of patients of advanced ccRCC that do not respond to such combinations or will lose the initial efficacy and have disease progression. Therefore, a remarkable unmet need exists to develop new therapeutics to improve outcomes. With an enhanced understanding of ccRCC biology and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment, several new therapies are under development targeting ccRCC metabolism, cytokine-signaling, alternative immune checkpoint proteins, and novel biological pathways. In addition, microbiome products enhancing IO response, antibody-drug conjugates, and targeted radionuclides are also being investigated. This review summarizes selected emerging agents that are under development in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Chen
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brian I. Rini
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Beckermann
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Chen QY, Zhou WJ, Zhang JG, Zhang X, Han QY, Lin A, Yan WH. Prognostic significance of the immune checkpoint HLA-G/ILT-4 in the survival of patients with gastric cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108798. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Lugand L, Mestrallet G, Laboureur R, Dumont C, Bouhidel F, Djouadou M, Masson-Lecomte A, Desgrandchamps F, Culine S, Carosella ED, Rouas-Freiss N, LeMaoult J. Methods for Establishing a Renal Cell Carcinoma Tumor Spheroid Model With Immune Infiltration for Immunotherapeutic Studies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:898732. [PMID: 35965544 PMCID: PMC9366089 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.898732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor spheroids play an increasingly important role in cancer research. Their ability to recapitulate crucial features of tumor biology that are lost in the classically used 2D models along with their relative simplicity and handiness have made them the most studied 3D tumor model. Their application as a theranostic tool or as a means to study tumor-host interaction is now well-established in various cancers. However, their use in the field of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) remains very limited. The aim of this work is to present methods to implement a basic RCC spheroid model. These methods cover the steps from RCC tumor dissociation to spheroid infiltration by immune cells. We present a protocol for RCC dissociation using Liberase TM and introduce a culture medium containing Epithelial Growth Factor and Hydrocortisone allowing for faster growth of RCC primary cells. We show that the liquid overlay technique allows for the formation of spheroids from cell lines and from primary cultures. We present a method using morphological criteria to select a homogeneous spheroid population based on a Fiji macro. We then show that spheroids can be infiltrated by PBMCs after activation with OKT3 or IL-15. Finally, we provide an example of application by implementing an immune spheroid killing assay allowing observing increased spheroid destruction after treatment with PD-1 inhibitors. Thus the straightforward methods presented here allow for efficient spheroid formation for a simple RCC 3D model that can be standardized and infused with immune cells to study immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Lugand
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Mestrallet
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Rebecca Laboureur
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Clement Dumont
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Fatiha Bouhidel
- Service d’Anatomopathologie Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Laboratory of Pathology, UMR-S728, Paris, France
| | - Malika Djouadou
- Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Francois Desgrandchamps
- Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Stephane Culine
- Department of Medical Oncology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Edgardo D. Carosella
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouas-Freiss
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Joel LeMaoult
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Joel LeMaoult,
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12
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Xu HH, Wang HL, Xing TJ, Wang XQ. A Novel Prognostic Risk Model for Cervical Cancer Based on Immune Checkpoint HLA-G-Driven Differentially Expressed Genes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:851622. [PMID: 35924232 PMCID: PMC9341272 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.851622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a potential checkpoint molecule that plays a key role in cervical carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to construct and validate a prognostic risk model to predict the overall survival (OS) of cervical cancer patients, providing a reference for individualized clinical treatment that may lead to better clinical outcomes. HLA-G-driven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from two cervical carcinoma cell lines, namely, SiHa and HeLa, with stable overexpression of HLA-G by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The biological functions of these HLA-G-driven DEGs were analysed by GO enrichment and KEGG pathway using the “clusterProfiler” package. The protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were assessed using the STRING database. The prognostic relevance of each DEG was evaluated by univariate Cox regression using the TCGA-CESC dataset. After the TCGA-CESC cohort was randomly divided into training set and testing set, and a prognostic risk model was constructed by LASSO and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis in training set and validated in testing set or in different types of cervical cancer set. The predictive ability of the prognostic risk model or nomogram was evaluated by a series of bioinformatics methods. A total of 1108 candidate HLA-G-driven DEGs, including 391 upregulated and 717 downregulated genes, were obtained and were enriched mostly in the ErbB pathway, steroid biosynthesis, and MAPK pathway. Then, an HLA-G-driven DEG signature consisting of the eight most important prognostic genes CD46, LGALS9, PGM1, SPRY4, CACNB3, PLIN2, MSMO1, and DAGLB was identified as a key predictor of cervical cancer. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that this signature is an independent risk factor for the overall survival of CESC patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 5-year overall survival rate is 23.0% and 84.6% for the high-risk and low-risk patients, respectively (P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of this prognostic model with an area under the curve (AUC) was 0.896 for 5 years, which was better than that of other clinical traits. This prognostic risk model was also successfully validated in different subtypes of cervical cancer, including the keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell neoplasms, non-squamous cell neoplasms set. Single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) algorithm and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis confirmed that this signature influence tumour microenvironment and immune checkpoint blockade. A nomogram that integrated risk score, age, clinical stage, histological grade, and pathological type was then built to predict the overall survival of CESC patients and evaluated by calibration curves, AUC, concordance index (C-index) and decision curve analysis (DCA). To summarize, we developed and validated a novel prognostic risk model for cervical cancer based on HLA-G-driven DEGs, and the prognostic signature showed great ability in predicting the overall survival of patients with cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
- *Correspondence: Hui-Hui Xu, ; Xue-Quan Wang,
| | - Hui-Li Wang
- Department of Burn, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Tong-Jin Xing
- Department of Infectious Disease, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Xue-Quan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
- *Correspondence: Hui-Hui Xu, ; Xue-Quan Wang,
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13
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Tronik-Le Roux D, Daouya M, Jacquier A, Schenowitz C, Desgrandchamps F, Rouas-Freiss N, Carosella ED. The HLA-G immune checkpoint: a new immuno-stimulatory role for the α1-domain-deleted isoform. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:310. [PMID: 35596891 PMCID: PMC11072982 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04359-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of cancer cells, in part maintained via the expression of multiple isoforms, introduces significant challenges in designing effective therapeutic approaches. In this regard, isoforms of the immune checkpoint HLA-G have been found in most of the tumors analyzed, such as ccRCC, the most common human renal malignancy. In particular, HLA-G∆α1, which is the only HLA-G isoform described that lacks the α1 extracellular domain, has been newly identified in ccRCC and now here in trophoblasts. Using a cellular model expressing HLA-G∆α1, we have uncovered its specific and overlapping functional roles, relative to the main HLA-G isoform, i.e., the full-length HLA-G1. We found that HLA-G∆α1 has several particular features: (i) although possessing the α3 domain, it does not associate with β2-microglobulin; (ii) it may not present peptides to T cells due to absence of the peptide-binding groove; and (iii) it exerts immune-stimulatory activity towards peripheral blood NK and T cells, while all known isoforms of HLA-G are immune-inhibitory checkpoint molecules. Such immune-stimulatory properties of HLA-G∆α1 on the cytotoxic function of peripheral blood NK cells are individual dependent and are not exerted through the interaction with the known HLA-G receptor, ILT2. Importantly, we are faced here with a potential antitumor effect of an HLA-G isoform, opposed to the pro-tumor properties described for all other HLA-G isoforms, which should be taken into account in future therapeutic designs aimed at blocking this immune checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tronik-Le Roux
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Marina Daouya
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alix Jacquier
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Schenowitz
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - François Desgrandchamps
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
- Service d'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouas-Freiss
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Edgardo D Carosella
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
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14
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Eckstein M, Taubert H, Wach S, Fiebig C, Strick R, Hartmann A, Seliger B. The Human Leukocyte Antigen G as an Immune Escape Mechanism and Novel Therapeutic Target in Urological Tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811200. [PMID: 35185904 PMCID: PMC8855320 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-classical human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a potent regulatory protein involved in the induction of immunological tolerance. This is based on the binding of membrane-bound as well as soluble HLA-G to inhibitory receptors expressed on various immune effector cells, in particular NK cells and T cells, leading to their attenuated functions. Despite its restricted expression on immune-privileged tissues under physiological conditions, HLA-G expression has been frequently detected in solid and hematopoietic malignancies including urological cancers, such as renal cell and urothelial bladder carcinoma and has been associated with progression of urological cancers and poor outcome of patients: HLA-G expression protects tumor cells from anti-tumor immunity upon interaction with its inhibitory receptors by modulating both the phenotype and function of immune cells leading to immune evasion. This review will discuss the expression, regulation, functional and clinical relevance of HLA-G expression in urological tumors as well as its use as a putative biomarker and/or potential therapeutic target for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma as well as urothelial bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Wach
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Fiebig
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reiner Strick
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Main Department of GMP Cell and Gene Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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15
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De Louche CD, Roghanian A. Human inhibitory leukocyte Ig-like receptors: from immunotolerance to immunotherapy. JCI Insight 2022; 7:151553. [PMID: 35076022 PMCID: PMC8855791 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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16
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Siu LL, Wang D, Hilton J, Geva R, Rasco D, Perets R, Abraham AK, Wilson DC, Markensohn JF, Lunceford J, Suttner L, Siddiqi S, Altura RA, Maurice-Dror C. First-in-Class Anti-immunoglobulin-like Transcript 4 Myeloid-Specific Antibody MK-4830 Abrogates a PD-1 Resistance Mechanism in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:57-70. [PMID: 34598945 PMCID: PMC9401547 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this first-in-human study (NCT03564691) in advanced solid tumors, we investigated a novel first-in-class human IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting the immunoglobulin-like transcript 4 (ILT4) receptor, MK-4830, as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with histologically/cytologically confirmed advanced solid tumors, measurable disease by RECIST v1.1, and evaluable baseline tumor sample received escalating doses of intravenous MK-4830 every 3 weeks as monotherapy (parts A and B) and in combination with pembrolizumab (part C). Safety and tolerability were the primary objectives. Pharmacokinetics, objective response rate per RECIST v1.1, and molecular biomarkers were also evaluated. RESULTS Of 84 patients, 50 received monotherapy and 34 received combination therapy. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed; maximum tolerated dose was not reached. MK-4830 showed dose-related target engagement. Eleven of 34 patients in the dose-escalation phase who received combination therapy achieved objective responses; 5 previously had progressive disease on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Exploratory evaluation of the association between response and pretreatment gene expression related to interferon-gamma signaling in tumors suggested higher sensitivity to T-cell inflammation with combination therapy than historically expected with pembrolizumab monotherapy, with greater response at more moderate levels of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS This first-in-class MK-4830 antibody dosed as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab was well tolerated with no unexpected toxicities, and demonstrated dose-related evidence of target engagement and antitumor activity. Inflammation intrinsic to the ILT4 mechanism may be facilitated by alleviating the myeloid-suppressive components of the tumor microenvironment, supporting the target of ILT4 as a potential novel immunotherapy in combination with an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian L. Siu
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Corresponding Author: Lillian L. Siu, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1Z5. Phone: 416-946-2911; Fax: 416-946-4467; E-mail:
| | - Ding Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - John Hilton
- Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ravit Geva
- Department of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Drew Rasco
- Department of Clinical Research, START Center for Cancer Care, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Ruth Perets
- Division of Oncology, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Anson K. Abraham
- Oncology Early Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Douglas C. Wilson
- Department of Profiling and Expression, Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Jared Lunceford
- Oncology Early Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Leah Suttner
- Oncology Early Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Shabana Siddiqi
- Oncology Early Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Rachel A. Altura
- Oncology Early Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
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17
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Vaquero-Yuste C, Juarez I, Molina-Alejandre M, Molanes-López EM, López-Nares A, Suárez-Trujillo F, Gutiérrez-Calvo A, López-García A, Lasa I, Gómez R, Fernández-Cruz E, Rodrígez-Sainz C, Arnaiz-Villena A, Martín-Villa JM. HLA-G 3'UTR Polymorphisms Are Linked to Susceptibility and Survival in Spanish Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698438. [PMID: 34557189 PMCID: PMC8453083 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is a non-classical class I HLA molecule that induces tolerance by acting on receptors of both innate and adaptive immune cells. When overexpressed in tumors, limits surveillance by the immune system. The HLA-G gene shows several polymorphisms involved in mRNA and protein levels. We decided to study the implication of two polymorphisms (rs371194629; 14bp INS/DEL and rs1063320; +3142 C/G) in paired tissue samples (tumoral and non-tumoral) from 107 Spanish patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and 58 healthy control individuals, to assess the possible association of the HLA-G gene with gastric adenocarcinoma susceptibility, disease progression and survival. The presence of somatic mutations involving these polymorphisms was also analyzed. The frequency of the 14bp DEL allele was increased in patients (70.0%) compared to controls (57.0%, p=0.025). In addition, the haplotype formed by the combination of the 14bp DEL/+3142 C variants is also increased in patients (54.1% vs 44.4%, p=0.034, OR=1.74 CI95% 1.05-2.89). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 14bp DEL/DEL patients showed lower 5-year life-expectancy than INS/DEL or INS/INS (p=0.041). Adjusting for TNM staging (Cox regression analysis) disclosed a significant difference in death risk (p=0.03) with an expected hazard 2.6 times higher. Finally, no somatic mutations were found when comparing these polymorphisms in tumoral vs non-tumoral tissues, which indicates that this is a preexisting condition in patients and not a de novo, tumor-restricted, event. In conclusion, the variants predominant in patients were those increasing HLA-G mRNA stability and HLA-G expression, clearly involving this molecule in gastric adenocarcinoma susceptibility, disease progression and survival and making it a potential target for immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vaquero-Yuste
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Juarez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Molina-Alejandre
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa María Molanes-López
- Departamento de Estadística e Investigación Operativa, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-Nares
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Suárez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Gutiérrez-Calvo
- Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela López-García
- Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Lasa
- Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Remedios Gómez
- Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Antonio Arnaiz-Villena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Martín-Villa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Hazini A, Fisher K, Seymour L. Deregulation of HLA-I in cancer and its central importance for immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002899. [PMID: 34353849 PMCID: PMC8344275 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that many tumors undergo a process of clonal selection which means that tumor antigens arising at various stages of tumor progression are likely to be represented in just a subset of tumor cells. This process is thought to be driven by constant immunosurveillance which applies selective pressure by eliminating tumor cells expressing antigens that are recognized by T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that the same selective pressure may also select for tumor cells that evade immune detection by acquiring deficiencies in their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) presentation pathways, allowing important tumor antigens to persist within cells undetected by the immune system. Deficiencies in antigen presentation pathway can arise by a variety of mechanisms, including genetic and epigenetic changes, and functional antigen presentation is a hard phenomenon to assess using our standard analytical techniques. Nevertheless, it is likely to have profound clinical significance and could well define whether an individual patient will respond to a particular type of therapy or not. In this review we consider the mechanisms by which HLA function may be lost in clinical disease, we assess the implications for current immunotherapy approaches using checkpoint inhibitors and examine the prognostic impact of HLA loss demonstrated in clinical trials so far. Finally, we propose strategies that might be explored for possible patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Hazini
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Kerry Fisher
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Len Seymour
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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19
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A Critical Assessment of the Association between HLA-G Expression by Carcinomas and Clinical Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158265. [PMID: 34361031 PMCID: PMC8347921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) conveys immunological tolerance at the maternal-foetal interface. HLA-G expression by tumour cells may also play such a role, resulting in tumour immune evasion, making HLA-G a potential target for immunotherapies. The aim of this review was to determine to what extent it is justified that HLA-G expression is considered as a target for immune checkpoint inhibiting therapy by critically assessing the association between HLA-G expression by carcinomas and clinical outcome of patients. The used HLA-G-detecting mAb, HLA-G quantification methods and statistically significant HLA-G-associated clinicopathological parameters are discussed. Tumour HLA-G expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in breast, esophageal, gastric and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Tumour HLA-G expression was not associated with clinical outcome in ovarian and oral carcinoma patients. Cervical, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic carcinoma patients presented discrepant and therefore inconclusive results regarding the association between tumour HLA-G expression and clinical outcome. These disparities might partly be the result of differences in the methodological approach to quantify HLA-G expression between studies. Therefore, implementation of universal methodological procedures is strongly advised. Overall, HLA-G expression did not univocally result in poor clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. This implies that tumour HLA-G expression is not necessarily part of an inhibited tumour-immune response and tumour progression. Consequently, it remains elusive whether HLA-G expression by carcinomas functions as an immune checkpoint molecule affecting a tumour-immune response. It may also reflect derailed control of gene expression in tumours, with no real functional consequences.
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20
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Xu HH, Gan J, Xu DP, Li L, Yan WH. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Role of the Immune Checkpoint HLA-G Molecule in Cancers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:614773. [PMID: 34276642 PMCID: PMC8281136 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.614773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is known as a novel immune checkpoint molecule in cancer; thus, HLA-G and its receptors might be targets for immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to systematically identify the roles of checkpoint HLA-G molecules across various types of cancer. ONCOMINE, GEPIA, CCLE, TRRUST, HAP, PrognoScan, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, LinkedOmics, STRING, GeneMANIA, DAVID, TIMER, and CIBERSORT were utilized. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed. In this study, we comprehensively analysed the heterogeneous expression of HLA-G molecules in various types of cancer and focused on genetic alterations, coexpression patterns, gene interaction networks, HLA-G interactors, and the relationships between HLA-G and pathological stage, prognosis, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We first identified that the mRNA expression levels of HLA-G were significantly upregulated in both most tumor tissues and tumor cell lines on the basis of in-depth analysis of RNAseq data. The expression levels of HLA-G were positively associated with those of the other immune checkpoints PD-1 and CTLA-4. Abnormal expression of HLA-G was significantly correlated with the pathological stage of some but not all tumor types. There was a significant difference between the high and low HLA-G expression groups in terms of overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS). The results showed that HLA-G highly expressed have positive associations with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the microenvironment in most types of tumors (P<0.05). Additionally, we identified the key transcription factor (TF) targets in the regulation of HLA-G expression, including HIVEP2, MYCN, CIITA, MYC, and IRF1. Multiple mutations (missense, truncating, etc.) and the methylation status of the HLA-G gene may explain the differential expression of HLA-G across different tumors. Functional enrichment analysis showed that HLA-G was primarily related to T cell activation, T cell regulation, and lymphocyte-mediated immunity. The data may provide novel insights for blockade of the HLA-G/ILT axis, which holds potential for the development of more effective antitumour treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
| | - Jun Gan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Dan-Ping Xu
- Reproductive Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Lu Li
- Pediatrics, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
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21
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Lin A, Yan WH. HLA-G/ILTs Targeted Solid Cancer Immunotherapy: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698677. [PMID: 34276691 PMCID: PMC8278316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising immunotherapy for cancers. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a neoantigen, its biological functions and clinical relevance have been extensively investigated in malignancies, and early clinical trials with “anti-HLA-G strategy” are being launched for advance solid cancer immunotherapy. The mechanism of HLA-G as a new ICI is that HLA-G can bind immune cell bearing inhibitory receptors, the immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-2 and ILT-4. HLA-G/ILT-2/-4 (HLA-G/ILTs) signaling can drive comprehensive immune suppression, promote tumor growth and disease progression. Though clinical benefits could be expected with application of HLA-G antibodies to blockade the HLA-G/ILTs signaling in solid cancer immunotherapy, major challenges with the diversity of HLA-G isoforms, HLA-G/ILTs binding specificity, intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity of HLA-G, lack of isoform-specific antibodies and validated assay protocols, which could dramatically affect the clinical efficacy. Clinical benefits of HLA-G-targeted solid cancer immunotherapy may be fluctuated or even premature unless major challenges are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China.,Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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22
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Tumor infiltrating and peripheral CD4 +ILT2 + T cells are a cytotoxic subset selectively inhibited by HLA-G in clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients. Cancer Lett 2021; 519:105-116. [PMID: 34186161 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
HLA-G ILT2 has recently been positioned as a major immune checkpoint in urologic cancers. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells expressing ILT2 are a highly cytotoxic cell population, distinct from PD1+ T cells, and whose function is inhibited by HLA-G+ targets. Here we report that ILT2 receptor can also be expressed by CD4+ T cells in urologic cancer patients. In the course of deciphering the role of these ILT2+CD4+ T cells, we found a statistical association between the tumor context and these T cells, and a positive correlation between the levels of peripheral and intra-tumoral CD4+ILT2+ T cells. Phenotypic analyses revealed that CD4+ILT2+ T cells express memory T cell (CD27-CD28-CD57+) and cytotoxicity (Tbet+Perforin+KLRG1+NKp80+GPR56+) markers, consistent with a CD4+CTL phenotype. Functional assays showed that ccRCC-infiltrating CD4+ILT2+ T cells indeed have high cytolytic properties and therefore function as proper CD4+CTLs, but are selectively inhibited by HLA-G+ targets. Clinical relevance was provided by immunohistochemical analyses on ccRCC tumor lesions with HLA-G+ HLA class II+ tumor cells next to CD4+ T cell infiltrates. Our findings provide evidence supporting that ILT2+ T cells constitute a reservoir of intratumor cytotoxic T cells that is not targeted by the current checkpoint inhibitors, but could be by anti-HLA-G/anti-ILT2 antibodies as novel immunotherapy in HLA-G+ tumors.
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23
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Ziblat A, Iraolagoitia XLR, Nuñez SY, Torres NI, Secchiari F, Sierra JM, Spallanzani RG, Rovegno A, Secin FP, Fuertes MB, Domaica CI, Zwirner NW. Circulating and Tumor-Infiltrating NK Cells From Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Exhibit a Predominantly Inhibitory Phenotype Characterized by Overexpression of CD85j, CD45, CD48 and PD-1. Front Immunol 2021; 12:681615. [PMID: 34149719 PMCID: PMC8212993 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.681615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although natural killer (NK) cells infiltrate clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC), the most frequent malignancy of the kidney, tumor progression suggests that they become dysfunctional. As ccRCC-driven subversion of NK cell effector functions is usually accompanied by phenotypic changes, analysis of such alterations might lead to the identification of novel biomarkers and/or targets in immuno-oncology. Consequently, we performed a phenotypic analysis of peripheral blood NK cells (PBNK) and tumor-infiltrating NK cells (TINK) from ccRCC patients. Compared to HD, PBNK from ccRCC patients exhibited features of activated cells as shown by CD25, CD69 and CD62L expression. They also displayed increased expression of DNAM-1, CD48, CD45, MHC-I, reduced expression of NKG2D, and higher frequencies of CD85j+ and PD-1+ cells. In addition, compared to PBNK from ccRCC patients, TINK exhibited higher expression of activation markers, tissue residency features and decreased expression of the activating receptors DNAM-1, NKp30, NKp46, NKp80 and CD16, suggesting a more inhibitory phenotype. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed that CD48, CD45, CD85j and PD-1 are significantly overexpressed in ccRCC and that their expression is associated with an NK cell infiltration signature. Calculation of z-scores revealed that their expression on PBNK, alone or combined, distinguished ccRCC patients from HD. Therefore, these molecules emerge as novel potential biomarkers and our results suggest that they might constitute possible targets for immunotherapy in ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ziblat
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ximena Lucía Raffo Iraolagoitia
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sol Yanel Nuñez
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Ignacio Torres
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Secchiari
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jessica Mariel Sierra
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Raúl Germán Spallanzani
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Rovegno
- Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas "Norberto Quirno" (CEMIC), Servicio de Urología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Pablo Secin
- Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas "Norberto Quirno" (CEMIC), Servicio de Urología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Beatriz Fuertes
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Inés Domaica
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Norberto Walter Zwirner
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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24
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Zhang X, Lin A, Han QY, Zhang JG, Chen QY, Ye YH, Zhou WJ, Xu HH, Gan J, Yan WH. Intratumor Heterogeneity of HLA-G Expression in Cancer Lesions. Front Immunol 2020; 11:565759. [PMID: 33329527 PMCID: PMC7717930 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.565759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling pathway between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G and immune inhibitory receptors immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-2/4 has been acknowledged as one of immune checkpoints, and as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Like other immune checkpoints, inter- and even intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G could render a rather complexity for HLA-G-target immunotherapy. However, little information for intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G is available. In this study, HLA-G expression in a serial section of colorectal cancer (CRC) lesions from three CRC patients (each sample with serial section of 50 slides, 10 randomized slides for each antibody), three different locations within a same sample (five CRC), and three case-matched blocks that each includes 36 esophageal cancer samples, were evaluated with immunohistochemistry using anti-HLA-G antibodies (mAbs 4H84, MEM-G/1 and MEM-G/2 probing for all denatured HLA-G isoforms, 5A6G7, and 2A12 probing for denatured HLA-G5 and HLA-G6 isoforms). Our results revealed that, in addition to the frequently observed inter-tumor heterogeneity, intratumor heterogeneous expression of HLA-G is common in different areas within a tumor in CRC and esophageal cancer samples included in this study. Moreover, percentage of HLA-G expression probed with different anti-HLA-G antibodies also varies dramatically within a tumor. Given HLA-G has been considered as an important immune checkpoint, intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G expression, and different specificity of anti-HLA-G antibodies being used among studies, interpretation and clinical significance of HLA-G expression in cancers should be with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Han
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Jian-Gang Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Qiong-Yuan Chen
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Yao-Han Ye
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Jun Gan
- Medical Research Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
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25
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Wang X, Lopez R, Luchtel RA, Hafizi S, Gartrell B, Shenoy N. Immune evasion in renal cell carcinoma: biology, clinical translation, future directions. Kidney Int 2020; 99:75-85. [PMID: 32949550 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2020.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors have advanced the treatment landscape of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) over the last decade. While checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated survival benefit and are currently approved in the front-line and second-line settings, primary and secondary resistance is common. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of immune evasion in RCC is therefore critical to the development of effective combination treatment strategies. This article reviews the current understanding of the different, yet coordinated, mechanisms adopted by RCC cells to evade immune killing; summarizes various aspects of clinical translation thus far, including the currently registered RCC clinical trials exploring agents in combination with checkpoint inhibitors; and provides perspectives on the current landscape and future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Wang
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert Lopez
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca A Luchtel
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sassan Hafizi
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Benjamin Gartrell
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Niraj Shenoy
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK; Experimental Therapeutics Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
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26
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Loustau M, Anna F, Dréan R, Lecomte M, Langlade-Demoyen P, Caumartin J. HLA-G Neo-Expression on Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1685. [PMID: 32922387 PMCID: PMC7456902 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01685] [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: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is known to modulate the immune system activity in tissues where physiological immune-tolerance is necessary (i.e., maternal-fetal interface, thymus, and cornea). However, the frequent neo-expression of HLA-G in many cancer types has been previously and extensively described and is correlated with a bad prognosis. Despite being an MHC class I molecule, HLA-G is highly present in tumor context and shows unique characteristics of tissue restriction of a Tumor Associated Antigen (TAA), and potent immunosuppressive activity of an Immune CheckPoint (ICP). Consequently, HLA-G appears to be an excellent molecular target for immunotherapy. Although the relevance of HLA-G in cancer incidence and development has been proven in numerous tumors, its neo-expression pattern is still difficult to determine. Indeed, the estimation of HLA-G's actual expression in tumor tissue is limited, particularly concerning the presence and percentage of the new non-canonical isoforms, for which detection antibodies are scarce or inexistent. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about HLA-G neo-expression and implication in various tumor types, pointing out the need for the development of new tools to analyze in-depth the HLA-G neo-expression patterns, opening the way for the generation of new monoclonal antibodies and cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - François Anna
- Invectys, Paris, France
- Molecular Virology and Vaccinology Unit, Virology Department, Institut Pasteur & CNRS URA 3015, Paris, France
| | - Raphaelle Dréan
- Invectys, Paris, France
- Molecular Retrovirology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 3569, Paris, France
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27
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García M, Palma MB, Verine J, Miriuka S, Inda AM, Errecalde AL, Desgrandchamps F, Carosella ED, Tronik-Le Roux D. The immune-checkpoint HLA-G/ILT4 is involved in the regulation of VEGF expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:624. [PMID: 32620162 PMCID: PMC7333411 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most aggressive renal cancer, is characterized by early lymph node metastases and bad prognosis. Most therapies targeting advanced or metastatic ccRCC are based, as first-line treatment, on the administration of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) neutralizing antibody termed Bevacizumab. Despite proven benefits, the expected results were not obtained for the majority of patients. The possibility that an intricate interplay between angiogenesis and immune-checkpoints might exist lead us to evaluate tumor angiogenesis, by means of VEGF expression together with the immune checkpoint HLA-G/ILT4. Methods Tumor specimens were obtained from patients from two separate cohorts: One from “Evita Pueblo” Hospital from Berazategui, (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and the second includes patients surgically operated at the Urology Department of Saint-Louis Hospital (Paris, France) with a confirmed ccRCC diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry was performed with specific antibodies directed against HLA-G, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, D240, CD34, ILT4 and Ca-IX. In addition, gene expression levels were measured in a cell line derived from a ccRCC patient by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results Our results show that the highly vascularized tumors of ccRCC patients express high levels of VEGF and the immune-checkpoint HLA-G. In addition, ILT4, one of the HLA-G receptors, was detected on macrophages surrounding tumor cells, suggesting the generation of an immune-tolerant microenvironment that might favor tumorigenesis. Notably, RT-qPCR analysis provided the first evidence on the transcriptional relationship between HLA-G/ILT4 and the VEGF family. Namely, in the presence of HLA-G or ILT4, the levels of VEGF-A are diminished whereas those of VEGF-C are increased. Conclusions In an effort to find new therapeutic molecules and fight against metastasis dissemination associated with the poor survival rates of ccRCC patients, these findings provide the rationale for co-targeting angiogenesis and the immune checkpoint HLA-G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela García
- Chair of Cytology, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNLP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Belen Palma
- Chair of Cytology, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNLP, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,LIAN, FLENI-CONICET, Escobar, Argentina
| | - Jerome Verine
- AP-HP, Saint-Louis Hospital, Department of Pathology, Paris, France.,CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Research Division in Hematology and Immunology (SRHI), Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Santiago Miriuka
- Chair of Cytology, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNLP, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,LIAN, FLENI-CONICET, Escobar, Argentina
| | - Ana M Inda
- Chair of Cytology, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNLP, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CIC, Pcia, de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana L Errecalde
- Chair of Cytology, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNLP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - François Desgrandchamps
- CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Research Division in Hematology and Immunology (SRHI), Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Edgardo D Carosella
- CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Research Division in Hematology and Immunology (SRHI), Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.,University of Paris, IRSL, UMRS 976, Paris, France
| | - Diana Tronik-Le Roux
- CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Research Division in Hematology and Immunology (SRHI), Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France. .,University of Paris, IRSL, UMRS 976, Paris, France.
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28
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Xu HH, Yan WH, Lin A. The Role of HLA-G in Human Papillomavirus Infections and Cervical Carcinogenesis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1349. [PMID: 32670296 PMCID: PMC7330167 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a non-classical HLA-class I molecule, has a low polymorphism frequency, restricted tissue distribution and immunoinhibitory property. HLA-G expression in tumor cells and cells chronically infected with virus may enable them to escape from host immune surveillance. It is well-known that the HLA-G molecule is a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target that is relevant in various types of cancers, but its role in cervical cancer has not been fully explored. In this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the immunologic role of the HLA-G molecule in the context of HPV infections and the process of cervical cancer carcinogenesis. A better understanding of the potential impact of HLA-G on the clinical course of persistent HPV infections, cervical epithelial cell transformation, tumor growth, recurrence and metastasis is needed to identify a novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for cervical cancer, which is critical for cervical cancer risk screening. In addition, it is also necessary to identify HLA-G-driven immune mechanisms involved in the interactions between host and virus to explore novel immunotherapy strategies that target HLA-G/immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT) immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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29
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Krijgsman D, Roelands J, Hendrickx W, Bedognetti D, Kuppen PJK. HLA-G: A New Immune Checkpoint in Cancer? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124528. [PMID: 32630545 PMCID: PMC7350262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), known as a central protein in providing immune tolerance to the fetus in pregnant women, is also studied for a possible role in tumor development. Many studies have claimed HLA-G as a new immune checkpoint in cancer. Therefore, HLA-G and its receptors might be targets for immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy. In order to substantiate that HLA-G is indeed an immune checkpoint in cancer, two important questions need to be answered: (1) To what extent is HLA-G expressed in the tumor by cancer cells? and (2) What is the function of HLA-G in cancer immune evasion? In this review, we discuss these questions. We agree that HLA-G is a potentially new immune checkpoint in cancer, but additional evidence is required to show the extent of intra-tumor and inter-tumor expression. These studies should focus on tumor expression patterns of the seven different HLA-G isoforms and of the receptors for HLA-G. Furthermore, specific roles for the different HLA-G isoforms should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (D.K.); (J.R.)
| | - Jessica Roelands
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (D.K.); (J.R.)
- Cancer Research Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 26999, Qatar; (W.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Wouter Hendrickx
- Cancer Research Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 26999, Qatar; (W.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Cancer Research Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 26999, Qatar; (W.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Peter J. K. Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (D.K.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-5264569
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30
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Tronik-Le Roux D, Sautreuil M, Bentriou M, Vérine J, Palma MB, Daouya M, Bouhidel F, Lemler S, LeMaoult J, Desgrandchamps F, Cournède PH, Carosella ED. Comprehensive landscape of immune-checkpoints uncovered in clear cell renal cell carcinoma reveals new and emerging therapeutic targets. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:1237-1252. [PMID: 32166404 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02530-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) constitutes the most common renal cell carcinoma subtype and has long been recognized as an immunogenic cancer. As such, significant attention has been directed toward optimizing immune-checkpoints (IC)-based therapies. Despite proven benefits, a substantial number of patients remain unresponsive to treatment, suggesting that yet unreported, immunosuppressive mechanisms coexist within tumors and their microenvironment. Here, we comprehensively analyzed and ranked forty-four immune-checkpoints expressed in ccRCC on the basis of in-depth analysis of RNAseq data collected from the TCGA database and advanced statistical methods designed to obtain the group of checkpoints that best discriminates tumor from healthy tissues. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry confirmed and enlarged the bioinformatics results. In particular, by using the recursive feature elimination method, we show that HLA-G, B7H3, PDL-1 and ILT2 are the most relevant genes that characterize ccRCC. Notably, ILT2 expression was detected for the first time on tumor cells. The levels of other ligand-receptor pairs such as CD70:CD27; 4-1BB:4-1BBL; CD40:CD40L; CD86:CTLA4; MHC-II:Lag3; CD200:CD200R; CD244:CD48 were also found highly expressed in tumors compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. Collectively, our approach provides a comprehensible classification of forty-four IC expressed in ccRCC, some of which were never reported before to be co-expressed in ccRCC. In addition, the algorithms used allowed identifying the most relevant group that best discriminates tumor from healthy tissues. The data can potentially assist on the choice of valuable immune-therapy targets which hold potential for the development of more effective anti-tumor treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tronik-Le Roux
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale (DRF), Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie (SRHI), Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France. .,Université de paris, U976 HIPI Unit, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, 75010, Paris, France. .,CEA, Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale, Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, IUH, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.
| | - Mathilde Sautreuil
- Laboratory of Mathematics and Informatics (MICS), CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Mahmoud Bentriou
- Laboratory of Mathematics and Informatics (MICS), CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jérôme Vérine
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale (DRF), Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie (SRHI), Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.,Service D'Anatomo-Pathologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Maria Belén Palma
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología Y Embriología A, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNLP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Daouya
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale (DRF), Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie (SRHI), Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.,Université de paris, U976 HIPI Unit, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Fatiha Bouhidel
- Service D'Anatomo-Pathologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Lemler
- Laboratory of Mathematics and Informatics (MICS), CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Joel LeMaoult
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale (DRF), Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie (SRHI), Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.,Université de paris, U976 HIPI Unit, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, 75010, Paris, France
| | - François Desgrandchamps
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale (DRF), Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie (SRHI), Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.,Service D'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Paul-Henry Cournède
- Laboratory of Mathematics and Informatics (MICS), CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Edgardo D Carosella
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale (DRF), Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie (SRHI), Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.,Université de paris, U976 HIPI Unit, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, 75010, Paris, France
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Dumont C, Jacquier A, Verine J, Noel F, Goujon A, Wu CL, Hung TM, Desgrandchamps F, Culine S, Carosella ED, Rouas-Freiss N, LeMaoult J. CD8 +PD-1 -ILT2 + T Cells Are an Intratumoral Cytotoxic Population Selectively Inhibited by the Immune-Checkpoint HLA-G. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1619-1632. [PMID: 31451484 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Only some cancer patients respond to the immune-checkpoint inhibitors being used in the clinic, and other therapeutic targets are sought. Here, we investigated the HLA-G/ILT2 checkpoint in clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients and focused on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes (TIL) expressing the HLA-G receptor ILT2. Using transcriptomics and flow cytometry, we characterized both peripheral blood and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ILT2+ T cells from cancer patients as late-differentiated CD27-CD28-CD57+ cytotoxic effectors. We observed a clear dichotomy between CD8+ILT2+ and CD8+PD-1+ TIL subsets. These subsets, which were sometimes present at comparable frequencies in TIL populations, barely overlapped phenotypically and were distinguished by expression of exclusive sets of surface molecules that included checkpoint molecules and activating and inhibitory receptors. CD8+ILT2+ TILs displayed a more mature phenotype and higher expression of cytotoxic molecules. In ex vivo functional experiments with both peripheral blood T cells and TILs, CD8+ILT2+ T cells displayed significantly higher cytotoxicity and IFNγ production than their ILT2- (peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC) and PD-1+ (TILs) counterparts. HLA-G expression by target cells specifically inhibited CD8+ILT2+ T-cell cytotoxicity, but not that of their CD8+ILT2- (PBMC) or CD8+PD-1+ (TIL) counterparts, an effect counteracted by blocking the HLA-G/ILT2 interaction. CD8+ILT2+ TILs may therefore constitute an untapped reservoir of fully differentiated cytotoxic T cells within the tumor microenvironment, independent of the PD1+ TILs targeted by immune therapies, and specifically inhibited by HLA-G. These results emphasize the potential of therapeutically targeting the HLA-G/ILT2 checkpoint in HLA-G+ tumors, either concomitantly with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or in cases of nonresponsiveness to anti-PD-1/PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Dumont
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alix Jacquier
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jerome Verine
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Pathology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Floriane Noel
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, France and INSERM, UMR 932, Paris, France and Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Annabelle Goujon
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ching-Lien Wu
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Tzu-Min Hung
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China; University of Taipei and E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Yan-Chau Shiang, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - François Desgrandchamps
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Stephane Culine
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Edgardo D Carosella
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouas-Freiss
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Joel LeMaoult
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA-DRF, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France. .,Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
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32
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Lai Y, Zeng T, Liang X, Wu W, Zhong F, Wu W. Cell death-related molecules and biomarkers for renal cell carcinoma targeted therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:221. [PMID: 31462894 PMCID: PMC6708252 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0939-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not sensitive to conventional radio- and chemotherapies and is at least partially resistant to impairments in cell death-related signaling pathways. The hallmarks of RCC formation include diverse signaling pathways, such as maintenance of proliferation, cell death resistance, angiogenesis induction, immune destruction avoidance, and DNA repair. RCC diagnosed during the early stage has the possibility of cure with surgery. For metastatic RCC (mRCC), molecular targeted therapy, especially antiangiogenic therapy (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors, TKIs, such as sunitinib), is one of the main partially effective therapeutics. Various forms of cell death that may be associated with the resistance to targeted therapy because of the crosstalk between targeted therapy and cell death resistance pathways were originally defined and differentiated into apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagic cell death based on cellular morphology. Particularly, as a new form of cell death, T cell-induced cell death by immune checkpoint inhibitors expands the treatment options beyond the current targeted therapy. Here, we provide an overview of cell death-related molecules and biomarkers for the progression, prognosis and treatment of mRCC by targeted therapy, with a focus on apoptosis and T cell-induced cell death, as well as other forms of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Lai
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Xiongfa Liang
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Weizou Wu
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Fangling Zhong
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Wenqi Wu
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
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33
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Lin A, Yan WH. The Emerging Roles of Human Leukocyte Antigen-F in Immune Modulation and Viral Infection. Front Immunol 2019; 10:964. [PMID: 31134067 PMCID: PMC6524545 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) play various critical roles in both innate and adaptive immunity through processes such as presenting antigens to T cells and serving as ligands for receptors expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. Among the HLA class I family, the clinical significance and biological function of HLA-F have been the least investigated and have remained elusive for a long period of time. Previous studies have revealed that HLA-F expression might be involved in various physiological and pathological processes, such as pregnancy, viral infection, cancer, transplantation, and autoimmune diseases. However, recent data have shown that, akin to other HLA family members, HLA-F molecules can interact with both activating and inhibitory receptors on immune cells, such as NK cells, and can present a diverse panel of peptides. These important findings pave new avenues for investigations regarding the functions of HLA-F as an important immune regulatory molecule. In the present review, we summarize the studies on the role of HLA-F in immune modulation, with a special emphasis placed on the roles of HLA-F and KIR3DS1 interactions in viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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34
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Cai Z, Wang L, Han Y, Gao W, Wei X, Gong R, Zhu M, Sun Y, Yu S. Immunoglobulin‑like transcript 4 and human leukocyte antigen‑G interaction promotes the progression of human colorectal cancer. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1943-1954. [PMID: 30942436 PMCID: PMC6521940 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin‑like transcript (ILT) 4, a negative regulator of immune response in allograft rejection, autoimmunity and infectious diseases, has recently been determined to serve important roles in tumor development. In the present study, the co‑expression of ILT4 and human leukocyte antigen‑G (HLA‑G) in tissues of human primary colorectal cancer (CRC) was revealed, and its association with older age, advanced stage, regional lymph node involvement and poor overall survival time was identified. In CRC cell lines, ILT4 and HLA‑G co‑expression and their autocrine regulation was demonstrated. ILT4 interference affected HLA‑G expression and regulated the cell proliferation, invasion and migration of CRC. HLA‑G fusion protein treatment also increased ILT4 expression in a dose‑dependent manner, thereby activating protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK) signaling, and facilitating the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Additionally, the AKT and ERK activation, and CRC cell malignant characteristics induced by HLA‑G may be suppressed by blocking ILT4. The present results indicated that the interaction of ILT4 and its ligand HLA‑G promotes CRC progression through AKT and ERK signal activation, providing a novel strategy of blocking ILT4/HLA‑G for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yali Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shan‑dong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Wenwen Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojuan Wei
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Rumei Gong
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Mingliang Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yuping Sun
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Shuwen Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
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35
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Godfrey DI, Le Nours J, Andrews DM, Uldrich AP, Rossjohn J. Unconventional T Cell Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy. Immunity 2018; 48:453-473. [PMID: 29562195 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Most studies on the immunotherapeutic potential of T cells have focused on CD8 and CD4 T cells that recognize peptide antigens (Ag) presented by polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and MHC class II molecules, respectively. However, unconventional T cells, which interact with MHC class Ib and MHC-I like molecules, are also implicated in tumor immunity, although their role therein is unclear. These include unconventional T cells targeting MHC class Ib molecules such as HLA-E and its murine ortholog Qa-1b, natural killer T (NKT) cells, mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and γδ T cells. Here, we review the current understanding of the roles of these unconventional T cells in tumor immunity and discuss why further studies into the immunotherapeutic potential of these cells is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale I Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Jérôme Le Nours
- Infection and Immunity Program and The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Daniel M Andrews
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam P Uldrich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program and The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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36
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Lin A, Yan WH. Heterogeneity of HLA-G Expression in Cancers: Facing the Challenges. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2164. [PMID: 30319626 PMCID: PMC6170620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity has been observed in most malignancies, which represents a considerable challenge for tumor therapy. In recent decades, the biological function and clinical significance of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G have been intensively explored. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a critical marker of immunotolerance in cancer cell immune evasion and is strongly associated with disease progress and prognosis for cancer patients. Moreover, it has recently been emphasized that the signaling pathway linking HLA-G and immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs) is considered an immune checkpoint. In addition, HLA-G itself can generate at least seven distinct isoforms, and intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G expression is common across different tumor types. Furthermore, HLA-G heterogeneity in cancers has been related to disease stage and outcomes, metastatic status and response to different therapies. This review focuses on the heterogeneity of HLA-G expression in malignant lesions, and clinical implications of this heterogeneity that might be relevant to personalized treatments are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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37
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Li H, Xia JQ, Zhu FS, Xi ZH, Pan CY, Gu LM, Tian YZ. LPS promotes the expression of PD-L1 in gastric cancer cells through NF-κB activation. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:9997-10004. [PMID: 30145830 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancers are a group of highly aggressive malignancies with a huge disease burden worldwide. Gastric infections, such as helicobacter pylori, can induce the occurrence of gastric cancers. However, the role of gastric infection in gastric cancer development is unclear. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1, B7-H1) is a member of the B7 family of cell surface ligands, which binds the PD-1 transmembrane receptor and inhibits T-cell activation within cancer tissues. It has been reported that the expression of PD-L1 is inversely related to the prognosis of patients with gastric cancers. Therefore, the regulation of PD-L1 expression in gastric cancers needs to be studied. In the current study, we explored the possible effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer cells. We observed that LPS stimulation could markedly increase PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation was involved in PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer cells exposed to LPS stimulation through p65-binding to the PD-L1 promoter. Taken together, these data indicate that gastric infection might promote the development of gastric cancers thought the LPS-NF-κB-PD-L1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun-Quan Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang-Shi Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhao-Hong Xi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng-Yu Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-Mei Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yao-Zhou Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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38
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Predictive value of different proportion of lesion HLA-G expression in colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:107441-107451. [PMID: 29296176 PMCID: PMC5746078 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential expression of HLA-G has been observed among cancer types and tumors from individuals with the same type of cancer; however, its clinical significance is rather limited. In this study, expression and predictive relevance of HLA-G expression in 457 primary colorectal cancer (CRC, ncolon = 232, nrectal = 225) patients was investigated. Data showed 70.7% (323/457) of the CRC were HLA-G expression when the above 5% (HLA-GLow) was considered as positive, which wasn't associated with patient survival (p = 0.109). However, HLA-G expression above 55% (HLA-GHigh) was associated with a worse prognosis of CRC patients (p = 0.042). Furthermore, a shorter survival was found for the female (p = 0.042) and elder (p = 0.037) patients whose HLA-G expression was above HLA-GLow level. HLA-G expression above HLA-GHigh level showed a worse prognosis for female (p = 0.013), elder (p = 0.023), colon cancer (p = 0.016), advanced tumor burden (T3+4, p = 0.018), regional lymph node status (N1+2, p = 0.044), and advanced clinical stage patients (AJCC III+IV, p = 0.037). In conclusion, our results demonstrated for the first time that combination of differential lesion HLA-G expression notably improved the value of traditional survival prediction for CRC patients.
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