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Broholm M, Mathiasen AS, Apol ÁD, Weis N. The Adaptive Immune Response in Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Characterized by Dysfunctional and Exhausted HBV-Specific T Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:707. [PMID: 38793588 PMCID: PMC11125979 DOI: 10.3390/v16050707] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This systematic review investigates the immunosuppressive environment in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by dysfunctional and exhausted HBV-specific T cells alongside an increased infiltration of HBV-specific CD4+ T cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs). Heightened expression of checkpoint inhibitors, notably PD-1, is linked with disease progression and recurrence, indicating its potential as both a prognostic indicator and a target for immunotherapy. Nevertheless, using PD-1 inhibitors has shown limited effectiveness. In a future perspective, understanding the intricate interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses holds promise for pinpointing predictive biomarkers and crafting novel treatment approaches for HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malene Broholm
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anne-Sofie Mathiasen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Ása Didriksen Apol
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wei Z, Zhou C, Fang Y, Deng H, Shen Z. Identification of a disulfidptosis-related lncRNA signature for the prognostic and immune landscape prediction in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:75. [PMID: 38483698 PMCID: PMC10940567 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00932-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Disulfidptosis, a newly identified form of cell death, is triggered by disulfide stress. Herein, a unique signature was developed based on disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (DRlncRNAs) for the prognostic and immune landscape prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS Transcriptome, somatic mutation, and clinical data were acquired at The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Individuals were partitioned into training and test cohorts at a 1:1 ratio to facilitate the development of a DRlncRNA signature using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operation method. Based on the median risk score, all HNSCC individuals were stratified into the high-risk group (HRG) and low-risk group (LRG). Kaplan-Meier survival and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to estimate the prognostic value, and a nomogram was generated for survival prediction. To provide a more comprehensive assessment, the tumor microenvironment, functional enrichment, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapeutic sensitivity were explored between LRG and HRG. RESULTS A DRlncRNA signature was established with 10 DRlncRNAs. The corresponding values of areas under the ROC curves for 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival were 0.710, 0.692, and 0.640. A more favorable prognosis was noted in the patients with lower risk, along with higher immune scores, increased immune-related functions, and immune cell infiltration, as well as improved response to the immunotherapeutic intervention in comparison with individuals at higher risk. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that the developed DRlncRNA signature holds promise as a reliable prognostic marker and predictor of immunotherapy response in HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Wei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chongchang Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongxia Deng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhisen Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
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Sun Y, Liu P, Zhang L, Lei S, Gao Q. Peripheral Blood CD8+T Cell as a Prognostic Biomarker for Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients Without Antiviral Treatment. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:109-117. [PMID: 38230269 PMCID: PMC10790588 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s432283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The status of T lymphocyte subset counts in patients with COVID-19 remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess alterations in peripheral blood CD3+CD8+T (CD8+T) cells among hospitalized COVID-19 patients who have not received antiviral treatment and to evaluate their prognostic value within this patient population. Methods A single-center, retrospective cohort study and a meta-analysis were conducted. The cohort study was performed at Xiangya Hospital from December 5, 2022, to January 31, 2023. We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association between peripheral blood CD3+CD8+T cells and mortality in COVID-19 patients who did not receive antiviral therapy. All relevant studies in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science databases were systematically searched for meta-analysis. Results The retrospective cohort study included 201 patients. A significant decrease in peripheral blood CD8+ T cell count was found to be associated with an increased risk of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 13.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.15-61.23), after adjusting for gender, age, comorbidities, severity at admission, steroid therapy, and antibiotic therapy. The threshold value for CD8+T cell counts, determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, was 145.5 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.828, specificity: 90.3%, sensitivity: 72.9%, P<0.001). Additionally, A total of 7 studies with 2765 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis reveals a significant association between lower CD8+ T cell counts and mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 3.543, 95% CI: 1.726 to 7.272; I2=93%). Conclusion Peripheral blood CD8+ T cell can serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for hospitalized patients who do not receive antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Sun
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Centre of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Furong Laboratory, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Centre of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peilin Liu
- Clinical Laboratory Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Changsha Mylike Cosmetic Hospital, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaorong Lei
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Gao
- Clinical Laboratory Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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Wang F, Ye W, He Y, Zhong H, Zhu Y, Han J, Gong X, Tian Y, Wang Y, Wang S, Ji S, Liu H, Yao X. Identification of CBPA as a New Inhibitor of PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043971. [PMID: 36835382 PMCID: PMC9964281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting of the PD-1/PD-L1 immunologic checkpoint is believed to have provided a real breakthrough in the field of cancer therapy in recent years. Due to the intrinsic limitations of antibodies, the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interaction has gradually opened valuable new avenues in the past decades. In an effort to discover new PD-L1 small molecular inhibitors, we carried out a structure-based virtual screening strategy to rapidly identify the candidate compounds. Ultimately, CBPA was identified as a PD-L1 inhibitor with a KD value at the micromolar level. It exhibited effective PD-1/PD-L1 blocking activity and T-cell-reinvigoration potency in cell-based assays. CBPA could dose-dependently elevate secretion levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α in primary CD4+ T cells in vitro. Notably, CBPA exhibited significant in vivo antitumor efficacy in two different mouse tumor models (a MC38 colon adenocarcinoma model and a melanoma B16F10 tumor model) without the induction of observable liver or renal toxicity. Moreover, analyses of the CBPA-treated mice further showed remarkably increased levels of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and cytokine secretion in the tumor microenvironment. A molecular docking study suggested that CBPA embedded relatively well into the hydrophobic cleft formed by dimeric PD-L1, occluding the PD-1 interaction surface of PD-L1. This study suggests that CBPA could work as a hit compound for the further design of potent inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Wenling Ye
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yongxing He
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Haiyang Zhong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yongchang Zhu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jianting Han
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Gong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yanan Tian
- Faculty of Applied Science, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999078, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shaoping Ji
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- Faculty of Applied Science, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999078, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (X.Y.); Tel.: +853-8599-6874 (H.L.); +86-0931-891-2578 (X.Y.)
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (X.Y.); Tel.: +853-8599-6874 (H.L.); +86-0931-891-2578 (X.Y.)
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An M, Wang W, Zhang J, Till BG, Zhao L, Huang H, Yang Y, Li T, Han L, Zhang X, Qin P, Wang Y, Zhang M, Cui H, Gao Q, Wang Z. Association of hepatitis B virus DNA levels with overall survival for advanced hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma under immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:385-395. [PMID: 35907016 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03254-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level is an independent risk factor for postoperative HBV-associated liver cancer recurrence. We sought to examine whether HBV DNA level and antiviral therapy are associated with survival outcomes in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)based immunotherapy. METHODS This single-institution retrospective analysis included 217 patients with advanced HBV-related HCC treated from 1 June 2018, through 30 December 2020. Baseline information was compared between patients with low and high HBV DNA levels. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared, and univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify potential risk factors for oncologic outcomes. RESULTS The 217 patients included in the analysis had a median survival time of 20.6 months. Of these HBV-associated HCC patients, 165 had known baseline HBV DNA levels. Baseline HBV DNA level was not significantly associated with OS (P = 0.59) or PFS (P = 0.098). Compared to patients who did not receive antiviral therapy, patients who received antiviral therapy had significantly better OS (20.6 vs 11.1 months, P = 0.020), regardless of HBV DNA levels. Moreover, antiviral status (adjusted HR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.094-0.63, P = 0.004) was an independent protective factor for OS in a multivariate analysis of patients with HBV-related HCC. CONCLUSIONS HBV viral load does not compromise the clinical outcome of patients with HBV-related HCC treated with anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy. The use of antiviral therapy significantly improves survival time of HBV-related HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchao An
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenkang Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Brian G Till
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Lingdi Zhao
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yonghao Yang
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tiepeng Li
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lu Han
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Qin
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunjian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Quanli Gao
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Zibing Wang
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.
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Jia W, Zhang T, Yao Q, Li J, Nie Y, Lei X, Mao Z, Wang Y, Shi W, Song W. Tertiary Lymphatic Structures in Primary Hepatic Carcinoma: Controversy Cannot Overshadow Hope. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870458. [PMID: 35844587 PMCID: PMC9278517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are organized aggregates of immune cells found in the tumor microenvironment. TLS can influence primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) occurrence and have an active role in cancer. TLS can promote or inhibit the growth of PHC depending on their location, and although available findings are controversial, they suggest that TLS have a protective role in PHC tissues and a non-protective role in paracancerous tissues. In addition, the cellular composition of TLS can also influence the outcome of PHC. As an immunity marker, TLS can act as a marker of immunotherapy to predict its effect and help to identify patients who will respond well to immunotherapy. Modulation of TLS formation through the use of chemokines/cytokines, immunotherapy, or induction of high endothelial vein to interfere with tumor growth has been studied extensively in PHC and other cancers. In addition, new tools such as genetic interventions, cellular crosstalk, preoperative radiotherapy, and advances in materials science have been shown to influence the prognosis of malignant tumors by modulating TLS production. These can also be used to develop PHC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Jia
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tianchen Zhang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qianyun Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ye Nie
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinjun Lei
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjie Song,
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Liu HT, Jiang MJ, Deng ZJ, Li L, Huang JL, Liu ZX, Li LQ, Zhong JH. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Progresses and Challenges. Front Oncol 2021; 11:737497. [PMID: 34745958 PMCID: PMC8570111 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.737497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumor in the world and its incidence is increasing in many countries. In recent years, with the deepening understanding of the immune and pathological mechanisms of HCC, immunotherapy based on the regulation of tumor immune microenvironment has become a new treatment choice for patients with HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed death protein-1, programmed death protein-ligand-1, or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 are the most widely used. Instead of general immune-enhancing therapies, ICIs can reactivate anti-tumor immune responses by disrupting co-inhibitory T cell signaling. In this review, the research progress and existing problems of ICIs in the treatment of HCC in recent years are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jian-Hong Zhong
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
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Hou Y, Zhang G. Identification of immune-infiltrating cell-related biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma based on gene co-expression network analysis. Diagn Pathol 2021; 16:57. [PMID: 34218795 PMCID: PMC8255019 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-021-01118-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often caused by chronic liver infection or inflammation. Searching for potential immunotherapy targets will aid the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Methods Firstly, detailed HCC data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. GDCRNATools was used for the comprehensive analysis of RNA sequencing data. Subsequently, the CIBERSORT package was used to estimate infiltration scores of 22 types of immune cells in complex samples. Furthermore, hub genes were identified via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. In addition, multiple databases were used to validate the expression of hub gene in the tumor tissue. Finally, prognostic, diagnostic and immunohistochemical analysis of key hub genes was performed. Results In the present study, 9 hub genes were identified using WGCNA and PPI network analysis. Furthermore, the expression levels of 9 genes were positively correlated with the infiltration levels of CD8-positive T (CD8+ T) cells. In multiple dataset validations, the expression levels of CCL5, CXCR6, CD3E, and LCK were decreased in cancer tissues. In addition, survival analysis revealed that patients with LCK low expression had a poor survival prognosis (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that CCL5, CD3E and LCK were expressed at low levels in HCC cancer tissues. Conclusion The identification of CCL5, CXCR6, CD3E and LCK may be helpful in the development of early diagnosis and therapy of HCC. LCK may be a potential prognostic biomarker for immunotherapy for HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13000-021-01118-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng City, No.306 Jiankang Street, Linqing City, 252600, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guizhi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng City, No.306 Jiankang Street, Linqing City, 252600, Shandong Province, China.
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Ni H, Xue J, Wang F, Sun X, Niu M. Nanomedicine Approach to Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:771-792. [PMID: 34082866 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the growing studies focused on the immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma and proved the preclinical and clinical promises of host antitumor immune response. However, there were still various obstacles in meeting satisfactory clinic need, such as low response rate, primary resistance and secondary resistance to immunotherapy. Tackling these barriers required a deeper understanding of immune underpinnings and a broader understanding of advanced technology. This review described immune microenvironment of liver and HCC which naturally decided the complexity of immunotherapy, and summarized recent immunotherapy focusing on different points. The ever-growing clues indicated that the instant killing of tumor cell and the subsequent relive of immunosuppressive microenvironment were both indis- pensables. The nanotechnology applied in immunotherapy and the combination with intervention technology was also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Ni
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Jian Xue
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Meng Niu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
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Liu X, Lu Y, Qin S. Atezolizumab and bevacizumab for hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanism, pharmacokinetics and future treatment strategies. Future Oncol 2021; 17:2243-2256. [PMID: 33663220 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-1290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Although early-stage disease may be curable by resection, liver transplantation or ablation, many patients present with unresectable disease and have a poor prognosis. Combination treatment with atezolizumab (targeting PD-L1) and bevacizumab (targeting VEGF) in the recent IMbrave150 study was shown to be effective with an acceptable safety profile in patients with unresectable HCC. Herein, we discuss this novel combination in the context of the liver immune environment, summarize the mechanism and pharmacokinetics of atezolizumab and bevacizumab, and examine recent data on other immune checkpoint inhibitor combination strategies as well as future directions in the treatment of patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bayi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Chinese Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Shanghai Roche Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shukui Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bayi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Chinese Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China
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Chan LK, Tsui YM, Ho DWH, Ng IOL. Cellular heterogeneity and plasticity in liver cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:134-149. [PMID: 33647386 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocarcinogenesis involves complex genetic and cellular dysregulations which drive the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant form of primary liver cancer, with extensive heterogeneity. In contrast to the broad spectrum of molecularly driven therapies available for defined patient groups in certain cancer types, unfortunately the treatment options for HCC are highly limited. The lack of representative molecular and cellular signatures in the heterogeneous HCC tumors that can effectively guide the choice of the most appropriate treatment among the patients unavoidably limits the treatment outcome. Advancement and wide availability of the next-generation sequencing technologies have empowered us to examine and capture not only the detailed genetic alterations of the HCC cells but also the precise composition of different cell types within the tumor microenvironment and their interactions with the HCC cells at an unprecedented level. The information generated has provided new insight and better defined the inter-patient intertumoral heterogeneity, intra-patient intratumoral heterogeneity as well as the plasticity of HCC cells. These collectively provide a robust scientific basis in guiding the development and use of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. To complement, liquid biopsy coupled with high-sensitivity sequencing could potentially be adopted as a more practical and safer approach to detect and reflect the tumor heterogeneity in HCC patients in guiding the choice of treatment and monitoring disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lo-Kong Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
Calreticulin (CALR) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein involved in a spectrum of cellular processes. In healthy cells, CALR operates as a chaperone and Ca2+ buffer to assist correct protein folding within the ER. Besides favoring the maintenance of cellular proteostasis, these cell-intrinsic CALR functions support Ca2+-dependent processes, such as adhesion and integrin signaling, and ensure normal antigen presentation on MHC Class I molecules. Moreover, cancer cells succumbing to immunogenic cell death (ICD) expose CALR on their surface, which promotes the uptake of cell corpses by professional phagocytes and ultimately supports the initiation of anticancer immunity. Thus, loss-of-function CALR mutations promote oncogenesis not only as they impair cellular homeostasis in healthy cells, but also as they compromise natural and therapy-driven immunosurveillance. However, the prognostic impact of total or membrane-exposed CALR levels appears to vary considerably with cancer type. For instance, while genetic CALR defects promote pre-neoplastic myeloproliferation, patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms bearing CALR mutations often experience improved overall survival as compared to patients bearing wild-type CALR. Here, we discuss the context-dependent impact of CALR on malignant transformation, tumor progression and response to cancer therapy.
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13
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Tumour microenvironment (TME) characterization identified prognosis and immunotherapy response in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 70:1-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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14
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Jiang G, Shi L, Zheng X, Zhang X, Wu K, Liu B, Yan P, Liang X, Yu T, Wang Y, Cai X. Androgen receptor affects the response to immune checkpoint therapy by suppressing PD-L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:11466-11484. [PMID: 32579541 PMCID: PMC7343489 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy with gender-related differences in onset and course. Androgen receptor (AR), a male hormone receptor, is critical in the initiation and progression of HCC. The role of AR in HCC has been mechanistically characterized and anti-AR therapies have been developed, showing limited efficacy. Immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoint proteins may substantially improve the clinical management of HCC. The mechanism by which AR influences HCC immune state remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that AR negatively regulated PD-L1, by acting as a transcriptional repressor of PD-L1. Notably, AR over-expression in HCC cells enhanced CD8+T function in vitro. We then verified the AR/PD-L1 correlation in patients. In animal experiment we found that lower AR expressed tumor achieved better response to PD-L1 inhibitor. Thus, AR suppressed PD-L1 expression, possibly contributing to gender disparity in HCC. Better understanding of the roles of AR during HCC initiation and progression will provide a novel angle to develop potential HCC immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueyong Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinjie Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Boqiang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peijian Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tunan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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15
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Li B, Yan C, Zhu J, Chen X, Fu Q, Zhang H, Tong Z, Liu L, Zheng Y, Zhao P, Jiang W, Fang W. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade Immunotherapy Employed in Treating Hepatitis B Virus Infection-Related Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Literature Review. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1037. [PMID: 32547550 PMCID: PMC7270402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is regarded as the main etiological risk factor in the process of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as it promotes an immunosuppressive microenvironment that is partially mediated by the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling pathway. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HBV-related HCC is indeed more immunosuppressive than microenvironments not associated with viruses. And compared to TME in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected HCC, TME of HBV-related HCC is less vascularized and presents different immune components resulting in similar immunosuppression. However, few studies are focusing on the specific side effects and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy in HBV-related HCC patients, as well as on the underlying mechanism. Herein, we reviewed the basic research focusing on potential TME alteration caused by HBV infection, especially in HCC patients. Moreover, we reviewed PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy clinical trials to clarify the safety and efficacy of this newly developed treatment in the particular circumstances of HBV infection. We found that patients with HBV-related HCC displayed an acceptable safety profile similar to those of non-infected HCC patients. However, we could not determine the antiviral activity of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade because standard anti-viral therapies were conducted in all of the current clinical trials, which made it difficult to distinguish the potential influence of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade on HBV infection. Generally, the objective response rates (ORRs) of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy did not differ significantly between virus-positive and virus-negative patients, except that disease control rates (DCRs) were obviously lower in HBV-infected HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cong Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- Department of Oncology, Henan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qihan Fu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangyu Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Tong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lulu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiqin Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijia Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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