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Chen S, Yao C, Tian N, Zhang C, Chen Y, Wang X, Jiang Y, Zhang T, Zeng T, Song Y. The interplay between persistent pathogen infections with tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy in cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e70154. [PMID: 39240588 PMCID: PMC11378724 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70154] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms play a significant role in cancer development, disrupting the body's immune system and microenvironment. This interference impairs the body's ability to eliminate these microorganisms promptly, allowing them to persist by evading immune defenses. AIMS This study aimed to explore how chronic pathogenic infections influence the immune microenvironment, impacting tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and treatment strategies. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the effects of these infections on specific immune checkpoints and identify potential targets for immunotherapy. METHODS We conducted searches, readings, and detailed analyses of key terms in databases like PubMed and Web of Science to evaluate the impact of chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms on the immune microenvironment. RESULTS Our analysis demonstrates a significant association between persistent chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms and tumorigenesis. Notable impacts on the immune microenvironment include changes in immune cell function and the regulation of immune checkpoints, offering insights into potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. DISCUSSION This study highlights the complex relationship between chronic infections and cancer development, presenting new opportunities for cancer immunotherapy by understanding their effects on the immune microenvironment. The influence of these infections on immune checkpoints emphasizes the crucial role of the immune system in cancer treatment. CONCLUSION Chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms greatly affect the immune microenvironment, tumorigenesis, and cancer treatment. Unraveling the underlying mechanisms can unveil potential targets for immunotherapy, improving our comprehension of the immune response to cancer and potentially leading to more effective cancer treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Caihong Yao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Tian
- Anesthesiology Department, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunying Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuemei Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuting Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tonghao Zhang
- Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tingting Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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Wang W, Pope A, Ward-Shaw E, Buehler D, Bachelerie F, Lambert PF. Increased Susceptibility of WHIM Mice to Papillomavirus-induced Disease is Dependent upon Immune Cell Dysfunction. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012472. [PMID: 39226327 PMCID: PMC11398641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Warts, Hypogammaglobulinemia, Infections, and Myelokathexis (WHIM) syndrome is a rare primary immunodeficiency disease in humans caused by a gain of function in CXCR4, mostly due to inherited heterozygous mutations in CXCR4. One major clinical symptom of WHIM patients is their high susceptibility to human papillomavirus (HPV) induced disease, such as warts. Persistent high risk HPV infections cause 5% of all human cancers, including cervical, anogenital, head and neck and some skin cancers. WHIM mice bearing the same mutation identified in WHIM patients were created to study the underlying causes for the symptoms manifest in patients suffering from the WHIM syndrome. Using murine papillomavirus (MmuPV1) as an infection model in mice for HPV-induced disease, we demonstrate that WHIM mice are more susceptible to MmuPV1-induced warts (papillomas) compared to wild type mice. Namely, the incidence of papillomas is higher in WHIM mice compared to wild type mice when mice are exposed to low doses of MmuPV1. MmuPV1 infection facilitated both myeloid and lymphoid cell mobilization in the blood of wild type mice but not in WHIM mice. Higher incidence and larger size of papillomas in WHIM mice correlated with lower abundance of infiltrating T cells within the papillomas. Finally, we demonstrate that transplantation of bone marrow from wild type mice into WHIM mice normalized the incidence and size of papillomas, consistent with the WHIM mutation in hematopoietic cells contributing to higher susceptibility of WHIM mice to MmuPV1-induced disease. Our results provide evidence that MmuPV1 infection in WHIM mice is a powerful preclinical infectious model to investigate treatment options for alleviating papillomavirus infections in WHIM syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ali Pope
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Ella Ward-Shaw
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Darya Buehler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Francoise Bachelerie
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, INSERM UMR-996, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Paul F Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Yan S, Zhang X, Lin Q, Du M, Li Y, He S, Chen J, Li X, Bei J, Chen S, Song M. Deciphering the interplay of HPV infection, MHC-II expression, and CXCL13 + CD4 + T cell activation in oropharyngeal cancer: implications for immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:206. [PMID: 39105803 PMCID: PMC11303625 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03789-0] [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: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has become an important etiological driver of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), leading to unique tumor characteristics. However, the interplay between HPV-associated tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) remains an enigma. METHODS We performed a single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) on HPV-positive (HPV+) and HPV-negative (HPV‒) OPSCC tumors, each for three samples, and one normal tonsil tissue. Ex vivo validation assays including immunofluorescence staining, cell line co-culture, and flow cytometry analysis were used to test specific subtypes of HPV+ tumor cells and their communications with T cells. RESULTS Through a comprehensive single-cell transcriptome analysis, we uncover the distinct transcriptional signatures between HPV+ and HPV‒ OPSCC. Specifically, HPV+ OPSCC tumor cells manifest an enhanced interferon response and elevated expression of the major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II), potentially bolstering tumor recognition and immune response. Furthermore, we identify a CXCL13+CD4+ T cell subset that exhibits dual features of both follicular and pro-inflammatory helper T cells. Noteworthily, HPV+ OPSCC tumor cells embrace extensive intercellular communications with CXCL13+CD4+ T cells. Interaction with HPV+ OPSCC tumor cells amplifies CXCL13 and IFNγ release in CD4+T cells, fostering a pro-inflammatory TME. Additionally, HPV+ tumor cells expressing high MHC-II and CXCL13+CD4+ T cell prevalence are indicative of favorable overall survival rates in OPSCC patients. CONCLUSIONS Together, our study underscores a synergistic inflammatory immune response orchestrated by highly immunogenic tumor cells and CXCL13+CD4+ T cells in HPV+ OPSCC, offering useful insights into strategy development for patient stratification and effective immunotherapy in OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shida Yan
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Qiaohong Lin
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Mingyuan Du
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yiqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Shuai He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jingtao Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiyuan Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jinxin Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Shuwei Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Ming Song
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Wang R, Huang H, Yu C, Li X, Wang Y, Xie L. Current status and future directions for the development of human papillomavirus vaccines. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362770. [PMID: 38983849 PMCID: PMC11231394 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines has made substantive progress, as represented by the approval of five prophylactic vaccines since 2006. Generally, the deployment of prophylactic HPV vaccines is effective in preventing newly acquired infections and incidences of HPV-related malignancies. However, there is still a long way to go regarding the prevention of all HPV infections and the eradication of established HPV infections, as well as the subsequent progression to cancer. Optimizing prophylactic HPV vaccines by incorporating L1 proteins from more HPV subtypes, exploring adjuvants that reinforce cellular immune responses to eradicate HPV-infected cells, and developing therapeutic HPV vaccines used either alone or in combination with other cancer therapeutic modalities might bring about a new era getting closer to the vision to get rid of HPV infection and related diseases. Herein, we summarize strategies for the development of HPV vaccines, both prophylactic and therapeutic, with an emphasis on the selection of antigens and adjuvants, as well as implications for vaccine efficacy based on preclinical studies and clinical trials. Additionally, we outline current cutting-edge insights on formulation strategies, dosing schedules, and age expansion among HPV vaccine recipients, which might play important roles in addressing barriers to vaccine uptake, such as vaccine hesitancy and vaccine availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and Antibody, Sinocelltech Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Hongpeng Huang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and Antibody, Sinocelltech Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Chulin Yu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and Antibody, Sinocelltech Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and Antibody, Sinocelltech Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and Antibody, Sinocelltech Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Liangzhi Xie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and Antibody, Sinocelltech Ltd., Beijing, China
- Cell Culture Engineering Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Kawase K, Taguchi A, Ishizaka A, Lin J, Ueno T, Yoshimoto D, Eguchi S, Mori S, Sone K, Mori M, Yonekura S, Hanazawa T, Maeda D, Kukimoto I, Mano H, Osuga Y, Kawana K, Kawazu M. Allelic loss of HLA class I facilitates evasion from immune surveillance in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. HLA 2024; 103:e15509. [PMID: 38837741 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15509] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has been reported to occur in HLA regions in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. However, the details of how this is related to the progression of CIN have been unclear. In this study, we examined the human papillomavirus (HPV) antigen-presenting capacity of people with CIN and the significance of LOH of HLA class I in the progression of CIN. It was shown that differences in antigen-presenting capacity among each case depended on HLA types, not HPV genotypes. Focusing on the HLA type, there was a positive correlation between antigen-presenting capacity against HPV and the frequency of allelic loss. Furthermore, the lost HLA-B alleles had a higher HPV antigen-presenting capacity than intact alleles. In addition, frequency of LOH of HLA class I was significantly higher in advanced CIN (CIN2-3) than in cervicitis or early-stage CIN (CIN1): around half of CIN2-3 had LOH of any HLA class I. Moreover, the antigen-presenting capacity against E5, which is the HPV proteins that facilitate viral escape from this immune surveillance by suppressing HLA class I expression, had the most significant impact on the LOH in HLA-B. This study suggests that HPV evades immune surveillance mechanisms when host cells lose the capacity for antigen presentation by HLA class I molecules, resulting in long-term infection and progression to advanced lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsushige Kawase
- Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ayumi Taguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Ishizaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jason Lin
- Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toshihide Ueno
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yoshimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoko Eguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Mori
- Pathogen Genomics Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenbun Sone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayuyo Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Syuji Yonekura
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toyoyuki Hanazawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Daichi Maeda
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Iwao Kukimoto
- Pathogen Genomics Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mano
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Kawana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahito Kawazu
- Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Nenclares P, Larkeryd A, Manodoro F, Lee JY, Lalondrelle S, Gilbert DC, Punta M, O’Leary B, Rullan A, Sadanandam A, Chain B, Melcher A, Harrington KJ, Bhide SA. T-cell receptor determinants of response to chemoradiation in locally-advanced HPV16-driven malignancies. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1296948. [PMID: 38234396 PMCID: PMC10791873 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1296948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of chemoradiation on the anti-cancer immune response is being increasingly acknowledged; however, its clinical implications in treatment responses are yet to be fully understood. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven malignancies express viral oncogenic proteins which may serve as tumor-specific antigens and represent ideal candidates for monitoring the peripheral T-cell receptor (TCR) changes secondary to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods We performed intra-tumoral and pre- and post-treatment peripheral TCR sequencing in a cohort of patients with locally-advanced HPV16-positive cancers treated with CRT. An in silico computational pipeline was used to cluster TCR repertoire based on epitope-specificity and to predict affinity between these clusters and HPV16-derived epitopes. Results Intra-tumoral repertoire diversity, intra-tumoral and post-treatment peripheral CDR3β similarity clustering were predictive of response. In responders, CRT triggered an increase peripheral TCR clonality and clonal relatedness. Post-treatment expansion of baseline peripheral dominant TCRs was associated with response. Responders showed more baseline clustered structures of TCRs maintained post-treatment and displayed significantly more maintained clustered structures. When applying clustering by TCR-specificity methods, responders displayed a higher proportion of intra-tumoral TCRs predicted to recognise HPV16 peptides. Conclusions Baseline TCR characteristics and changes in the peripheral T-cell clones triggered by CRT are associated with treatment outcome. Maintenance and boosting of pre-existing clonotypes are key elements of an effective anti-cancer immune response driven by CRT, supporting a paradigm in which the immune system plays a central role in the success of CRT in current standard-of-care protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Nenclares
- Radiotherapy and Imaging Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Larkeryd
- Bioinformatics Unit, The Centre for Translational Immunotherapy, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Floriana Manodoro
- Genomics Facility, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jen Y. Lee
- Radiotherapy and Imaging Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Lalondrelle
- Radiotherapy and Imaging Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan C. Gilbert
- Sussex Cancer Centre, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Punta
- Unit of Immunogenetic, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Ben O’Leary
- Radiotherapy and Imaging Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Rullan
- Radiotherapy and Imaging Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anguraj Sadanandam
- Systems and Precision Cancer Medicine Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benny Chain
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Melcher
- Radiotherapy and Imaging Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J. Harrington
- Radiotherapy and Imaging Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shreerang A. Bhide
- Radiotherapy and Imaging Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Smahel M, Nunvar J. Bioinformatics analysis of immune characteristics in tumors with alternative carcinogenesis pathways induced by human papillomaviruses. Virol J 2023; 20:287. [PMID: 38049810 PMCID: PMC10696676 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02241-6] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) induce a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and anogenital cancers, particularly cervical cancer (CC). The major viral proteins that contribute to tumorigenesis are the E6 and E7 oncoproteins, whose expression is usually enhanced after the integration of viral DNA into the host genome. Recently, an alternative tumorigenesis pathway has been suggested in approximately half of HNSCC and CC cases associated with HPV infection. This pathway is characterized by extrachromosomal HPV persistence and increased expression of the viral E2, E4, and E5 genes. The E6, E7, E5, and E2 proteins have been shown to modify the expression of numerous cellular immune-related genes. The antitumor immune response is a critical factor in the prognosis of HPV-driven cancers, and its characterization may contribute to the prediction and personalization of the increasingly used cancer immunotherapy. METHODS We analyzed the immune characteristics of HPV-dependent tumors and their association with carcinogenesis types. Transcriptomic HNSCC and CC datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used for this analysis. RESULTS Clustering with immune-related genes resulted in two clusters of HPV16-positive squamous cell carcinomas in both tumor types: cluster 1 had higher activation of immune responses, including stimulation of the antigen processing and presentation pathway, which was associated with higher immune cell infiltration and better overall survival, and cluster 2 was characterized by keratinization. In CC, the distribution of tumor samples into clusters 1 and 2 did not depend on the level of E2/E5 expression, but in HNSCC, most E2/E5-high tumors were localized in cluster 1 and E2/E5-low tumors in cluster 2. Further analysis did not reveal any association between the E2/E5 levels and the expression of immune-related genes. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that while the detection of immune responses associated with preserved expression of genes encoding components of antigen processing and presentation machinery in HPV-driven tumors may be markers of better prognosis and an important factor in therapy selection, the type of carcinogenesis does not seem to play a decisive role in the induction of antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Smahel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Jaroslav Nunvar
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
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Ambrosio MR, Niccolai E, Petrelli F, Di Gloria L, Bertacca G, Giusti A, Baldi S, Cavazzana A, Palmeri M, Perotti B, Ramazzotti M, Arganini M, Amedei A. Immune landscape and oncobiota in HPV-Associated Colorectal Cancer: an explorative study. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:5101-5112. [PMID: 37612430 PMCID: PMC10725376 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01165-3] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide more than 550,000 new patients suffering from malignant tumors are associated with human papillomaviruses (HPV) infection. However, only a small portion of patients infected progress to cancer, suggesting that other factors other than HPV may play a role. Some studies have investigated HPV infection in colorectal cancer (CRC) with discordant results; moreover, the role of HPV in CRC development is still unknown. We investigated HPV infection in 50 CRC from different regions, excluding the anal one, by immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time PCR and RNA-seq. For each patient, we studied the tumor microenvironment in neoplastic and matched non-neoplastic samples, and we compared the tumor-infiltrating immune cell phenotypes among HPV-positive and negative samples. Finally, we compared the CRC-associated microbiota in HPV-positive and negative neoplastic samples by 16S rRNA sequencing. HPV infection was identified in 20% of CRC from the right side (caecum, ascending and transverse colon) and in 40% from the left side (descending colon and rectum). In all HPV-positive CRCs we found no expression of p53 and RB, thus suggesting HPV involvement in tumorigenesis. As far as the tumor microenvironment is concerned, in HPV-related cancers we observed a neoplastic environment with a reduced immune surveillance but an enhanced cytotoxic response by lymphocytes. HPV-positive and -negative CRC showed a different microbiota with lack of species normally found in CRC in the HPV-positive ones. Our results support the carcinogenic significance of HPV in CRC, suggesting a role of HPV in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Leandro Di Gloria
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, "Mario Serio" University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gloria Bertacca
- Clinical Chemical Analysis and Immuno Allergology Department, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Giusti
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Baldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Palmeri
- Surgery Unit, Ospedale Unico Versilia, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy
| | - Bruno Perotti
- Surgery Unit, Ospedale Unico Versilia, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Ramazzotti
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, "Mario Serio" University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Arganini
- Surgery Unit, Ospedale Unico Versilia, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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9
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Santegoets SJ, Stolk A, Welters MJP, van der Burg SH. The combined HPV16-E2/E6/E7 T cell response in oropharyngeal cancer predicts superior survival. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101262. [PMID: 37924817 PMCID: PMC10694628 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101262] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating HPV16-E2-specific CD8+ T cells have been detected in HPV16-induced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Whether intratumoral CD4+ T cells target HPV16 E2 and if HPV16-E2-specific immunity contributes to better clinical outcome is unknown. In a prospective HPV16+ OPSCC cohort, we regularly detect HPV16-E2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ intratumoral T cells, albeit at lower frequencies than the co-infiltrating HPV16-E6/E7-specific T cells. These HPV16-reactive T cells produce multiple cytokines when activated, indicating their polyfunctionality. Importantly, their combined intratumoral presence predicts superior survival, emphasizing the value of HPV16-E2-specific T cells in anti-tumor immunity and suggests its use as a target antigen for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia J Santegoets
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anouk Stolk
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marij J P Welters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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10
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Altunbulakli C, Jimenez DG, Askmyr D, Sobti A, Swoboda S, Greiff L, Lindstedt M. Targeted spatial proteomic analysis of CD8 + T- and myeloid cells in tonsillar cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1253418. [PMID: 38044986 PMCID: PMC10691541 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1253418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tonsillar cancer is caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), tobacco smoking, and alcohol abuse. Aspects of the patient's immune response to this disease have arisen as prognostic factors and treatment targets, reflecting differences in the type and protein expression profile of immune cells. Because tonsillar cancers are heterogenous lesions such data need to be spatially resolved. Methods In this study, we aim to explore inter-patient and intra-tumoral sources of variation in tonsillar cancer using immunofluorescence and targeted spatial proteomics to interrogate a cohort of 105 patients. Furthermore, we assess prognostic factors and elucidate molecular targets. We have used CD8, CD11c, and Pan-cytokeratin (PanCK) to quantify and locate immune cells driving antigen-specific cellular immunity. Guided by immunofluorescence information, we selected 355 CD8+, CD11c+, or PanCK+ areas inside and outside (i.e., stroma) cancer-cell islets, to quantify 43 immune-related proteins using digital spatial profiling. Results Quantitative analysis of immunofluorescence in combination with clinical data revealed that the abundance of total CD8+ cells and CD8+ cells infiltrating cancer-cell islets, respectively, were associated with higher 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival, independently of HPV-status and clinical stage. Comparison of CD8+ cells inside and outside cancer-cell islets revealed an upregulation of effector CD8+ T-cell and immune checkpoint molecules in the former. Among these, the expression of PD-L1 by CD8+ T-cells was associated with lower all-cause mortality in a univariate proportional hazards model. Similarly, a comparison of tumor boundary and stroma CD11c+ cells showed upregulation of both co-stimulatory and immune checkpoint molecules with proximity to tumor cell islets. Conclusion Our findings highlight the relevance of analyzing aspects of tumor micro-architecture in the search of prognostic markers and molecular targets for tonsillar cancer. The abundance of intra-tumoral CD8+ T-cells can be considered a positive predictive marker for tonsillar cancer, while the significance of PD-L1 expression by intra-tumoral CD8+ T-cells warrants further evaluation. Location-based differences in CD8+ and CD11c+ cells suggest an immune cell-altering effect on the tumor microenvironment, and grant new insight into which cells that can be targeted by novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Askmyr
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Head & Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Aastha Sobti
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sabine Swoboda
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Head & Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lennart Greiff
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Head & Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Lindstedt
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Head & Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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11
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Kogure G, Tanaka K, Matsui T, Onuki M, Matsumoto K, Iwata T, Kukimoto I. Intra-Patient Genomic Variations of Human Papillomavirus Type 31 in Cervical Cancer and Precancer. Viruses 2023; 15:2104. [PMID: 37896881 PMCID: PMC10612030 DOI: 10.3390/v15102104] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus type 31 (HPV31) is detected less frequently in cervical cancer than two major causative types, HPV16 and HPV18. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of HPV31 genome sequences in cervical lesions collected from Japanese women. Of 52 HPV31-positive cervical specimens analyzed by deep sequencing, 43 samples yielded complete genome sequences of around 7900 base pairs and 9 samples yielded partially deleted genome sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HPV31 variant distribution was lineage A in 19 samples (36.5%), lineage B in 28 samples (53.8%), and lineage C in 5 samples (9.6%), indicating that lineage B variants are dominant among HPV31 infections in Japan. Deletions in the viral genome were found in the region from the E1 to L1 genes, but all the deleted genomes retained the E6/E7 genes. Among intra-patient nucleotide variations relative to a consensus genome sequence in each sample, C-to-T substitutions were most frequently detected, followed by T-to-C and C-to-A substitutions. High-frequency, intra-patient mutations (>10%) in cervical cancer samples were found in the E1, E2, and E7 genes, and all of them were nonsynonymous substitutions. The enrichment of high-frequency nonsynonymous substitutions strongly suggests that these intra-patient mutations are positively selected during the development of cervical cancer/precancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gota Kogure
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan; (G.K.); (M.O.); (K.M.)
| | - Kohsei Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan; (K.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.)
| | - Tomoya Matsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan; (K.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.)
| | - Mamiko Onuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan; (G.K.); (M.O.); (K.M.)
| | - Koji Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan; (G.K.); (M.O.); (K.M.)
| | - Takashi Iwata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan; (K.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.)
| | - Iwao Kukimoto
- Pathogen Genomics Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
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12
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Samaniego C, Friedman J, Yang X, Badger C, Shaver T, Samankan S, Thakkar P, Goodman J, Joshi A, Allen CT. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy enhances tumor-specific T cell immunity in patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Head Neck 2023; 45:2294-2302. [PMID: 37480219 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27463] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of patients with newly diagnosed HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) results in a high rate of 5-year recurrence free survival with few patients requiring adjuvant treatment. We hypothesized that NAC enhances primary tumor HPV-specific T cell responses. METHODS HPV-specific responses in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) before and after NAC were determined using autologous co-culture assays. RESULTS Greater HPV16-specific TIL responses, sometimes polyclonal, were observed after NAC compared to before in 8 of 10 patients (80%) with PCR-verified HPV16-positive tumors. A significant association was observed between net-negative change in HPV-specific TIL response and disease relapse (p = 0.04, Mann-Whitney test), whereas pathologic complete response at time of surgery did not correlate with recurrence. CONCLUSIONS NAC induces HPV-specific tumor T cell responses in patients with newly diagnosed HPV-associated OPSCC; whereas lack of an increase following NAC may associate with risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Samaniego
- Head and Neck Section, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jay Friedman
- Head and Neck Section, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xinping Yang
- Head and Neck Section, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher Badger
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Timothy Shaver
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shabnam Samankan
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Punam Thakkar
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Joseph Goodman
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Arjun Joshi
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Clint T Allen
- Head and Neck Section, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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13
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Nakamura H, Ogawa T, Yamanaka S, Inukai D, Maruo T, Takahara T, Satou A, Tsuzuki T, Suzuki S, Ueda R, Fujimoto Y. Immune Status of Cervical Lymph Nodes in Head and Neck Cancer-A Surgical Oncology Perspective. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1174. [PMID: 37511787 PMCID: PMC10381643 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neck dissection for cervical lymph node metastasis is an established procedure for head and neck cancer (HNC). However, with the advent of immunotherapy, head and neck surgical oncologists need to rethink removing all lymph nodes, including those with immune function. We investigated the anti-cancer immune response of the cervical lymph nodes in four patients with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Using lymphocytes extracted from local, metastatic, and non-metastatic lymph nodes and peripheral blood from these patients, we performed an intracellular flow cytometric cytokine assay using anti-IFNγ and anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies to detect HPV16 E6- and E7-specific T cells. HPV status and p16 immunostaining were determined by in situ detection using the HPV RNAscope method and immunohistochemistry. In one case, E6-specific and E7-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in proximal metastatic nodes and distal non-metastatic nodes. This finding suggests that non-metastatic nodes should be preserved for their immune function during neck dissection and that the immune function of non-metastatic lymph nodes is important when administering immunotherapy. In this context, head and neck surgical oncologists treating HNC should consider the place of immunotherapy and neck dissection in the treatment of HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromu Nakamura
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ogawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shunpei Yamanaka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Daisuke Inukai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takashi Maruo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Taishi Takahara
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Satou
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toyonori Tsuzuki
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Susumu Suzuki
- Research Creation Support Center, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ryuzo Ueda
- Division of Medical Sciences, Department of Physiological Science, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi 464-8601, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasushi Fujimoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
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14
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Chen L, Lee N, Sarkar R, Katabi N, Li Y, Morris L, Wong R, Sherman E, Reis-Filho JS, Hollmann T, Riaz N. Stem cell-like T cell depletion in the recurrent head and neck cancer immune microenvironment. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2230666. [PMID: 37435097 PMCID: PMC10332189 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2230666] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papilloma virus (HPV)-related oncogenesis in head and neck cancer establishes a local microenvironment rich with immune cells, however the composition of the microenvironment in recurrent disease following definitive treatment is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the composition and spatial relationships between tumor and immune cells in recurrent head and neck cancer following curative intent chemoradiotherapy. Multiplexed immunofluorescence with 12 unique markers, through two multiplex immunofluorescent panels, was performed to evaluate 27 tumor samples including 18 pre-treatment primary and 9 paired recurrent tumors. Tumor and immune cell populations were phenotyped and quantified using a previously validated semi-automated digital pathology platform for cell segmentation. Spatial analysis was conducted by evaluating immune cells within the tumor, peri-tumoral stroma, and distant stroma. Initial tumors in patients with subsequent recurrence were found to be enriched in tumor associated macrophages and displayed an immune excluded spatial distribution. Recurrent tumors after chemoradiation were hypo-inflamed, with a statistically significant reduction in the recently identified stem-like TCF1+ CD8 T-cells, which normally function to maintain HPV-specific immune responses in the setting of chronic antigen exposure. Our findings indicate that the tumor microenvironment of recurrent HPV-related head and neck cancers displays a reduction in stem-like T cells, consistent with an immune microenvironment with a reduced ability to mount T-cell-driven anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nancy Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Reith Sarkar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nora Katabi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yanyun Li
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Luc Morris
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eric Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jorge S. Reis-Filho
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Travis Hollmann
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Peri A, Salomon N, Wolf Y, Kreiter S, Diken M, Samuels Y. The landscape of T cell antigens for cancer immunotherapy. NATURE CANCER 2023:10.1038/s43018-023-00588-x. [PMID: 37415076 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00588-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable capacity of immunotherapies to induce durable regression in some patients with metastatic cancer relies heavily on T cell recognition of tumor-presented antigens. As checkpoint-blockade therapy has limited efficacy, tumor antigens have the potential to be exploited for complementary treatments, many of which are already in clinical trials. The surge of interest in this topic has led to the expansion of the tumor antigen landscape with the emergence of new antigen categories. Nonetheless, how different antigens compare in their ability to elicit efficient and safe clinical responses remains largely unknown. Here, we review known cancer peptide antigens, their attributes and the relevant clinical data and discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviyah Peri
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadja Salomon
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yochai Wolf
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-oncology and Skin Cancer, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Sebastian Kreiter
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Yardena Samuels
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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16
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Conarty JP, Wieland A. The Tumor-Specific Immune Landscape in HPV+ Head and Neck Cancer. Viruses 2023; 15:1296. [PMID: 37376596 DOI: 10.3390/v15061296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agent of several anogenital cancers as well as head and neck cancers, with HPV+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) becoming a rapidly growing public health issue in the Western world. Due its viral etiology and potentially its subanatomical location, HPV+ HNSCC exhibits an immune microenvironment which is more inflamed and thus distinct from HPV-negative HNSCC. Notably, the antigenic landscape in most HPV+ HNSCC tumors extends beyond the classical HPV oncoproteins E6/7 and is extensively targeted by both the humoral and cellular arms of the adaptive immune system. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of HPV-specific immune responses in patients with HPV+ HNSCC. We highlight the localization, antigen specificity, and differentiation states of humoral and cellular immune responses, and discuss their similarities and differences. Finally, we review currently pursued immunotherapeutic treatment modalities that attempt to harness HPV-specific immune responses for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HPV+ HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob P Conarty
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andreas Wieland
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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17
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Ruffin AT, Li H, Vujanovic L, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL, Bruno TC. Improving head and neck cancer therapies by immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:173-188. [PMID: 36456755 PMCID: PMC9992112 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Targeted immunotherapy has improved patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20% of patients produce a durable response to these treatments. Thus, new immunotherapies that consider all key players of the complex HNSCC tumour microenvironment (TME) are necessary to further enhance tumour-specific T cell responses in patients. HNSCC is an ideal tumour type in which to evaluate immune and non-immune cell differences because of two distinct TME aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative disease), multiple anatomic sites for tumour growth, and clear distinctions between patients with locally advanced disease and those with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Recent technological and scientific advancements have provided a more complete picture of all cellular constituents within this complex TME and have evaluated the interplay of both immune and non-immune cells within HNSCC. Here, we include a comprehensive analysis of the complete ecosystem of the HNSCC TME, performed utilizing data-rich resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, and cutting-edge techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional flow cytometry and spatial multispectral imaging, to generate improved treatment strategies for this diverse disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Housaiyin Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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18
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Boilesen DR, Neckermann P, Willert T, Müller MD, Schrödel S, Pertl C, Thirion C, Asbach B, Wagner R, Holst PJ. Efficacy and Synergy with Cisplatin of an Adenovirus Vectored Therapeutic E1E2E6E7 Vaccine against HPV Genome-Positive C3 Cancers in Mice. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:261-275. [PMID: 36534088 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the main cause of cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. As prophylactic vaccines have no curative effect, an efficient therapy would be highly desired. Most therapeutic vaccine candidates target only a small subset of HPV regulatory proteins, namely, E6 and E7, and are therefore restricted in the breadth of their immune response. However, research has suggested E1 and E2 as promising targets to fight HPV+ cancer. Here, we report the design of adenoviral vectors efficiently expressing HPV16 E1 and E2 in addition to transformation-deficient E6 and E7. Vaccination elicited vigorous CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses against all encoded HPV16 proteins in outbred mice and against E1 and E7 in C57BL/6 mice. Therapeutic vaccination of C3 tumor-bearing mice led to significantly reduced tumor growth and enhanced survival for both small and established tumors. Tumor biopsies revealed increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells in treated mice. Cisplatin enhanced the effect of therapeutic vaccination, accompanied by enhanced infiltration of dendritic cells into the tumor. CD8+ T cells were identified as effector cells in T-cell depletion assays, seemingly under regulation by FoxP3+CD4+ regulatory T cells. Finally, therapeutic vaccination with Ad-Ii-E1E2E6E7 exhibited significantly enhanced survival compared with vaccination with two peptides each harboring a known E6/E7 epitope. We hypothesize that this difference could be due to the induction of additional T-cell responses against E1. These results support the use of this novel vaccine candidate targeting an extended set of antigens (Ad-Ii-E1E2E6E7), in combination with cisplatin, as an advanced strategy to combat HPV+ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte Rahbæk Boilesen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, The Panum Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick Neckermann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Mikkel Dons Müller
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, The Panum Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Benedikt Asbach
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Wagner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, The Panum Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
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19
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Brightman SE, Naradikian MS, Thota RR, Becker A, Montero L, Bahmanof M, Premlal ALR, Greenbaum JA, Peters B, Cohen EE, Miller AM, Schoenberger SP. Tumor cells fail to present MHC-II-restricted epitopes derived from oncogenes to CD4+ T cells. JCI Insight 2023; 8:165570. [PMID: 36512410 PMCID: PMC9977289 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells play a critical role in antitumor immunity via recognition of peptide antigens presented on MHC class II (MHC-II). Although some solid cancers can be induced to express MHC-II, the extent to which this enables direct recognition by tumor-specific CD4+ T cells is unclear. We isolated and characterized T cell antigen receptors (TCRs) from naturally primed CD4+ T cells specific for 2 oncoproteins, HPV-16 E6 and the activating KRASG12V mutation, from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, respectively, and determined their ability to recognize autologous or human leukocyte antigen-matched antigen-expressing tumor cells. We found in both cases that the TCRs were capable of recognizing peptide-loaded target cells expressing the relevant MHC-II or B cell antigen-presenting cells (APCs) when the antigens were endogenously expressed and directed to the endosomal pathway but failed to recognize tumor cells expressing the source protein even after induction of surface MHC-II expression by IFN-γ or transduction with CIITA. These results suggest that priming and functional recognition of both a nuclear (E6) and a membrane-associated (KRAS) oncoprotein are predominantly confined to crosspresenting APCs rather than via direct recognition of tumor cells induced to express MHC-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer E. Brightman
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Martin S. Naradikian
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA.,Novartis, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Rukman R. Thota
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Angelica Becker
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,IconOVir Bio, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Leslie Montero
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Milad Bahmanof
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | - Bjoern Peters
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ezra E.W. Cohen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Aaron M. Miller
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephen P. Schoenberger
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
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20
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Lei T, Li X, Wang F, Huang Q, Liu T, Liu C, Hu Q. Immune landscape of viral cancers: Insights from single-cell sequencing. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28348. [PMID: 36436921 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections trigger a wide range of immune responses thought to drive tumorigenesis and malignant progression. Dissecting virus-induced changes in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is therefore crucial to identify key leukocyte populations that may represent novel targets for cancer therapy. Single-cell sequencing approaches have now been widely applied to the analysis of various tumors, thus enabling multiomics characterization of the highly heterogeneous TIME that bulk-sequencing cannot fully elucidate. In this review, we summarized key recent findings from sequencing studies of the immune infiltrate and antitumor response in virus-associated cancers at single cell resolution. Additionally, we also reviewed recent developments in immunotherapy for virus-associated cancers. We anticipate that the strategic use of single-cell sequencing will advance our understanding of the TIME of viral cancers, leading to the development of more potent novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Lei
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Fuhao Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Qingyu Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Tianxing Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Qinyong Hu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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21
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Seo S, Rooper L, Seiwert TY, Fakhry C. Spontaneous regression of an human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2023; 45:E1-E4. [PMID: 36256583 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spontaneous regression (SR) of cancer is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. While SR is well-documented for some cancers, very few reports exist in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) and none in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive OPSCCs. METHODS A 67-year old man presented with a left-sided neck mass. Neck CT, PET, and biopsies showed a SCC in a left-sided lymph node without a primary lesion. Immunohistochemistry confirmed HPV16. Six weeks after biopsy, the patient underwent left selective tonsillectomy and neck dissection. RESULTS Surgery revealed a left tonsillar SCC and no lymph nodes with tumor. Histology revealed homogenous fibrosis and intermixed immune cells indicative of tumor regression analogous to reports of immune-related pathologic responses. AE1/AE3 immunostain was also negative for tumor. All lymph nodes remained negative at 1 year follow-up. CONCLUSION We described a spontaneously regressed lymph node in a tonsillar HPV-positive SCC. The unique immune environment of HPV-positive OPSCCs, and unknown environmental or host factors, may have played a role in our patient's SR which requires future studies to elucidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Seo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa Rooper
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tanguy Y Seiwert
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carole Fakhry
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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22
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Novel Systemic Treatment Modalities Including Immunotherapy and Molecular Targeted Therapy for Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147889. [PMID: 35887235 PMCID: PMC9320653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the sixth most common cancers worldwide. More than half of patients with HNSCC eventually experience disease recurrence and/or metastasis, which can threaten their long-term survival. HNSCCs located in the oral cavity and larynx are usually associated with tobacco and/or alcohol use, whereas human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV16 infection, is increasingly recognized as a cause of oropharyngeal HNSCC. Despite clinical, histologic, and molecular differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs, current treatment approaches are the same. For recurrent disease, these strategies include chemotherapy, immunotherapy with PD-1-inhibitors, or a monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, that targets epidermal growth factor; these therapies can be administered either as single agents or in combination. However, these treatment strategies carry a high risk of toxic side effects; therefore, more effective and less toxic treatments are needed. The landscape of HNSCC therapy is changing significantly; numerous clinical trials are underway to test novel therapeutic options like adaptive cellular therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, new targeted therapy agents, novel immunotherapy combinations, and therapeutic vaccines. This review helps in understanding the various developments in HNSCC therapy and sheds light on the path ahead in terms of further research in this field.
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23
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Tang J, Li M, Zhao C, Shen D, Liu L, Zhang X, Wei L. Therapeutic DNA Vaccines against HPV-Related Malignancies: Promising Leads from Clinical Trials. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020239. [PMID: 35215833 PMCID: PMC8874761 DOI: 10.3390/v14020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2014 and 2021, two nucleic-acid vaccine candidates named MAV E2 and VGX-3100 completed phase III clinical trials in Mexico and U.S., respectively, for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). These well-tolerated but still unlicensed vaccines encode distinct HPV antigens (E2 versus E6+E7) to elicit cell-mediated immune responses; their clinical efficacy, as measured by HSIL regression or cure, was modest when compared with placebo or surgery (conization), but both proved highly effective in clearing HPV infection, which should help further optimize strategies for enhancing vaccine immunogenicity, toward an ultimate goal of preventing malignancies in millions of patients who are living with persistent, oncogenic HPV infection but are not expected to benefit from current, prophylactic vaccines. The major roadblocks to a highly efficacious and practical product remain challenging and can be classified into five categories: (i) getting the vaccines into the right cells for efficient expression and presentation of HPV antigens (fusion proteins or epitopes); (ii) having adequate coverage of oncogenic HPV types, beyond the current focus on HPV-16 and -18; (iii) directing immune protection to various epithelial niches, especially anogenital mucosa and upper aerodigestive tract where HPV-transformed cells wreak havoc; (iv) establishing the time window and vaccination regimen, including dosage, interval and even combination therapy, for achieving maximum efficacy; and (v) validating therapeutic efficacy in patients with poor prognosis because of advanced, recurrent or non-resectable malignancies. Overall, the room for improvements is still large enough that continuing efforts for research and development will very likely extend into the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Tang
- Aeonvital Biomedical Research Institute, Beijing 102208, China; (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Mingzhu Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100033, China; (M.L.); (C.Z.); (D.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100033, China; (M.L.); (C.Z.); (D.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Danhua Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100033, China; (M.L.); (C.Z.); (D.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Lei Liu
- Aeonvital Biomedical Research Institute, Beijing 102208, China; (L.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- Aeonvital Biomedical Research Institute, Beijing 102208, China; (L.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Lihui Wei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100033, China; (M.L.); (C.Z.); (D.S.); (L.W.)
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24
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Gameiro SF, Evans AM, Mymryk JS. The tumor immune microenvironments of HPV + and HPV - head and neck cancers. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1539. [PMID: 35030304 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the etiological agent of a significant, and increasing, fraction of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC)-a heterogenous group of malignancies in the head and neck region. HPV infection accounts for approximately 25% of all cases, with the remainder typically caused by smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These distinct etiologies lead to profound clinical and immunological differences between HPV-positive (HPV+ ) and HPV-negative (HPV- ) HNSCC, likely related to the expression of exogenous viral antigens in the HPV+ subtype. Specifically, HPV+ HNSCC patients generally exhibit better treatment response compared to those with HPV- disease, leading to a more favorable prognosis, with lower recurrence rate, and longer overall survival time. Importantly, a plethora of studies have illustrated that the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of HPV+ HNSCC has a strikingly distinct immune composition to that of its HPV- counterpart. The HPV+ TIME is characterized as being immunologically "hot," with more immune infiltration, higher levels of T-cell activation, and higher levels of immunoregulation compared to the more immunologically "cold" HPV- TIME. In general, cancers with an immune "hot" TIME exhibit better treatment response and superior clinical outcomes in comparison to their immune "cold" counterparts. Indeed, this phenomenon has also been observed in HPV+ HNSCC patients, highlighting the critical role of the TIME in influencing prognosis, and further validating the use of cancer therapies that capitalize on the mobilization and/or modulation of the TIME. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Infectious Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Gameiro
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andris M Evans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joe S Mymryk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Lim J, Jin M, Yoon I, Yoo HS. Efficacy of bivalent vaccines of porcine circovirus type 2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in specific pathogen-free pigs challenged with porcine circovirus type 2d. J Vet Sci 2022; 23:e49. [PMID: 35618321 PMCID: PMC9149493 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.21287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHP) are economically significant pathogens in the pig industry. The use of combined vaccines against PCV2 and MHP is one of the most effective ways of protecting pigs from both diseases, and it has become a part of general management. Objectives This study evaluated the efficacy of two new bivalent vaccines of PCV2 and MHP (Myco-X and Myco-XD) in SPF pigs. Myco-X and Myco-XD are a combined vaccine of MHP with PCV2b and PCV2d, respectively. Methods Sixteen pigs were divided into four groups: Myco-X-vaccinated challenged, Myco-XD-vaccinated challenged, unvaccinated challenged, and unvaccinated unchallenged. Two milliliters of Myco-X were administered intramuscularly, and 0.5 mL of Myco-XD was injected intradermally at 3 wk of age. The pigs were challenged with virulent PCV2d via the intramuscular and intranasal route 4 wk post-vaccination. Results All vaccinated pigs showed effective reduction of the clinical signs, the PCV2d load in the blood and nasal swab samples, as well as lung and lymphoid tissue lesions in the challenge test. Compared to unvaccinated challenged animals, the vaccinated challenged animals showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of anti-PCV2 IgG, PCV2d-specific interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and anti-MHP IgG. Conclusions Based on clinical, microbiological, serological, and pathological assessments, this study confirmed that both combined vaccines could protect pigs against PCV2 infection caused by PCV2d. On the other hand, further research on the efficacy evaluation of these new vaccines against the MHP challenge and PCV2d/MHP co-challenge is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonggyo Lim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Choong Ang Vaccine Laboratories Co., Ltd., Daejeon 34055, Korea
| | - Myongha Jin
- Choong Ang Vaccine Laboratories Co., Ltd., Daejeon 34055, Korea
| | - Injoong Yoon
- Choong Ang Vaccine Laboratories Co., Ltd., Daejeon 34055, Korea
| | - Han Sang Yoo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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26
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Vitiello GAF, Ferreira WAS, Cordeiro de Lima VC, Medina TDS. Antiviral Responses in Cancer: Boosting Antitumor Immunity Through Activation of Interferon Pathway in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:782852. [PMID: 34925363 PMCID: PMC8674309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.782852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, it became apparent that cancers either associated with viral infections or aberrantly expressing endogenous retroviral elements (EREs) are more immunogenic, exhibiting an intense intra-tumor immune cell infiltration characterized by a robust cytolytic apparatus. On the other hand, epigenetic regulation of EREs is crucial to maintain steady-state conditions and cell homeostasis. In line with this, epigenetic disruptions within steady-state cells can lead to cancer development and trigger the release of EREs into the cytoplasmic compartment. As such, detection of viral molecules by intracellular innate immune sensors leads to the production of type I and type III interferons that act to induce an antiviral state, thus restraining viral replication. This knowledge has recently gained momentum due to the possibility of triggering intratumoral activation of interferon responses, which could be used as an adjuvant to elicit strong anti-tumor immune responses that ultimately lead to a cascade of cytokine production. Accordingly, several therapeutic approaches are currently being tested using this rationale to improve responses to cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss the immune mechanisms operating in viral infections, show evidence that exogenous viruses and endogenous retroviruses in cancer may enhance tumor immunogenicity, dissect the epigenetic control of EREs, and point to interferon pathway activation in the tumor milieu as a promising molecular predictive marker and immunotherapy target. Finally, we briefly discuss current strategies to modulate these responses within tumor tissues, including the clinical use of innate immune receptor agonists and DNA demethylating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wallax Augusto Silva Ferreira
- Translational Immuno-Oncology Group, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Environmental Mutagenesis, Environment Section (SAMAM), Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago da Silva Medina
- Translational Immuno-Oncology Group, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics and Therapeutic Innovation, São Paulo, Brazil
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27
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Dong H, Shu X, Xu Q, Zhu C, Kaufmann AM, Zheng ZM, Albers AE, Qian X. Current Status of Human Papillomavirus-Related Head and Neck Cancer: From Viral Genome to Patient Care. Virol Sin 2021. [PMID: 34152564 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00413-8/figures/2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection identified as a definitive human carcinogen is increasingly being recognized for its role in carcinogenesis of human cancers. Up to 38%-80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in oropharyngeal location (OPSCC) and nearly all cervical cancers contain the HPV genome which is implicated in causing cancer through its oncoproteins E6 and E7. Given by the biologically distinct HPV-related OPSCC and a more favorable prognosis compared to HPV-negative tumors, clinical trials on de-escalation treatment strategies for these patients have been studied. It is therefore raised the questions for the patient stratification if treatment de-escalation is feasible. Moreover, understanding the crosstalk of HPV-mediated malignancy and immunity with clinical insights from the proportional response rate to immune checkpoint blockade treatments in patients with HNSCC is of importance to substantially improve the treatment efficacy. This review discusses the biology of HPV-related HNSCC as well as successful clinically findings with promising candidates in the pipeline for future directions. With the advent of various sequencing technologies, further biomolecules associated with HPV-related HNSCC progression are currently being identified to be used as potential biomarkers or targets for clinical decisions throughout the continuum of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoru Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xinhua Shu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Cancer Hospital University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Andreas M Kaufmann
- Clinic for Gynecology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, 12203, Germany
| | - Zhi-Ming Zheng
- Tumor Virus RNA Biology Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Andreas E Albers
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
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28
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Zhu G, Amin N, Herberg ME, Maroun CA, Wang H, Guller M, Gourin CG, Rooper LM, Vosler PS, Tan M, D'Souza G, Koch WM, Eisele DW, Seiwert TY, Fakhry C, Pardoll DM, Mandal R. Association of Tumor Site With the Prognosis and Immunogenomic Landscape of Human Papillomavirus-Related Head and Neck and Cervical Cancers. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 148:70-79. [PMID: 34792560 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2021.3228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Importance Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive status in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is associated with improved survival compared with HPV-negative status. However, it remains controversial whether HPV is associated with improved survival among patients with nonoropharyngeal and cervical squamous cell tumors. Objective To investigate differences in the immunogenomic landscapes of HPV-associated tumors across anatomical sites (the head and neck and the cervix) and their association with survival. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used genomic and transcriptomic data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for 79 patients with OPSCC, 435 with nonoropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (non-OP HNSCC), and 254 with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and/or endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) along with matched clinical data from TCGA. The data were analyzed from November 2020 to March 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures Positivity for HPV was classified by RNA-sequencing reads aligned with the HPV reference genome. Gene expression profiles, immune cell phenotypes, cytolytic activity scores, and overall survival were compared by HPV tumor status across multiple anatomical sites. Results The study comprised 768 patients, including 514 (66.9%) with HNSCC (380 male [73.9%]; mean [SD] age, 59.5 [10.8] years) and 254 (33.1%) with CESC (mean [SD] age, 48.7 [14.1] years). Human papillomavirus positivity was associated with a statistically significant improvement in overall survival for patients with OPSCC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02-0.17; P < .001) but not for those with non-OP HNSCC (aHR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.31-1.27; P = .20) or CESC (aHR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.15-1.67; P = .30). The HPV-positive OPSCCs had increased tumor immune infiltration and immunomodulatory receptor expression compared with HPV-negative OPSCCs. Compared with HPV-positive non-OP HNSCCs, HPV-positive OPSCCs showed greater expression of immune-related metrics including B cells, T cells, CD8+ T cells, T-cell receptor diversity, B-cell receptor diversity, and cytolytic activity scores, independent of tumor variant burden. The immune-related metrics were similar when comparing HPV-positive non-OP HNSCCs and HPV-positive CESCs with their HPV-negative counterparts. The 2-year overall survival rate was significantly higher for patients with HPV-positive OPSCC compared with patients with HPV-negative OPSCC (92.0% [95% CI, 84.8%-99.9%] vs 45.8% [95% CI, 28.3%-74.1%]; HR, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.03-0.30]; P = .009). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, tumor site was associated with the immune landscape and survival among patients with HPV-related tumors despite presumed similar biologic characteristics. These tumor site-related findings provide insight on possible outcomes of HPV positivity for tumors in oropharyngeal and nonoropharyngeal sites and a rationale for the stratification of HPV-associated tumors by site and the subsequent development of strategies targeting immune exclusion in HPV-positive nonoropharyngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangcai Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Neha Amin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Matthew E Herberg
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christopher A Maroun
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hao Wang
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Meytal Guller
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christine G Gourin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lisa M Rooper
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter S Vosler
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marietta Tan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gypsyamber D'Souza
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wayne M Koch
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David W Eisele
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tanguy Y Seiwert
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carole Fakhry
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rajarsi Mandal
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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29
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Novel Antigenic Targets of HPV Therapeutic Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9111262. [PMID: 34835193 PMCID: PMC8621534 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the cause of the majority of cervical cancers and head and neck cancers worldwide. Although prophylactic vaccines and cervical cancer screening programs have shown efficacy in preventing HPV-associated cervical cancer, cervical cancer is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in third world countries. Furthermore, head and neck cancer cases caused by HPV infection and associated mortality are increasing. The need for better therapy is clear, and therapeutic vaccination generating cytotoxic T cells against HPV proteins is a promising strategy. This review covers the current scene of HPV therapeutic vaccines in clinical development and discusses relevant considerations for the design of future HPV therapeutic vaccines and clinical trials, such as HPV protein expression patterns, immunogenicity, and exhaustion in relation to the different stages and types of HPV-associated lesions and cancers. Ultimately, while the majority of the HPV therapeutic vaccines currently in clinical testing target the two HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7, we suggest that there is a need to include more HPV antigens in future HPV therapeutic vaccines to increase efficacy and find that especially E1 and E2 could be promising novel targets.
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30
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Wang J, Liu G, Liu M, Cai Q, Yao C, Chen H, Song N, Yuan C, Tan D, Hu Y, Xiang Y, Xiang T. High-Risk HPV16 E6 Activates the cGMP/PKG Pathway Through Glycosyltransferase ST6GAL1 in Cervical Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:716246. [PMID: 34745942 PMCID: PMC8564291 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.716246] [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: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in glycosylation regulate fundamental molecular and cellular processes of cancer, serving as important biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, the potential association and regulatory mechanisms of E6 oncoprotein on glycosylation of cervical cancer cells are still unclear. Here, we evaluated the glycomic changes via using Lectin microarray and determined the corresponding enzymes associated with endogenous high-risk HPV16 E6 expression in cervical cancer cells. α-2,6 sialic acids and the corresponding glycosyltransferase ST6GAL1 were significantly increased in E6 stable-expressing HPV- cervical cancer C33A cells. Clinical validation further showed that the expression of ST6GAL1 was significantly increased in patients infected with high-risk HPV subtypes and showed a positive association with E6 in cervical scraping samples. Interfering ST6GAL1 expression markedly blocked the oncogenic effects of E6 on colony formulation, proliferation, and metastasis. Importantly, ST6GAL1 overexpression enhanced tumorigenic activities of both E6-positive and E6-negative cells. Mechanistical investigations revealed that E6 depended on activating YAP1 to stimulate ST6GAL1 expression, as verteporfin (inhibitor of YAP1) significantly suppressed the E6-induced ST6GAL1 upregulation. E6/ST6GAL1 triggered the activation of downstream cGMP/PKG signaling pathway and ODQ (inhibitor of GMP production) simultaneously suppressed the oncogenic activities of both E6 and ST6GAL1 in cervical cancer cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that ST6GAL1 is an important mediator for oncogenic E6 protein to activate the downstream cGMP/PKG signaling pathway, which represents a novel molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi Clinical College, Medical School of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Hankou Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinzhen Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Yao
- Health Care Department, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Neng Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunhui Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Decai Tan
- Department of Science and Education, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi Clinical College, Medical School of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Yuhai Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Hankou Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tian Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi Clinical College, Medical School of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
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31
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Powell SF, Vu L, Spanos WC, Pyeon D. The Key Differences between Human Papillomavirus-Positive and -Negative Head and Neck Cancers: Biological and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5206. [PMID: 34680354 PMCID: PMC8533896 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a unique malignancy associated with two distinct risk factors: exposure to typical carcinogens and infection of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV encodes the potent oncoproteins E6 and E7, which bypass many important oncogenic processes and result in cancer development. In contrast, HPV-negative HNSCC is developed through multiple mutations in diverse oncogenic driver genes. While the risk factors associated with HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs are discrete, HNSCC patients still show highly complex molecular signatures, immune infiltrations, and treatment responses even within the same anatomical subtypes. Here, we summarize the current understanding of biological mechanisms, treatment approaches, and clinical outcomes in comparison between HPV-positive and -negative HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Powell
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA;
| | - Lexi Vu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - William C. Spanos
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA;
| | - Dohun Pyeon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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32
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Eberhardt CS, Kissick HT, Patel MR, Cardenas MA, Prokhnevska N, Obeng RC, Nasti TH, Griffith CC, Im SJ, Wang X, Shin DM, Carrington M, Chen ZG, Sidney J, Sette A, Saba NF, Wieland A, Ahmed R. Functional HPV-specific PD-1 + stem-like CD8 T cells in head and neck cancer. Nature 2021; 597:279-284. [PMID: 34471285 PMCID: PMC10201342 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03862-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
T cells are important in tumour immunity but a better understanding is needed of the differentiation of antigen-specific T cells in human cancer1,2. Here we studied CD8 T cells in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck cancer and identified several epitopes derived from HPV E2, E5 and E6 proteins that allowed us to analyse virus-specific CD8 T cells using major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I tetramers. HPV-specific CD8 T cells expressed PD-1 and were detectable in the tumour at levels that ranged from 0.1% to 10% of tumour-infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes (TILs) for a given epitope. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses of tetramer-sorted HPV-specific PD-1+ CD8 TILs revealed three transcriptionally distinct subsets. One subset expressed TCF7 and other genes associated with PD-1+ stem-like CD8 T cells that are critical for maintaining T cell responses in conditions of antigen persistence. The second subset expressed more effector molecules, representing a transitory cell population, and the third subset was characterized by a terminally differentiated gene signature. T cell receptor clonotypes were shared between the three subsets and pseudotime analysis suggested a hypothetical differentiation trajectory from stem-like to transitory to terminally differentiated cells. More notably, HPV-specific PD-1+TCF-1+ stem-like TILs proliferated and differentiated into more effector-like cells after in vitro stimulation with the cognate HPV peptide, whereas the more terminally differentiated cells did not proliferate. The presence of functional HPV-specific PD-1+TCF-1+CD45RO+ stem-like CD8 T cells with proliferative capacity shows that the cellular machinery to respond to PD-1 blockade exists in HPV-positive head and neck cancer, supporting the further investigation of PD-1 targeted therapies in this malignancy. Furthermore, HPV therapeutic vaccination efforts have focused on E6 and E7 proteins; our results suggest that E2 and E5 should also be considered for inclusion as vaccine antigens to elicit tumour-reactive CD8 T cell responses of maximal breadth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane S Eberhardt
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Centre for Vaccinology, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Haydn T Kissick
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mihir R Patel
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maria A Cardenas
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Rebecca C Obeng
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tahseen H Nasti
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher C Griffith
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Se Jin Im
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Immunology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dong M Shin
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mary Carrington
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhuo G Chen
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John Sidney
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andreas Wieland
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Rafi Ahmed
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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33
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Shamseddine AA, Burman B, Lee NY, Zamarin D, Riaz N. Tumor Immunity and Immunotherapy for HPV-Related Cancers. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:1896-1912. [PMID: 33990345 PMCID: PMC8338882 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection drives tumorigenesis in the majority of cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, and vulvar cancers. Genetic and epidemiologic evidence has highlighted the role of immunosuppression in the oncogenesis of HPV-related malignancies. Here we review how HPV modulates the immune microenvironment and subsequent therapeutic implications. We describe the landscape of immunotherapies for these cancers with a focus on findings from early-phase studies exploring antigen-specific treatments, and discuss future directions. Although responses across these studies have been modest to date, a deeper understanding of HPV-related tumor biology and immunology may prove instrumental for the development of more efficacious immunotherapeutic approaches. SIGNIFICANCE: HPV modulates the microenvironment to create a protumorigenic state of immune suppression and evasion. Our understanding of these mechanisms has led to the development of immunomodulatory treatments that have shown early clinical promise in patients with HPV-related malignancies. This review summarizes our current understanding of the interactions of HPV and its microenvironment and provides insight into the progress and challenges of developing immunotherapies for HPV-related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achraf A Shamseddine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Bharat Burman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nancy Y Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Dmitriy Zamarin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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34
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Béziat V, Rapaport F, Hu J, Titeux M, Bonnet des Claustres M, Bourgey M, Griffin H, Bandet É, Ma CS, Sherkat R, Rokni-Zadeh H, Louis DM, Changi-Ashtiani M, Delmonte OM, Fukushima T, Habib T, Guennoun A, Khan T, Bender N, Rahman M, About F, Yang R, Rao G, Rouzaud C, Li J, Shearer D, Balogh K, Al Ali F, Ata M, Dabiri S, Momenilandi M, Nammour J, Alyanakian MA, Leruez-Ville M, Guenat D, Materna M, Marcot L, Vladikine N, Soret C, Vahidnezhad H, Youssefian L, Saeidian AH, Uitto J, Catherinot É, Navabi SS, Zarhrate M, Woodley DT, Jeljeli M, Abraham T, Belkaya S, Lorenzo L, Rosain J, Bayat M, Lanternier F, Lortholary O, Zakavi F, Gros P, Orth G, Abel L, Prétet JL, Fraitag S, Jouanguy E, Davis MM, Tangye SG, Notarangelo LD, Marr N, Waterboer T, Langlais D, Doorbar J, Hovnanian A, Christensen N, Bossuyt X, Shahrooei M, Casanova JL. Humans with inherited T cell CD28 deficiency are susceptible to skin papillomaviruses but are otherwise healthy. Cell 2021; 184:3812-3828.e30. [PMID: 34214472 PMCID: PMC8329841 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We study a patient with the human papilloma virus (HPV)-2-driven "tree-man" phenotype and two relatives with unusually severe HPV4-driven warts. The giant horns form an HPV-2-driven multifocal benign epithelial tumor overexpressing viral oncogenes in the epidermis basal layer. The patients are unexpectedly homozygous for a private CD28 variant. They have no detectable CD28 on their T cells, with the exception of a small contingent of revertant memory CD4+ T cells. T cell development is barely affected, and T cells respond to CD3 and CD2, but not CD28, costimulation. Although the patients do not display HPV-2- and HPV-4-reactive CD4+ T cells in vitro, they make antibodies specific for both viruses in vivo. CD28-deficient mice are susceptible to cutaneous infections with the mouse papillomavirus MmuPV1. The control of HPV-2 and HPV-4 in keratinocytes is dependent on the T cell CD28 co-activation pathway. Surprisingly, human CD28-dependent T cell responses are largely redundant for protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Béziat
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France; The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | | | - Jiafen Hu
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Matthias Titeux
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Élise Bandet
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Cindy S Ma
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Roya Sherkat
- Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, AIRC, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | | | - David M Louis
- Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Ottavia M Delmonte
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Toshiaki Fukushima
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Noemi Bender
- German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Frédégonde About
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Rui Yang
- The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Geetha Rao
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Claire Rouzaud
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France; Necker Hospital for Sick Children, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jingwei Li
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Debra Shearer
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Karla Balogh
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | | | | | - Soroosh Dabiri
- Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, 054 Zahedan, Iran
| | | | - Justine Nammour
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | | | | | - David Guenat
- Papillomavirus National Reference Center, Besançon Hospital, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Marie Materna
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Léa Marcot
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Natasha Vladikine
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Christine Soret
- Papillomavirus National Reference Center, Besançon Hospital, 25030 Besançon, France
| | | | | | | | - Jouni Uitto
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | | | | | - Mohammed Zarhrate
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - David T Woodley
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | | | - Thomas Abraham
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | | | - Lazaro Lorenzo
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jérémie Rosain
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France; Necker Hospital for Sick Children, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Mousa Bayat
- Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, 054 Zahedan, Iran
| | - Fanny Lanternier
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France; Necker Hospital for Sick Children, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France; Necker Hospital for Sick Children, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Faramarz Zakavi
- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, 061 Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Philippe Gros
- McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada; McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
| | | | - Laurent Abel
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France; The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jean-Luc Prétet
- Papillomavirus National Reference Center, Besançon Hospital, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Sylvie Fraitag
- Necker Hospital for Sick Children, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Jouanguy
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France; The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mark M Davis
- HHMI, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Stuart G Tangye
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Tim Waterboer
- German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Langlais
- McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada; McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
| | | | - Alain Hovnanian
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France; Necker Hospital for Sick Children, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Neil Christensen
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | | | - Mohammad Shahrooei
- University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Dr. Shahrooei Lab, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Jean-Laurent Casanova
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1163, 75015 Paris, France; The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; HHMI, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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35
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Dong H, Shu X, Xu Q, Zhu C, Kaufmann AM, Zheng ZM, Albers AE, Qian X. Current Status of Human Papillomavirus-Related Head and Neck Cancer: From Viral Genome to Patient Care. Virol Sin 2021; 36:1284-1302. [PMID: 34152564 PMCID: PMC8692589 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00413-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection identified as a definitive human carcinogen is increasingly being recognized for its role in carcinogenesis of human cancers. Up to 38%–80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in oropharyngeal location (OPSCC) and nearly all cervical cancers contain the HPV genome which is implicated in causing cancer through its oncoproteins E6 and E7. Given by the biologically distinct HPV-related OPSCC and a more favorable prognosis compared to HPV-negative tumors, clinical trials on de-escalation treatment strategies for these patients have been studied. It is therefore raised the questions for the patient stratification if treatment de-escalation is feasible. Moreover, understanding the crosstalk of HPV-mediated malignancy and immunity with clinical insights from the proportional response rate to immune checkpoint blockade treatments in patients with HNSCC is of importance to substantially improve the treatment efficacy. This review discusses the biology of HPV-related HNSCC as well as successful clinically findings with promising candidates in the pipeline for future directions. With the advent of various sequencing technologies, further biomolecules associated with HPV-related HNSCC progression are currently being identified to be used as potential biomarkers or targets for clinical decisions throughout the continuum of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoru Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xinhua Shu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Cancer Hospital University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Andreas M Kaufmann
- Clinic for Gynecology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, 12203, Germany
| | - Zhi-Ming Zheng
- Tumor Virus RNA Biology Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Andreas E Albers
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
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36
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Zhang X, Luo M, Dastagir SR, Nixon M, Khamhoung A, Schmidt A, Lee A, Subbiah N, McLaughlin DC, Moore CL, Gribble M, Bayhi N, Amin V, Pepi R, Pawar S, Lyford TJ, Soman V, Mellen J, Carpenter CL, Turka LA, Wickham TJ, Chen TF. Engineered red blood cells as an off-the-shelf allogeneic anti-tumor therapeutic. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2637. [PMID: 33976146 PMCID: PMC8113241 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors and T-cell therapies have highlighted the critical role of T cells in anti-cancer immunity. However, limitations associated with these treatments drive the need for alternative approaches. Here, we engineer red blood cells into artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) presenting a peptide bound to the major histocompatibility complex I, the costimulatory ligand 4-1BBL, and interleukin (IL)-12. This leads to robust, antigen-specific T-cell expansion, memory formation, additional immune activation, tumor control, and antigen spreading in tumor models in vivo. The presence of 4-1BBL and IL-12 induces minimal toxicities due to restriction to the vasculature and spleen. The allogeneic aAPC, RTX-321, comprised of human leukocyte antigen-A*02:01 presenting the human papilloma virus (HPV) peptide HPV16 E711-19, 4-1BBL, and IL-12 on the surface, activates HPV-specific T cells and promotes effector function in vitro. Thus, RTX-321 is a potential 'off-the-shelf' in vivo cellular immunotherapy for treating HPV + cancers, including cervical and head/neck cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuqing Zhang
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Mengyao Luo
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Shamael R. Dastagir
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Mellissa Nixon
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Annie Khamhoung
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Andrea Schmidt
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Albert Lee
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Naren Subbiah
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | | | | | - Mary Gribble
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Nicholas Bayhi
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Viral Amin
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Ryan Pepi
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Sneha Pawar
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Timothy J. Lyford
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Vikram Soman
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Jennifer Mellen
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | | | - Laurence A. Turka
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Thomas J. Wickham
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Tiffany F. Chen
- grid.507501.60000 0004 6022 070XRubius Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
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37
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Feng B, Hess J. Immune-Related Mutational Landscape and Gene Signatures: Prognostic Value and Therapeutic Impact for Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051162. [PMID: 33800421 PMCID: PMC7962834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy has emerged as a standard-of-care for most human malignancies, including head and neck cancer, but only a limited number of patients exhibit a durable clinical benefit. An urgent medical need is the establishment of accurate response predictors, which is handicapped by the growing body of molecular, cellular and clinical variables that modify the complex nature of an effective anti-tumor immune response. This review summarizes more recent efforts to elucidate immune-related mutational landscapes and gene expression signatures by integrative analysis of multi-omics data, and highlights their potential therapeutic impact for head and neck cancer. A better knowledge of the underlying principles and relevant interactions could pave the way for rational therapeutic combinations to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, in particular for those cancer patients at a higher risk for treatment failure. Abstract Immunotherapy by immune checkpoint inhibition has become a main pillar in the armamentarium to treat head and neck cancer and is based on the premise that the host immune system can be reactivated to successfully eliminate cancer cells. However, the response rate remains low and only a small subset of head and neck cancer patients achieves a durable clinical benefit. The availability of multi-omics data and emerging computational technologies facilitate not only a deeper understanding of the cellular composition in the tumor immune microenvironment but also enables the study of molecular principles in the complex regulation of immune surveillance versus tolerance. These knowledges will pave the way to apply immunotherapy more precisely and effectively. This review aims to provide a holistic view on how the immune landscape dictates the tumor fate and vice versa, and how integrative analysis of multi-omics data contribute to our current knowledge on the accuracy of predictive biomarkers and on a broad range of factors influencing the response to immunotherapy in head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohai Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Research Group Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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38
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Abstract
In persistent high-risk HPV infection, viral gene expression can trigger some important early changes to immune capabilities which act to protect the lesion from immune attack and subsequently promote its growth and ability for sustained immune escape. This includes immune checkpoint-inhibitor ligand expression (e.g. PD-L1) by tumour or associated immune cells that can block any anti-tumour T-cell effectors. While there are encouraging signs of efficacy for cancer immunotherapies including with immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines and adoptive cell therapies, overall response and survival rates remain relatively low. HPV oncogene vaccination has shown some useful efficacy in treatment of patients with high-grade lesions but was unable to control later stage cancers. To maximally exploit anti-tumour immune responses, the suppressive factors associated with HPV carcinogenesis must be countered. Importantly, a combination of chemotherapy, reducing immunosuppressive myeloid cells, with therapeutic HPV vaccination significantly improves impact on cancer treatment. Many clinical trials are investigating checkpoint inhibitor treatments in HPV associated cancers but response rates are limited; combination with vaccination is being tested. Further investigation of how chemo- and/or radio-therapy can influence the recovery of effective anti-tumour immunity is warranted. Understanding how to optimally deploy and sequence conventional and immunotherapies is the challenge.
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Welters MJP, Santegoets SJ, van der Burg SH. The Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:545385. [PMID: 33425717 PMCID: PMC7793705 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.545385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) develops as a consequence of several mutations in the tumor suppressor pathways or after a progressive infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HPV). The dismal side effects of the current standard of care and the clear involvement of the immune system has led to a surge in clinical trials that aim to reinforce the tumor-specific immune response as a new treatment option. In this review, we have focused on the most recent literature to discuss the new findings and insights on the role of different immune cells in the context of OPSCC and its etiology. We then applied this knowledge to describe potential biomarkers and analyzed the rationale and outcomes of earlier and ongoing immunotherapy trials. Finally, we describe new developments that are still at the preclinical phase and provide an outlook on what the near future may bring, now that several new and exciting techniques to study the immune system at the single cell level are being exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marij J P Welters
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Saskia J Santegoets
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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