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Naskar S, Sriraman N, Sarkar A, Mahajan N, Sarkar K. Tumor antigen presentation and the associated signal transduction during carcinogenesis. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 261:155485. [PMID: 39088877 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Numerous developments have been achieved in the study and treatment of cancer throughout the decades that it has been common. After decades of research, about 100 different kinds of cancer have been found, each with unique subgroups within certain organs. This has significantly expanded our understanding of the illness. A mix of genetic, environmental, and behavioral variables contribute to the complicated and diverse process of cancer formation. Mutations, or changes in the DNA sequence, are crucial to the development of cancer. These mutations have the ability to downregulate the expression and function of Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC I) and MHCII receptors, as well as activate oncogenes and inactivate tumor suppressor genes. Cancer cells use this tactic to avoid being recognized by cytotoxic CD8+T lymphocytes, which causes issues with antigen presentation and processing. This review goes into great length into the PI3K pathway, changes to MHC I, and positive impacts of tsMHC-II on disease-free survival and overall survival and the involvement of dendritic cells (DCs) in different tumor microenvironments. The vital functions that the PI3K pathway and its link to the mTOR pathway are highlighted and difficulties in developing effective cancer targeted therapies and feedback systems has also been mentioned, where resistance mechanisms include RAS-mediated oncogenic changes and active PI3K signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohom Naskar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Nawaneetan Sriraman
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Ankita Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Nitika Mahajan
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Koustav Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
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A Comparative Review of Pregnancy and Cancer and Their Association with Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 1 and 2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043454. [PMID: 36834865 PMCID: PMC9965492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The fundamental basis of pregnancy and cancer is to determine the fate of the survival or the death of humanity. However, the development of fetuses and tumors share many similarities and differences, making them two sides of the same coin. This review presents an overview of the similarities and differences between pregnancy and cancer. In addition, we will also discuss the critical roles that Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase (ERAP) 1 and 2 may play in the immune system, cell migration, and angiogenesis, all of which are essential for fetal and tumor development. Even though the comprehensive understanding of ERAP2 lags that of ERAP1 due to the lack of an animal model, recent studies have shown that both enzymes are associated with an increased risk of several diseases, including pregnancy disorder pre-eclampsia (PE), recurrent miscarriages, and cancer. The exact mechanisms in both pregnancy and cancer need to be elucidated. Therefore, a deeper understanding of ERAP's role in diseases can make it a potential therapeutic target for pregnancy complications and cancer and offer greater insight into its impact on the immune system.
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Yu P, Luo S, Cai J, Li J, Peng C. ERAP2 as a potential biomarker for predicting gemcitabine response in patients with pancreatic cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7941-7958. [PMID: 36214762 PMCID: PMC9596206 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant tumors, with rapid metastasis, high mortality rate, and difficult early screening. Currently, gemcitabine is a first-line drug for pancreatic cancer patients, but its clinical effect is limited due to drug resistance. It is particularly important to further identify biomarkers associated with gemcitabine resistance to improve the sensitivity of gemcitabine treatment. Methods: Drug sensitivity data and the corresponding transcript data derived from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database for correlation analysis was adopted to obtain genes related to gemcitabine sensitivity. Moreover, the survival model of pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to obtain key genes. Multiple in vitro assays were performed to verify the function of the key biomarker. Results: Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) was identified as a biomarker promoting gemcitabine resistance, and its high expression resulted in a worse prognosis. Besides, gemcitabine significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of ERAP2 in pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, ERAP2 knockdown suppressed tumorigenesis and potentiated gemcitabine-induced growth, migration and invasion inhibition in human pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusions: ERAP2 may be a novel key biomarker for gemcitabine sensitivity and diagnosis, thus providing an effective therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pian Yu
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Shifu Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jiaxin Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Li
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Cong Peng
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
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Kuśnierczyk P. To Be or Not to Be: The Case of Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:902567. [PMID: 35769458 PMCID: PMC9234130 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.902567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To be, or not to be, that is the question. (William Shakespeare, Hamlet)
Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidases 1 and 2 (ERAP1 and ERAP2, respectively) play a role in trimming peptides that are too long to be bound and presented by class I HLA (HLA-I) molecules to CD8+ T cells. They may also affect the HLA-I-presented peptide repertoire by overtrimming potential epitopes. Both enzymes may also be released from the cell to cleave cytokine receptors and regulate blood pressure. Both enzymes are polymorphic, which affects their expression, specificity, and activity, resulting in their role in diseases associated with HLA-I. In this brief review, we concentrate on ERAP2, less investigated because of its lack in laboratory mice and 25% of humans, as well as a lower polymorphism. ERAP2 was found to be associated with several diseases and to influence ERAP1 effects. It was discovered recently that the defective ERAP2 gene, not encoding functional aminopeptidase, may nevertheless, during viral infections, produce a truncated protein isoform of unknown function, possibly interfering with ERAP1 and full-length ERAP2 by heterodimer formation. The disease associations of ERAP2, alone or in combination with ERAP1, are reviewed.
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Overexpression of ERAP2N in Human Trophoblast Cells Promotes Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168585. [PMID: 34445292 PMCID: PMC8395336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genes involved in implantation and placentation are tightly regulated to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) gene is associated with preeclampsia (PE). Our studies have determined that an isoform of ERAP2-arginine (N), expressed in trophoblast cells (TC), significantly activates immune cells, and ERAP2N-expressing TCs are preferentially killed by both cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and Natural Killer cells (NKCs). To understand the cause of this phenomenon, we surveyed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ERAP2N expressing and non-expressing TCs. Our RNAseq data revealed 581 total DEGs between the two groups. 289 genes were up-regulated, and 292 genes were down-regulated. Interestingly, most of the down-regulated genes of significance were pro-survival genes that play a crucial role in cell survival (LDHA, EGLN1, HLA-C, ITGB5, WNT7A, FN1). However, the down-regulation of these genes in ERAP2N-expressing TCs translates into a propensity for cell death. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that 64 DEGs were significantly enriched in nine pathways, including “Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum” and “Antigen processing and presentation”, suggesting that the genes may be associated with peptide processes involved in immune recognition during the reproductive cycle.
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Tsujimoto M, Aoki K, Goto Y, Ohnishi A. Molecular and functional diversity of the oxytocinase subfamily of M1 aminopeptidases. J Biochem 2021; 169:409-420. [PMID: 33481005 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The placental leucine aminopeptidase/insulin-regulated aminopeptidase, endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 and endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 are part of a distinct subfamily of M1 aminopeptidases termed the 'oxytocinase subfamily'. The subfamily members show molecular diversity due to differential usage of translation initiation sites, alternative splicing and multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms. It is becoming evident that, depending on their intracellular or extracellular location, members of the oxytocinase subfamily play important roles in the maintenance of homeostasis, including the regulation of blood pressure, maintenance of normal pregnancy, retention of memory and trimming of antigenic peptides presented to major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, by acting as either aminopeptidases or binding partners of specific functional proteins in the cells. Based on their molecular diversity and moonlighting protein-like properties, it is conceivable that the subfamily members exert pleiotropic effects during evolution, to become important players in the regulation of homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Tsujimoto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, Nakano, Tokyo 164-8530, Japan
| | - Kazuma Aoki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, Nakano, Tokyo 164-8530, Japan
| | - Yoshikuni Goto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, Nakano, Tokyo 164-8530, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ohnishi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, Nakano, Tokyo 164-8530, Japan
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Aminopeptidase Expression in Multiple Myeloma Associates with Disease Progression and Sensitivity to Melflufen. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071527. [PMID: 33810334 PMCID: PMC8036322 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The aims of this study were to investigate aminopeptidase expression in multiple myeloma and to identify the aminopeptidases responsible for the activation of the peptide–drug conjugate melflufen in multiple myeloma. We observed a differential expression of aminopeptidases between relapsed/refractory and newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. A higher expression of the aminopeptidase genes XPNPEP1, RNPEP, DPP3, and BLMH in multiple myeloma plasma cells was associated with shorter patient overall survival. The peptide–drug conjugate melflufen was particularly active towards plasma cells from relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients. Melflufen could be hydrolyzed to its active form by the aminopeptidases LAP3, LTA4H, RNPEP, and ANPEP, all of which are expressed in multiple myeloma. These results indicate critical roles for aminopeptidases in disease progression and the activity of melflufen in multiple myeloma. Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by extensive immunoglobulin production leading to an excessive load on protein homeostasis in tumor cells. Aminopeptidases contribute to proteolysis by catalyzing the hydrolysis of amino acids from proteins or peptides and function downstream of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Notably, aminopeptidases can be utilized in the delivery of antibody and peptide-conjugated drugs, such as melflufen, currently in clinical trials. We analyzed the expression of 39 aminopeptidase genes in MM samples from 122 patients treated at Finnish cancer centers and 892 patients from the CoMMpass database. Based on ranked abundance, LAP3, ERAP2, METAP2, TTP2, and DPP7 were highly expressed in MM. ERAP2, XPNPEP1, DPP3, RNPEP, and CTSV were differentially expressed between relapsed/refractory and newly diagnosed MM samples (p < 0.05). Sensitivity to melflufen was detected ex vivo in 11/15 MM patient samples, and high sensitivity was observed, especially in relapsed/refractory samples. Survival analysis revealed that high expression of XPNPEP1, RNPEP, DPP3, and BLMH (p < 0.05) was associated with shorter overall survival. Hydrolysis analysis demonstrated that melflufen is a substrate for aminopeptidases LAP3, LTA4H, RNPEP, and ANPEP. The sensitivity of MM cell lines to melflufen was reduced by aminopeptidase inhibitors. These results indicate critical roles of aminopeptidases in disease progression and the activity of melflufen in MM.
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Ebrazeh M, Ezzatifar F, Torkamandi S, Mohammadi FS, Salimifard S, Gowhari Shabgah A, Hemmatzadeh M, Aslani S, Babaie F, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Gholizadeh Navashenaq J, Mohammadi H. Association of the genetic variants in the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 gene with ankylosing spondylitis susceptibility. Int J Rheum Dis 2021; 24:567-581. [PMID: 33550689 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic polymorphisms in the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase gene ERAP2 has been attributed with the etiopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Here we assessed the association of ERAP2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with AS predisposition in Iranian patients and determined their effect on the inflammatory state of the patients. METHODS For genotyping of rs2548538, rs2287988, and rs17408150 SNPs using a real-time allelic discrimination approach, DNA was extracted from the whole blood of 250 AS patients and 250 healthy individuals. RNA of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells was separated, cDNA was synthesized, and transcriptional levels of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β, were measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum concentration on the cytokines. RESULTS Three ERAP2 gene SNPs were not associated significantly with AS risk. Nonetheless, rs2287988 and rs17408150 SNPs showed statistically significant association with susceptibility to the disease in those AS patients who were positive for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27. Transcriptional level and serum concentration of IL-17A and IL-23 were higher, but those of IL-10 were lower in both AS patients and the HLA-B27-positive patient group relative to the control group. Nevertheless, ERAP2 gene SNPs in the HLA-B27-positive AS patients did not affect the transcription level and serum concentration of cytokines. CONCLUSIONS ERAP2 gene rs2287988 and rs17408150 SNPs are associated with susceptibility to AS, but they are probably not determining the levels of IL-17A, IL-23, and IL-10 in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Ebrazeh
- Department of Biology, Bonab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bonab, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ezzatifar
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahram Torkamandi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics and Immunology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Mohammadi
- Immunology Research Center, Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sevda Salimifard
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Hemmatzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Aslani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Babaie
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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Jiang P, Veenstra RN, Seitz A, Nolte IM, Hepkema BG, Visser L, van den Berg A, Diepstra A. Interaction between ERAP Alleles and HLA Class I Types Support a Role of Antigen Presentation in Hodgkin Lymphoma Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030414. [PMID: 33499248 PMCID: PMC7865538 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a common lymphoma in young adults derived from B cells. Emerging evidence suggests that antigen presentation by the malignant B cells is critically involved in HL pathogenesis. In fact, genetic variants of the antigen presenting Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are strongly associated with HL susceptibility. Interestingly, the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase (ERAP)1 and ERAP2 genes, that code for enzymes that process antigens, also appear to be associated. In this study, we show that genetic variants of ERAP genes strongly affect expression levels of ERAP1 and ERAP2. In addition, we find that certain ERAP variants interact with specific HLA class I types in HL patients. This suggests that mechanisms that determine the repertoire of antigens that are presented to the immune system, affect the chance of developing HL. Our findings therefore support a prominent role of antigen presentation in HL susceptibility. Abstract Genetic variants in the HLA region are the strongest risk factors for developing Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), suggesting an important role for antigen presentation. This is supported by another HL-associated genomic region which contains the loci of two enzymes that process endogenous proteins to peptides to be presented by HLA class I, i.e., endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) and ERAP2. We hypothesized that ERAP and HLA class I type interact in HL susceptibility, as shown previously for several autoimmune diseases. We detected ERAP1 and ERAP2 expression in tumor cells and cells in the microenvironment in primary HL tissue samples. Seven ERAP SNPs and ERAP1 haplotypes showed strong associations with RNA and protein levels of ERAP1 and ERAP2 in LCLs and HL cell lines. Analysis of HLA class I types, ERAP SNPs and ERAP haplotypes by direct genotyping or imputation from genome-wide association data in 390 HL patients revealed significant interactions between HLA-A11, rs27038 and the rs27038 associated ERAP haplotype, as well as between HLA-Cw2 and rs26618. In conclusion, our results show that ERAP and HLA class I interact in genetic susceptibility to HL, providing further evidence that antigen presentation is an important process in HL susceptibility and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijia Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.J.); (R.N.V.); (A.S.); (L.V.); (A.v.d.B.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang Huanggu National Defense Hospital, Shenyang 110032, China
| | - Rianne N. Veenstra
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.J.); (R.N.V.); (A.S.); (L.V.); (A.v.d.B.)
| | - Annika Seitz
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.J.); (R.N.V.); (A.S.); (L.V.); (A.v.d.B.)
| | - Ilja M. Nolte
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Bouke G. Hepkema
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Lydia Visser
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.J.); (R.N.V.); (A.S.); (L.V.); (A.v.d.B.)
| | - Anke van den Berg
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.J.); (R.N.V.); (A.S.); (L.V.); (A.v.d.B.)
| | - Arjan Diepstra
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.J.); (R.N.V.); (A.S.); (L.V.); (A.v.d.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Mpakali A, Stratikos E. The Role of Antigen Processing and Presentation in Cancer and the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E134. [PMID: 33406696 PMCID: PMC7796214 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical successes of cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are rapidly changing the landscape of cancer treatment. Regardless of initial impressive clinical results though, the therapeutic benefit of ICIs appears to be limited to a subset of patients and tumor types. Recent analyses have revealed that the potency of ICI therapies depends on the efficient presentation of tumor-specific antigens by cancer cells and professional antigen presenting cells. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of antigen presentation in cancer. We focus on intracellular antigen processing and presentation by Major Histocompatibility class I (MHCI) molecules and how it can affect cancer immune evasion. Finally, we discuss the pharmacological tractability of manipulating intracellular antigen processing as a complementary approach to enhance tumor immunogenicity and the effectiveness of ICI immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Mpakali
- National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratios Stratikos
- National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece
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Seamon K, Kurlak LO, Warthan M, Stratikos E, Strauss JF, Mistry HD, Lee ED. The Differential Expression of ERAP1/ERAP2 and Immune Cell Activation in Pre-eclampsia. Front Immunol 2020; 11:396. [PMID: 32210971 PMCID: PMC7076169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a disorder of pregnancy, often leading to serious and fatal complications. Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 and 2 (ERAP1/ERAP2) are present in the placenta. They are involved in processes regulating blood pressure, angiogenesis, cytokine receptor shedding, and immune recognition. Previous studies have associated both ERAP1/ERAP2 genetic variants with PE, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Less is known about the roles for these enzymes in early placentation, which could be a contributory factor to PE. To ascertain whether ERAP1/ERAP2 change in PE and whether such a change is present before PE is clinically diagnosed, we analyzed mRNA and ERAP1/2 protein expression in the placenta in the early first trimester (8–14 weeks) and at delivery in normotensive or PE women (n = 12/group). Gene expression was analyzed using qPCR, and protein expression and localization were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, we profiled peripheral immune cells from normotensive and PE (n = 5/group) women for activation and expression of cytotoxic markers using flow cytometry to investigate a possible correlation with placental expression of ERAP1/2. Finally, we characterized the cytokines released from immune cells isolated from normotensive women and those with PE, stimulated ex vivo by JEG-3 trophoblast cells. The ERAP1 protein was significantly upregulated in first trimester placentae compared to placentae at delivery from both normotensive and PE women (p < 0.05): expression of placental ERAP1 protein was also relatively higher in normotensive than PE women. Although the protein expression of both ERAP1/ERAP2 was significantly lower in women with PE compared to normotensive controls (p < 0.05), ERAP2 protein expression remained unchanged in normotensive women at delivery compared to expression in the first trimester. Flow cytometry analysis revealed an increase in activation and cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood of PE compared to normotensive women. Intriguingly, there was a notable difference in cytokine release from the activated immune cells when further stimulated by trophoblast cells. The immune cells from PE released elevated expressions of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and most notably, pro-inflammatory IL-13 and IL-17α, inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) compared to normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Taken together, these findings suggest that differential lymphocyte activation could be associated with altered ERAP1/ERAP2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Seamon
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Lesia O Kurlak
- Division of Child Heath, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Hiten D Mistry
- Division of Child Heath, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eun D Lee
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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Paladini F, Fiorillo MT, Tedeschi V, Cauli A, Mathieu A, Sorrentino R. Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Trade Off of HLA-B27, ERAP, and Pathogen Interconnections? Focus on Sardinia. Front Immunol 2019; 10:35. [PMID: 30740100 PMCID: PMC6355666 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The frequency of HLA-B27 in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is over 85%. There are more than 170 recognized HLA-B27 alleles but the majority of them is not sufficiently represented for genetic association studies. So far only two alleles, the HLA-B*2706 in Asia and the HLA-B*2709 in Sardinia, have not been found to be associated with AS. The highly homogenous genetic structure of the Sardinian population has favored the search of relevant variants for disease-association studies. Moreover, malaria, once endemic in the island, has been shown to have contributed to shape the native population genome affecting the relative allele frequency of relevant genes. In Sardinia, the prevalence of HLA-B*2709, which differs from the strongly AS-associated B*2705 prototype for one amino acid (His/Asp116) in the F pocket of the peptide binding groove, is around 20% of all HLA-B27 alleles. We have previously hypothesized that malaria could have contributed to the establishment of this allele in Sardinia. Based on our recent findings, in this perspective article we speculate that the Endoplasmic Reticulum Amino Peptidases, ERAP1 and 2, associated with AS and involved in antigen presentation, underwent co-selection by malaria. These genes, besides shaping the immunopeptidome of HLA-class I molecules, have other biological functions that could also be involved in the immunosurveillance against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Paladini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorillo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Chair of Rheumatology and Rheumatology Unit, University and AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mathieu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Chair of Rheumatology and Rheumatology Unit, University and AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosa Sorrentino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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de Castro JAL, Stratikos E. Intracellular antigen processing by ERAP2: Molecular mechanism and roles in health and disease. Hum Immunol 2018; 80:310-317. [PMID: 30414458 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) is an intracellular enzyme localized in the ER that has been shown to play roles in the generation of peptides that serve as ligands for MHC class I (MHC-1) molecules. Although ERAP2 has been primarily described as an accessory and complementary enzyme to the homologous ERAP1, several lines of evidence during the last few years suggest that it can play distinct and important roles in processing antigenic peptides and influencing cellular cytotoxic immune responses. Such emerging evidence has been shaping ERAP2 as a potentially tractable target for regulating select autoimmune and anti-cancer responses for therapeutic purposes. Here, we review the state-of-the-art knowledge on the role of ERAP2 in antigen processing, its structure and molecular mechanism, influence on shaping MHC-I-bound immunopeptidomes and its involvement in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A López de Castro
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Efstratios Stratikos
- National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece.
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Johnson TA, Singla DK. PTEN inhibitor VO-OHpic attenuates inflammatory M1 macrophages and cardiac remodeling in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1236-H1249. [PMID: 30095997 PMCID: PMC6297808 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00121.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (Doxo) is an effective agent commonly used in cancer therapeutics. Unfortunately, Doxo treatment can stimulate cardiomyopathy and subsequent heart failure, limiting the use of this drug. The role of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in apoptosis has been documented in Doxo-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) and heart failure models. However, whether direct inhibition of PTEN attenuates apoptosis, cardiac remodeling, and inflammatory M1 macrophages in the DIC model remains elusive. Therefore, the present study was designed to understand the effects of VO-OHpic (VO), a potent inhibitor of PTEN, in reducing apoptosis and cardiac remodeling. At day 56, echocardiography was performed, which showed that VO treatment significantly ( P < 0.05) improved heart function. Immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, and histological staining were used to determine apoptosis, proinflammatory M1 macrophages, anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, and cardiac remodeling. Our data show a significant increase in apoptosis, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and proinflammatory M1 macrophages with Doxo treatment, whereas VO treatment significantly reduced apoptosis, adverse cardiac remodeling, and proinflammatory M1 macrophages significantly ( P < 0.05) compared with the Doxo-treated group. Western blot analysis confirmed the reduction of phosphorylated PTEN and increase in phosphorylated AKT protein expression in the Doxo + VO-treated group. Moreover, VO administration increased anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Collectively, our data suggest that VO treatment attenuates apoptosis and adverse cardiac remodeling, a process that is mediated through the PTEN/AKT pathway, resulting in improved heart function in DIC. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) is still a major issue in patients with cancer. These novel findings on the phosphatase and tensin homolog inhibitor VO-OHpic in DIC is the first report, as per the best of our knowledge, that VO-OHpic significantly decreases apoptosis, fibrosis, hypertrophy, adverse cardiac remodeling, and proinflammatory M1 macrophages and increases anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages along with significantly improved cardiac function. VO-OHpic could be a future therapeutic agent for patients with DIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A Johnson
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida
| | - Dinender K Singla
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida
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