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Tjader NP, Toland AE. Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer: insight from inherited genetics. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:444-456. [PMID: 38360438 PMCID: PMC11096082 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.01.008] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy shows efficacy for multiple cancer types and potential for expanded use. However, current immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are ineffective against microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (CRC), which is more commonly diagnosed. Immunotherapy strategies for non-responsive CRC, including new targets and new combination therapies, are being tested to address this need. Importantly, a subset of inherited germline genetic variants associated with CRC risk are predicted to regulate genes with immune functions, including genes related to existing ICIs, as well as new potential targets in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region and immunoregulatory cytokines. We review discoveries in the inherited genetics of CRC related to the immune system and draw connections with ongoing developments and emerging immunotherapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nijole Pollock Tjader
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amanda Ewart Toland
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Human Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Seliger B. Role of HLA-G in tumors and upon COVID-19 infection. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110792. [PMID: 38555250 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110792] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
HLA-G expression of tumors and upon viral infections is involved in their immune escape leading to the evasion from both T and NK cell recognition. The underlying mechanisms of HLA-G expression in both pathophysiologic conditions are broad and range from genetic abnormalities to epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the frequency, regulation and clinical relevance of HLA-G expression upon neoplastic and viral transformation, its interaction with components of the microenvironment as well as its potential as diagnostic marker and/or therapeutic target. In addition, it discusses urgent topics, which have to be addressed in HLA-G research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", 14770, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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3
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Bauer M, Schöbel CM, Wickenhauser C, Seliger B, Jasinski-Bergner S. Deciphering the role of alternative splicing in neoplastic diseases for immune-oncological therapies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386993. [PMID: 38736877 PMCID: PMC11082354 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386993] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is an important molecular biological mechanism regulated by complex mechanisms involving a plethora of cis and trans-acting elements. Furthermore, AS is tissue specific and altered in various pathologies, including infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. Recently developed immuno-oncological therapies include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting, among others, immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules. Despite therapeutic successes have been demonstrated, only a limited number of patients showed long-term benefit from these therapies with tumor entity-related differential response rates were observed. Interestingly, splice variants of common immunotherapeutic targets generated by AS are able to completely escape and/or reduce the efficacy of mAb- and/or CAR-based tumor immunotherapies. Therefore, the analyses of splicing patterns of targeted molecules in tumor specimens prior to therapy might help correct stratification, thereby increasing therapy success by antibody panel selection and antibody dosages. In addition, the expression of certain splicing factors has been linked with the patients' outcome, thereby highlighting their putative prognostic potential. Outstanding questions are addressed to translate the findings into clinical application. This review article provides an overview of the role of AS in (tumor) diseases, its molecular mechanisms, clinical relevance, and therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Bauer
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chiara-Maria Schöbel
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
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4
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Zhang T, Tai Z, Miao F, Zhang X, Li J, Zhu Q, Wei H, Chen Z. Adoptive cell therapy for solid tumors beyond CAR-T: Current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. J Control Release 2024; 368:372-396. [PMID: 38408567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.033] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a highly specific anti-tumor immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, there has been a slow progress toward the treatment of solid tumors owing to the complex tumor microenvironment that affects the localization and killing ability of the CAR cells. Solid tumors with a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and complex vascular system are unaffected by CAR cell infiltration and attack. To improve their efficacy toward solid tumors, CAR cells have been modified and upgraded by "decorating" and "pruning". This review focuses on the structure and function of CARs, the immune cells that can be engineered by CARs and the transformation strategies to overcome solid tumors, with a view to broadening ideas for the better application of CAR cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China; Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Jiadong Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China.
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5
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Mu L, Hu S, Li G, Wu P, Zheng K, Zhang S. Comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation gene expression profiles in GEO dataset reveals biomarkers related to malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:53. [PMID: 38427106 PMCID: PMC10907326 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00903-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation may be involved in the regulation of malignant transformation from sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The study of gene methylation changes and screening of differentially methylated loci (DMLs) are helpful to predict the possible key genes in the malignant transformation of SNIP-SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Microarray dataset GSE125399 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and differentially methylated loci (DMLs) were analyzed using R language (Limma package). ClusterProfiler R package was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) analysis on up-methylated genes and draw bubble maps. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and its visualization analysis were analyzed to speculate the possible key Genes in SNIP-SCC malignant transformation. Subsequently, SNIP cases archived in our department were collected, tissue microarray was made, and immunohistochemical staining was performed to analyze the expression levels of UCKL1, GSTT1, HLA-G, MAML2 and NRGN in different grades of sinonasal papilloma tissues. RESULTS Analysis of dataset GSE125399 identified 56 DMLs, including 49 upregulated DMLs and 7 downregulated DMLs. Thirty-one genes containing upregulated DNA methylation loci and three genes containing downregulated DNA methylation loci were obtained by methylation microarray annotation analysis. In addition, KEGG pathway visualization analysis of 31 up-methylated genes showed that there were four significantly up-methylated genes including UCKL1, GSTT1, HLA-G and MAML2, and one significantly down-methylated gene NRGN. Subsequently, compared with non-neoplasia nasal epithelial tissues, the expression of HLA-G and NRGN was upregulated in grade I, II, III and IV tissues, while the expression of MAML2 was lost. The protein expression changes of MAML2 and NRGN were significantly negatively correlated with their gene methylation levels. CONCLUSIONS By analyzing the methylation dataset, we obtained four up-regulated methylation genes UCKL1, GSTT1, HLA-G and MAML2 and one down-regulated gene NRGN. MAML2, a tumor suppressor gene with high methylation modification but loss of protein expression, and NRGN, a tumor gene with low methylation modification but upregulated protein expression, can be used as biological indicators to judge the malignant transformation of SNIP-SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Mu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Shun Hu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Guoping Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China.
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 999 Huashan Road, Fuzhou, 350212, China.
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6
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Angelos MG, Patel RP, Ruella M, Barta SK. Progress and Pitfalls of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Immunotherapy against T Cell Malignancies. Transplant Cell Ther 2024; 30:171-186. [PMID: 37866783 PMCID: PMC10873040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of relapsed and refractory B cell-derived hematologic malignancies. Currently, there are 6 Food and Drug Administration-approved commercial CAR-T products that target antigens exclusively expressed on malignant B cells or plasma cells. However, concurrent advancement for patients with rarer and more aggressive T cell-derived hematologic malignancies have not yet been achieved. CAR-T immunotherapies are uniquely limited by challenges related to CAR-T product manufacturing and intrinsic tumor biology. In this review tailored for practicing clinician-scientists, we discuss the major barriers of CAR-T implementation against T cell-derived neoplasms and highlight specific scientific advancements poised to circumvent these obstacles. We summarize salient early-stage clinical trials implementing novel CAR-T immunotherapies specifically for patients with relapsed and/or refractory T cell neoplasms. Finally, we highlight novel manufacturing and treatment strategies that are poised to have a meaningful future clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew G Angelos
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ruchi P Patel
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marco Ruella
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Stefan K Barta
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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7
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Becerra-Loaiza DS, Roldan Flores LF, Ochoa-Ramírez LA, Gutiérrez-Zepeda BM, Del Toro-Arreola A, Franco-Topete RA, Morán-Mendoza A, Oceguera-Villanueva A, Topete A, Javalera D, Quintero-Ramos A, Daneri-Navarro A. HLA-G 14 bp Ins/Del (rs66554220) Variant Is Not Associated with Breast Cancer in Women from Western Mexico. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:6842-6850. [PMID: 37623251 PMCID: PMC10453716 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45080432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is a physiology and pathologic immunomodulator detrimentally related to cancer. Its gene is heavily transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally regulated by variants located in regulator regions like 3'UTR, being the most studied Ins/Del of 14-bp (rs66554220), which is known to influence the effects of endogen cell factors; nevertheless, the reports are discrepant and controversial. Herein, the relationship of the 14-bp Ins/Del variant (rs66554220) with breast cancer (BC) and its clinical characteristics were analyzed in 182 women with non-familial BC and 221 disease-free women as a reference group. Both groups from western Mexico and sex-age-matched (sm-RG). The rs66554220 variant was amplified by SSP-PCR and the fragments were visualized in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The variant rs66554220 was not associated with BC in our population. However, we suggest the Ins allele as a possible risk factor for developing BC at clinical stage IV (OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.16-7.96, p = 0.01); nevertheless, given the small stratified sample size (n = 11, statistical power = 41%), this is inconclusive. In conclusion, the 14-bp Ins/Del (rs66554220) variant of HLA-G is not associated with BC in the Mexican population, but might be related to advanced breast tumors. Further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisse Stephania Becerra-Loaiza
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
- Doctorado en Genética Humana, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Luisa Fernanda Roldan Flores
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | | | - Bricia M. Gutiérrez-Zepeda
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
- Doctorado en Genética Humana, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Alicia Del Toro-Arreola
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Ramón Antonio Franco-Topete
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Patología, Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Andrés Morán-Mendoza
- Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Av. Belisario Domínguez #1000, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Antonio Oceguera-Villanueva
- Instituto Jalisciense de Cancerología, Secretaría de Salud, Coronel Calderón #715, Guadalajara 44280, Mexico
| | - Antonio Topete
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - David Javalera
- Departamento de Aparatos y Sistemas II, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria #1201, Zapopan 45129, Mexico
| | - Antonio Quintero-Ramos
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
- Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Unidad de Investigación Biomédica 02, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Av. Belisario Domínguez #999, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Adrián Daneri-Navarro
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada #950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
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8
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Mao J, Feng Y, Zhu X, Ma F. The Molecular Mechanisms of HLA-G Regulatory Function on Immune Cells during Early Pregnancy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1213. [PMID: 37627278 PMCID: PMC10452754 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081213] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical human major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) molecule with the membrane-bound and soluble types. HLA-G is primarily expressed by extravillous cytotrophoblast cells located at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy and is essential in establishing immune tolerance. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple molecular mechanisms by which HLA-G regulates the immune function of NK cells. It highlights that HLA-G binds to microRNA to suppress NK cell cytotoxicity and stimulate the secretion of growth factors to support fetal growth. The interactions between HLA-G and NK cells also activate senescence signaling, promoting spiral artery remodeling and maintaining the balance of maternal-fetal immune responses. In addition, HLA-G can inhibit the function of decidual T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Overall, the interaction between trophoblast cells and immune cells mediated by HLA-G plays a crucial role in understanding immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface and offers insights into potential treatments for pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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9
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He M, Zhang D, Cao Y, Chi C, Zeng Z, Yang X, Yang G, Sharma K, Hu K, Enikeev M. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells therapy in prostate cancer: A comprehensive review on the current state and prospects. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19147. [PMID: 37664750 PMCID: PMC10469587 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19147] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent immunotherapy research has focused on chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-Ts). CAR-T therapies have been clinically applied to manage hematologic malignancies with satisfactory effectiveness. However, the application of CAR-T immunotherapy in solid tumors remains challenging. Even so, current CAR-T immunotherapies for prostate cancer (PCa) have shown some promise, giving hope to patients with advanced metastatic PCa. This review aimed to elucidate different types of prostate tumor-associated antigen targets, such as prostate-specific membrane antigen and prostate stem cell antigen, and their effects. The current status of the corresponding targets in clinical research through their applications was also discussed. To improve the efficacy of CAR-T immunotherapy, we addressed the possible applications of multimodal immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and CAR-T combined therapies. The obstacles of solid tumors were concisely elaborated. Further studies should aim to discover novel potential targets and establish new models by overcoming the inherent barriers of solid tumors, such as tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingze He
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dongqi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University (Lequn Branch), 130000, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Cao
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Changliang Chi
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University (Lequn Branch), 130000, Changchun, China
| | - Zitong Zeng
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Xinyi Yang
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Guodong Yang
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kritika Sharma
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kebang Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University (Lequn Branch), 130000, Changchun, China
| | - Mikhail Enikeev
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435, Moscow, Russia
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10
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Behaeddin G, Abdelwaheb BO, Wided K, Sonia Y, Iheb T, Sonia Z, Khadija Z, Mohamed H, Sonia H. Association of HLA-G 3' untranslated region indel polymorphism and its serum expression with susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Biomark Med 2023; 17:541-552. [PMID: 37750737 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2023-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health challenge with increasing incidence and mortality rates in developing countries. Genome-wide association studies have identified new low-penetrance genetic variants linked to CRC. This study aimed to explore the relationship between HLA-G polymorphism and serum expression with CRC. Methodology: In a case-control configuration, standard PCR was used for genotyping HLA-G 3' indel polymorphism and ELISA for quantifying soluble HLA-G in plasma. Results: The study revealed a significant association between the rs371194629 deletion allele and CRC, as well as higher soluble HLA-G levels in CRC patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that HLA-G could be a promising biomarker for CRC, and further research could lead to improved screening and treatment for more personalized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrach Behaeddin
- NAFS Research laboratory LR12ES05, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ben Othmen Abdelwaheb
- NAFS Research laboratory LR12ES05, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Khamlaoui Wided
- NAFS Research laboratory LR12ES05, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Yatouji Sonia
- NAFS Research laboratory LR12ES05, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Toumi Iheb
- NAFS Research laboratory LR12ES05, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Zaied Sonia
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Zouari Khadija
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hammami Mohamed
- NAFS Research laboratory LR12ES05, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hammami Sonia
- NAFS Research laboratory LR12ES05, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Tunisia
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11
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Huang SW, Pan CM, Lin YC, Chen MC, Chen Y, Jan CI, Wu CC, Lin FY, Wang ST, Lin CY, Lin PY, Huang WH, Chiang YT, Tsai WC, Chiu YH, Lin TH, Chiu SC, Cho DY. BiTE-Secreting CAR-γδT as a Dual Targeting Strategy for the Treatment of Solid Tumors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2206856. [PMID: 37078788 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
HLA-G is considered as an immune checkpoint protein and a tumor-associated antigen. In the previous work, it is reported that CAR-NK targeting of HLA-G can be used to treat certain solid tumors. However, the frequent co-expression of PD-L1 and HLA-G) and up-regulation of PD-L1 after adoptive immunotherapy may decrease the effectiveness of HLA-G-CAR. Therefore, simultaneous targeting of HLA-G and PD-L1 by multi-specific CAR could represent an appropriate solution. Furthermore, gamma-delta T (γδT) cells exhibit MHC-independent cytotoxicity against tumor cells and possess allogeneic potential. The utilization of nanobodies offers flexibility for CAR engineering and the ability to recognize novel epitopes. In this study, Vδ2 γδT cells are used as effector cells and electroporated with an mRNA-driven, nanobody-based HLA-G-CAR with a secreted PD-L1/CD3ε Bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) construct (Nb-CAR.BiTE). Both in vivo and in vitro experiments reveal that the Nb-CAR.BiTE-γδT cells could effectively eliminate PD-L1 and/or HLA-G-positive solid tumors. The secreted PD-L1/CD3ε Nb-BiTE can not only redirect Nb-CAR-γδT but also recruit un-transduced bystander T cells against tumor cells expressing PD-L1, thereby enhancing the activity of Nb-CAR-γδT therapy. Furthermore, evidence is provided that Nb-CAR.BiTE redirectes γδT into tumor-implanted tissues and that the secreted Nb-BiTE is restricted to the tumor site without apparent toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Wei Huang
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Pan
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuan Lin
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chih Chen
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Yeh Chen
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ing Jan
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 813414, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chun Wu
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yu Lin
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Ting Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Lin
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ying Lin
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsaing Huang
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Chiang
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chen Tsai
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hsu Chiu
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Hsun Lin
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Chih Chiu
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yang Cho
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
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12
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Peripheral HLA-G/ILT-2 immune checkpoint axis in acute and convalescent COVID-19 patients. Hum Immunol 2023:S0198-8859(23)00043-5. [PMID: 36925435 PMCID: PMC10011044 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.03.002] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive non-classical human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) can elicits pro-viral activities by down-modulating immune responses. We analysed soluble forms of HLA-G, IL-6 and IL-10 as well as on immune effector cell expression of HLA-G and its cognate ILT-2 receptor in peripheral blood obtained from hospitalised and convalescent COVID-19 patients. Compared with convalescents (N = 202), circulating soluble HLA-G levels (total and vesicular-bound molecules) were significantly increased in hospitalised patients (N = 93) irrespective of the disease severity. During COVID-19, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were also elevated. Regarding the immune checkpoint expression of HLA-G/ILT-2 on peripheral immune effector cells, the frequencies of membrane-bound HLA-G on CD3+ and CD14+ cells were almost identical in patients during and post COVID-19, while the frequency of ILT-2 receptor on CD3+ and CD14+ cells was increased during acute infection. A multi-parametric correlation analysis of soluble HLA-G forms with IL-6, IL-10, activation markers CD25 and CD154, HLA-G, and ILT-2 expression on immune cells revealed a strong positive correlation of soluble HLA-G forms with membrane-bound HLA-G molecules on CD3+/CD14+ cells only in convalescents. During COVID-19, only vesicular-bound HLA-G were positively correlated with the activation marker CD25 on T cells. Thus, our data suggest that the elevated levels of soluble HLA-G in COVID-19 are due to increased expression in organ tissues other than circulating immune effector cells. The concomitant increased expression of soluble HLA-G and ILT-2 receptor frequencies supports the concept that the immune checkpoint HLA-G/ILT-2 plays a role in the immune-pathogenesis of COVID-19.
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13
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Maher J, Davies DM. CAR-Based Immunotherapy of Solid Tumours-A Survey of the Emerging Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1171. [PMID: 36831514 PMCID: PMC9953954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041171] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with CAR T-cells has revolutionised the treatment of B-cell and plasma cell-derived cancers. However, solid tumours present a much greater challenge for treatment using CAR-engineered immune cells. In a partner review, we have surveyed data generated in clinical trials in which patients with solid tumours that expressed any of 30 discrete targets were treated with CAR-based immunotherapy. That exercise confirms that efficacy of this approach falls well behind that seen in haematological malignancies, while significant toxic events have also been reported. Here, we consider approximately 60 additional candidates for which such clinical data are not available yet, but where pre-clinical data have provided support for their advancement to clinical evaluation as CAR target antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - David M. Davies
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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14
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Xu X, Sun T, Jing J. TMPRSS4 is a novel biomarker and correlated with immune infiltration in thyroid carcinoma. BMC Endocr Disord 2022; 22:280. [PMID: 36380313 PMCID: PMC9667668 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01203-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) is a cancer-associated protease associated with prognosis in various types of cancer. Mechanistically, TMPRSS4 mainly regulates malignant phenotypes, such as tumor invasion and metastasis, by either the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program or promoting the proliferation of cancer cells. To date, TMPRSS4 and immune infiltration in thyroid carcinoma (TC) are largely unknown. Thus, this paper evaluated the expression of TMPRSS4 in tumor tissue through the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, and Oncomine, and its correlation with clinical parameters by UALCAN databases. Furthermore, we analyzed its prognostic value from Kaplan-Meier Plotter database, and the relationship between TMPRSS4 and the abundance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in TC in TISIDB, screening potential immune targets to explore novel mechanisms for the clinical management of TC. Finally, we assessed the correlation between TMPRSS4 and some immune markers to uncover a potential immune-related biomarker in TC patients by TIMER2.0. The results revealed that TMPRSS4 was highly expressed in TC and was also associated with lymphatic metastasis, advanced stage, histological subtype, and favorable clinical outcome. The stratified analysis based on immune cell content showed that decreased TMPRSS4 had worse prognosis in CD8+ T cell-enriched TC patients. TMPRSS4 was positively correlated with tumor immune infiltration and the expression of gene markers of immune cells. Notably, its expression was lower in the lymphocyte-depleted subtype than in other immunosubtypes in TC. Moreover, TMPRSS4 was closely related to chemokines as well as their receptors and the immunosuppressive checkpoints CTLA-4, PD-1, and HLA-G. In conclusion, TMPRSS4 may act as a novel biomarker predicting prognosis and immune infiltration in TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Xu
- Department of Etiology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Etiology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiexian Jing
- Department of Etiology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Li H, Song W, Li Z, Zhang M. Preclinical and clinical studies of CAR-NK-cell therapies for malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992232. [PMID: 36353643 PMCID: PMC9637940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, a specific type of immunotherapy, in recent decades was a fantastic breakthrough for the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, difficulties in collecting normal T cells from patients and the time cost of manufacturing CAR-T cells have limited the application of CAR-T-cell therapy. In addition, the termination of related clinical trials on universal CAR-T cell therapy has made further research more difficult. Natural killer (NK) cells have drawn great attention in recent years. Chimeric antigen receptor-NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy is a promising strategy in the treatment of malignant tumors because of its lack of potential for causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this review, we will address the advances in and achievements of CAR-NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenting Song
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhaoming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Mingzhi Zhang,
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16
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Xu HH, Xie YY, Jun-Gan, Yang Z, Han QY. Dynamic changes of soluble HLA-G and cytokine plasma levels in cervical cancer patients: potential role in cancer progression and immunotherapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04331-4. [PMID: 36053326 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic inflammation has been proven to be an important factor in carcinogenesis. Cytokines are the central mediators in the inflammatory microenvironment, and their release may be influenced by soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G). The aim of this study was to monitor the dynamic process of these soluble factors in patients with cervical cancer at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, trying to understand their relationship with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. METHODS We quantified plasma levels of sHLA-G and 12 cytokines using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively, in the peripheral blood of patients with cervical cancer divided into three groups: preoperation, postoperation and clinical relapse. Healthy women were used as the control group. Data were analysed by non-parametric tests, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and Kaplan-Meier plotter (log-rank test). RESULTS In this study, our findings showed that preoperation plasma levels of sHLA-G and the cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ in cervical cancer patients had a good discriminatory effect between cervical cancer patients and healthy women. It should be noted that plasma levels of sHLA-G, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly decreased within 30 days after radical hysterectomy (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between IL-6 and IL-10, IL-8 and IL-17 levels preoperatively. In contrast, sHLA-G levels were negatively correlated with IL-10 but not with other cytokines. An increased survival rate in patients with cervical cancer was associated with IL-5 < 1.70 pg/mL, IL-17 < 2.30 pg/mL, and IFN-α < 2.26 pg/mL preoperatively. In addition, our findings showed that the levels of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-17, and IFN-γ may be related to 5-year relapse rates and/or the metastasis of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION The current findings enhance our understanding of the dynamic process (preoperation, postoperation and clinical relapse) of sHLA-G and these cytokines in the plasma of patients with cervical cancer from diagnosis to prognosis. These biomarkers may play a potential therapeutic target role of such dynamic changes in the immunotherapy for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques and Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - You-You Xie
- Radiotherapy Department, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Gan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yue Han
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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17
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Dhall A, Patiyal S, Raghava GPS. HLAncPred: a method for predicting promiscuous non-classical HLA binding sites. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6587168. [PMID: 35580839 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) regulate various innate and adaptive immune responses and play a crucial immunomodulatory role. Recent studies revealed that non-classical HLA-(HLA-E & HLA-G) based immunotherapies have many advantages over traditional HLA-based immunotherapy, particularly against cancer and COVID-19 infection. In the last two decades, several methods have been developed to predict the binders of classical HLA alleles. In contrast, limited attempts have been made to develop methods for predicting non-classical HLA binding peptides, due to the scarcity of sufficient experimental data. Of note, in order to facilitate the scientific community, we have developed an artificial intelligence-based method for predicting binders of class-Ib HLA alleles. All the models were trained and tested on experimentally validated data obtained from the recent release of IEDB. The machine learning models achieved more than 0.98 AUC for HLA-G alleles on validation dataset. Similarly, our models achieved the highest AUC of 0.96 and 0.94 on the validation dataset for HLA-E*01:01 and HLA-E*01:03, respectively. We have summarized the models developed in the past for non-classical HLA and validated the performance with the models developed in this study. Moreover, to facilitate the community, we have utilized our tool for predicting the potential non-classical HLA binding peptides in the spike protein of different variants of virus causing COVID-19, including Omicron (B.1.1.529). One of the major challenges in the field of immunotherapy is to identify the promiscuous binders or antigenic regions that can bind to a large number of HLA alleles. To predict the promiscuous binders for the non-classical HLA alleles, we developed a web server HLAncPred (https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/hlancpred) and standalone package.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Dhall
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi-110020, India
| | - Sumeet Patiyal
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi-110020, India
| | - Gajendra P S Raghava
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi-110020, India
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18
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Rebmann V, Schwich E, Michita RT, Grüntkemeier L, Bittner AK, Rohn H, Horn PA, Hoffmann O, Kimmig R, Kasimir-Bauer S. Systematic Evaluation of HLA-G 3'Untranslated Region Variants in Locally Advanced, Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: UTR-1, 2 or UTR-4 are Predictors for Therapy and Disease Outcome. Front Immunol 2022; 12:817132. [PMID: 35095919 PMCID: PMC8790528 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.817132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major improvements in diagnostics and therapy in early as well as in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), metastatic relapse occurs in about 20% of patients, often explained by early micro-metastatic spread into bone marrow by disseminated tumor cells (DTC). Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has been a successful tool to improve overall survival (OS), there is growing evidence that various environmental factors like the non-classical human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) promotes cancer invasiveness and metastatic progression. HLA-G expression is associated with regulatory elements targeting certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the HLA-G 3’ untranslated region (UTR), which arrange as haplotypes. Here, we systematically evaluated the impact of HLA-G 3’UTR polymorphisms on disease status, on the presence of DTC, on soluble HLA-G levels, and on therapy and disease outcome in non-metastatic LABC patients. Although haplotype frequencies were similar in patients (n = 142) and controls (n = 204), univariate analysis revealed that the UTR-7 haplotype was related to patients with low tumor burden, whereas UTR-4 was associated with tumor sizes >T1. Furthermore, UTR-4 was associated with the presence of DTC, but UTR-3 and UTR-7 were related to absence of DTC. Additionally, increased levels of soluble HLA-G molecules were found in patients carrying UTR-7. Regarding therapy and disease outcome, univariate and multivariate analysis highlighted UTR-1 or UTR-2 as a prognostic parameter indicative for a beneficial course of disease in terms of complete response towards NACT or progression-free survival (PFS). At variance, UTR-4 was an independent risk factor for a reduced OS besides already known parameters. Taken into account the most common HLA-G 3’UTR haplotypes (UTR-1–UTR-7, UTR-18), deduction of the UTR-1/2/4 haplotypes to specific SNPs revealed that the +3003C variant, unique for UTR-4, seemed to favor a detrimental disease outcome, while the +3187G and +3196G variants, unique for UTR-1 or UTR-2, were prognostic parameters for a beneficial course of disease. In conclusion, these data suggest that the HLA-G 3’UTR variants +3003C, +3187G, and +3196G are promising candidates for the prediction of therapy and disease outcome in LABC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Esther Schwich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rafael Tomoya Michita
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine (BCMC), Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lisa Grüntkemeier
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Bittner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter A Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Hoffmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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19
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HLA-G and Other Immune Checkpoint Molecules as Targets for Novel Combined Immunotherapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062925. [PMID: 35328349 PMCID: PMC8948858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is an HLA-class Ib molecule that is involved in the establishment of tolerance at the maternal/fetal interface during pregnancy. The expression of HLA-G is highly restricted in adults, but the de novo expression of this molecule may be observed in different hematological and solid tumors and is related to cancer progression. Indeed, tumor cells expressing high levels of HLA-G are able to suppress anti-tumor responses, thus escaping from the control of the immune system. HLA-G has been proposed as an immune checkpoint (IC) molecule due to its crucial role in tumor progression, immune escape, and metastatic spread. We here review data available in the literature in which the interaction between HLA-G and other IC molecules is reported, in particular PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3, but also IDO and TIGIT. Clinical trials using monoclonal antibodies against HLA-G and other IC are currently ongoing with cancer patients where antibodies and inhibitors of PD-1 and CTLA-4 showed encouraging results. With this background, we may envisage that combined therapies using antibodies targeting HLA-G and another IC may be successful for clinical purposes. Indeed, such immunotherapeutic protocols may achieve a better rescue of effective anti-tumor immune response, thus improving the clinical outcome of patients.
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Rossetti R, Brand H, Lima SCG, Furtado IP, Silveira RM, Fantacini DMC, Covas DT, Souza LEB. Combination of genetically engineered T cells and immune checkpoint blockade for the treatment of cancer. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2022; 2:ltac005. [PMID: 35919489 PMCID: PMC9327125 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Immune checkpoint (IC) blockade using monoclonal antibodies is currently one of the most successful immunotherapeutic interventions to treat cancer. By reinvigorating antitumor exhausted T cells, this approach can lead to durable clinical responses. However, the majority of patients either does not respond or present a short-lived response to IC blockade, in part due to a scarcity of tumor-specific T cells within the tumor microenvironment. Adoptive transfer of T cells genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or engineered T cell receptors (TCRs) provide the necessary tumor-specific immune cell population to target cancer cells. However, this therapy has been considerably ineffective against solid tumors in part due to IC-mediated immunosuppressive effects within tumor microenvironment. These limitations could be overcome by associating adoptive cell transfer of genetically engineered T cells and IC blockade. In this comprehensive review, we highlight the strategies and outcomes of preclinical and clinical attempts to disrupt IC signaling in adoptive T cell transfer against cancer. These strategies include combined administration of genetically engineered T cells and IC inhibitors, engineered T cells with intrinsic modifications to disrupt IC signaling and the design of CARs against IC molecules. The current landscape indicates that the synergy of the fast-paced refinements of gene-editing technologies and synthetic biology and the increased comprehension of IC signaling will certainly translate into novel and more effective immunotherapeutic approaches to treat patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Rossetti
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heloísa Brand
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sarah Caroline Gomes Lima
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Izadora Peter Furtado
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daianne Maciely Carvalho Fantacini
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Biotechnology nucleus - Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Bennedsen ALB, Cai L, Hasselager RP, Özcan AA, Mohamed KB, Eriksen JO, Eiholm S, Bzorek M, Fiehn AMK, Hviid TVF, Gögenur I. An exploration of immunohistochemistry-based prognostic markers in patients undergoing curative resections for colon cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:62. [PMID: 35027037 PMCID: PMC8759288 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The immune system recognizes and destroys cancer cells. However, cancer cells develop mechanisms to avoid detection by expressing cell surface proteins. Specific tumour cell surface proteins (e.g. HLA-G, PD-L1, CDX2) either alone or in combination with the relative presence of immune cells (CD3 and CD8 positive T-cells) in the tumour tissue may describe the cancer cells’ ability to escape eradication by the immune system. The aim was to investigate the prognostic value of immunohistochemical markers in patients with colon cancer. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including patients diagnosed with pT3 and pT4 colon cancers. Immunohistochemical staining with HLA-G, PD-L1, CDX2, CD3, and CD8 was performed on tissue samples with representation of the invasive margin. PD-L1 expression in tumour cells and immune cells was reported conjointly. The expression of CD3 and CD8 was reported as a merged score based on the expression of both markers in the invasive margin and the tumour centre. Subsequently, a combined marker score was established based on all of the markers. Each marker added one point to the score when unfavourable immunohistochemical features was present, and the score was categorized as low, intermediate or high depending on the number of unfavourable stains. Hazard ratios for recurrence, disease-free survival and mortality were calculated. Results We included 188 patients undergoing colon cancer resections in 2011–2012. The median follow-up was 41.7 months, during which 41 (21.8%) patients had recurrence and 74 (39.4%) died. In multivariable regression analysis positive HLA-G expression (HR = 3.37, 95%CI [1.64–6.93]) was associated with higher recurrence rates, while a preserved CDX2 expression (HR = 0.23, 95%CI [0.06–0.85]) was associated with a lower risk of recurrence. An intermediate or high combined marker score was associated with increased recurrence rates (HR = 20.53, 95%CI [2.68–157.32] and HR = 7.56, 95%CI [1.06–54.16], respectively). Neither high expression of PD-L1 nor high CD3-CD8 score was significantly associated with recurrence rates. Patients with a high CD3-CD8 score had a significantly longer DFS and OS. Conclusions In tumour cells, expression of HLA-G and loss of CDX2 expression were associated with cancer recurrence. In addition, a combination of certain tumour tissue biomarkers was associated with colorectal cancer recurrence. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09169-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Louise Bjørn Bennedsen
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.
| | - Luyi Cai
- Cardiology department, Hospital Sønderjylland, Kresten Philipsens Vej 15, 6200, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Rune Petring Hasselager
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark
| | - Aysun Avci Özcan
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark
| | - Khadra Bashir Mohamed
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark
| | - Jens Ole Eriksen
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Susanne Eiholm
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Michael Bzorek
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Kanstrup Fiehn
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ismail Gögenur
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Li P, Wang N, Zhang Y, Wang C, Du L. HLA-G/sHLA-G and HLA-G-Bearing Extracellular Vesicles in Cancers: Potential Role as Biomarkers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791535. [PMID: 34868081 PMCID: PMC8636042 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a non-classic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is expressed in fetal-maternal interface and immunoprivileged site only in healthy condition, and in pathological conditions such as cancer, it can be de novo expressed. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a key molecule in the process of immune escape of cancer cells, which is ubiquitously expressed in the tumor environment. This raises the possibility that it may play an adverse role in tumor immunity. The expression level of HLA-G has been demonstrated to be highly correlated with clinical parameters in many tumors, and its potential significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer has been postulated. However, because HLA-G itself has up to seven different subtypes, and for some subtypes, detected antibodies are few or absent, it is hard to evaluate the actual expression of HLA-G in tumors. In the present work, we described (a) the structure and three main forms of HLA-G, (b) summarized the mechanism of HLA-G in the immune escape of tumor cells, (c) discussed the potential role of HLA-G as a tumor marker, and reviewed (d) the methods for detecting and quantifying HLA-G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
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23
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Karmakar S, Pal P, Lal G. Key Activating and Inhibitory Ligands Involved in the Mobilization of Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapies. Immunotargets Ther 2021; 10:387-407. [PMID: 34754837 PMCID: PMC8570289 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s306109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the most potent arm of the innate immune system and play an important role in immunity, alloimmunity, autoimmunity, and cancer. NK cells recognize “altered-self” cells due to oncogenic transformation or stress due to viral infection and target to kill them. The effector functions of NK cells depend on the interaction of the activating and inhibitory receptors on their surface with their cognate ligand expressed on the target cells. These activating and inhibitory receptors interact with major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) expressed on the target cells and make decisions to mount an immune response. NK cell immune response includes cytolytic activity and secretion of cytokines to help with the ongoing immune response. The advancement of our knowledge on the expression of inhibitory and activating molecules led us to exploit these molecules in the treatment of cancer. This review discusses the importance of activating and inhibitory receptors on NK cells and their clinical importance in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surojit Karmakar
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, MH, 411007, India
| | - Pradipta Pal
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, MH, 411007, India
| | - Girdhari Lal
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, MH, 411007, India
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24
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Jan CI, Huang SW, Canoll P, Bruce JN, Lin YC, Pan CM, Lu HM, Chiu SC, Cho DY. Targeting human leukocyte antigen G with chimeric antigen receptors of natural killer cells convert immunosuppression to ablate solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003050. [PMID: 34663641 PMCID: PMC8524382 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy against solid tumors has long been hampered by the development of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and the lack of a specific tumor-associated antigen that could be targeted in different kinds of solid tumors. Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is an immune checkpoint protein (ICP) that is neoexpressed in most tumor cells as a way to evade immune attack and has been recently demonstrated as a useful target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy of leukemia by in vitro studies. Here, we design and test for targeting HLA-G in solid tumors using a CAR strategy. Methods We developed a novel CAR strategy using natural killer (NK) cell as effector cells, featuring enhanced cytolytic effect via DAP12-based intracellular signal amplification. A single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against HLA-G is designed as the targeting moiety, and the construct is tested both in vitro and in vivo on four different solid tumor models. We also evaluated the synergy of this anti-HLA-G CAR-NK strategy with low-dose chemotherapy as combination therapy. Results HLA-G CAR-transduced NK cells present effective cytolysis of breast, brain, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer cells in vitro, as well as reduced xenograft tumor growth with extended median survival in orthotopic mouse models. In tumor coculture assays, the anti-HLA-G scFv moiety promotes Syk/Zap70 activation of NK cells, suggesting reversal of the HLA-G-mediated immunosuppression and hence restoration of native NK cytolytic functions. Tumor expression of HLA-G can be further induced using low-dose chemotherapy, which when combined with anti-HLA-G CAR-NK results in extensive tumor ablation both in vitro and in vivo. This upregulation of tumor HLA-G involves inhibition of DNMT1 and demethylation of transporter associated with antigen processing 1 promoter. Conclusions Our novel CAR-NK strategy exploits the dual nature of HLA-G as both a tumor-associated neoantigen and an ICP to counteract tumor spread. Further ablation of tumors can be boosted when combined with administration of chemotherapeutic agents in clinical use. The readiness of this novel strategy envisions a wide applicability in treating solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ing Jan
- Department of Pathology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Translational Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Wei Huang
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Bruce
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yu-Chuan Lin
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Pan
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Man Lu
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Chih Chiu
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan .,Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yang Cho
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan .,Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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25
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A Critical Assessment of the Association between HLA-G Expression by Carcinomas and Clinical Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158265. [PMID: 34361031 PMCID: PMC8347921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) conveys immunological tolerance at the maternal-foetal interface. HLA-G expression by tumour cells may also play such a role, resulting in tumour immune evasion, making HLA-G a potential target for immunotherapies. The aim of this review was to determine to what extent it is justified that HLA-G expression is considered as a target for immune checkpoint inhibiting therapy by critically assessing the association between HLA-G expression by carcinomas and clinical outcome of patients. The used HLA-G-detecting mAb, HLA-G quantification methods and statistically significant HLA-G-associated clinicopathological parameters are discussed. Tumour HLA-G expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in breast, esophageal, gastric and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Tumour HLA-G expression was not associated with clinical outcome in ovarian and oral carcinoma patients. Cervical, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic carcinoma patients presented discrepant and therefore inconclusive results regarding the association between tumour HLA-G expression and clinical outcome. These disparities might partly be the result of differences in the methodological approach to quantify HLA-G expression between studies. Therefore, implementation of universal methodological procedures is strongly advised. Overall, HLA-G expression did not univocally result in poor clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. This implies that tumour HLA-G expression is not necessarily part of an inhibited tumour-immune response and tumour progression. Consequently, it remains elusive whether HLA-G expression by carcinomas functions as an immune checkpoint molecule affecting a tumour-immune response. It may also reflect derailed control of gene expression in tumours, with no real functional consequences.
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26
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Adolf IC, Almars A, Dharsee N, Mselle T, Akan G, Nguma IJ, Nateri AS, Atalar F. HLA-G and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with cancer in African populations: Implications in personal medicine. Genes Dis 2021; 9:1220-1233. [PMID: 35873024 PMCID: PMC9293715 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body against malignancy. During cancer immunoediting, the immune system can recognize and keep checking the tumor cells by down-expression of some self-molecules or by increasing expression of some novel molecules. However, the microenvironment created in the course of cancer development hampers the immune ability to recognize and destroy the transforming cells. Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) is emerging as immune checkpoint molecule produced more by cancer cells to weaken the immune response against them. HLA-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule which is normally expressed in immune privileged tissues as a soluble or membrane-bound protein. HLA-G locus is highly polymorphic in the non-coding 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and in the 5′ upstream regulatory region (5′ URR). HLA-G expression is controlled by polymorphisms located in these regions, and several association studies between these polymorphic sites and disease predisposition, response to therapy, and/or HLA-G protein expression have been reported. Various polymorphisms are demonstrated to modulate its expression and this is increasingly finding more significance in cancer biology. This review focuses on the relevance of the HLA-G gene and its polymorphisms in cancer development. We highlight population genetics of HLA-G as evidence to espouse the need and importance of exploring potential utility of HLA-G in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and immunotherapy in the currently understudied African population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Chatita Adolf
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, P.O Box 608, Tanzania
| | - Amany Almars
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Nazima Dharsee
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 3592, Tanzania
| | - Teddy Mselle
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Gokce Akan
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Irene Jeremiah Nguma
- Clinical Oncology Department, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH), Mbeya P.O Box 419, Tanzania
| | - Abdolrahman S. Nateri
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fatmahan Atalar
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
- Child Health Institute, Department of Rare Diseases, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
- Corresponding author. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, P.O Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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27
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Galluzzi L, Garg AD. Immunology of Cell Death in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051208. [PMID: 34063358 PMCID: PMC8156735 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Abhishek D. Garg
- Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department for Cellular & Molecular Medicine (CMM), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (A.D.G.)
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