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Aparicio B, Theunissen P, Hervas-Stubbs S, Fortes P, Sarobe P. Relevance of mutation-derived neoantigens and non-classical antigens for anticancer therapies. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2303799. [PMID: 38346926 PMCID: PMC10863374 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2303799] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficacy of cancer immunotherapies relies on correct recognition of tumor antigens by lymphocytes, eliciting thus functional responses capable of eliminating tumor cells. Therefore, important efforts have been carried out in antigen identification, with the aim of understanding mechanisms of response to immunotherapy and to design safer and more efficient strategies. In addition to classical tumor-associated antigens identified during the last decades, implementation of next-generation sequencing methodologies is enabling the identification of neoantigens (neoAgs) arising from mutations, leading to the development of new neoAg-directed therapies. Moreover, there are numerous non-classical tumor antigens originated from other sources and identified by new methodologies. Here, we review the relevance of neoAgs in different immunotherapies and the results obtained by applying neoAg-based strategies. In addition, the different types of non-classical tumor antigens and the best approaches for their identification are described. This will help to increase the spectrum of targetable molecules useful in cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen Aparicio
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Patrick Theunissen
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervas-Stubbs
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Puri Fortes
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Network for Advanced Therapies (TERAV ISCIII), Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
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2
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Lautert-Dutra W, M Melo C, Chaves LP, Crozier C, P Saggioro F, B Dos Reis R, Bayani J, Bonatto SL, Squire JA. Loss of heterozygosity impacts MHC expression on the immune microenvironment in CDK12-mutated prostate cancer. Mol Cytogenet 2024; 17:11. [PMID: 38704603 PMCID: PMC11070094 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-024-00680-6] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In prostate cancer (PCa), well-established biomarkers such as MSI status, TMB high, and PDL1 expression serve as reliable indicators for favorable responses to immunotherapy. Recent studies have suggested a potential association between CDK12 mutations and immunotherapy response; however, the precise mechanisms through which CDK12 mutation may influence immune response remain unclear. A plausible explanation for immune evasion in this subset of CDK12-mutated PCa may be reduced MHC expression. RESULTS Using genomic data of CDK12-mutated PCa from 48 primary and 10 metastatic public domain samples and a retrospective cohort of 53 low-intermediate risk primary PCa, we investigated how variation in the expression of the MHC genes affected associated downstream pathways. We classified the patients based on gene expression quartiles of MHC-related genes and categorized the tumors into "High" and "Low" expression levels. CDK12-mutated tumors with higher MHC-expressed pathways were associated with the immune system and elevated PD-L1, IDO1, and TIM3 expression. Consistent with an inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME) phenotype, digital cytometric analyses identified increased CD8 + T cells, B cells, γδ T cells, and M1 Macrophages in this group. In contrast, CDK12-mutated tumors with lower MHC expression exhibited features consistent with an immune cold TME phenotype and immunoediting. Significantly, low MHC expression was also associated with chromosome 6 loss of heterozygosity (LOH) affecting the entire HLA gene cluster. These LOH events were observed in both major clonal and minor subclonal populations of tumor cells. In our retrospective study of 53 primary PCa cases from this Institute, we found a 4% (2/53) prevalence of CDK12 mutations, with the confirmation of this defect in one tumor through Sanger sequencing. In keeping with our analysis of public domain data this tumor exhibited low MHC expression at the RNA level. More extensive studies will be required to determine whether reduced HLA expression is generally associated with primary tumors or is a specific feature of CDK12 mutated PCa. CONCLUSIONS These data show that analysis of CDK12 alteration, in the context of MHC expression levels, and LOH status may offer improved predictive value for outcomes in this potentially actionable genomic subgroup of PCa. In addition, these findings highlight the need to explore novel therapeutic strategies to enhance MHC expression in CDK12-defective PCa to improve immunotherapy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lautert-Dutra
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Prêto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Camila M Melo
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Prêto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz P Chaves
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Prêto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Cheryl Crozier
- Diagnostic Development, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fabiano P Saggioro
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Prêto, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo B Dos Reis
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Prêto, Brazil
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Prêto, Brazil
| | - Jane Bayani
- Diagnostic Development, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandro L Bonatto
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul - PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 668, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Jeremy A Squire
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Prêto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada.
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Ma J, Zhu X, Heng Y, Ding X, Tao L, Lu L. Establishment and characterization of a novel hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line CZH1 with genetic abnormalities. Hum Cell 2024; 37:546-559. [PMID: 38280070 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01026-5] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) has the worst prognosis among head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The lack of available tumor cell lines poses a significant obstacle to the development of efficient treatments for HPSCC. In this study, we successfully established a novel cell line, named CZH1, from the postcricoid region of a Chinese male patient with a T3N0M0 HPSCC. Short tandem repeat analysis confirmed the uniqueness of CZH1. The cell line was characterized by its phenotypes, biomarkers, and genetics. Importantly, CZH1 cells retained the typical features of epithelial malignancy, similar to the primary tumor tissue. Furthermore, CZH1 demonstrated a greater capacity for invasion and increased susceptibility to irradiation in comparison to FaDu, which is the most commonly used HPSCC cell line. Whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed that CZH1 cells had typical genomic features of HNSCC, including mutations of TP53 and amplifications of multiple transcripts. Therefore, our newly developed CZH1 cell line could serve as an efficient tool for the in vitro investigation of the etiology, pathogenesis, and preclinical treatment of HPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Ma
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yu Heng
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xuping Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lei Tao
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Liming Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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4
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Lukácsi S, Munkácsy G, Győrffy B. Harnessing Hyperthermia: Molecular, Cellular, and Immunological Insights for Enhanced Anticancer Therapies. Integr Cancer Ther 2024; 23:15347354241242094. [PMID: 38818970 PMCID: PMC11143831 DOI: 10.1177/15347354241242094] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperthermia, the raising of tumor temperature (≥39°C), holds great promise as an adjuvant treatment for cancer therapy. This review focuses on 2 key aspects of hyperthermia: its molecular and cellular effects and its impact on the immune system. Hyperthermia has profound effects on critical biological processes. Increased temperatures inhibit DNA repair enzymes, making cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation. Elevated temperatures also induce cell cycle arrest and trigger apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, hyperthermia modifies the expression of heat shock proteins, which play vital roles in cancer therapy, including enhancing immune responses. Hyperthermic treatments also have a significant impact on the body's immune response against tumors, potentially improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Mild systemic hyperthermia (39°C-41°C) mimics fever, activating immune cells and raising metabolic rates. Intense heat above 50°C can release tumor antigens, enhancing immune reactions. Using photothermal nanoparticles for targeted heating and drug delivery can also modulate the immune response. Hyperthermia emerges as a cost-effective and well-tolerated adjuvant therapy when integrated with immunotherapy. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for the selection of patient-specific treatments and the guidance of future experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Lukácsi
- HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyöngyi Munkácsy
- HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Budapest, Hungary
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5
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Wu X, Li T, Jiang R, Yang X, Guo H, Yang R. Targeting MHC-I molecules for cancer: function, mechanism, and therapeutic prospects. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:194. [PMID: 38041084 PMCID: PMC10693139 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01899-4] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecules of Major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) load peptides and present them on the cell surface, which provided the immune system with the signal to detect and eliminate the infected or cancerous cells. In the context of cancer, owing to the crucial immune-regulatory roles played by MHC-I molecules, the abnormal modulation of MHC-I expression and function could be hijacked by tumor cells to escape the immune surveillance and attack, thereby promoting tumoral progression and impairing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here we reviewed and discussed the recent studies and discoveries related to the MHC-I molecules and their multidirectional functions in the development of cancer, mainly focusing on the interactions between MHC-I and the multiple participators in the tumor microenvironment and highlighting the significance of targeting MHC-I for optimizing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature and functioning mechanism of MHC-I in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Wu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianhang Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Southeast University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Wen M, Li Y, Qin X, Qin B, Wang Q. Insight into Cancer Immunity: MHCs, Immune Cells and Commensal Microbiota. Cells 2023; 12:1882. [PMID: 37508545 PMCID: PMC10378520 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells circumvent immune surveillance via diverse strategies. In accordance, a large number of complex studies of the immune system focusing on tumor cell recognition have revealed new insights and strategies developed, largely through major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs). As one of them, tumor-specific MHC-II expression (tsMHC-II) can facilitate immune surveillance to detect tumor antigens, and thereby has been used in immunotherapy, including superior cancer prognosis, clinical sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy and tumor-bearing rejection in mice. NK cells play a unique role in enhancing innate immune responses, accounting for part of the response including immunosurveillance and immunoregulation. NK cells are also capable of initiating the response of the adaptive immune system to cancer immunotherapy independent of cytotoxic T cells, clearly demonstrating a link between NK cell function and the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Eosinophils were shown to feature pleiotropic activities against a variety of solid tumor types, including direct interactions with tumor cells, and accessorily affect immunotherapeutic response through intricating cross-talk with lymphocytes. Additionally, microbial sequencing and reconstitution revealed that commensal microbiota might be involved in the modulation of cancer progression, including positive and negative regulatory bacteria. They may play functional roles in not only mucosal modulation, but also systemic immune responses. Here, we present a panorama of the cancer immune network mediated by MHCI/II molecules, immune cells and commensal microbiota and a discussion of prospective relevant intervening mechanisms involved in cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minting Wen
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yingjing Li
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaonan Qin
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bing Qin
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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7
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Corver WE, Ter Haar NT. High-Resolution Multiparameter DNA Flow Cytometry for Accurate Ploidy Assessment and the Detection and Sorting of Tumor and Stromal Subpopulations from Paraffin-Embedded Tissues. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e825. [PMID: 37428889 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
This article contains detailed protocols for the simultaneous flow cytometric identification of tumor cells and stromal cells and measurement of DNA content of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. The vimentin-positive stromal cell fraction can be used as an internal reference for accurate DNA content assessments of FFPE carcinoma tissues. This allows clear detection of keratin-positive tumor cells with a DNA index lower than 1.0 (near-haploidy) and of keratin-positive tumor cells with a DNA index close to 1.0 in overall DNA aneuploid samples, thus improving DNA ploidy assessment in FFPE carcinomas. Furthermore, the protocol is useful for studying molecular genetic alterations and intratumor heterogeneity in archival FFPE samples. Keratin-positive tumor cell fractions can be sorted for further molecular genetic analysis, while DNA from the sorted vimentin-positive stromal cells can serve as a reference when normal tissue of the patient is not available. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Multiparameter DNA content analysis of FFPE carcinomas Alternate Protocol 1: Immunocytochemistry for keratin and vimentin, and DNA labeling for blue and red excitation Alternate Protocol 2: Immunocytochemistry for keratin and vimentin, and DNA labeling for blue excitation Support Protocol: Sorting cell population from FFPE carcinomas.
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8
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Santharam MA, Shukla A, Levesque D, Kufer TA, Boisvert FM, Ramanathan S, Ilangumaran S. NLRC5-CIITA Fusion Protein as an Effective Inducer of MHC-I Expression and Antitumor Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087206. [PMID: 37108368 PMCID: PMC10138588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive tumors evade cytotoxic T lymphocytes by suppressing MHC class-I (MHC-I) expression that also compromises tumor responsiveness to immunotherapy. MHC-I defects strongly correlate to defective expression of NLRC5, the transcriptional activator of MHC-I and antigen processing genes. In poorly immunogenic B16 melanoma cells, restoring NLRC5 expression induces MHC-I and elicits antitumor immunity, raising the possibility of using NLRC5 for tumor immunotherapy. As the clinical application of NLRC5 is constrained by its large size, we examined whether a smaller NLRC5-CIITA fusion protein, dubbed NLRC5-superactivator (NLRC5-SA) as it retains the ability to induce MHC-I, could be used for tumor growth control. We show that stable NLRC5-SA expression in mouse and human cancer cells upregulates MHC-I expression. B16 melanoma and EL4 lymphoma tumors expressing NLRC5-SA are controlled as efficiently as those expressing full-length NLRC5 (NLRC5-FL). Comparison of MHC-I-associated peptides (MAPs) eluted from EL4 cells expressing NLRC5-FL or NLRC5-SA and analyzed by mass spectrometry revealed that both NLRC5 constructs expanded the MAP repertoire, which showed considerable overlap but also included a substantial proportion of distinct peptides. Thus, we propose that NLRC5-SA, with its ability to increase tumor immunogenicity and promote tumor growth control, could overcome the limitations of NLRC5-FL for translational immunotherapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madanraj Appiya Santharam
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Akhil Shukla
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Dominique Levesque
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Thomas A Kufer
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - François-Michel Boisvert
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- CRCHUS, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- CRCHUS, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- CRCHUS, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
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Aptsiauri N, Garrido F. The Challenges of HLA Class I Loss in Cancer Immunotherapy: Facts and Hopes. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:5021-5029. [PMID: 35861868 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
HLA class I molecules are key in tumor recognition and T cell-mediated elimination. Loss of tumor HLA class I expression with different underlying molecular defects results in reduced antigen presentation and facilitates cancer immune evasion. It is also linked to significant changes in tumor microenvironment and tissue architecture. In this review, we summarize the current advances and future perspectives in the understanding of the mechanisms of MHC/HLA class I alterations during the natural history of tumor progression from a primary lesion to distant metastases. We also focus on recent clinical and experimental data demonstrating that lack of response to cancer immunotherapy frequently depends on the molecular nature of tumor HLA class I aberrations. Finally, we highlight the relevance of detecting and correcting the absence of tumor HLA expression to improve immunotherapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Aptsiauri
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada Medical School, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Biosanitary Research of Granada (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada Medical School, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Biosanitary Research of Granada (IBS), Granada, Spain
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Gómez-Herranz M, Faktor J, Yébenes Mayordomo M, Pilch M, Nekulova M, Hernychova L, Ball KL, Vojtesek B, Hupp TR, Kote S. Emergent Role of IFITM1/3 towards Splicing Factor (SRSF1) and Antigen-Presenting Molecule (HLA-B) in Cervical Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1090. [PMID: 36008984 PMCID: PMC9405601 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The IFITM restriction factors play a role in cancer cell progression through undefined mechanisms. We investigate new protein-protein interactions for IFITM1/3 in the context of cancer that would shed some light on how IFITM1/3 attenuate the expression of targeted proteins such as HLA-B. SBP-tagged IFITM1 protein was used to identify an association of IFITM1 protein with the SRSF1 splicing factor and transporter of mRNA to the ribosome. Using in situ proximity ligation assays, we confirmed a predominant cytosolic protein-protein association for SRSF1 and IFITM1/3. Accordingly, IFITM1/3 interacted with HLA-B mRNA in response to IFNγ stimulation using RNA-protein proximity ligation assays. In addition, RT-qPCR assays in IFITM1/IFITM3 null cells and wt-SiHa cells indicated that HLA-B gene expression at the mRNA level does not account for lowered HLA-B protein synthesis in response to IFNγ. Complementary, shotgun RNA sequencing did not show major transcript differences between IFITM1/IFITM3 null cells and wt-SiHa cells. Furthermore, ribosome profiling using sucrose gradient sedimentation identified a reduction in 80S ribosomal fraction an IFITM1/IFITM3 null cells compared to wild type. It was partially reverted by IFITM1/3 complementation. Our data link IFITM1/3 proteins to HLA-B mRNA and SRSF1 and, all together, our results begin to elucidate how IFITM1/3 catalyze the synthesis of target proteins. IFITMs are widely studied for their role in inhibiting viruses, and multiple studies have associated IFITMs with cancer progression. Our study has identified new proteins associated with IFITMs which support their role in mediating protein expression; a pivotal function that is highly relevant for viral infection and cancer progression. Our results suggest that IFITM1/3 affect the expression of targeted proteins; among them, we identified HLA-B. Changes in HLA-B expression could impact the presentation and recognition of oncogenic antigens on the cell surface by cytotoxic T cells and, ultimately, limit tumor cell eradication. In addition, the role of IFITMs in mediating protein abundance is relevant, as it has the potential for regulating the expression of viral and oncogenic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gómez-Herranz
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jakub Faktor
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, 65653 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marcos Yébenes Mayordomo
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Pilch
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marta Nekulova
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, 65653 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hernychova
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, 65653 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kathryn L. Ball
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Borivoj Vojtesek
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, 65653 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ted R. Hupp
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, 65653 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sachin Kote
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland
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11
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Knoche SM, Larson AC, Brumfield GL, Cate S, Hildebrand WH, Solheim JC. Major histocompatibility complex class I molecule expression by pancreatic cancer cells is regulated by activation and inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Immunol Res 2022; 70:371-391. [PMID: 35303241 PMCID: PMC9203924 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-022-09262-3] [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: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest neoplasms, with a dismal 5-year survival rate of only 10%. The ability of pancreatic cancer cells to evade the immune system hinders an anti-tumor response and contributes to the poor survival rate. Downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cell-surface expression can aid in immune evasion by preventing endogenous tumor antigens from being presented to cytotoxic T cells. Earlier studies suggested that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling can decrease MHC class I expression on certain cancer cell types. However, even though erlotinib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets EGFR) is an approved drug for advanced pancreatic cancer treatment, the impact of EGFR inhibition or stimulation on pancreatic cancer cell MHC class I surface expression has not previously been analyzed. In this current study, we discovered that EGFR affects MHC class I mRNA and protein expression by human pancreatic cancer cell lines. We demonstrated that cell-surface MHC class I expression is downregulated upon EGFR activation, and the MHC class I level at the surface is elevated following EGFR inhibition. Furthermore, we found that EGFR associates with MHC class I molecules. By defining a role in pancreatic cancer cells for activated EGFR in reducing MHC class I expression and by revealing that EGFR inhibitors can boost MHC class I expression, our work supports further investigation of combined usage of EGFR inhibitors with immunotherapies against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby M Knoche
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Alaina C Larson
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Gabrielle L Brumfield
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Steven Cate
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - William H Hildebrand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Joyce C Solheim
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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12
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Arnold PY. Review: HLA loss and detection in the setting of relapse from HLA-mismatched hematopoietic cell transplant. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:712-720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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13
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Garrido MA, Perea F, Vilchez JR, Rodríguez T, Anderson P, Garrido F, Ruiz-Cabello F, Aptsiauri N. Copy Neutral LOH Affecting the Entire Chromosome 6 Is a Frequent Mechanism of HLA Class I Alterations in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205046. [PMID: 34680201 PMCID: PMC8534100 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Total or partial loss of HLA class I antigens reduce the recognition of specific tumor peptides by cytotoxic T lymphocytes favoring cancer immune escape during natural tumor evolution. These alterations can be caused by genomic defects, such as loss of heterozygosity at chromosomes 6 and 15 (LOH-6 and LOH-15), where HLA class I genes are located. There is growing evidence indicating that LOH in HLA contributes to the immune selection of HLA loss variants and influences the resistance to immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the incidence and the mechanism of this chromosomal aberration involving HLA genes has not been systematically assessed in different types of tumors and often remains underestimated. Here, we used SNP arrays to investigate the incidence and patterns of LOH-6 and LOH-15 in a number of human cancer cell lines and tissues of different histological types. We observed that LOH in HLA is a common event in cancer samples with a prevalence of a copy neutral type of LOH (CN-LOH) that affects entire chromosome 6 or 15 and involves chromosomal duplications. LOH-6 was observed more often and was associated with homozygous HLA genotype and partial HLA loss of expression. We also discuss the immunologic and clinical implications of LOH in HLA on tumor clonal expansion and association with the cancer recurrence after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonia Garrido
- Servicio de Radiología, UGC de Radiología, Hospital Virgen de la Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain;
| | - Francisco Perea
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Ramon Vilchez
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Teresa Rodríguez
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Per Anderson
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (F.P.); (J.R.V.); (T.R.); (P.A.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.R.-C.); (N.A.)
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.R.-C.); (N.A.)
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14
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Qi YA, Maity TK, Cultraro CM, Misra V, Zhang X, Ade C, Gao S, Milewski D, Nguyen KD, Ebrahimabadi MH, Hanada KI, Khan J, Sahinalp C, Yang JC, Guha U. Proteogenomic Analysis Unveils the HLA Class I-Presented Immunopeptidome in Melanoma and EGFR-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100136. [PMID: 34391887 PMCID: PMC8724932 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive lymphocyte transfer–based therapies have shown great therapeutic potential in cancers with high tumor mutational burden (TMB), such as melanoma, but not in cancers with low TMB, such as mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–driven lung adenocarcinoma. Precision immunotherapy is an unmet need for most cancers, particularly for cancers that respond inadequately to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we employed large-scale MS-based proteogenomic profiling to identify potential immunogenic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-presented peptides in melanoma and EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. Similar numbers of peptides were identified from both tumor types. Cell line and patient-specific databases (DBs) were constructed using variants identified from whole-exome sequencing. A de novo search algorithm was used to interrogate the HLA class I immunopeptidome MS data. We identified 12 variant peptides and several classes of tumor-associated antigen-derived peptides. We constructed a cancer germ line (CG) antigen DB with 285 antigens. This allowed us to identify 40 class I-presented CG antigen–derived peptides. The class I immunopeptidome comprised more than 1000 post-translationally modified (PTM) peptides representing 58 different PTMs, underscoring the critical role PTMs may play in HLA binding. Finally, leveraging de novo search algorithm and an annotated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DB, we developed a novel lncRNA-encoded peptide discovery pipeline to identify 44 lncRNA-derived peptides that are presented by class I. We validated tandem MS spectra of select variant, CG antigen, and lncRNA-derived peptides using synthetic peptides and performed HLA class I-binding assays to demonstrate binding to class I proteins. In summary, we provide direct evidence of HLA class I presentation of a large number of variant and tumor-associated peptides in both low and high TMB cancer. These results can potentially be useful for precision immunotherapies, such as vaccine or adoptive cell therapies in melanoma and EGFR-mutant lung cancers. Proteogenomics identified ∼35,000 class I-presented peptides. CG antigen and PTM peptides identified in melanoma and lung cancer. De novo search identified variant and lncRNA-derived peptides. A new strategy to identify class I-presented lncRNA-derived peptides developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue A Qi
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Tapan K Maity
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Constance M Cultraro
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vikram Misra
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xu Zhang
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine Ade
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shaojian Gao
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David Milewski
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Khoa D Nguyen
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mohammad H Ebrahimabadi
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Department of Computer Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Ken-Ichi Hanada
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Javed Khan
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cenk Sahinalp
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James C Yang
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Udayan Guha
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA.
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15
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Tumor Escape Phenotype in Bladder Cancer Is Associated with Loss of HLA Class I Expression, T-Cell Exclusion and Stromal Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147248. [PMID: 34298868 PMCID: PMC8307653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer eradication and clinical outcome of immunotherapy depend on tumor cell immunogenicity, including HLA class I (HLA-I) and PD-L1 expression on malignant cells, and on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor immune infiltration and stromal reaction. Loss of tumor HLA-I is a common mechanism of immune escape from cytotoxic T lymphocytes and is linked to cancer progression and resistance to immunotherapy with the inhibitors of PD-L1/PD-1 signaling. Here we observed that HLA-I loss in bladder tumors is associated with T cell exclusion and tumor encapsulation with stromal elements rich in FAP-positive cells. In addition, PD-L1 upregulation in HLA-I negative tumors demonstrated a correlation with high tumor grade and worse overall- and cancer-specific survival of the patients. These changes define common immuno-morphological signatures compatible with cancer immune escape and acquired resistance to therapeutic interventions across different types of malignancy. They also may contribute to the search of new targets for cancer treatment, such as FAP-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, in refractory bladder tumors.
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16
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Shklovskaya E, Rizos H. MHC Class I Deficiency in Solid Tumors and Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome It. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136741. [PMID: 34201655 PMCID: PMC8268865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that the immune system can control cancer growth. However, tumors escape immune-mediated control through multiple mechanisms and the downregulation or loss of major histocompatibility class (MHC)-I molecules is a common immune escape mechanism in many cancers. MHC-I molecules present antigenic peptides to cytotoxic T cells, and MHC-I loss can render tumor cells invisible to the immune system. In this review, we examine the dysregulation of MHC-I expression in cancer, explore the nature of MHC-I-bound antigenic peptides recognized by immune cells, and discuss therapeutic strategies that can be used to overcome MHC-I deficiency in solid tumors, with a focus on the role of natural killer (NK) cells and CD4 T cells.
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17
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Gharghani MS, Simonian M, Bakhtiari F, Ghaffari MH, Fazli G, Bayat AA, Negahdari B. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for breast cancer. Future Oncol 2021; 17:2961-2979. [PMID: 34156280 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main reasons that researchers pay enormous attention to immunotherapy is that, despite significant advances in conventional therapy approaches, breast cancer remains the leading cause of death from malignant tumors among women. Genetically modifying T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is one of the novel methods that has exhibited encouraging activity with relative safety, further urging investigators to develop several CAR T cells to target overexpressed antigens in breast tumors. This article is aimed not only to present such CAR T cells and discuss their remarkable results but also indicates their shortcomings with the hope of achieving possible strategies for improving therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mighmig Simonian Gharghani
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 8415683111, Iran
| | - Miganoosh Simonian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14177-55469, Iran
| | - Faezeh Bakhtiari
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mozhan Haji Ghaffari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14177-55469, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Fazli
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmad Bayat
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14177-55469, Iran
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18
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Alves E, Taifour S, Dolcetti R, Chee J, Nowak AK, Gaudieri S, Blancafort P. Reprogramming the anti-tumor immune response via CRISPR genetic and epigenetic editing. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:592-606. [PMID: 34095343 PMCID: PMC8142043 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Precise clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genetic and epigenetic manipulation of the immune response has become a promising immunotherapeutic approach toward combating tumorigenesis and tumor progression. CRISPR-based immunologic reprograming in cancer therapy comprises the locus-specific enhancement of host immunity, the improvement of tumor immunogenicity, and the suppression of tumor immunoevasion. To date, the ex vivo re-engineering of immune cells directed to inhibit the expression of immune checkpoints or to express synthetic immune receptors (chimeric antigen receptor therapy) has shown success in some settings, such as in the treatment of melanoma, lymphoma, liver, and lung cancer. However, advancements in nuclease-deactivated CRISPR-associated nuclease-9 (dCas9)-mediated transcriptional activation or repression and Cas13-directed gene suppression present novel avenues for the development of tumor immunotherapies. In this review, the basis for development, mechanism of action, and outcomes from recently published Cas9-based clinical trial (genetic editing) and dCas9/Cas13-based pre-clinical (epigenetic editing) data are discussed. Lastly, we review cancer immunotherapy-specific considerations and barriers surrounding use of these approaches in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Alves
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Shahama Taifour
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Jonathan Chee
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Anna K. Nowak
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Silvana Gaudieri
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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19
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Koguchi O, Nishimaki H, Nakanishi Y, Kobayashi H, Ohni S, Tang X, Kusumi Y, Masuda S. Altered Immunohistochemical Expression Patterns of HLA Class I during the Clinical Course of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2021; 54:57-64. [PMID: 34012177 PMCID: PMC8116618 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.21-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is unclear how immunohistochemical expression patterns of HLA class I in the pre-malignant phase of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) alter during the clinical follow-up period. The present study aimed to demonstrate the correlation between the immunohistochemical expression pattern of HLA class I and the CIN grade through repeated examinations during the clinical course. Expression patterns of HLA class I, p16INK4a, and PD-L1 were immunohistochemically examined using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections of biopsy or conization samples that were obtained from 20 patients diagnosed with CIN. The mRNA expression levels of HLA class I were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using FFPE sections of 14 patients, who were examined metachronously during the follow-up period. HLA class I expression was limited to the lower part of the epithelial thickness (M1 pattern) in more than half of CIN1 cases, and was present throughout the epithelial thickness (M2 pattern) in one fourth of CIN1 and CIN2 cases approximately. Heterogeneous expression (H pattern) was detected in half of CIN2 and CIN3 cases and in the all of squamous cell carcinoma cases. Metachronous examinations revealed that these immunohistochemical patterns altered more frequently than the CIN grade. The rate of change of HLA class I mRNA expression level was higher in cases with a progressed immunohistochemical pattern compared to those with regressed immunohistochemical pattern. In conclusion, the immunohistochemical pattern of HLA class I expression is associated with the CIN grade, and it is alterable during the clinical course, especially in CIN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okuto Koguchi
- 6th grade student, Nihon University School of Medicine
| | - Haruna Nishimaki
- Division of Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine
| | - Yoko Nakanishi
- Division of Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine
| | - Hiroko Kobayashi
- Division of Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine
| | - Sumie Ohni
- Division of Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine
| | - Xiaoyan Tang
- Division of Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine
| | - Yoshiaki Kusumi
- Division of Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine
| | - Shinobu Masuda
- Division of Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine
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20
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Paston SJ, Brentville VA, Symonds P, Durrant LG. Cancer Vaccines, Adjuvants, and Delivery Systems. Front Immunol 2021; 12:627932. [PMID: 33859638 PMCID: PMC8042385 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.627932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination was first pioneered in the 18th century by Edward Jenner and eventually led to the development of the smallpox vaccine and subsequently the eradication of smallpox. The impact of vaccination to prevent infectious diseases has been outstanding with many infections being prevented and a significant decrease in mortality worldwide. Cancer vaccines aim to clear active disease instead of aiming to prevent disease, the only exception being the recently approved vaccine that prevents cancers caused by the Human Papillomavirus. The development of therapeutic cancer vaccines has been disappointing with many early cancer vaccines that showed promise in preclinical models often failing to translate into efficacy in the clinic. In this review we provide an overview of the current vaccine platforms, adjuvants and delivery systems that are currently being investigated or have been approved. With the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, we also review the potential of these to be used with cancer vaccines to improve efficacy and help to overcome the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter Symonds
- Biodiscovery Institute, Scancell Limited, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lindy G. Durrant
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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21
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Chandra J, Teoh SM, Kuo P, Tolley L, Bashaw AA, Tuong ZK, Liu Y, Chen Z, Wells JW, Yu C, Frazer IH, Yu M. Manganese-Doped Silica-Based Nanoparticles Promote the Efficacy of Antigen-Specific Immunotherapy. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:987-998. [PMID: 33504616 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are commercially available for prevention of infection with cancerogenic HPV genotypes but are not able to combat pre-existing HPV-associated disease. In this study, we designed a nanomaterial-based therapeutic HPV vaccine, comprising manganese (Mn4+)-doped silica nanoparticles (Mn4+-SNPs) and the viral neoantigen peptide GF001 derived from the HPV16 E7 oncoprotein. We show in mice that Mn4+-SNPs act as self-adjuvants by activating the inflammatory signaling pathway via generation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in immune cell recruitment to the immunization site and dendritic cell maturation. Mn4+-SNPs further serve as Ag carriers by facilitating endo/lysosomal escape via depletion of protons in acidic endocytic compartments and subsequent Ag delivery to the cytosol for cross-presentation. The Mn4+-SNPs+GF001 nanovaccine induced strong E7-specific CD8+ T cell responses, leading to remission of established murine HPV16 E7-expressing solid TC-1 tumors and E7-expressing transgenic skin grafts. This vaccine construct offers a simple and general strategy for therapeutic HPV and potentially other cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janin Chandra
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Siok Min Teoh
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Paula Kuo
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Lynn Tolley
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Abate Assefa Bashaw
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Zewen Kelvin Tuong
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Yang Liu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; and
| | - Zibin Chen
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - James W Wells
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Chengzhong Yu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; and
| | - Ian H Frazer
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia;
| | - Meihua Yu
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; .,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; and
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Shukla A, Cloutier M, Appiya Santharam M, Ramanathan S, Ilangumaran S. The MHC Class-I Transactivator NLRC5: Implications to Cancer Immunology and Potential Applications to Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041964. [PMID: 33671123 PMCID: PMC7922096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system constantly monitors the emergence of cancerous cells and eliminates them. CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which kill tumor cells and provide antitumor immunity, select their targets by recognizing tumor antigenic peptides presented by MHC class-I (MHC-I) molecules. Cancer cells circumvent immune surveillance using diverse strategies. A key mechanism of cancer immune evasion is downregulation of MHC-I and key proteins of the antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM). Even though impaired MHC-I expression in cancers is well-known, reversing the MHC-I defects remains the least advanced area of tumor immunology. The discoveries that NLRC5 is the key transcriptional activator of MHC-I and APM genes, and genetic lesions and epigenetic modifications of NLRC5 are the most common cause of MHC-I defects in cancers, have raised the hopes for restoring MHC-I expression. Here, we provide an overview of cancer immunity mediated by CD8+ T cells and the functions of NLRC5 in MHC-I antigen presentation pathways. We describe the impressive advances made in understanding the regulation of NLRC5 expression, the data supporting the antitumor functions of NLRC5 and a few reports that argue for a pro-tumorigenic role. Finally, we explore the possible avenues of exploiting NLRC5 for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Shukla
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (A.S.); (M.C.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Maryse Cloutier
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (A.S.); (M.C.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Madanraj Appiya Santharam
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (A.S.); (M.C.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (A.S.); (M.C.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.)
- CRCHUS, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (A.S.); (M.C.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.)
- CRCHUS, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-819-346-1110 (ext. 14834)
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Thompson JC, Davis C, Deshpande C, Hwang WT, Jeffries S, Huang A, Mitchell TC, Langer CJ, Albelda SM. Gene signature of antigen processing and presentation machinery predicts response to checkpoint blockade in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-000974. [PMID: 33028693 PMCID: PMC7542663 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited data exist on the role of alterations in HLA Class I antigen processing and presentation machinery in mediating response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed transcriptional profiles from pre-treatment tumor samples of 51 chemotherapy-refractory advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and two independent melanoma cohorts treated with ICB. An antigen processing machinery (APM) score was generated utilizing eight genes associated with APM (B2M, CALR, NLRC5, PSMB9, PSME1, PSME3, RFX5, and HSP90AB1). Associations were made for therapeutic response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results In NSCLC, the APM score was significantly higher in responders compared with non-responders (p=0.0001). An APM score above the median value for the cohort was associated with improved PFS (HR 0.34 (0.18 to 0.64), p=0.001) and OS (HR 0.44 (0.23 to 0.83), p=0.006). The APM score was correlated with an inflammation score based on the established T-cell-inflamed resistance gene expression profile (Pearson’s r=0.58, p<0.0001). However, the APM score better predicted response to ICB relative to the inflammation score with area under a receiving operating characteristics curve of 0.84 and 0.70 for PFS and OS, respectively. In a cohort of 14 high-risk resectable stage III/IV melanoma patients treated with neoadjuvant anti-PD1 ICB, a higher APM score was associated with improved disease-free survival (HR: 0.08 (0.01 to 0.50), p=0.0065). In an additional independent melanoma cohort of 27 metastatic patients treated with ICB, a higher APM score was associated with improved OS (HR 0.29 (0.09 to 0.89), p=0.044). Conclusion Our data demonstrate that defects in antigen presentation may be an important feature in predicting outcomes to ICB in both lung cancer and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Thompson
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, Thoracic Oncology Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christiana Davis
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charuhas Deshpande
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wei-Ting Hwang
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seth Jeffries
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander Huang
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tara C Mitchell
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Corey J Langer
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steven M Albelda
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, Thoracic Oncology Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Friedman CF, Snyder Charen A, Zhou Q, Carducci MA, Buckley De Meritens A, Corr BR, Fu S, Hollmann TJ, Iasonos A, Konner JA, Konstantinopoulos PA, Modesitt SC, Sharon E, Aghajanian C, Zamarin D. Phase II study of atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab in patients with advanced cervical cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001126. [PMID: 33004542 PMCID: PMC7534695 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are limited treatment options for patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer. Platinum-based chemotherapy plus the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab remains the mainstay of advanced treatment. Pembrolizumab is Food and Drug Agency approved for programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive cervical cancer with a modest response rate. This is the first study to report the efficacy and safety of the PD-L1 antibody atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab in advanced cervical cancer. Methods We report the results from a phase II, open-label, multicenter study (NCT02921269). Patients with advanced cervical cancer were treated with bevacizumab 15 mg/kg intravenous every 3 weeks and atezolizumab 1200 mg intravenous every 3 weeks. The primary objective was to measure the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results In the total evaluable population (n=10), zero patients achieved an objective response as assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) V.1.1, resulting in a confirmed ORR of 0%. Of note, there were two patients who achieved an unconfirmed PR. The DCR by RECIST V.1.1 was 60% (0% complete response, 0% partial response, 60% stable disease). Median PFS was 2.9 months (95% CI, 1.8 to 6) and median OS was 8.9 months (95% CI, 3.4 to 21.9). Safety results were generally consistent with the known safety profile of both drugs, notably with two high-grade neurologic events. Conclusions The combination of bevacizumab and atezolizumab did not meet the predefined efficacy endpoint, as addition of bevacizumab to PD-L1 blockade did not appear to enhance the ORR in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire F Friedman
- Department of Medicine, Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexandra Snyder Charen
- Department of Medicine, Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael A Carducci
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Bradley R Corr
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Siqing Fu
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Travis J Hollmann
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alexia Iasonos
- Department of Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jason A Konner
- Department of Medicine, Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Susan C Modesitt
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Elad Sharon
- National Cancer Institute Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carol Aghajanian
- Department of Medicine, Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dmitriy Zamarin
- Department of Medicine, Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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25
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A few good peptides: MHC class I-based cancer immunosurveillance and immunoevasion. Nat Rev Immunol 2020; 21:116-128. [PMID: 32820267 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-0390-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable success of immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrates the potential of tumour-specific CD8+ T cells to prevent and treat cancer. Although the number of lives saved by immunotherapy mounts, only a relatively small fraction of patients are cured. Here, we review two of the factors that limit the application of CD8+ T cell immunotherapies: difficulties in identifying tumour-specific peptides presented by MHC class I molecules and the ability of tumour cells to impair antigen presentation as they evolve under T cell selection. We describe recent advances in understanding how peptides are generated from non-canonical translation of defective ribosomal products, relate this to the dysregulated translation that is a feature of carcinogenesis and propose dysregulated translation as an important new source of tumour-specific peptides. We discuss how the synthesis and function of components of the antigen-processing and presentation pathway, including the recently described immunoribosome, are manipulated by tumours for immunoevasion and point to common druggable targets that may enhance immunotherapy.
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Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with engineered T cells is at the forefront of cancer treatment. T cells can be engineered to express T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) derived from intracellular or cell surface proteins. T cells engineered with TCRs (TCR-T) allow for targeting diverse types of TAAs, including proteins overexpressed in malignant cells, those with lineage-restricted expression, cancer-testis antigens, and neoantigens created from abnormal, malignancy-restricted proteins. Minor histocompatibility antigens can also serve as TAAs for TCR-T to treat relapsed hematologic malignancies after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Moreover, TCR constructs can be modified to improve safety and enhance function and persistence of TCR-T. Transgenic T-cell receptor therapies targeting 3 different TAAs are in early-phase clinical trials for treatment of hematologic malignancies. Preclinical studies of TCR-T specific for many other TAAs are underway and offer great promise as safe and effective therapies for a wide range of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda A Biernacki
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Michelle Brault
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Marie Bleakley
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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27
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Shankar K, Capitini CM, Saha K. Genome engineering of induced pluripotent stem cells to manufacture natural killer cell therapies. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:234. [PMID: 32546200 PMCID: PMC7298853 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01741-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in host immunity by detecting cells that downregulate MHC class I presentation and upregulate stress ligands, as commonly seen in cancers. Current NK therapies using primary NK cells are prone to manufacturing issues related to expansion and storage. Alternative cell sources utilizing immortalized NK cell lines require irradiation and are dependent on systemic IL-2 administration, which has been associated with adverse effects. In contrast, NK cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-NK cells) offer an off-the-shelf alternative that may overcome these bottlenecks. The development of a serum-free and feeder-free differentiation protocol allows for the manufacturing of clinically adaptable iPSC-NK cells that are equally as effective as primary NK cells and the NK-92 cell line for many indications. Moreover, genetic modifications targeting NK-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity capabilities, cytotoxicity, and checkpoint inhibitors may increase the therapeutic potential of iPSC-NK products. This review will highlight the current sources for NK therapies and their respective constraints, discuss recent developments in the manufacturing and genetic engineering of iPSC-NK cells, and provide an overview of ongoing clinical trials using NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthana Shankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christian M Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Ave, WIMR 4137, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Krishanu Saha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 330 N Orchard St, WID 4164, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.
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28
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Abd Hamid M, Peng Y, Dong T. Human cancer germline antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell-what can we learn from patient. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:684-692. [PMID: 32451453 PMCID: PMC7331575 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0468-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we will highlight the importance of cancer germline antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTL) and the factors affecting antitumor CTL responses. In light of cancer immunotherapy, we will emphasis the need to further understand the features, characteristics, and actions of modulatory receptors of human cancer germline-specific CTLs, in order to determine the optimal conditions for antitumor CTL responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megat Abd Hamid
- Nufield Department of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yanchun Peng
- Nufield Department of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tao Dong
- Nufield Department of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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29
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Sznarkowska A, Mikac S, Pilch M. MHC Class I Regulation: The Origin Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051155. [PMID: 32375397 PMCID: PMC7281430 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral-derived elements and non-coding RNAs that build up “junk DNA” allow for flexible and context-dependent gene expression. They are extremely dense in the MHC region, accounting for flexible expression of the MHC I, II, and III genes and adjusting the level of immune response to the environmental stimuli. This review brings forward the viral-mediated aspects of the origin and evolution of adaptive immunity and aims to link this perspective with the MHC class I regulation. The complex regulatory network behind MHC expression is largely controlled by virus-derived elements, both as binding sites for immune transcription factors and as sources of regulatory non-coding RNAs. These regulatory RNAs are imbalanced in cancer and associate with different tumor types, making them promising targets for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
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30
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Biernacki MA, Bleakley M. Neoantigens in Hematologic Malignancies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:121. [PMID: 32117272 PMCID: PMC7033457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00121] [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: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell cancer neoantigens are created from peptides derived from cancer-specific aberrant proteins, such as mutated and fusion proteins, presented in complex with human leukocyte antigens on the cancer cell surface. Because expression of the aberrant target protein is exclusive to malignant cells, immunotherapy directed against neoantigens should avoid “on-target, off-tumor” toxicity. The efficacy of neoantigen vaccines in melanoma and glioblastoma and of adoptive transfer of neoantigen-specific T cells in epithelial tumors indicates that neoantigens are valid therapeutic targets. Improvements in sequencing technology and innovations in antigen discovery approaches have facilitated the identification of neoantigens. In comparison to many solid tumors, hematologic malignancies have few mutations and thus fewer potential neoantigens. Despite this, neoantigens have been identified in a wide variety of hematologic malignancies. These include mutated nucleophosmin1 and PML-RARA in acute myeloid leukemia, ETV6-RUNX1 fusions and other mutated proteins in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, BCR-ABL1 fusions in chronic myeloid leukemia, driver mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms, immunoglobulins in lymphomas, and proteins derived from patient-specific mutations in chronic lymphoid leukemias. We will review advances in the field of neoantigen discovery, describe the spectrum of identified neoantigens in hematologic malignancies, and discuss the potential of these neoantigens for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda A Biernacki
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Marie Bleakley
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Abd Hamid M, Yao X, Waugh C, Rosendo-Machado S, Li C, Rostron T, Frankland J, Peng Y, Dong T. Defective Interferon Gamma Production by Tumor-Specific CD8 + T Cells Is Associated With 5'Methylcytosine-Guanine Hypermethylation of Interferon Gamma Promoter. Front Immunol 2020; 11:310. [PMID: 32194559 PMCID: PMC7066077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon gamma (IFNγ) supports effector responses of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and is a surrogate marker for detection of antigen-specific T cells. Here, we show that tumor-specific CTL clones have impaired IFNγ expression and production upon activation. Assessment of the relationship between IFNγ production and the 5'methylcytosine-guanine (CpG) dinucleotide methylation of the IFNγ promoter using bisulfite treatment has shown that IFNγ- CTL clones accumulates CpG hypermethylation within the promoter at key transcription factor binding sites (-186 and -54), known to be vital for transcription. We confirmed these findings using ex vivo isolated and short-term expanded bulk tumor-specific CTL lines from four cancer patients and demonstrated that IFNγ methylation inversely correlates with transcription, protein level, and cytotoxicity. Altogether, we propose that a sizeable portion of human tumor-specific CTLs are deficient in IFNγ response, contributed by CpG hypermethylation of the IFNγ promoter. Our findings have important implications for immunotherapy strategies and for methods to detect human antigen-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megat Abd Hamid
- 1Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xuan Yao
- 1Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Waugh
- 3Flow Cytometry Facility, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samara Rosendo-Machado
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Li
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Rostron
- 4Sequencing Facility, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - John Frankland
- 4Sequencing Facility, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yanchun Peng
- 1Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Dong
- 1Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Tao Dong
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Chen H, Xia B, Zheng T, Lou G. Immunoscore system combining CD8 and PD-1/PD-L1: A novel approach that predicts the clinical outcomes for cervical cancer. Int J Biol Markers 2019; 35:65-73. [PMID: 31808707 DOI: 10.1177/1724600819888771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunoscore was established to evaluate the prognosis of cancer patients. However, the feasibility of Immunoscore for the prognosis of cervical cancer remains unknown. To find other prognostic markers that contribute to immunological importance, immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death protein (PD-1), or its ligand, PD-L1, are of enormous interest. Our purpose is to investigate the expression of CD8 and PD-1/PD-L1 and their potential role in Immunoscore, supplementing the tumor/node/metastasis (TNM) classification of cervical cancer. METHODS Immunoscore was assessed according to the density of PD-1, PD-L1, and CD8 by immunohistochemistry. The association with overall survival and disease-free survival was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. To evaluate the effect of Immunoscore, a Cox proportional hazard regression classification was conducted. To compare the prognostic accuracies of Immunoscore and TNM staging, receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted. RESULTS Patients with PD-L1positive and PD-1high in immune cells had poorer overall survival and disease-free survival; however, PD-L1positive in tumor cells that infiltrated more CD8+ T cells were related to better overall survival and disease-free survival. These immune factors can be independent predictors for prognoses. According to these factors, a new Immunoscore system with priority in predicting prognoses was established. In receiver operating characteristic analysis for predictions of overall survival (the area under curve (AUC) = 0.833 vs. 0.766) and disease-free survival (AUC = 0.861 vs. 0.729), Immunoscore is more accurate than TNM staging. CONCLUSIONS Thus, this Immunoscore system is an accurate predictive marker, which can be an important supplement to TNM staging for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bairong Xia
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Garrido F, Aptsiauri N. Cancer immune escape: MHC expression in primary tumours versus metastases. Immunology 2019; 158:255-266. [PMID: 31509607 PMCID: PMC6856929 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours can escape T-cell responses by losing major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/ human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. In the early stages of cancer development, primary tumours are composed of homogeneous HLA class I-positive cancer cells. Subsequently, infiltration of the tumour by T cells generates a vast diversity of tumour clones with different MHC class I expressions. A Darwinian type of T-cell-mediated immune selection results in a tumour composed solely of MHC class I-negative cells. Metastatic colonization is a highly complex phenomenon in which T lymphocytes and natural killer cells play a major role. We have obtained evidence that the MHC class I phenotype of metastatic colonies can be highly diverse and is not necessarily the same as that of the primary tumour. The molecular mechanisms responsible for MHC/HLA class I alterations are an important determinant of the clinical response to cancer immunotherapy. Hence, immunotherapy can successfully up-regulate MHC/HLA class I expression if the alteration is reversible ('soft'), leading to T-cell-mediated tumour regression. In contrast, it cannot recover this expression if the alteration is irreversible ('hard'), when tumour cells escape T-cell-mediated destruction with subsequent cancer progression. This review summarizes clinical and experimental data on the complexity of immune escape mechanisms used by tumour cells to avoid T and natural killer cell responses. We also provide in-depth analysis of the nature of MHC/HLA class I changes during metastatic colonization and contribute evidence of the enormous diversity of MHC/HLA class I phenotypes that can be produced by tumour cells during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Analisis Clínicos e InmunologíaUGC Laboratorio ClínicoHospital Universitario Virgen de las NievesGranadaSpain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs (A‐08)GranadaSpain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología IIIFacultad de MedicinaUniversidad de GranadaGranadaSpain
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs (A‐08)GranadaSpain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología IIIFacultad de MedicinaUniversidad de GranadaGranadaSpain
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Dang N, Waer M, Sprangers B, Lin Y. Improved Anti-Tumour Adaptive Immunity Can Overcome the Melanoma Immunosuppressive Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111694. [PMID: 31683642 PMCID: PMC6895810 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical benefits obtained from checkpoint blockade regimens demonstrate the importance of overcoming the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) in cancer immunotherapy. Intravenous (i.v.) injection of B16 melanoma cells (H-2Kb) leads to lethal disseminated pulmonary metastasis in Balb/c recipients (H-2Kd). This lack of immune control is related to low major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression on B16 cells which is associated with delayed and decreased anti-tumour adaptive immune responses (e.g., alloantibody formation) as: (i) other tumour types with normal H-2Kb expression are rejected with concomitant antibody production; (ii) preincubation of B16 with IFN-gamma to upregulate H-2Kb expression resulted in improved antibody production and anti-tumour activity. The delayed/decreased anti-tumour adaptive immune responses induced by B16 inoculation is not able to interrupt progression of primary metastases, while it is able to effectively eliminate secondary inoculated subcutaneously (s.c.) B16 cells from progression. This is due to the presence of an immunosuppressive TME within the primary metastases characterized by increased regulatory T cells (Tregs) and an increased T helper cells (Th) 2/1 profile. These tumour-induced immunosuppressive T cell populations are counteracted by improved adaptive immunity via active and passive immunization, resulting in effective elimination of the TME, destruction of the metastatic tumour and a reversal of Th2/1 profile in a time-sensitive manner. Thus, we here demonstrate that the TME is not irreversible and adaptive immunity is able to eradicate established solid tumour and its immunosuppressive TME. This study will help design treatments to overcome the immunosuppressive effect of the TME and improve efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Dang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Mark Waer
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ben Sprangers
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Yuan Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Abdulhaqq SA, Wu H, Schell JB, Hammond KB, Reed JS, Legasse AW, Axthelm MK, Park BS, Asokan A, Früh K, Hansen SG, Picker LJ, Sacha JB. Vaccine-Mediated Inhibition of the Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing Is Insufficient To Induce Major Histocompatibility Complex E-Restricted CD8 + T Cells in Nonhuman Primates. J Virol 2019; 93:e00592-19. [PMID: 31315990 PMCID: PMC6744250 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00592-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex E (MHC-E) is a highly conserved nonclassical MHC-Ib molecule that tightly binds peptides derived from leader sequences of classical MHC-Ia molecules for presentation to natural killer cells. However, MHC-E also binds diverse foreign and neoplastic self-peptide antigens for presentation to CD8+ T cells. Although the determinants of MHC-E-restricted T cell priming remain unknown, these cells are induced in humans infected with pathogens containing genes that inhibit the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). Indeed, mice vaccinated with TAP-inhibited autologous dendritic cells develop T cells restricted by the murine MHC-E homologue, Qa-1b. Here, we tested whether rhesus macaques (RM) vaccinated with viral constructs expressing a TAP inhibitor would develop insert-specific MHC-E-restricted CD8+ T cells. We generated viral constructs coexpressing SIVmac239 Gag in addition to one of three TAP inhibitors: herpes simplex virus 2 ICP47, bovine herpes virus 1 UL49.5, or rhesus cytomegalovirus Rh185. Each TAP inhibitor reduced surface expression of MHC-Ia molecules but did not reduce surface MHC-E expression. In agreement with modulation of surface MHC-Ia levels, TAP inhibition diminished presentation of MHC-Ia-restricted CD8+ T cell epitopes without impacting presentation of peptide antigen bound by MHC-E. Vaccination of macaques with vectors dually expressing SIVmac239 Gag with ICP47, UL49.5, or Rh185 generated Gag-specific CD8+ T cells classically restricted by MHC-Ia but not MHC-E. These data demonstrate that, in contrast to results in mice, TAP inhibition alone is insufficient for priming of MHC-E-restricted T cell responses in primates and suggest that additional unknown mechanisms govern the induction of CD8+ T cells recognizing MHC-E-bound antigen.IMPORTANCE Due to the near monomorphic nature of MHC-E in the human population and inability of many pathogens to inhibit MHC-E-mediated peptide presentation, MHC-E-restricted T cells have become an attractive vaccine target. However, little is known concerning how these cells are induced. Understanding the underlying mechanisms that induce these T cells would provide a powerful new vaccine strategy to an array of neoplasms and viral and bacterial pathogens. Recent studies have indicated a link between TAP inhibition and induction of MHC-E-restricted T cells. The significance of our research is in demonstrating that TAP inhibition alone does not prime MHC-E-restricted T cell generation and suggests that other, currently unknown mechanisms regulate their induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaheed A Abdulhaqq
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Helen Wu
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - John B Schell
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Katherine B Hammond
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Jason S Reed
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Alfred W Legasse
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael K Axthelm
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Byung S Park
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Aravind Asokan
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Klaus Früh
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Scott G Hansen
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Louis J Picker
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Jonah B Sacha
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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36
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Engineering universal cells that evade immune detection. Nat Rev Immunol 2019; 19:723-733. [DOI: 10.1038/s41577-019-0200-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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37
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Abd Hamid M, Wang RZ, Yao X, Fan P, Li X, Chang XM, Feng Y, Jones S, Maldonado-Perez D, Waugh C, Verrill C, Simmons A, Cerundolo V, McMichael A, Conlon C, Wang X, Peng Y, Dong T. Enriched HLA-E and CD94/NKG2A Interaction Limits Antitumor CD8 + Tumor-Infiltrating T Lymphocyte Responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1293-1306. [PMID: 31213473 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy treatments with anti-PD-1 boost recovery in less than 30% of treated cancer patients, indicating the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Expression of HLA-E is linked to poor clinical outcomes in mice and human patients. However, the contributions to immune evasion of HLA-E, a ligand for the inhibitory CD94/NKG2A receptor, when expressed on tumors, compared with adjacent tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, remains unclear. In this study, we report that epithelial-derived cancer cells, tumor macrophages, and CD141+ conventional dendritic cells (cDC) contributed to HLA-E enrichment in carcinomas. Different cancer types showed a similar pattern of enrichment. Enrichment correlated to NKG2A upregulation on CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) but not on CD4+ TILs. CD94/NKG2A is exclusively expressed on PD-1high TILs while lacking intratumoral CD103 expression. We also found that the presence of CD94/NKG2A on human tumor-specific T cells impairs IL2 receptor-dependent proliferation, which affects IFNγ-mediated responses and antitumor cytotoxicity. These functionalities recover following antibody-mediated blockade in vitro and ex vivo Our results suggest that enriched HLA-E:CD94/NKG2A inhibitory interaction can impair survival of PD-1high TILs in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megat Abd Hamid
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ruo-Zheng Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China.
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Xuan Yao
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peiwen Fan
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Xi Li
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xue-Mei Chang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Yaning Feng
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Stephanie Jones
- Oxford Radcliffe Biobank, Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Maldonado-Perez
- Oxford Radcliffe Biobank, Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Waugh
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Verrill
- Oxford Radcliffe Biobank, Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Simmons
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Cerundolo
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew McMichael
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Conlon
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xiyan Wang
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Yanchun Peng
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Dong
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
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Tumor mechanisms of resistance to immune attack. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 164:61-100. [PMID: 31383409 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The immune system plays a key role in the interactions between host and tumor. Immune selection pressure is a driving force behind the sculpting and evolution of malignant cancer cells to escape this immune attack. Several common tumor cell-based mechanisms of resistance to immune attack have been identified and can be broadly categorized into three main classes: loss of antigenicity, loss of immunogenicity, and creation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this review, we will discuss in detail the relevant literature associated with each class of resistance and will describe the relevance of these mechanisms to human cancer patients. To conclude, we will outline the implications these mechanisms have for the treatment of cancer using currently available therapeutic approaches. Immunotherapy has been a successful addition to current treatment approaches, but many patients either do not respond or quickly become resistant. This reflects the ability of tumors to continue to adapt to immune selection pressure at all stages of development. Additional study of immune escape mechanisms and immunotherapy resistance mechanisms will be needed to inform future treatment approaches.
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Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapies that target cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) or the programmed cell death 1 (PD1) pathway have achieved impressive success in the treatment of different cancer types. Yet, only a subset of patients derive clinical benefit. It is thus critical to understand the determinants driving response, resistance and adverse effects. In this Review, we discuss recent work demonstrating that immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy is affected by a combination of factors involving tumour genomics, host germline genetics, PD1 ligand 1 (PDL1) levels and other features of the tumour microenvironment, as well as the gut microbiome. We focus on recently identified molecular and cellular determinants of response. A better understanding of how these variables cooperate to affect tumour-host interactions is needed to optimize the implementation of precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Havel
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunogenomics and Precision Oncology Platform, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diego Chowell
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunogenomics and Precision Oncology Platform, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy A Chan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Immunogenomics and Precision Oncology Platform, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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40
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Paaso A, Jaakola A, Syrjänen S, Louvanto K. From HPV Infection to Lesion Progression: The Role of HLA Alleles and Host Immunity. Acta Cytol 2019; 63:148-158. [PMID: 30783048 DOI: 10.1159/000494985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been associated with increased risk for cervical precancerous lesions and cancer. The host's genetic variability is known to play a role in the development of cervical cancer. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are highly polymorphic and have shown to be important risk determinants of HPV infection persistence and disease progression. HLA class I and II cell surface molecules regulate the host's immune system by presenting HPV-derived peptides to T-cells. The activation of T-cell response may vary depending on the HLA allele polymorphism. The engagement of the T-cell receptor with the HPV peptide-HLA complex to create an active costimulatory signal is essential for the activation of the T-cell response. Functional peptide presentation by both HLA class I and II molecules is needed to activate efficient helper and effector T-cell responses in HPV infection recognition and clearance. Some of these HLA risk alleles could also be used as preventive tools in the detection of HPV-induced cervical lesions and cancer. These HLA alleles, together with HPV vaccines, could potentially offer possible solutions for reducing HPV-induced cervical cancer as well as other HPV-related cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Paaso
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,
| | - Anna Jaakola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland
| | - Stina Syrjänen
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Karolina Louvanto
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Vijayan S, Sidiq T, Yousuf S, van den Elsen PJ, Kobayashi KS. Class I transactivator, NLRC5: a central player in the MHC class I pathway and cancer immune surveillance. Immunogenetics 2019; 71:273-282. [PMID: 30706093 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-019-01106-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules play critical roles in the activation of the adaptive immune system by presenting antigens to CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively. Although it has been well known that CIITA (MHC class II transactivator), an NLR (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-repeat containing) protein, as a master regulator of MHC class II gene expression, the mechanism of MHC class I gene transactivation was unclear. Recently, another NLR protein, NLRC5 (NLR family, CARD domain-containing 5), was identified as an MHC class I transactivator (CITA). NLRC5 is a critical regulator for the transcriptional activation of MHC class I genes and other genes involved in the MHC class I antigen presentation pathway. CITA/NLRC5 plays a crucial role in human cancer immunity through the recruitment and activation of tumor killing CD8+ T cells. Here, we discuss the molecular function and mechanism of CITA/NLRC5 in the MHC class I pathway and its role in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptha Vijayan
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Tabasum Sidiq
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Suhail Yousuf
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Peter J van den Elsen
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koichi S Kobayashi
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA. .,Department of Immunology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
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Abstract
In this chapter I describe Tumour Immune Escape mechanisms associated with MHC/HLA class I loss in human and experimental tumours. Different altered HLA class-I phenotypes can be observed that are produced by different molecular mechanisms. Experimental and histological evidences are summarized indicating that at the early stages of tumour development there is an enormous variety of tumour clones with different MHC class I expression patterns. This phase is followed by a strong T cell mediated immune-selection of MHC/HLA class-I negative tumour cells in the primary tumour lesion. This transition period results in a formation of a tumour composed only of HLA-class I negative cells. An updated description of this process observed in a large variety of human tumors is included. In the second section I focus on MHC/HLA class I alterations observed in mouse and human metastases, and describe the generation of different tumor cell clones with altered MHC class I phenotypes, which could be similar or different from the original tumor clone. The biological and immunological relevance of these observations is discussed. Finally, the interesting phenomenon of metastatic dormancy is analyzed in association with a particular MHC class I negative tumor phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Garrido
- Departamento de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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Montes P, Kerick M, Bernal M, Hernández F, Jiménez P, Garrido P, Márquez A, Jurado M, Martin J, Garrido F, Ruiz-Cabello F. Genomic loss of HLA alleles may affect the clinical outcome in low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome patients. Oncotarget 2018; 9:36929-36944. [PMID: 30651926 PMCID: PMC6319343 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Revised International Prognostic Score and some somatic mutations in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are independently associated with transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Immunity has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of MDS, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We performed a SNP array on chromosome 6 in CD34+ purified blasts from 19 patients diagnosed with advanced MDS and 8 patients with other myeloid malignancies to evaluate the presence of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in HLA and its impact on disease progression. Three patients had acquired copy-neutral LOH (CN-LOH) on 6p arms, which may disrupt antigen presentation and act as a mechanism for immune system evasion. Interestingly, these patients had previously been classified at low risk of AML progression, and the poor outcome cannot be explained by the acquisition of adverse mutations. LOH HLA was not detected in the remaining 24 patients, who all had adverse risk factors. In summary, the clinical outcome of patients with advanced MDS might be influenced by HLA allelic loss, wich allows subclonal expansions to evade cytotoxic-T and NK cell attack. CN-LOH HLA may therefore be a factor favoring MDS progression to AML independently of the somatic tumor mutation load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Montes
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Martin Kerick
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain
| | - Mónica Bernal
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisca Hernández
- UGC de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Pilar Jiménez
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Pilar Garrido
- UGC de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Márquez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Jurado
- UGC de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Martin
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain.,Departamento Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain.,Departamento Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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44
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Uncovering the underlying physical mechanism for cancer-immunity of MHC class I diversity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 504:532-537. [PMID: 30197004 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.08.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The cancer cells are heterogeneous populated, which can be classified as MHC class I positive and MHC I class negative. They influence the immune system differently. In this work, we build a core cancer-immune circuit of MHC class I diversity including MHC class I positive cancer type, MHC I class I negative cancer type and 4 immune cell types to uncover the underlying mechanism of the cancer immunity based on the underlying landscape topography. We quantify four steady state attractors, normal state, two low cancer states and a high cancer state. The landscape topography changes upon changes in cancer self-activation and the related killing rate of the killer cells are illustrated. It demonstrates that the competition between the two cancer cell types. We simulate the tumorigenesis and development of cancer according to its biological process and classify these into 7 stages. This landscape framework provides a quantitative way to understand characteristics of these two cancer cell types under immune microenvironment and the underlying physical mechanisms of cancer cell evolution along cancer development.
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45
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Trujillo JA, Sweis RF, Bao R, Luke JJ. T Cell-Inflamed versus Non-T Cell-Inflamed Tumors: A Conceptual Framework for Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Development and Combination Therapy Selection. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:990-1000. [PMID: 30181337 PMCID: PMC6145135 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies such as checkpoint-blocking antibodies and adoptive cell transfer are emerging as treatments for a growing number of cancers. Despite clinical activity of immunotherapies across a range of cancer types, the majority of patients fail to respond to these treatments and resistance mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Responses to immunotherapy preferentially occur in tumors with a preexisting antitumor T-cell response that can most robustly be measured via expression of dendritic cell and CD8+ T cell-associated genes. The tumor subset with high expression of this signature has been described as the T cell-"inflamed" phenotype. Segregating tumors by expression of the inflamed signature may help predict immunotherapy responsiveness. Understanding mechanisms of resistance in both the T cell-inflamed and noninflamed subsets of tumors will be critical in overcoming treatment failure and expanding the proportion of patients responding to current immunotherapies. To maximize the impact of immunotherapy drug development, pretreatment stratification of targets associated with either the T cell-inflamed or noninflamed tumor microenvironment should be employed. Similarly, biomarkers predictive of responsiveness to specific immunomodulatory therapies should guide therapy selection in a growing landscape of treatment options. Combination strategies may ultimately require converting non-T cell-inflamed tumors into T cell-inflamed tumors as a means to sensitize tumors to therapies dependent on T-cell killing. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(9); 990-1000. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Trujillo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Randy F Sweis
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Riyue Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jason J Luke
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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Aptsiauri N, Ruiz-Cabello F, Garrido F. The transition from HLA-I positive to HLA-I negative primary tumors: the road to escape from T-cell responses. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 51:123-132. [PMID: 29567511 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
MHC/HLA class I loss in cancer is one of the main mechanisms of tumor immune escape from T-cell recognition and destruction. Tumor infiltration by T lymphocytes (TILs) and by other immune cells was first described many years ago, but has never been directly and clearly linked to the destruction of HLA-I positive and selection of HLA-I negative tumor cells. The degree and the pattern of lymphocyte infiltration in a tumor nest may depend on antigenicity and the developmental stages of the tumors. In addition, it is becoming evident that HLA-I expression and tumor infiltration have a direct correlation with tumor tissue reorganization. We observed that at early stages (permissive Phase I) tumors are heterogeneous, with both HLA-I positive and HLA-negative cancer cells, and are infiltrated by TILs and M1 macrophages as a part of an active anti-tumor Th1 response. At later stages (encapsulated Phase II), tumor nests are mostly HLA-I negative with immune cells residing in the peri-tumoral stroma, which forms a granuloma-like encapsulated tissue structure. All these tumor characteristics, including tumor HLA-I expression pattern, have an important clinical prognostic value and should be closely and routinely investigated in different types of cancer by immunologists and by pathologists. In this review we summarize our current viewpoint about the alterations in HLA-I expression in cancer and discuss how, when and why tumor HLA-I losses occur. We also provide evidence for the negative impact of tumor HLA-I loss in current cancer immunotherapies, with the focus on reversible ('soft') and irreversible ('hard') HLA-I defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Aptsiauri
- Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs, 18014 Granada, Spain; Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunologia III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Servicio de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, UGC Laboratorio Clinico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs, 18014 Granada, Spain; Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunologia III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Analisis Clinicos e Inmunologia, UGC Laboratorio Clinico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs, 18014 Granada, Spain; Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Molecular e Inmunologia III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Spain.
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McCoach CE, Bivona TG. The evolving understanding of immunoediting and the clinical impact of immune escape. J Thorac Dis 2018; 10:1248-1252. [PMID: 29708132 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.03.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E McCoach
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Trever G Bivona
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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48
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Perea F, Sánchez-Palencia A, Gómez-Morales M, Bernal M, Concha Á, García MM, González-Ramírez AR, Kerick M, Martin J, Garrido F, Ruiz-Cabello F, Aptsiauri N. HLA class I loss and PD-L1 expression in lung cancer: impact on T-cell infiltration and immune escape. Oncotarget 2018; 9:4120-4133. [PMID: 29423109 PMCID: PMC5790526 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors show encouraging results in cancer treatment, but the clinical benefit is limited exclusively to a subset of patients. We analyzed the density and composition of tumor T-cell infiltration in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in relation to PD-L1 and HLA class I (HLA-I) expression. We found that positive HLA-I expression, independently on PD-L1 status, is the key factor determining the increased density of the immune infiltrate. When both markers were analyzed simultaneously, we identified four phenotypes of HLA-I and PD-L1 co-expression. They demonstrated different patterns of tumor infiltration and clinicopathologic characteristics, including the tumor size and lymphatic spread. All HLA-I+/PD-L1+ tumors had a high degree of intratumoral infiltration with CD8+T-lymphocytes, whereas HLA-I loss was associated with a significantly reduced number of tumor infiltrating T-lymphocytes mostly restrained in the stroma surrounding the tumor nest. HLA-I-negative/PD-L1-positive tumors had bigger size (T) and lower grade of infiltration with CD8+T-cells. It represents a cancer immune escape phenotype that combines two independent mechanisms of immune evasion: loss of HLA-I and upregulation of PD-L1. Using GCH-array analysis of human lung cancer cell lines we found that the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) with complete or partial deletion of HLA-I genes is the principal mechanism of HLA-I alterations. This irreversible defect, which could potentially decrease the clinical efficacy of lung cancer immunotherapy, appears to be underestimated. In conclusion, our results suggest that the analysis of HLA-I is very important for the selection of potential responders to cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Perea
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Abel Sánchez-Palencia
- Servicio de Cirugía Torácica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Mónica Bernal
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Ángel Concha
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica y Biobanco, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, La Coruña, Spain
| | - Míguela Méndez García
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Amanda Rocío González-Ramírez
- Fundación de Investigación Biosanitaria Alejandro Otero, FIBAO, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Martin Kerick
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Martin
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Cabello
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Natalia Aptsiauri
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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Uppendahl LD, Dahl CM, Miller JS, Felices M, Geller MA. Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Gynecologic Malignancy: A Review. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1825. [PMID: 29354116 PMCID: PMC5760535 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Harnessing the immune system has proven an effective therapy in treating malignancies. Since the discovery of natural killer (NK) cells, strategies aimed to manipulate and augment their effector function against cancer have been the subject of intense research. Recent progress in the immunobiology of NK cells has led to the development of promising therapeutic approaches. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances in NK cell immunobiology and the clinical application of NK cell immunotherapy in ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Locke D Uppendahl
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Carly M Dahl
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Martin Felices
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Melissa A Geller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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50
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Rodríguez JA. HLA-mediated tumor escape mechanisms that may impair immunotherapy clinical outcomes via T-cell activation. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4415-4427. [PMID: 29085437 PMCID: PMC5649701 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the immune system provides protection from cancer by means of immunosurveillance, which serves a major function in eliminating cancer cells, it may also lead to cancer immunoediting, molding tumor immunogenicity. Cancer cells exploit several molecular mechanisms to thwart immune-mediated death by disabling cellular components of the immune system associated with tumor recognition and rejection. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are mandatory for the immune recognition and subsequent killing of neoplastic cells by the immune system, as tumor antigens must be presented in an HLA-restricted manner to be recognized by T-cell receptors. Impaired HLA-I expression prevents the activation of cytotoxic immune mechanisms, whereas impaired HLA-II expression affects the antigen-presenting capability of antigen presenting cells. Aberrant HLA-G expression by cancer cells favors immune escape by inhibiting the activities of virtually all immune cells. The development of cancer therapies based on T-cell activation must consider these HLA-associated immune evasion mechanisms, as alterations in their expression occur early and frequently in the majority of types of cancer, and have an adverse impact on the clinical response to immunotherapy. Herein, the concept of altered HLA expression as a mechanism exploited by tumors to escape immune control and induce an immunosuppressive environment is reviewed. A number of novel clinical immunotherapeutic approaches used for cancer treatment are also reviewed, and strategies for overcoming the limitations of these immunotherapeutic interventions are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefa A Rodríguez
- Cancer Biology Research Group, National Cancer Institute of Colombia, 111511 Bogotá, Colombia
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