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Peng Y, Wang W, Liu X, Li S, Zhang J, Ni X, Gui J. Characterization of HPV6/11-reactive T-cell subsets in papillomas of patients with juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and identification of HPV11 E7-specific candidate TCR clonotypes. J Virol 2024:e0067724. [PMID: 39258910 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00677-24] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) is caused by persistent infection of epithelial cells by low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. While multiple infiltrated immune cells have been reported to mediate disease progress, knowledge of HPV-reactive T-cell subsets in papillomas remains elusive. Through single-cell RNA sequencing and RNA microarray, we found that CD8+ tissue-resident memory T (CD8+ TRM) cells with strong interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production expanded, and were negatively correlated to the disease severity in the frequency of surgery. These IFN-γ+ CD8+ memory T cells were readily activated and expanded in vitro by autologous dendritic cells loaded with HPV11 E7 peptide pool. Moreover, T cell receptor (TCR) clonal expansion was observed in JORRP papilloma tissues, indicating a biased TCR repertoire toward HPV-specific recognition. Finally, we identified and characterized HPV11 E7-specific candidate TCR clonotypes from IFN-γ+ CD8+ memory T cells, suggesting their potential application in TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T) therapy for HPV11-related diseases. Our findings provided insights into the specific local immune response to HPV6/11 infection and highlighted the importance of IFN-γ+ CD8+ TRM cells in anti-HPV6/11 T-cell immunity.IMPORTANCEThe persistent recurrence of human papillomavirus (HPV) 6/11 infection in papillomas underscores the failure of local immune responses in patients with juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP). Our previous study demonstrated that T cells constitute the predominant immune cell population in JORRP papilloma tissues. Understanding the T-cell-mediated immune responses within JORRP papilloma tissues is crucial for disease control. In the present study, we characterized CD8+ tissue-resident memory T (CD8+ TRM) cells as the primary T-cell subset responsible for local anti-HPV6/11 immunity. Moreover, we identified two HPV11 E7-specific candidate T cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes out of IFN-γ+ CD8+ memory T cells. Overall, our findings provided insights into the local immune responses to HPV6/11 infection and offered information for developing more effective immunotherapeutic strategies against JORRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Peng
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjun Liu
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Shilan Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jingang Gui
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
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Demidova A, Douguet L, Fert I, Wei Y, Charneau P, Majlessi L. Comparison of preclinical efficacy of immunotherapies against HPV-induced cancers. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:674-687. [PMID: 38978164 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2374287] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent infections with the human papilloma viruses, HPV16 and HPV18, are associated with multiple cancers. Although prophylactic vaccines that induce HPV-neutralizing antibodies are effective against primary infections, they have no effect on HPV-mediated malignancies against which there is no approved immuno-therapy. Active research is ongoing on immunotherapy of these cancers. AREAS COVERED In this review, we compared the preclinical efficacy of vaccine platforms used to treat HPV-induced tumors in the standard model of mice grafted with TC-1 cells, which express the HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins. We searched for the key words, 'HPV,' 'vaccine,' 'therapy,' 'E7,' 'tumor,' 'T cells' and 'mice' for the period from 2005 to 2023 in PubMed and found 330 publications. Among them, we selected the most relevant to extract preclinical antitumor results to enable cross-sectional comparison of their efficacy. EXPERT OPINION SECTION We compared these studies for HPV antigen design, immunization regimen, immunogenicity, and antitumor effect, considering their drawbacks and advantages. Among all strategies used in murine models, certain adjuvanted proteins and viral vectors showed the strongest antitumor effects, with the use of lentiviral vectors being the only approach to result in complete tumor eradication in 100% of experimental individuals while providing the longest-lasting memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Demidova
- Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Virology Department, Paris, France
| | - Laëtitia Douguet
- Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Virology Department, Paris, France
| | - Ingrid Fert
- Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Virology Department, Paris, France
| | - Yu Wei
- Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Virology Department, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Charneau
- Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Virology Department, Paris, France
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Cao C, Xu Q, Zhu Z, Xu M, Wei Y, Lin S, Cheng S, Zhi W, Hong P, Huang X, Lin D, Cao G, Meng Y, Wu P, Peng T, Wei J, Ding W, Huang X, Sung W, Chen G, Ma D, Li G, Wu P. Three-dimensional chromatin analysis reveals Sp1 as a mediator to program and reprogram HPV-host epigenetic architecture in cervical cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216809. [PMID: 38471646 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is predominantly associated with HPV-related cancers, however, the precise mechanisms underlying the HPV-host epigenetic architectures in HPV carcinogenesis remain elusive. Here, we employed high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) to comprehensively map HPV16/18-host chromatin interactions. Our study identified the transcription factor Sp1 as a pivotal mediator in programming HPV-host interactions. By targeting Sp1, the active histone modifications (H3K27ac, H3K4me1, and H3K4me3) and the HPV-host chromatin interactions are reprogrammed, which leads to the downregulation of oncogenes located near the integration sites in both HPV (E6/E7) and the host genome (KLF5/MYC). Additionally, Sp1 inhibition led to the upregulation of immune checkpoint genes by reprogramming histone modifications in host cells. Notably, humanized patient-derived xenograft (PDX-HuHSC-NSG) models demonstrated that Sp1 inhibition promoted anti-PD-1 immunotherapy via remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment in cervical cancer. Moreover, single-cell transcriptomic analysis validated the enrichment of transcription factor Sp1 in epithelial cells of cervical cancer. In summary, our findings elucidate Sp1 as a key mediator involved in the programming and reprogramming of HPV-host epigenetic architecture. Inhibiting Sp1 with plicamycin may represent a promising therapeutic option for HPV-related carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canhui Cao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhixian Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Miaochun Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Wei
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shitong Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhua Zhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Hong
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingyu Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Da Lin
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Cao
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Meng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juncheng Wei
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wencheng Ding
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Huang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - WingKin Sung
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; School of Computing, National University of Singapore, 13 Computing Drive, 117417, Singapore
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Guoliang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Baandrup L, Sand FL, Aalborg GL, Nøttrup TJ, Fiehn AMK, Kjaer SK. PD-L1 expression in vulvar cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Histopathology 2024; 84:742-752. [PMID: 38084642 DOI: 10.1111/his.15112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in cancer may predict clinical response to immunotherapeutic treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Within the vulvar cancer field, PD-L1 expression has only been assessed by a few studies. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of PD-L1 positivity in vulvar cancer. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for articles reporting on PD-L1 expression in vulvar cancer. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two authors. We extracted data on PD-L1 prevalence in vulvar cancer according to combined positive score (CPS) and tumour proportion score (TPS). Cutoff values for positivity were ≥1 or ≥10 for CPS and ≥1% and ≥5% for TPS. Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled PD-L1 prevalence, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Tests of between-study heterogeneity were evaluated by the I2 statistics. Sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analyses and meta-regression. In total, 19 studies were included. Pooled PD-L1 prevalence in vulvar cancer was 83.4% (95% CI: 70.8-91.3; I2 = 80.0) and 53.9% (95% CI: 37.4-69.6; I2 = 93.0) according to CPS and TPS, respectively. Based on TPS, human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) showed a lower PD-L1 prevalence (39.9%; 95% CI: 13.3-74.2) compared with HPV-independent SCC (62.6%; 95% CI: 33.7-84.6), but meta-regression showed no significant variation in PD-L1 prevalence by HPV status. PD-L1 prevalence was similar in advanced (44.9%; 95% CI: 29.8-61.1) and localized vulvar cancer (56.7%; 95% CI: 18.9-76.7). In conclusion, PD-L1 expression in vulvar cancer is frequent but between-study heterogeneity was high. Based on a subgroup of heterogenous studies, we found no strong variation in PD-L1 prevalence according to HPV status and stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Baandrup
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Freja Laerke Sand
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Trine J Nøttrup
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie K Fiehn
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne K Kjaer
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Juliane Marie Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bian Y, Zhang Z, Deng X, Wen Q, Li D. Case report: Giant lymph node metastases: a new opportunity for cancer radioimmunotherapy? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1357601. [PMID: 38348039 PMCID: PMC10859527 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1357601] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the significant progress made in radiotherapy and chemotherapy for the treatment of cervical cancer, patients with lymph node metastasis still have a poor prognosis. It is widely accepted that lymph node metastasis plays a crucial role in the spread of cancer to other organs and is considered an independent factor in predicting a poor prognosis. However, recent research suggests that the importance of lymph nodes in tumor therapy needs to be reevaluated, as preserving the integrity of lymph nodes before immunotherapy can enhance treatment effectiveness. Case presentation In this report, we present two cases of advanced cervical cancer patients with giant metastatic lymph node lesions in the neck. These patients were effectively treated with a combination of local radiotherapy and immunotherapy after conventional chemoradiotherapy had failed. The combination therapy resulted in significant clinical improvements, with patient 1 achieving over 12 months of progression-free survival (PFS) and patient 2 maintaining sustained remission for an impressive 24 months. Conclusions The combination of local radiotherapy and immunotherapy shows promise as a viable treatment option for cervical cancer patients with distant lymph node metastasis, and the giant lymph node metastases may play an important role in this process, which might provide a new opportunity for cancer radioimmunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Bian
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangyu Deng
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Zhang Z, Peng Y, Peng X, Xiao D, Shi Y, Tao Y. Effects of radiation therapy on tumor microenvironment: an updated review. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2802-2811. [PMID: 37442768 PMCID: PMC10686612 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002535] [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: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is a major threat to human health and causes death worldwide. Research on the role of radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of cancer is progressing; however, RT not only causes fatal DNA damage to tumor cells, but also affects the interactions between tumor cells and different components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, extracellular matrix, and some soluble products. Some cancer cells can survive radiation and have shown strong resistance to radiation through interaction with the TME. Currently, the complex relationships between the tumor cells and cellular components that play major roles in various TMEs are poorly understood. This review explores the relationship between RT and cell-cell communication in the TME from the perspective of immunity and hypoxia and aims to identify new RT biomarkers and treatment methods in lung cancer to improve the current status of unstable RT effect and provide a theoretical basis for further lung cancer RT sensitization research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewen Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Yuanhao Peng
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Ying Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
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Margul D, Yu C, AlHilli MM. Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Gynecologic Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3849. [PMID: 37568665 PMCID: PMC10417375 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153849] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecologic cancers have varying response rates to immunotherapy due to the heterogeneity of each cancer's molecular biology and features of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). This article reviews key features of the TIME and its role in the pathophysiology and treatment of ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer. Knowledge of the role of the TIME in gynecologic cancers has been rapidly developing with a large body of preclinical studies demonstrating an intricate yet dichotomous role that the immune system plays in either supporting the growth of cancer or opposing it and facilitating effective treatment. Many targets and therapeutics have been identified including cytokines, antibodies, small molecules, vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and bacterial-based therapies but most efforts in gynecologic cancers to utilize them have not been effective. However, with the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, we have started to see the rapid and successful employment of therapeutics in cervical and endometrial cancer. There remain many challenges in utilizing the TIME, particularly in ovarian cancer, and further studies are needed to identify and validate efficacious therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariam M. AlHilli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.M.); (C.Y.)
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Avila JP, Carvalho BM, Coimbra EC. A Comprehensive View of the Cancer-Immunity Cycle (CIC) in HPV-Mediated Cervical Cancer and Prospects for Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1333. [PMID: 36831674 PMCID: PMC9954575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with more than 500,000 new cases each year and a mortality rate of around 55%. Over 80% of these deaths occur in developing countries. The most important risk factor for CC is persistent infection by a sexually transmitted virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV). Conventional treatments to eradicate this type of cancer are accompanied by high rates of resistance and a large number of side effects. Hence, it is crucial to devise novel effective therapeutic strategies. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have aimed to develop immunotherapeutic methods for treating cancer. However, these strategies have not proven to be effective enough to combat CC. This means there is a need to investigate immune molecular targets. An adaptive immune response against cancer has been described in seven key stages or steps defined as the cancer-immunity cycle (CIC). The CIC begins with the release of antigens by tumor cells and ends with their destruction by cytotoxic T-cells. In this paper, we discuss several molecular alterations found in each stage of the CIC of CC. In addition, we analyze the evidence discovered, the molecular mechanisms and their relationship with variables such as histological subtype and HPV infection, as well as their potential impact for adopting novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eliane Campos Coimbra
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco (ICB/UPE), Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310, Santo Amaro, Recife 50100-130, PE, Brazil
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9
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Israr M, Lam F, DeVoti J, Mace EM, Papayannakos C, Abramson A, Steinberg BM, Bonagura VR. PGE 2 expression by HPV6/11-induced respiratory papillomas blocks NK cell activation in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250036. [PMID: 36608264 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250036] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare chronic disease caused primarily by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11, consists of repeated growth of premalignant papillomas in the airway. RRP is characterized by multiple abnormalities in innate and adaptive immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in immune surveillance and are part of the innate immune responses that help prevent tumor growth. We identified that papillomas lack classical class I MHC and retain nonclassical class I MHC expression. Moreover, in this study, we have identified and characterized the mechanism that blocks NK cell targeting of papilloma cells. Here, we show for the first time that the PGE2 secreted by papilloma cells directly inhibits NK cells activation/degranulation principally through the PGE2 receptor EP2, and to a lesser extent through EP4 signaling. Thus, papilloma cells have a potent mechanism to block NK cell function that likely supports papilloma cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Israr
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Fung Lam
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - James DeVoti
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia Medical Center, NY, USA
| | | | - Allan Abramson
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Bettie M Steinberg
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Vincent R Bonagura
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
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10
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Loss of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I, CD8 + Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes, and PD-L1 Expression in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma. Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:124-130. [PMID: 36221308 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), a chemoresistant ovarian cancer, shows a modest response to anti-programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) therapies. The effects of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies rely on cytotoxic T-cell response, which is triggered by antigen presentation mediated by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. The loss of MHC class I with simultaneous PD-L1 expression has been noted in several cancer types; however, these findings and their prognostic value have rarely been evaluated in OCCC. We collected data from 76 patients with OCCC for clinicopathologic analysis. Loss of MHC class I expression was seen in 44.7% of the cases including 39.3% to 47.4% of the PD-L1 + cases and was associated with fewer CD8 + tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). PD-L1 positivity was associated with a higher number of CD8 + TILs. Cox proportional hazard models showed that high (≥50/mm 2 ) CD8 + TILs was associated with shorter disease-specific survival (hazard ratio [HR]=3.447, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.222-9.720, P =0.019) and overall survival (HR=3.053, 95% CI: 1.105-8.43, P =0.031). PD-L1 positivity using Combined Positive Score was associated with shorter progression-free survival (HR=3.246, 95% CI: 1.435-7.339, P =0.005), disease-specific survival (HR=4.124, 95% CI: 1.403-12.116, P =0.010), and overall survival (HR=4.489, 95% CI: 1.553-12.972, P =0.006). Loss of MHC class I may contribute to immune evasion and resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies in OCCC, and CD8 + TILs and PD-L1 positivity using Combined Positive Score may have a negative prognostic value.
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11
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Molecular Features of Preinvasive and Invasive Vulvar Neoplasms. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2023; 27:40-46. [PMID: 36083687 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neoplasms arising from the vulva are uncommon and comprise various subtypes. Given the recent advancements in the molecular aspects of oncologic pathology and how they have impacted cancer treatment, an understanding of recent innovations in the molecular features of vulvar lesions is important. MATERIALS AND METHODS Systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for molecular and genetic characteristics of vulvar neoplasms. Peer-reviewed literature published in English is included. RESULTS Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precursors are the predominant neoplasm at this site. Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of some of these lesions. Human papillomavirus-associated SCC follows the carcinogenic pathway driven by viral proteins E6 and E7 while HPV-independent SCC shows a high incidence of mutation of TP53 and CDKN2A genes. Mutations in the genes involving the PI3K-Akt pathway play an important role in the pathogenesis of both types of SCC. Among other vulvar malignancies, melanoma, and vulvar Paget disease (VPD) pose a significant clinical challenge and have unique molecular characteristics. Compared with dermal cutaneous melanoma, vulvar melanoma shows a higher rate of mutation of cKIT and NRAS genes and a lower rate of mutations in BRAF . Less than 20% of VPD shows amplification of ERBB2 and seldom shows mutation in genes involving the PI3K-Akt pathway. CONCLUSIONS Several potentially targetable molecular pathways have emerged as they have been shown to be involved in the tumorigenesis of SCC, melanoma, and VPD.
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12
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Polten R, Kutle I, Hachenberg J, Klapdor R, Morgan M, Schambach A. Towards Novel Gene and Cell Therapy Approaches for Cervical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010263. [PMID: 36612258 PMCID: PMC9818159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women, and the majority of cases are caused by infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) subtypes. Despite effective preventative measures, such as vaccinations against HPV, over 300,000 women die world-wide from cervical cancer each year. Once cervical cancer is diagnosed, treatment may consist of radial hysterectomy, or chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or a combination of therapies dependent upon the disease stage. Unfortunately, overall prognosis for patients with metastatic or recurrent disease remains poor. In these cases, immunotherapies may be useful based on promising preclinical work, some of which has been successfully translated to the clinic. For example, approaches using monoclonal antibodies directed against surface proteins important for control of immune checkpoints (i.e., immune checkpoint inhibitors) were shown to improve outcome in many cancer settings, including cervical cancer. Additionally, initial clinical studies showed that application of cytotoxic immune cells modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) or T cell receptors (TCR) for better recognition and elimination of tumor cells may be useful to control cervical cancer. This review explores these important topics, including strengths and limitations of standard and developing approaches, and how some novel treatment strategies may be optimally used to offer the best possible treatment for cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Polten
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ivana Kutle
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Hachenberg
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Klapdor
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.S.); Tel.: +49-511-532-6067 (A.S.)
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.S.); Tel.: +49-511-532-6067 (A.S.)
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Reduced MHC Class I and II Expression in HPV-Negative vs. HPV-Positive Cervical Cancers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233911. [PMID: 36497170 PMCID: PMC9741043 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-associated death in women. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with nearly all CC, it has recently become clear that HPV-negative (HPV-) CC represents a distinct disease phenotype with increased mortality. HPV-positive (HPV+) and HPV- CC demonstrate different molecular pathology, prognosis, and response to treatment. Furthermore, CC caused by HPV α9 types (HPV16-like) often have better outcomes than those caused by HPV α7 types (HPV18-like). This study systematically and comprehensively compared the expression of genes involved in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II presentation within CC caused by HPV α9 types, HPV α7 types, and HPV- CC. We observed increased expression of MHC class I and II classical and non-classical genes in HPV+ CC and overall higher expression of genes involved in their antigen loading and presentation apparatus as well as transcriptional regulation. Increased expression of MHC I-related genes differs from previous studies using cell culture models. These findings identify crucial differences between antigen presentation within the tumor immune microenvironments of HPV+ and HPV- CC, as well as modest differences between HPV α9 and α7 CC. These differences may contribute to the altered patient outcomes and responses to immunotherapy observed between these distinct cancers.
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Targeted nanomedicines remodeling immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4327-4347. [PMID: 36561994 PMCID: PMC9764075 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has significantly flourished and revolutionized the limited conventional tumor therapies, on account of its good safety and long-term memory ability. Discouragingly, low patient response rates and potential immune-related side effects make it rather challenging to literally bring immunotherapy from bench to bedside. However, it has become evident that, although the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in facilitating tumor progression and metastasis, it also provides various potential targets for remodeling the immunosuppressive TME, which can consequently bolster the effectiveness of antitumor response and tumor suppression. Additionally, the particular characteristics of TME, in turn, can be exploited as avenues for designing diverse precise targeting nanomedicines. In general, it is of urgent necessity to deliver nanomedicines for remodeling the immunosuppressive TME, thus improving the therapeutic outcomes and clinical translation prospects of immunotherapy. Herein, we will illustrate several formation mechanisms of immunosuppressive TME. More importantly, a variety of strategies concerning remodeling immunosuppressive TME and strengthening patients' immune systems, will be reviewed. Ultimately, we will discuss the existing obstacles and future perspectives in the development of antitumor immunotherapy. Hopefully, the thriving bloom of immunotherapy will bring vibrancy to further exploration of comprehensive cancer treatment.
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15
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Huang W, Liu J, Xu K, Chen H, Bian C. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for advanced or metastatic cervical cancer: From bench to bed. Front Oncol 2022; 12:849352. [PMID: 36313730 PMCID: PMC9614140 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.849352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced or metastatic cervical cancer has a poor prognosis, and the 5-year overall survival is <5% with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), achieved initial success in advanced solid tumors, while their efficacy and safety in advanced or metastatic cervical cancer remains to be explored. Previous studies found high-risk HPV infection and elevated PD-L1 expression in cervical precancerous lesions and squamous cell carcinoma. Meanwhile, elevated PD-L1 expression, high cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration, and abnormal cytotoxic T lymphocyte function might benefit inflammation infiltration for ICIs in the tumor microenvironment. Patients with HPV infection, squamous cell carcinoma, advanced stage, large tumor size, poor differentiation, metastatic disease, history of multiple childbirth and abortion, or a previous history of receiving chemotherapy might be associated with positive PD-L1 expression. Although there is no correlation between PD-L1 expression and prognosis using conventional radiotherapy, patients with high PD-L1 expression have a poorer prognosis. Several clinical studies demonstrate preliminary safety and efficacy for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and the exploration of combination strategies such as immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, anti-angiogenesis therapy, or dual ICIs is ongoing. This paper systematically reviews PD-L1 expression patterns and their relationship with prognosis, along with reported and ongoing clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cervical cancer to clarify the prospect of ICIs for cervical cancer from bench to bed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Huang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huilin Chen
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ce Bian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ce Bian,
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Targeting immune checkpoints in gynecologic cancer: updates & perspectives for pathologists. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:142-151. [PMID: 34493822 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy is increasingly used in the treatment of gynecologic cancers, and most often targets the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Pathologists should be familiar with the biomarkers required to determine candidacy for these treatments based on existing FDA approvals, including mismatch repair protein immunohistochemistry, microsatellite instability testing, tumor mutation burden testing, and PD-L1 immunohistochemistry. This review summarizes the rationale behind these treatments and their associated biomarkers and delivers guidance on how to utilize and readout these tests. It also introduces additional biomarkers which may provide information regarding immunotherapeutic vulnerability in the future such as neoantigen load; POLE mutation status; and immunohistochemical expression of immunosuppressive checkpoints like LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, and VISTA; immune-activating checkpoints such as CD27, CD40, CD134, and CD137; enzymes such as IDO-1 and adenosine-related compounds; and MHC class I.
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17
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Xing D, Fadare O. Molecular events in the pathogenesis of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Semin Diagn Pathol 2021; 38:50-61. [PMID: 33032902 PMCID: PMC7749059 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCC), which constitute over 90% of vulvar malignancies in adults, are classifiable into 2 subgroups that are mostly clinicopathologically distinct, a classification that is fundamentally based whether or not the tumors are HPV-mediated. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent advances in the understanding of molecular events in the pathogenesis of VSCC, including common and targetable mutations, copy number alterations, epigenetics, noncoding RNAs, and tumor immune microenvironment, which may provide insight into the future management of the disease. These events show substantial differences between the 2 subgroups, although significant areas of overlap exist. Recurrent, driver mutations appear to be substantially more prevalent in HPV(-) VSCC. TP53 mutations are the most common somatic mutations in VSCC overall, and are notably predominant in the HPV(-) VSCC, where 30-88% show a mutation. TP53 mutations are associated with worse patient outcomes, and co-mutations between TP53 and either HRAS, PIK3CA or CDKN2A appear to define subsets with even worse outcomes. A wide variety of other somatic mutations have been identified, including a subset with different mutational frequencies between HPV(+) and HPV(-) VSCC. CDKN2A mutations are common, and have been identified in 21 to 55% of HPV(-) VSCC, and in 2 to 25% of HPV(+) VSCC. Hypermethylation of CDKN2A is the most frequently reported epigenetic alteration in VSCC and the expression of some microRNAs may be associated with patient outcomes. The PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is commonly altered in HPV(+) VSCC, and is accordingly potentially targetable. HPV-positivity/p16 block expression by immunohistochemistry has been found to be an independent prognostic marker for improved survival in VSCC, and may have some predictive value in VSCC patients treated with definitive radiotherapy. 22-39.3% and 68% of VSCC show EGFR amplification and protein overexpression respectively, although the prognostic and predictive value of an EGFR alteration requires additional study. Recurrent chromosomal gains in VSCCs have been found at 1q, 2q, 3q, 4p, 5p, 7p, 8p, 8q, and 12q, and there may be differential patterns of alterations depending on HPV-status. At least one-third of VSCC patients may potentially benefit from immune checkpoint inhibition therapy, based on a high frequency of PD-L1 expression or amplification, or a high tumor mutational burden. Additional studies are ultimately required to better understand the global landscape of genetic and epigenetic alterations in VSCC, and to identify and test potential targets for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyin Xing
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Oluwole Fadare
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, United States
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