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Al-Talib M, Dimonte S, Humphreys IR. Mucosal T-cell responses to chronic viral infections: Implications for vaccine design. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:982-998. [PMID: 38459243 PMCID: PMC11364786 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01140-2] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucosal surfaces that line the respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts are the major interfaces between the immune system and the environment. Their unique immunological landscape is characterized by the necessity of balancing tolerance to commensal microorganisms and other innocuous exposures against protection from pathogenic threats such as viruses. Numerous pathogenic viruses, including herpesviruses and retroviruses, exploit this environment to establish chronic infection. Effector and regulatory T-cell populations, including effector and resident memory T cells, play instrumental roles in mediating the transition from acute to chronic infection, where a degree of viral replication is tolerated to minimize immunopathology. Persistent antigen exposure during chronic viral infection leads to the evolution and divergence of these responses. In this review, we discuss advances in the understanding of mucosal T-cell immunity during chronic viral infections and how features of T-cell responses develop in different chronic viral infections of the mucosa. We consider how insights into T-cell immunity at mucosal surfaces could inform vaccine strategies: not only to protect hosts from chronic viral infections but also to exploit viruses that can persist within mucosal surfaces as vaccine vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Talib
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute/Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 5 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - Sandra Dimonte
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute/Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Ian R Humphreys
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute/Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
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2
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Chen S, Yao C, Tian N, Zhang C, Chen Y, Wang X, Jiang Y, Zhang T, Zeng T, Song Y. The interplay between persistent pathogen infections with tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy in cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e70154. [PMID: 39240588 PMCID: PMC11378724 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms play a significant role in cancer development, disrupting the body's immune system and microenvironment. This interference impairs the body's ability to eliminate these microorganisms promptly, allowing them to persist by evading immune defenses. AIMS This study aimed to explore how chronic pathogenic infections influence the immune microenvironment, impacting tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and treatment strategies. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the effects of these infections on specific immune checkpoints and identify potential targets for immunotherapy. METHODS We conducted searches, readings, and detailed analyses of key terms in databases like PubMed and Web of Science to evaluate the impact of chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms on the immune microenvironment. RESULTS Our analysis demonstrates a significant association between persistent chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms and tumorigenesis. Notable impacts on the immune microenvironment include changes in immune cell function and the regulation of immune checkpoints, offering insights into potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. DISCUSSION This study highlights the complex relationship between chronic infections and cancer development, presenting new opportunities for cancer immunotherapy by understanding their effects on the immune microenvironment. The influence of these infections on immune checkpoints emphasizes the crucial role of the immune system in cancer treatment. CONCLUSION Chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms greatly affect the immune microenvironment, tumorigenesis, and cancer treatment. Unraveling the underlying mechanisms can unveil potential targets for immunotherapy, improving our comprehension of the immune response to cancer and potentially leading to more effective cancer treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Caihong Yao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Tian
- Anesthesiology Department, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunying Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuemei Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuting Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tonghao Zhang
- Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tingting Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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Lei PJ, Fraser C, Jones D, Ubellacker JM, Padera TP. Lymphatic system regulation of anti-cancer immunity and metastasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1449291. [PMID: 39211044 PMCID: PMC11357954 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1449291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer dissemination to lymph nodes (LN) is associated with a worse prognosis, increased incidence of distant metastases and reduced response to therapy. The LN microenvironment puts selective pressure on cancer cells, creating cells that can survive in LN as well as providing survival advantages for distant metastatic spread. Additionally, the presence of cancer cells leads to an immunosuppressive LN microenvironment, favoring the evasion of anti-cancer immune surveillance. However, recent studies have also characterized previously unrecognized roles for tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) in cancer immunotherapy response, including acting as a reservoir for pre-exhausted CD8+ T cells and stem-like CD8+ T cells. In this review, we will discuss the spread of cancer cells through the lymphatic system, the roles of TDLNs in metastasis and anti-cancer immune responses, and the therapeutic opportunities and challenges in targeting LN metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Ji Lei
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Cameron Fraser
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dennis Jones
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jessalyn M. Ubellacker
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Timothy P. Padera
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Thareja G, Salvioni A, Lauzeral-Vizcaino F, Halabi N, Mery-Lamarche E, Thebault N, Scarlata CM, Michelas M, Navarro AS, Ferron G, Lecuru F, Mathevet P, Khalifa J, Ayyoub M, Rafii A, Martinez A. Assessing the implications of sentinel lymph node removal in cervical cancer: an immunogenetic perspective - a SENTICOL ancillary study. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008734. [PMID: 39009451 PMCID: PMC11253764 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008734] [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] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer's lymphatic spread primarily begins from the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), underlining their pivotal role in disease metastasis. However, these nodes' immune gene expression profiles and immunoregulation mechanisms have yet to be explored. METHODS Our study aimed to elucidate the immune cell populations and their roles in the immune gene expression profile of negative SLNs compared with positive SLNs and non-SLNs using Nanostring RNA seq analysis. We performed a principal component analysis on the log2 normalized expression of 685 endogenous genes in the nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel, followed by an assessment of the differential expression of genes and immune cell type abundance. RESULTS We found significant variations in gene expression among the groups, with negative SLNs displaying overexpression of genes related to tumor-infiltrating immune cells, specifically innate cell populations. They also demonstrated the upregulation of genes involved in antigen presentation and T-cell priming. In contrast, positive SLNs were enriched in regulatory networks, suggesting their potential role in immune evasion. A comparison of negative SLNs and non-SLNs revealed increased innate and adaptive immune cell types, underscoring the ongoing T cell response to tumor antigens. CONCLUSION Our findings underscore a specific immunogenetic phenotype profile in negative SLNs, emphasizing their crucial role in the initial anticancer response, immunosurveillance, and the propagation of immune tolerance from the primary cervical tumor. These results highlight the potential of SLNs as a novel target for immunotherapy strategies and underscore the importance of new imaging methods for accurately identifying SLN status without removal. Future investigations are needed to understand further the immunological interplay within SLNs and their influence on cervical cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Salvioni
- Centre de recherche en cancerologie de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Eliane Mery-Lamarche
- Pathology Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Noemie Thebault
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
| | - Clara-Maria Scarlata
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie Michelas
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Navarro
- Surgical Oncology Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Gwenaël Ferron
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
- Surgical Oncology Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabrice Lecuru
- Gynecologic Oncology Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Mathevet
- Gynecology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Khalifa
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
- Radiotherapy Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Maha Ayyoub
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Alejandra Martinez
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
- Surgical Oncology Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse, France
- Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France
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Jiang C, Wu J. Hypothesis: hematogenous metastatic cancer cells of solid tumors may disguise themselves as memory macrophages for metastasis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1412296. [PMID: 39035733 PMCID: PMC11257992 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1412296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
German pathologist Otto Aichel suggested, a century ago, that the cancer cell acquired its metastatic property from a leukocyte via cell-cell fusion. Since then, several revised versions of this theory have been proposed. Most of the proposals attribute the generation of the metastatic cancer cell to the fusion between a primary cancer cell and a macrophage. However, these theories have not addressed several issues, such as dormancy and stem cell-like self-renewal, of the metastatic cancer cell. On the other hand, recent studies have found that, like T- and B-/plasma cells, macrophages can also be categorized into naïve, effector, and memory/trained macrophages. As a memory/trained macrophage can enter dormancy/quiescence, be awakened from the dormancy/quiescence by acquainted primers, and re-populate via stem cell-like self-renewal, we, therefore, further specify that the macrophage fusing with the cancer cell and contributing to metastasis, belongs with the memory/trained macrophage, not other subtypes of macrophages. The current theory can explain many puzzling clinical features of cancer, including the paradoxal effects (recurrence vs. regression) of microbes on tumors, "spontaneous" and Coley's toxin-induced tumor regression, anticancer activities of β-blockers and anti-inflammatory/anti-immune/antibiotic drugs, oncotaxis, surgery- and trauma-promoted metastasis, and impact of microbiota on tumors. Potential therapeutic strategies, such as Coley's toxin-like preparations, are proposed. This is the last article of our trilogy on carcinogenesis theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuo Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Central Laboratories, Shanghai Clinical Research Center Xuhui Central Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxi Wu
- Central Laboratories, Shanghai Clinical Research Center Xuhui Central Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Office of Industrial Cooperation, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Farajimakin O. The Role of Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Gynecologic Cancers: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e65638. [PMID: 39205726 PMCID: PMC11351005 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Gynecologic cancers remain a significant health burden worldwide. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment approach across various cancer types. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors, alone or in combination with other therapies, in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical trials of immunotherapy in gynecologic cancers. Randomized controlled trials and prospective studies were included. MMAT tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. Risk of bias was assessed using appropriate tools for each study design. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly in combination with standard therapies, demonstrated improved progression-free survival across multiple trials. Notable results include improved outcomes with pembrolizumab in endometrial and cervical cancers, and promising combinations of PARP inhibitors with checkpoint inhibitors in ovarian cancer. Safety profiles were generally consistent with known effects of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy shows significant promise in improving outcomes for patients with gynecologic cancers. Further research is needed to optimize patient selection and combination strategies.
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Brito MJ, Sequeira P, Quintas A, Silva I, Silva F, Martins C, Félix A. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical squamous cell carcinoma of HIV-infected and non-infected patients. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:507-516. [PMID: 37341812 PMCID: PMC11021248 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in cervical carcinoma, hindering tumor destruction. The aim of this study was to assess PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) from human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) and human immunodeficiency virus-negative (HIV-) patients. A total of 166 SCC and SIL samples of HIV+ and HIV- patients were included and analyzed for PD-L1 expression through tumor proportion score (TPS), and results were stratified in five TPS groups using SP263 antibody and, combined positive score (CPS) using 22C3 antibody. In cohort 1 (SP263 clone), all HIV+ patients were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) scored < 1; and 87.5% of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) adjacent to SCC, 19% of HSILs non-adjacent to SCC, and 69% of SCCs scored ≥ 1 (15.4% scored 5). In HIV- patients, all NILM, LSILs, HSILs adjacent to SCC, and two HSILs non-adjacent to SCC scored < 1. SCC: 88.2% scored ≥ 1 and 5.9% scored 5. In cohort 2 (SP263 and 22C3 clones), 16.7% of HIV+ patients with SCC were positive with both clones, CPS ≥ 1 (22C3) or score 5 (≥ 50%) (SP263), showing no significant differences in positivity between both clones. These results indicate that a relatively low percentage of SCCs (16.7%; both in HIV+ and in HIV- patients) express PD-L1 (TPS ≥ 50% and CPS > 1), which may be due to some samples being archival material, sample characteristics, or use of different methodologies, highlighting the need for standardization of PD-L1 assessment in SCC of the cervix. The fact that PD-L1 is overexpressed in SILs of HIV+ patients suggests potential additional applications for immunotherapy in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Brito
- Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal.
- Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | | | | | - Fernanda Silva
- NOVA Medical Research, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Martins
- NOVA Medical Research, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- CHRC, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Félix
- Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA Medical Research, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Zhang P, Wang Y, Miao Q, Chen Y. The therapeutic potential of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway on immune-related diseases: Based on the innate and adaptive immune components. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115569. [PMID: 37769390 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, immunotherapy targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has revolutionized the treatment strategy of human cancer patients. Meanwhile, PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of many immune-related diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, chronic infection diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes, by regulating components of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Given the power of the new therapy, a better understanding of the regulatory effects of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway on innate and adaptive immune responses in immune-related diseases will facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic drug targets. Targeting this pathway may successfully halt or potentially even reverse these pathological processes. In this review, we discuss recent major advances in PD-1/PD-L1 axis regulating innate and adaptive immune components in immune-related diseases. We reveal that the impact of PD-1/PD-L1 axis on the immune system is complex and manifold and multi-strategies on the targeted PD-1/PD-L1 axis are taken in the treatment of immune-related diseases. Consequently, targeting PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, alone or in combination with other treatments, may represent a novel strategy for future therapeutic intervention on immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China; Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China; Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Qianru Miao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China; Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China; Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China.
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George N, Bhandari P, Shruptha P, Jayaram P, Chaudhari S, Satyamoorthy K. Multidimensional outlook on the pathophysiology of cervical cancer invasion and metastasis. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2581-2606. [PMID: 36905477 PMCID: PMC10006576 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04686-3] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer being one of the primary causes of high mortality rates among women is an area of concern, especially with ineffective treatment strategies. Extensive studies are carried out to understand various aspects of cervical cancer initiation, development and progression; however, invasive cervical squamous cell carcinoma has poor outcomes. Moreover, the advanced stages of cervical cancer may involve lymphatic circulation with a high risk of tumor recurrence at distant metastatic sites. Dysregulation of the cervical microbiome by human papillomavirus (HPV) together with immune response modulation and the occurrence of novel mutations that trigger genomic instability causes malignant transformation at the cervix. In this review, we focus on the major risk factors as well as the functionally altered signaling pathways promoting the transformation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. We further elucidate genetic and epigenetic variations to highlight the complexity of causal factors of cervical cancer as well as the metastatic potential due to the changes in immune response, epigenetic regulation, DNA repair capacity, and cell cycle progression. Our bioinformatics analysis on metastatic and non-metastatic cervical cancer datasets identified various significantly and differentially expressed genes as well as the downregulation of potential tumor suppressor microRNA miR-28-5p. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the genomic landscape in invasive and metastatic cervical cancer will help in stratifying the patient groups and designing potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neena George
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Poonam Bhandari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Padival Shruptha
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Pradyumna Jayaram
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sima Chaudhari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Wang L, Yi S, Teng Y, Li W, Cai J. Role of the tumor microenvironment in the lymphatic metastasis of cervical cancer (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:486. [PMID: 37753293 PMCID: PMC10518654 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic metastasis is the primary type of cervical cancer metastasis and is associated with an extremely poor prognosis in patients. The tumor microenvironment primarily includes cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, immune and inflammatory cells, and blood and lymphatic vascular networks, which can promote the establishment of lymphatic metastatic sites within immunosuppressive microenvironments or promote lymphatic metastasis by stimulating lymphangiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. As the most important feature of the tumor microenvironment, hypoxia plays an essential role in lymph node metastasis. In this review, the known mechanisms of hypoxia, and the involvement of stromal components and immune inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment of lymphatic metastasis of cervical cancer are discussed. Additionally, a summary of the clinical trials targeting the tumor microenvironment for the treatment of cervical cancer is provided, emphasizing the potential and challenges of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Shuyan Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Yun Teng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Wenhan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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Han S, Liu X, Ju S, Mu W, Abulikemu G, Zhen Q, Yang J, Zhang J, Li Y, Liu H, Chen Q, Cui B, Wu S, Zhang Y. New mechanisms and biomarkers of lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer: reflections from plasma proteomics. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:35. [PMID: 37689639 PMCID: PMC10492398 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-023-09427-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lymph node metastasis (LNM) and lymphatic vasculature space infiltration (LVSI) in cervical cancer patients indicate a poor prognosis, but satisfactory methods for diagnosing these phenotypes are lacking. This study aimed to find new effective plasma biomarkers of LNM and LVSI as well as possible mechanisms underlying LNM and LVSI through data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteome sequencing. METHODS A total of 20 cervical cancer plasma samples, including 7 LNM-/LVSI-(NC), 4 LNM-/LVSI + (LVSI) and 9 LNM + /LVSI + (LNM) samples from a cohort, were subjected to DIA to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) for LVSI and LNM. Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed for DEP functional annotation. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to detect new effective plasma biomarkers and possible mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 79 DEPs were identified in the cohort. GO and KEGG analyses showed that DEPs were mainly enriched in the complement and coagulation pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis pathway, HIF-1 signal transduction pathway and phagosome and autophagy. WGCNA showed that the enrichment of the green module differed greatly between groups. Six interesting core DEPs (SPARC, HPX, VCAM1, TFRC, ERN1 and APMAP) were confirmed to be potential plasma diagnostic markers for LVSI and LNM in cervical cancer patients. CONCLUSION Proteomic signatures developed in this study reflected the potential plasma diagnostic markers and new possible pathogenesis mechanisms in the LVSI and LNM of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Ju
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Wendi Mu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Gulijinaiti Abulikemu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianwei Zhen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoxia Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxia Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Fifth People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Youzhong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Cao G, Yue J, Ruan Y, Han Y, Zhi Y, Lu J, Liu M, Xu X, Wang J, Gu Q, Wen X, Gao J, Zhang Q, Kang J, Wang C, Li F. Single-cell dissection of cervical cancer reveals key subsets of the tumor immune microenvironment. EMBO J 2023; 42:e110757. [PMID: 37427448 PMCID: PMC10425846 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022110757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) directly determines patients' outcomes and therapeutic efficiencies. An in-depth understanding of the TME is required to improve the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer (CC). This study conducted single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing of six-paired tumors and adjacent normal tissues to map the CC immune landscape. T and NK cells were highly enriched in the tumor area and transitioned from cytotoxic to exhaustion phenotypes. Our analyses suggest that cytotoxic large-clone T cells are critical effectors in the antitumor response. This study also revealed tumor-specific germinal center B cells associated with tertiary lymphoid structures. A high-germinal center B cell proportion in patients with CC is predictive of improved clinical outcomes and is associated with elevated hormonal immune responses. We depicted an immune-excluded stromal landscape and established a joint model of tumor and stromal cells to predict CC patients' prognosis. The study revealed tumor ecosystem subsets linked to antitumor response or prognosis in the TME and provides information for future combinational immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiali Yue
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Science and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yetian Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ya Han
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Science and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yong Zhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jianqiao Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xinxin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Quan Gu
- CVR BioinformaticsUniversity of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - Xuejun Wen
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, School of EngineeringVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Jinli Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qingfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Science and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiuhong Kang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Science and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
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13
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Liu L, Xie Y, Yang H, Lin A, Dong M, Wang H, Zhang C, Liu Z, Cheng Q, Zhang J, Yuan S, Luo P. HPVTIMER: A shiny web application for tumor immune estimation in human papillomavirus-associated cancers. IMETA 2023; 2:e130. [PMID: 38867938 PMCID: PMC10989930 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is closely associated with tumor formation, particularly linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), and regulates tumor initiation, proliferation, infiltration, and metastasis. With the rise of immunotherapy, an increasing amount of sample data used for TIME exploration is available in databases. However, no currently available web tool enables a comprehensive exploration of the TIME of HPV-associated cancers by leveraging these data. We have developed a web tool called HPV-associated Tumor Immune MicroEnvironment ExploreR (HPVTIMER), which provides a comprehensive analysis platform that integrates over 10,000 genes and 2290 tumor samples from 65 transcriptome data sets across 8 cancer types sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The tool features four built-in analysis modules, namely, the differential expression analysis module, correlation analysis module, immune infiltration analysis module, and pathway analysis module. These modules enable users to perform systematic and vertical analyses. We used several analytical modules in HPVTIMER to briefly explore the role of CDKN2A in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. We expect that HPVTIMER will help users explore the immune microenvironment of HPV-associated cancers and uncover potential immune regulatory mechanisms and immunotherapeutic targets. HPVTIMER is available at http://www.hpvtimer.com/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Liu
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The First Clinical Medical SchoolSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yanan Xie
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The Second Clinical Medicine SchoolSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Anqi Lin
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Minjun Dong
- Department of Surgical OncologySir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University, School of MedicineHang ZhouChina
| | - Haitao Wang
- Thoracic Surgery BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Cangang Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and ImmunologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityHunanChina
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of Infectious Disease and MicrobiologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of MicrobiologySchool of Clinical Medicine, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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14
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Li Y, Gao X, Huang Y, Zhu X, Chen Y, Xue L, Zhu Q, Wang B, Wu M. Tumor microenvironment promotes lymphatic metastasis of cervical cancer: its mechanisms and clinical implications. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1114042. [PMID: 37234990 PMCID: PMC10206119 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1114042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although previous studies have shed light on the etiology of cervical cancer, metastasis of advanced cervical cancer remains the main reason for the poor outcome and high cancer-related mortality rate. Cervical cancer cells closely communicate with immune cells recruited to the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The crosstalk between tumors and immune cells has been clearly shown to foster metastatic dissemination. Therefore, unraveling the mechanisms of tumor metastasis is crucial to develop more effective therapies. In this review, we interpret several characteristics of the TME that promote the lymphatic metastasis of cervical cancer, such as immune suppression and premetastatic niche formation. Furthermore, we summarize the complex interactions between tumor cells and immune cells within the TME, as well as potential therapeutic strategies to target the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases; Department of Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaofan Gao
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases; Department of Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yibao Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases; Department of Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoran Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases; Department of Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases; Department of Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liru Xue
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases; Department of Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases; Department of Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases; Department of Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mingfu Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases; Department of Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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15
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Feng J, Tang D, Wang J, Zhou Q, Peng J, Lou H, Sun Y, Cai Y, Chen H, Yang J, Liu P, Wang L, Zou J. SHR-1701, a Bifunctional Fusion Protein Targeting PD-L1 and TGFβ, for Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer: A Clinical Expansion Cohort of a Phase I Study. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:5297-5305. [PMID: 35653122 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer have limited treatment options after platinum-containing treatment. We initiated a phase I study to assess SHR-1701, a novel bifunctional fusion protein composed of a mAb against programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) fused with the extracellular domain of TGFβ receptor II, in solid tumors (NCT03774979). Here, results from the cervical cancer cohort are presented. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer who progressed during or after platinum-based therapy were enrolled to receive SHR-1701 at 30 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1. RESULTS In total, 32 patients were recruited. ORR was 15.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.3-32.8], and disease control rate was 50.0% (95% CI, 31.9-68.1). Responses were still ongoing in 80.0% of the responders; 6-month duration of response rate was 80.0% (95% CI, 20.4-96.9). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.7 months (95% CI, 1.4-4.1). Of note, as assessed by immune-modified RECIST, median PFS was 4.1 months (95% CI, 1.6-4.3). Overall survival rate at 12 months was 54.6% (95% CI, 31.8-72.7). Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or 4 were reported in 11 (34.4%) patients. No treatment-related deaths occurred. No difference in ORR was found between patients with PD-L1 combined positive score ≥1 or <1; patients with high phosphorylated SMAD2 level in immune cells or tumor cells had numerically higher ORR. CONCLUSIONS SHR-1701 exhibits encouraging antitumor activity and controllable safety in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer after platinum-based regimens, and therefore might provide another treatment option for this population. See related commentary by Miller and Friedman, p. 5238.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Feng
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Dihong Tang
- Gynecologic Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Gynecologic Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jin Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Hanmei Lou
- Gynecological Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuping Sun
- Medical Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Yunlang Cai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Hongmin Chen
- Gynecology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Junqin Yang
- Clinical Research and Development, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Pan Liu
- Clinical Research and Development, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Linna Wang
- Clinical Research and Development, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Zou
- Clinical Research and Development, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
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16
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Enhancing the Effect of Nucleic Acid Vaccines in the Treatment of HPV-Related Cancers: An Overview of Delivery Systems. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121444. [PMID: 36558778 PMCID: PMC9781236 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121444] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Prophylactic vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) have proven efficacy in those who have not been infected by the virus. However, they do not benefit patients with established tumors. Therefore, the development of therapeutic options for HPV-related malignancies is critical. Third-generation vaccines based on nucleic acids are fast and simple approaches to eliciting adaptive immune responses. However, techniques to boost immunogenicity, reduce degradation, and facilitate their capture by immune cells are frequently required. One option to overcome this constraint is to employ delivery systems that allow selective antigen absorption and help modulate the immune response. This review aimed to discuss the influence of these different systems on the response generated by nucleic acid vaccines. The results indicate that delivery systems based on lipids, polymers, and microorganisms such as yeasts can be used to ensure the stability and transport of nucleic acid vaccines to their respective protein synthesis compartments. Thus, in view of the limitations of nucleic acid-based vaccines, it is important to consider the type of delivery system to be used-due to its impact on the immune response and desired final effect.
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17
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Ardeleanu V, Moroianu LA, Sava A, Tebeica T, Jecan RC, Moroianu M, Tatu AL. Surgical, Dermatological and Morphopathological Considerations in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cutaneous Lymphoproliferative Tumors, Primary CD4. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:1618. [PMID: 36363575 PMCID: PMC9692388 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary cutaneous lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of T-cell (CTCL) and B-cell lymphomas (CBCL) developing in the skin and without signs of extracutaneous disease at the time of diagnosis. The term "primary small/medium CD4+ T-cell lymphoma" was changed to "primary small/medium cutaneous CD4+ lymphoproliferative disorder" due to its indolent clinical behavior and uncertain malignant potential. This paper presents a rare case of primary cutaneous lymphoma with small to medium CD4+ T-cells. A 37-year-old patient presented with a tumor in the frontal region that had occurred approximately 8-9 months earlier. The tumor had a diameter of about 8-9 mm, well demarcated macroscopically, it was round in shape, about 6-7 mm high, pink in color, firm in consistency and painless during palpation. Surgical excision of the tumor was performed with a margin of safety of 8 mm and deep to the level of the frontal muscle fascia. The histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoproliferation with a nodular disposition in the reticular dermis and extension around the follicular epithelia and sweat glands, composed mainly of dispersed medium-large lymphocytes. Additional immunohistochemical examination was requested. Immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of "primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder." Patient monitoring was carried out through clinical dermatological controls at 3, 6, and 12 months. After one year, a cranio-cerebral MRI was performed. For the following 5 years, an annual dermatological examination accompanied by cranio-cerebral MRI, blood count, and pulmonary X-ray were recommended. Similarly to all solitary skin lesions, the prognosis is excellent in this case, the only treatment being surgical excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriu Ardeleanu
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Medecine, “Ovidius” University, 1 University Alley Street, Corp B, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- General Hospital “Căi Ferate”, 4-6 Alexandru Morutzi Street, 800223 Galați, Romania
- Arestetic Clinic, 78 Brailei Street, BR4A, 800108 Galați, Romania
- Faculty of Kinesiotherapy, University “Dunărea de Jos”, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galați, Romania
| | - Lavinia-Alexandra Moroianu
- “Elisabeta Doamna” Psychiatry Hospital, 290 Traian Street, 800179 Galați, Romania
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galați, Romania
| | - Anca Sava
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Pathology, “Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 2 Ateneului Street, 700309 Iasi, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Tebeica
- Leventer Medical Center, 8 Monetariei Street, 011216 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu Cristian Jecan
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medecine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Street, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Clinical Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, “Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 7 Architect Ion Mincu Street, 011356 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Moroianu
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galați, Romania
- Medical Assistance Service of the Municipality of Galați, 97 Traian Street, 006757 Galați, Romania
| | - Alin Laurentiu Tatu
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galați, Romania
- Dermatology Department, “Sfanta Cuvioasa Parascheva” Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 393 Traian Street, 800179 Galați, Romania
- Multidisciplinary Integrated Center of Dermatological Interface Research MIC-DIR (Centrul Integrat Multidisciplinar de Cercetare de Interfata Dermatologica—CIM-CID), “Dunărea de Jos” University, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galați, Romania
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18
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Dai J, Pan Y, Chen Y, Yao S. A panel of seven immune-related genes can serve as a good predictive biomarker for cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:1024508. [PMID: 36406134 PMCID: PMC9667556 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1024508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. The interaction between tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration is closely related to the progression of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and patients' prognosis. Herein, a panel of immune-related genes was established for more accurate prognostic prediction. Methods: The transcriptome information of tumor and normal samples were obtained from TCGA-CSCC and GTEx. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined from it. Immune-related genes (IRGs) were retrieved from the ImmPort database. After removing the transcriptome data which not mentioned in GSE44001, IR-DEGs were preliminarily identified. Then, TCGA-CSCC samples were divided into training and testing set (3:1) randomly. Univariate Cox analysis, LASSO regression analysis and multivariate Cox analysis were used in turn to construct the signature to predict the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). External validation was performed in GSE44001, and initial clinical validation was performed by qRT-PCR. Function enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis and establishment of nomogram were conducted as well. Results: A prognostic prediction signature consisting of seven IR-DEGs was established. High expression of NRP1, IGF2R, SERPINA3, TNF and low expression of ICOS, DES, HCK suggested that CSCC patients had shorter OS (POS<0.001) and DFS (PDFS<0.001). AUC values of 1-, 3-, five- year OS were 0.800, 0.831 and 0.809. Analyses in other validation sets showed good consistency with the results in training set. The signature can serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 1.166, p < 0.001). AUC values of 1-, 3-, five- year OS based on the nomogram were 0.769, 0.820 and 0.807. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that these IR-DEGs were associated with receptor interaction and immune cell activity. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that patients in high-risk group had lower immune infiltration, weaker immune function, and were more likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Through qRT-PCR on clinical samples, expression of NRP1, IGF2R, SERPINA3 and TNF were significantly upregulated in tumor tissue, while ICOS and DES were significantly downregulated. Conclusion: To conclude, the immune-related signature can provide strong support for exploration of immune infiltration, prediction of prognosis and response to immunotherapy through stratify CSCC patients into subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shuzhong Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Shiri Aghbash P, Shirvaliloo M, Khalo Abass Kasho A, Alinezhad F, Nauwynck H, Bannazadeh Baghi H. Cluster of differentiation frequency on antigen presenting-cells: The next step to cervical cancer prognosis? Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108896. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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20
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Rafael TS, Rotman J, Brouwer OR, van der Poel HG, Mom CH, Kenter GG, de Gruijl TD, Jordanova ES. Immunotherapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of HPV-Associated (Pre-)Cancer of the Cervix, Vulva and Penis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1101. [PMID: 35207374 PMCID: PMC8876514 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection drives tumorigenesis in almost all cervical cancers and a fraction of vulvar and penile cancers. Due to increasing incidence and low vaccination rates, many will still have to face HPV-related morbidity and mortality in the upcoming years. Current treatment options (i.e., surgery and/or chemoradiation) for urogenital (pre-)malignancies can have profound psychosocial and psychosexual effects on patients. Moreover, in the setting of advanced disease, responses to current therapies remain poor and nondurable, highlighting the unmet need for novel therapies that prevent recurrent disease and improve clinical outcome. Immunotherapy can be a useful addition to the current therapeutic strategies in various settings of disease, offering relatively fewer adverse effects and potential improvement in survival. This review discusses immune evasion mechanisms accompanying HPV infection and HPV-related tumorigenesis and summarizes current immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of HPV-related (pre-)malignant lesions of the uterine cervix, vulva, and penis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tynisha S. Rafael
- Department of Urology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.S.R.); (O.R.B.); (H.G.v.d.P.)
| | - Jossie Rotman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.R.); (C.H.M.); (G.G.K.)
| | - Oscar R. Brouwer
- Department of Urology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.S.R.); (O.R.B.); (H.G.v.d.P.)
| | - Henk G. van der Poel
- Department of Urology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.S.R.); (O.R.B.); (H.G.v.d.P.)
| | - Constantijne H. Mom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.R.); (C.H.M.); (G.G.K.)
| | - Gemma G. Kenter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.R.); (C.H.M.); (G.G.K.)
| | - Tanja D. de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Ekaterina S. Jordanova
- Department of Urology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.S.R.); (O.R.B.); (H.G.v.d.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.R.); (C.H.M.); (G.G.K.)
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21
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PD-L1: Can it be a biomarker for the prognosis or a promising therapeutic target in cervical cancer? Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 103:108484. [PMID: 34954558 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common in the female genital tract and remains a leading cause that threatens the health and lives of women worldwide, although preventive vaccines and early diagnosis have reduced mortality. While treatment by operation and chemoradiotherapy for early-stage patients achieve good outcomes, the great majority of cervical cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) make immunotherapy realizable for patients with advanced and recurrent cervical cancer. To date, some clinical trials of checkpoint immunotherapy in cervical cancer have indicated significant benefits of programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors, providing strong evidence for PD-1/PD-L1 as a therapeutic target. In this review article, we discuss the role of PD-L1 and the application of PD-L1 inhibitors in cervical cancer, with the aim of providing direction for future research.
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22
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A four immune-related long noncoding RNAs signature as predictors for cervical cancer. Hum Cell 2021; 35:348-359. [PMID: 34846702 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00654-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The progression, metastasis, and prognosis of cervical cancer (CC) is influenced by the tumor immune microenvironment. Studies proved that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to engage in cervical cancer development, especially immune-related lncRNAs, have emerged crucial in the tumor immune process. This study was set out to identify an immune-related lncRNA signature. In total, 13,838 lncRNA expression profiles and 328 immune genes were acquired from the clnical data of 306 CC tissues and 3 non-CC tissues. From the 433 identified immune-related lncRNAs, 4 candidate immune-related lncRNAs (SOX21-AS1, AC005332.4, NCK1-DT, LINC01871) were considered independent indicators of cervical cancer prognosis through the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and they were used to construct a prognostic and survival lncRNA signature model followed by the bootstrap method for further verification. Kaplan-Meier curves illustrated that cervical cancer patients could be divided into high-risk and low-risk groups with significant differences (P = 2.052e - 05), and the discrepancy of immune profiles between these two risk groups was illustrated by principal components analysis. Taken together, the novel survival predictive model created by the four immune-related lncRNAs showed promising clinical prediction value in cervical cancer.
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23
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Heeren AM, Rotman J, Samuels S, Zijlmans HJMAA, Fons G, van de Vijver KK, Bleeker MCG, Kenter GG, Jordanova EJ, de Gruijl TD. Immune landscape in vulvar cancer-draining lymph nodes indicates distinct immune escape mechanisms in support of metastatic spread and growth. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003623. [PMID: 34697217 PMCID: PMC8547515 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Therapeutic immune intervention is highly dependent on the T-cell priming and boosting capacity of tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN). In vulvar cancer, in-depth studies on the immune status of (pre)metastatic TDLN is lacking. Methods We have phenotyped and enumerated various T-cell and myeloid subsets in tumor-free (LN−, n=27) and metastatic TDLN (LN+, n=11) using flow cytometry. Additionally, we studied chemokine and cytokine release profiles and assessed expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in relation to plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) or myeloid subsets. Results Metastatic involvement of TDLN was accompanied by an inflamed microenvironment with immune suppressive features, marked by hampered activation of migratory DC, increased cytokine/chemokine release, and closely correlated elevations of pDC and LN-resident conventional DC (LNR-cDC) activation state and frequencies, as well as of terminal CD8+ effector-memory T-cell (TemRA) differentiation, regulatory T-cell (Treg) rates, T-cell activation, and expression of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoints. In addition, high indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression and increased frequencies of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (mMDSC) were observed. Correlation analyses with primary and metastatic tumor burden suggested respective roles for Tregs and suppression of inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS)+ T helper cells in early metastatic niche formation and for CD14+ LNR-cDC and terminal T-cell differentiation in later stages of metastatic growth. Conclusions Metastatic spread in vulvar TDLN is marked by an inflamed microenvironment with activated effector T cells, which are likely kept in check by an interplay of suppressive feedback mechanisms. Our data support (neoadjuvant) TDLN-targeted therapeutic interventions based on CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade, to reinvigorate memory T cells and curb early metastatic spread and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marijne Heeren
- Cancer Center Amsterdam - Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jossie Rotman
- Cancer Center Amsterdam - Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Center for Gynecologic Oncology (CGOA), Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Samuels
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), AVL NKI, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Guus Fons
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology (CGOA), Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maaike C G Bleeker
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gemma G Kenter
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology (CGOA), Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), AVL NKI, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Center for Gynecologic Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ekaterina J Jordanova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam UMC - Locatie VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Cancer Center Amsterdam - Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Song Y, Nie L, Zhang YT. LncRNAs specifically overexpressed in endocervical adenocarcinoma are associated with an unfavorable recurrence prognosis and the immune response. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12116. [PMID: 34616607 PMCID: PMC8462375 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer is the fourth most common gynecological tumor in terms of both the incidence and mortality of females worldwide. Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) accounts for 70–80% of cervical cancers, and endocervical adenocarcinoma (EAC) accounts for 20–25%. Unlike CSCC, EAC has worse clinical outcomes and prognosis. In this study, we explored the relationship between various types of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and pathological types of cervical cancer. Methods RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used in this study. A single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and the ESTIMATE package were used to assess lncRNA activity and immune responses, respectively. RT-qPCR was performed to verify our findings. Results We explored the relationship between various types of lncRNAs and pathological types of cervical cancer. A series of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) and antisense RNAs, which are the major types of lncRNAs, were identified to be specifically expressed in EAC and associated with a poor recurrence prognosis in patients with cervical cancer, suggesting that they might serve as independent prognostic markers of recurrence in patients with cervical cancer. RT-qPCR was performed to verify the 10 EAC-specific lncRNAs in cervical cancer samples we collected. Furthermore, the overexpression of these lncRNAs was positively correlated with EAC pathology levels but negatively correlated with immune responses in the microenvironment of cervical cancer. Conclusions These lncRNAs potentially represent new biomarkers for the prediction of the recurrence prognosis and help obtain deeper insights into potential immunotherapeutic approaches for treating cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Song
- Department of Public Health, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Long Nie
- Department of Oncology, Suizhou Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- School of Nursing, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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25
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Walsh RJ, Tan DSP. The Role of Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Cervical Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4523. [PMID: 34640541 PMCID: PMC8509251 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers in women around the world however therapeutic options in the advanced and recurrent setting are limited. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been considered an attractive option given the viral etiology of cervical cancer although the majority of patients do not benefit from their use. This review summarises current knowledge and use of immune checkpoint blockade in cervical cancer as well as discussing the challenges faced in their clinical application, namely, the role of biomarker-driven ICI use, potential mechanisms of resistance, strategies to overcome such resistance and additional immunotherapy options beyond ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Walsh
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore 119074, Singapore;
| | - David S. P. Tan
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore 119074, Singapore;
- Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
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26
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Theobald L, Stroeder R, Melchior P, Iordache II, Tänzer T, Port M, Glombitza B, Marx S, Schub D, Herr C, Hart M, Ludwig N, Meese E, Kim YJ, Bohle RM, Smola S, Rübe C, Solomayer EF, Walch-Rückheim B. Chemoradiotherapy-induced increase in Th17 cell frequency in cervical cancer patients is associated with therapy resistance and early relapse. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:3559-3577. [PMID: 34469022 PMCID: PMC8637579 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer therapy is still a major clinical challenge, as patients substantially differ in their response to standard treatments, including chemoradiotherapy (CRT). During cervical carcinogenesis, T-helper (Th)-17 cells accumulate in the peripheral blood and tumor tissues of cancer patients and are associated with poor prognosis. In this prospective study, we find increased Th17 frequencies in the blood of patients after chemoradiotherapy and a post-therapeutic ratio of Th17/CD4+ T cells > 8% was associated with early recurrence. Furthermore, Th17 cells promote resistance of cervical cancer cells toward CRT, which was dependent on the AKT signaling pathway. Consistently, patients with high Th17 frequencies in pretherapeutic biopsies exhibit lower response to primary CRT. This work reveals a key role of Th17 cells in CRT resistance and elevated Th17 frequencies in the blood after CRT correspond with early recurrence. Our results may help to explain individual treatment responses of cervical cancer patients and suggest evaluation of Th17 cells as a novel predictive biomarker for chemoradiotherapy responses and as a potential target for immunotherapy in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Theobald
- Institute of Virology and Center of Human and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Russalina Stroeder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Patrick Melchior
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Ioan Iulian Iordache
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Tanja Tänzer
- Institute of Virology and Center of Human and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Meike Port
- Institute of Virology and Center of Human and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Birgit Glombitza
- Institute of Virology and Center of Human and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Stefanie Marx
- Department of Transplant and Infection Immunology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - David Schub
- Department of Transplant and Infection Immunology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Christian Herr
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Martin Hart
- Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Nicole Ludwig
- Institute of Human Genetics and Center of Human and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Yoo-Jin Kim
- Institute of Pathology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Rainer Maria Bohle
- Institute of Pathology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Sigrun Smola
- Institute of Virology and Center of Human and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Christian Rübe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Erich Franz Solomayer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Barbara Walch-Rückheim
- Institute of Virology and Center of Human and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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27
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The Prognostic Value of the Lymph Node in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma; Incorporating Clinicopathological and Immunological Profiling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164005. [PMID: 34439160 PMCID: PMC8391676 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Oesophageal cancer rates are increasing rapidly with patients often presenting at an advanced stage. The current approach to treatment involves radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combination chemoradiotherapy with surgery; however, only a fraction of these patients will achieve meaningful responses. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the tumour and lymph node microenvironments to inform future treatment strategies. This study measured immune markers including immune checkpoint expression in tumour and lymph node tissue in oesophageal cancer patients and patient clinical outcomes, including survival time, response to treatment, and adverse events. We report herein that nodal metastases is of equal prognostic importance to clinical tumour stage and tumour regression grade in OAC and we observed a more immunosuppressive microenvironment in the tumour compared with the lymph node. Abstract Response rates to the current gold standards of care for treating oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) remain modest with 15–25% of patients achieving meaningful pathological responses, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. This study consists of immune, angiogenic, and inflammatory profiling of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and lymph node microenvironment (LNME) in OAC. The prognostic value of nodal involvement and clinicopathological features was compared using a retrospective cohort of OAC patients (n = 702). The expression of inhibitory immune checkpoints by T cells infiltrating tumour-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) and tumour tissue post-chemo(radio)therapy at surgical resection was assessed by flow cytometry. Nodal metastases is of equal prognostic importance to clinical tumour stage and tumour regression grade (TRG) in OAC. The TME exhibited a greater immuno-suppressive phenotype than the LNME. Our data suggests that blockade of these checkpoints may have a therapeutic rationale for boosting response rates in OAC.
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28
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Shamseddine AA, Burman B, Lee NY, Zamarin D, Riaz N. Tumor Immunity and Immunotherapy for HPV-Related Cancers. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:1896-1912. [PMID: 33990345 PMCID: PMC8338882 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection drives tumorigenesis in the majority of cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, and vulvar cancers. Genetic and epidemiologic evidence has highlighted the role of immunosuppression in the oncogenesis of HPV-related malignancies. Here we review how HPV modulates the immune microenvironment and subsequent therapeutic implications. We describe the landscape of immunotherapies for these cancers with a focus on findings from early-phase studies exploring antigen-specific treatments, and discuss future directions. Although responses across these studies have been modest to date, a deeper understanding of HPV-related tumor biology and immunology may prove instrumental for the development of more efficacious immunotherapeutic approaches. SIGNIFICANCE: HPV modulates the microenvironment to create a protumorigenic state of immune suppression and evasion. Our understanding of these mechanisms has led to the development of immunomodulatory treatments that have shown early clinical promise in patients with HPV-related malignancies. This review summarizes our current understanding of the interactions of HPV and its microenvironment and provides insight into the progress and challenges of developing immunotherapies for HPV-related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achraf A Shamseddine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Bharat Burman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nancy Y Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Dmitriy Zamarin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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29
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Borst J, Busselaar J, Bosma DMT, Ossendorp F. Mechanism of action of PD-1 receptor/ligand targeted cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1911-1920. [PMID: 34106465 PMCID: PMC8453912 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy targeting the Programmed Death (PD-1) receptor/ligand (L) "checkpoint" rapidly gains ground in the treatment of many cancer types. To increase treatment scope and efficacy, predictive biomarkers and rational selection of co-treatments are required. To meet these demands, we must understand PD-1 function in detail. We here outline recent insights into the regulation of the CD8+ T cell response by PD-1. The prevailing view has been that blockade of PD-1/ligand (L) interaction "reinvigorates" cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) that were rendered dysfunctional in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, this review stresses that tumors continuously communicate with adjacent draining lymph nodes (LNs) and that the PD-1 checkpoint also operates during T cell priming. We clarify the role of the PD-(L)1 system at the T cell/DC interface, where it regulates T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and CD28 costimulation and thus controls activation of tumor-specific T cells. We also highlight the importance of CD4+ T cell help during priming, which allows DCs to provide other costimulatory and cytokine signals required for optimal CTL differentiation and likely avoidance of a dysfunctional state. Therefore, we pose that PD-(L)1 blockade should exploit LN function and be combined with "help" signals to optimize CTL efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannie Borst
- Department of Immunology and *Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Julia Busselaar
- Department of Immunology and *Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Douwe M. T. Bosma
- Department of Immunology and *Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Ferry Ossendorp
- Department of Immunology and *Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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30
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Liu Y, Lu M, Chen J, Li S, Deng Y, Yang S, Ou Q, Li J, Gao P, Luo Z, Yuan P, Tan J, Gao X. Extracellular vesicles derived from lung cancer cells exposed to intermittent hypoxia upregulate programmed death ligand 1 expression in macrophages. Sleep Breath 2021; 26:893-906. [PMID: 34254261 PMCID: PMC9130183 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-021-02369-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Intermittent hypoxia (IH), a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), compromises immune surveillance through the upregulation of programmed cell death-1 ligand (PD-L1). Tumor-released extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been reported to modulate immunosuppressive activities. We investigated whether or not EVs derived from intermittent hypoxic lung cancer cells can alter the expression of PD-L1 in macrophages. Methods The expression of PD-L1+monocytes from 40 patients with newly diagnosed non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and with (n=21) or without (n=19) OSA were detected. Plasma EVs isolated from NSCLC patients with moderate–severe OSA (n=4) and without OSA (n=4) were co-cultured with macrophages. A549 cells were exposed to normoxia or IH (48 cycles of 5 min of 1% O2 hypoxia, followed by 5 min of normoxia). EVs were isolated from cell supernatant and were co-cultured with macrophages differentiated from THP-1. PD-L1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) expressions were measured by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis. Results PD-L1+monocytes were elevated in NSCLC patients with OSA and increased with the severity of OSA and nocturnal desaturation. PD-L1+ macrophages were induced by EVs from NSCLC patients with OSA and positively correlated with HIF-1α expressions. EVs from IH-treated A549 can promote PD-L1 and HIF-1α expression in macrophages and the upregulation of PD-L1 expression was reversed by specific HIF-1α inhibitor. Conclusion IH can enhance the function of EVs derived from lung cancer cells to aggravate immunosuppressive status in macrophages. HIF-1α may play an important role in this process. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11325-021-02369-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanling Liu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Minzhen Lu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jianan Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Siqi Li
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yiyu Deng
- Department of Critical Care and Emergency, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shifang Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qiong Ou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zeru Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jianlong Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xinglin Gao
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan 2nd road No. 106, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Solinas C, Gu-Trantien C, Willard-Gallo K. The rationale behind targeting the ICOS-ICOS ligand costimulatory pathway in cancer immunotherapy. ESMO Open 2021; 5:S2059-7029(20)30002-8. [PMID: 32516116 PMCID: PMC7003380 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2019-000544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS, cluster of differentiation (CD278)) is an activating costimulatory immune checkpoint expressed on activated T cells. Its ligand, ICOSL is expressed on antigen-presenting cells and somatic cells, including tumour cells in the tumour microenvironment. ICOS and ICOSL expression is linked to the release of soluble factors (cytokines), induced by activation of the immune response. ICOS and ICOSL binding generates various activities among the diversity of T cell subpopulations, including T cell activation and effector functions and when sustained also suppressive activities mediated by regulatory T cells. This dual role in both antitumour and protumour activities makes targeting the ICOS/ICOSL pathway attractive for enhancement of antitumour immune responses. This review summarises the biological background and rationale for targeting ICOS/ICOSL in cancer together with an overview of the principal ongoing clinical trials that are testing it in combination with anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 and anti-programmed cell death-1 or anti-programmed cell death ligand-1 based immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Solinas
- Regional Hospital of Valle d'Aosta, Azienda USL Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
| | - Chunyan Gu-Trantien
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
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Yan W, Jin H, Zhang X, Long S, Xia Q, Meng D, Ding B, Li D, Ma J, Cao J, Wang S. Identification of an immune signature to predict poor clinical outcome in cervical cancer. Epigenomics 2021; 13:891-907. [PMID: 33955785 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To explore tumor immune microenvironment and identify immune prognostic-related circRNAs in cervical cancer. Materials & methods: RNA-seq in combination with bioinformatics were performed to establish a prognostic risk model and a circRNAs-miRNAs-CXCL8 network. Results: High-risk group correlated with poor survival outcome, and had lower PD-1 immunogenicity. Additionally, CXCL8 could distinguish normal tissue, low- and high-risk tumor tissues, the expression of which showed an increasing trend among the three groups. RNA-seq and bioinformatics indicated that circRNAs like hsa_circ_0025721 might upregulate CXCL8 through sponging miRNAs including hsa-miR-4428. Conclusion: We constructed an immune risk model related with CD8 T cells to predict the cervical cancer patients' prognosis and explored the abnormal expression mechanism of CXCL8 through the ceRNA mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hua Jin
- Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University (Nantong Tumor Hospital), Nantong, 226361, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Sigui Long
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qianqian Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dan Meng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Bo Ding
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dake Li
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Jingru Ma
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Shizhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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R S J. The Immune Microenvironment in Human Papilloma Virus-Induced Cervical Lesions-Evidence for Estrogen as an Immunomodulator. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:649815. [PMID: 33996630 PMCID: PMC8120286 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.649815] [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: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted disease. However, most of the HPV infections eventually resolve aided by the body’s efficient cell-mediated immune responses. In the vast majority of the small group of patients who develop overt disease too, it is the immune response that culminates in regression of lesions. It is therefore a rarity that persistent infection by high-risk genotypes of HPV compounded by other risk factors progresses through precancer (various grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia—CIN) to cervical cancer (CxCa). Hence, although CxCa is a rare culmination of HPV infection, the latter is nevertheless causally linked to >90% of cancer. The three ‘Es’ of cancer immunoediting viz. elimination, equilibrium, and escape come into vogue during the gradual evolution of CIN 1 to CxCa. Both cell-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms operate to eliminate virally infected cells: cell-extrinsic players are anti-tumor/antiviral effectors like Th1 subset of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, Natural Killer cells, etc. and pro-tumorigenic/immunosuppressive cells like regulatory T cells (Tregs), Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), type 2 macrophages, etc. And accordingly, when immunosuppressive cells overpower the effectors e.g., in high-grade lesions like CIN 2 or 3, the scale is tilted towards immune escape and the disease progresses to cancer. Estradiol has long been considered as a co-factor in cervical carcinogenesis. In addition to the gonads, the Peyer’s patches in the gut synthesize estradiol. Over and above local production of the hormone in the tissues, estradiol metabolism by the gut microbiome: estrobolome versus tryptophan non-metabolizing microbiome, regulates free estradiol levels in the intestine and extraintestinal mucosal sites. Elevated tissue levels of the hormone serve more than one purpose: besides a direct growth-promoting action on cervical epithelial cells, estradiol acting genomically via Estrogen Receptor-α also boosts the function of the stromal and infiltrating immunosuppressive cells viz. Tregs, MDSCs, and carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. Hence as a corollary, therapeutic repurposing of Selective Estrogen Receptor Disruptors or aromatase inhibitors could be useful for modulating immune function in cervical precancer/cancer. The immunomodulatory role of estradiol in HPV-mediated cervical lesions is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayshree R S
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India
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Mabuchi S, Sasano T. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells as Therapeutic Targets in Uterine Cervical and Endometrial Cancers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051073. [PMID: 33946532 PMCID: PMC8147228 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine cervical and endometrial cancers are the two most common gynecological malignancies. As demonstrated in other types of solid malignancies, an increased number of circulating or tumor-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have also been observed in uterine cervical and endometrial cancers, and increased MDSCs are associated with an advanced stage, a short survival, or a poor response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In murine models of uterine cervical and endometrial cancers, MDSCs have been shown to play important roles in the progression of cancer. In this review, we have introduced the definition of MDSCs and their functions, discussed the roles of MDSCs in uterine cervical and endometrial cancer progression, and reviewed treatment strategies targeting MDSCs, which may exhibit growth-inhibitory effects and enhance the efficacy of existing anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Mabuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-744-29-8877; Fax: +81-744-23-6557
| | - Tomoyuki Sasano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Saiseikai Nakatsu Hospital, Osaka 530-0012, Japan;
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Zhang L, Zhao Y, Tu Q, Xue X, Zhu X, Zhao KN. The Roles of Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1/ Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-L1/PD-1) in HPV-induced Cervical Cancer and Potential for their Use in Blockade Therapy. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:893-909. [PMID: 32003657 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200128105459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer induced by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) remains a leading cause of mortality for women worldwide although preventive vaccines and early diagnosis have reduced morbidity and mortality. Advanced cervical cancer can only be treated with either chemotherapy or radiotherapy but the outcomes are poor. The median survival for advanced cervical cancer patients is only 16.8 months. METHODS We undertook a structural search of peer-reviewed published studies based on 1). Characteristics of programmed cell death ligand-1/programmed cell death-1(PD-L1/PD-1) expression in cervical cancer and upstream regulatory signals of PD-L1/PD-1 expression, 2). The role of the PD-L1/PD-1 axis in cervical carcinogenesis induced by HPV infection and 3). Whether the PD-L1/PD-1 axis has emerged as a potential target for cervical cancer therapies. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-six published papers were included in the review, demonstrating that expression of PD-L1/PD-1 is associated with HPV-caused cancer, especially with HPV 16 and 18 which account for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. HPV E5/E6/E7 oncogenes activate multiple signalling pathways including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, STAT3/NF-kB and microRNA, which regulate PD-L1/PD-1 axis to promote HPV-induced cervical carcinogenesis. The PD-L1/PD-1 axis plays a crucial role in the immune escape of cervical cancer through inhibition of host immune response. Creating an "immune-privileged" site for initial viral infection and subsequent adaptive immune resistance, which provides a rationale for the therapeutic blockade of this axis in HPV-positive cancers. Currently, Phase I/II clinical trials evaluating the effects of PDL1/ PD-1 targeted therapies are in progress for cervical carcinoma, which provide an important opportunity for the application of anti-PD-L1/anti-PD-1 antibodies in cervical cancer treatment. CONCLUSION Recent research developments have led to an entirely new class of drugs using antibodies against the PD-L1/PD-1 thus promoting the body's immune system to fight cancer. The expression and roles of the PD-L1/ PD-1 axis in the progression of cervical cancer provide great potential for using PD-L1/PD-1 antibodies as a targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035 Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Quanmei Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- School of Basic Medical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035 Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kong-Nan Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035 Zhejiang, China
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Lu Q, Zhang Y, Chen X, Gu W, Ji X, Chen Z. Prognostic significance and immune infiltration of microenvironment-related signatures in pancreatic cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24957. [PMID: 33761652 PMCID: PMC9282111 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is 1 of the highly fatal and most aggressive types of malignancies and accounts for the vast majority of Pancreatic Cancer. Numerous studies have reported that the tumor microenvironment (TME) was significantly correlated with the oncogenesis, progress, and prognosis of various malignancies. Therefore, mining of TME-related genes is reasonably important to improve the overall survival of patients with PDAC.The Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data algorithm was applied to identify differential expressed genes. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses, protein-protein interaction network construction and module analysis, overall survival analysis and tumor immune estimation resource database analysis were then performed on differential expressed genes.Data analysis indicated that higher immune scores were correlated with better overall survival (P = 0.033). Differential expression analysis obtained 90 intersection genes influencing both stromal and immune scores. Among these intersection genes, CA9, EBI3, SPOCK2, WDFY4, CD1D, and CCL22 were significantly correlated with overall survival in PDAC patients. Moreover, multivariate Cox analysis revealed that CA9, SPOCK2, and CD1D were the most significant prognostic genes, and were closely correlated with immune infiltration in TCGA cohort. Further analysis indicated that CD1D were significantly related with immune cell biomarkers for PDAC patients.In summary, our findings provide a more comprehensive insight into TME and show a list of prognostic immune associated genes in PDAC. However, further studies on these genes need to be performed to gain additional understanding of the association between TME and prognosis in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Lu
- Department of General surgery, Tongzhou People's Hospital
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaojian Chen
- Department of General surgery, Tongzhou People's Hospital
| | - Weihong Gu
- Department of General surgery, Tongzhou People's Hospital
| | - Xinrong Ji
- Department of General surgery, Tongzhou People's Hospital
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Abstract
In persistent high-risk HPV infection, viral gene expression can trigger some important early changes to immune capabilities which act to protect the lesion from immune attack and subsequently promote its growth and ability for sustained immune escape. This includes immune checkpoint-inhibitor ligand expression (e.g. PD-L1) by tumour or associated immune cells that can block any anti-tumour T-cell effectors. While there are encouraging signs of efficacy for cancer immunotherapies including with immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines and adoptive cell therapies, overall response and survival rates remain relatively low. HPV oncogene vaccination has shown some useful efficacy in treatment of patients with high-grade lesions but was unable to control later stage cancers. To maximally exploit anti-tumour immune responses, the suppressive factors associated with HPV carcinogenesis must be countered. Importantly, a combination of chemotherapy, reducing immunosuppressive myeloid cells, with therapeutic HPV vaccination significantly improves impact on cancer treatment. Many clinical trials are investigating checkpoint inhibitor treatments in HPV associated cancers but response rates are limited; combination with vaccination is being tested. Further investigation of how chemo- and/or radio-therapy can influence the recovery of effective anti-tumour immunity is warranted. Understanding how to optimally deploy and sequence conventional and immunotherapies is the challenge.
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Yang L, Yang Y, Meng M, Wang W, He S, Zhao Y, Gao H, Tang W, Liu S, Lin Z, Li L, Hou Z. Identification of prognosis-related genes in the cervical cancer immune microenvironment. Gene 2021; 766:145119. [PMID: 32946928 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. The metastasis and invasion of this type of cancer are closely related to the tumor microenvironment. Immune cells and stromal cells dominate the tumor microenvironment in cervical cancer. Therefore, we should further investigate the complex interplay between the tumor progression with immune cells or stromal cells. METHODS We downloaded the gene expression profiles and clinical data of 307 patients with cervical cancers based on the TCGA database. Subsequently, the Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumours using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm was used to calculate the scores of stromal cells and immune cells in order to uncover differential expressed genes, and we analyzed the correlation between their scores and patient survival. Then the Cell type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets Of known RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) deconvolution algorithm was applied to quantify the fraction and infiltration of 22 types of immune cells in cervical cancer. Moreover, we also used R language packs and network tools to analyze GO term, gene enrichment pathway, and protein-protein relationship to trace down genes related to inflammation and immune regulation. RESULTS The gene expression profiles and corresponding clinical data of 307 patients were obtained from TCGA database. The results showed that the scores were statistically significant between the high immunescore group and the low immunescore group. And the low immunescore group had shorter survival period than the high scores group (P = 0.035). Among the 22 types of immune cells, only T cells and mast cells were significantly related to the survival rate of cervical cancer patients. Moreover, PPI network analysis revealed that CCR5 and CXCL9, -10, -11/CXCR3 axis might be a new target for cervical cancer treatment. Finally, Kaplan-Meier survival curves found outnine representative genes significantly related to survival rate including BTNL8, CCR7, CD1E, CD6, CD27, CD79A, GRAP2, SP1B, LY9. CONCLUSIONS These genes can be used as markers for the prognosis and diagnosis of cervical cancer and also might be used as treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Yang
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China
| | - Mingyao Meng
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Yunnan Cell Biology and Clinical Translation Research Center, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China
| | - Wenju Wang
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Yunnan Cell Biology and Clinical Translation Research Center, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China
| | - Shan He
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Yunnan Cell Biology and Clinical Translation Research Center, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China
| | - Yiyi Zhao
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China
| | - Shijie Liu
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China
| | - Zhuying Lin
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Yunnan Cell Biology and Clinical Translation Research Center, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China.
| | - Zongliu Hou
- Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China; Yunnan Cell Biology and Clinical Translation Research Center, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650000, China.
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Rotman J, den Otter LAS, Bleeker MCG, Samuels SS, Heeren AM, Roemer MGM, Kenter GG, Zijlmans HJMAA, van Trommel NE, de Gruijl TD, Jordanova ES. PD-L1 and PD-L2 Expression in Cervical Cancer: Regulation and Biomarker Potential. Front Immunol 2020; 11:596825. [PMID: 33424844 PMCID: PMC7793653 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.596825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors show potential for cervical cancer treatment. However, low response rates suggest that patient selection based on PD-L1 protein expression is not optimal. Here, we evaluated different PD-L1 detection methods and studied transcriptional regulation of PD-L1/PD-L2 expression by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) mRNAseq analysis. First, we determined the copy number of the PD-L1/PD-L2 locus by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), PD-L1 mRNA expression by RNA in situ hybridization (RNAish), and PD-L1/PD-L2 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue microarrays containing a cohort of 60 patients. Additionally, distribution of PD-L1/PD-L2 was visualized based on flow cytometry analysis of single-cell suspensions (n = 10). PD-L1/PD-L2 locus amplification was rare (2%). PD-L1 mRNA expression in tumor cells was detected in 56% of cases, while 41% expressed PD-L1 protein. Discordant scores for PD-L1 protein expression on tumor cells between cores from one patient were observed in 27% of cases. Interestingly, with RNAish, PD-L1 heterogeneity was observed in only 11% of the cases. PD-L2 protein expression was found in 53%. PD-L1 mRNA and protein expression on tumor cells were strongly correlated (p < 0.001). PD-L1 and PD-L2 protein expression showed no correlation on tumor cells (p = 0.837), but a strong correlation on cells in stromal fields (p < 0.001). Co-expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 on macrophage-like populations was also observed with flow cytometry analysis. Both PD-L1 and PD-L2 TCGA transcript levels strongly correlated in the TCGA data, and both PD-L1 and PD-L2 strongly correlated with interferon gamma (IFNG) expression/transcript levels (p < 0.0001). Importantly, patients with high PD-L1/PD-L2/IFNG transcript levels had a survival advantage over patients with high PD-L1/PD-L2 and low IFNG expression. Based on these findings, we conclude that PD-L1/PD-L2 expression in cervical cancer is mainly associated with interferon induction and not gene amplification, which makes FISH unsuitable as biomarker. The heterogeneous PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression patterns suggest IHC unreliable for patient selection. RNAish, in conjunction with interferon signaling evaluation, seems a promising technique for immune checkpoint detection. These results warrant further investigation into their prognostic and predictive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jossie Rotman
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Leontine A S den Otter
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maaike C G Bleeker
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sanne S Samuels
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - A Marijne Heeren
- Department of Medical Oncology Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Margaretha G M Roemer
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gemma G Kenter
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (NKI-AVL), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henry J M A A Zijlmans
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (NKI-AVL), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nienke E van Trommel
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (NKI-AVL), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ekaterina S Jordanova
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Björk Gunnarsdottir F, Auoja N, Bendahl PO, Rydén L, Fernö M, Leandersson K. Co-localization of CD169 + macrophages and cancer cells in lymph node metastases of breast cancer patients is linked to improved prognosis and PDL1 expression. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1848067. [PMID: 33299660 PMCID: PMC7714471 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1848067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide. Although the survival among breast cancer patients has improved, there is still a large group of patients with dismal prognosis. One of the most important prognostic factors for poor prognosis is lymph node metastasis. Increasing knowledge concerning the lymph nodes of breast cancer patients indicates that they are affected by the primary tumor. In this study we show that presence of CD169+ subcapsular sinus macrophages in contact with lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients, is related to better prognosis after adjuvant tamoxifen treatment, but only in patients with PDL1+ primary tumors. This is in contrast to the prognostic effect of CD169+ primary tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We further show that CD169+ macrophages were spatially associated with expression of PDL1 on nearby cells, both in primary tumors and metastatic lymph node, although PDL1 expression in metastatic lymph node as such did not have further prognostic impact. Our data suggest that CD169+ resident lymph node macrophages have a unique function in targeting immune responses against breast cancer and should be further investigated in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathalie Auoja
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Pär-Ola Bendahl
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lisa Rydén
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fernö
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Leandersson
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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41
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PD-1 blockade in recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer: Data from cemiplimab phase I expansion cohorts and characterization of PD-L1 expression in cervical cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 159:322-328. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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The Potential of Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Cervical Cancer: Can Combinatorial Regimens Maximize Response? A Review of the Literature. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2020; 21:95. [PMID: 33025260 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-020-00790-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Cervical cancer (CC) is most often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In principle, these ties to the virus should make HPV tumors a relatively easy target for clearance by the immune system. However, these HPV-associated tumors have evolved strategies to escape immune attack. Checkpoint inhibition immunotherapy, which has had remarkable success in cancer treatment, has the potential to overcome the immune escape in CC by harnessing the patient's own immune system and priming it to recognize and kill tumors. Recent work involving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in CC lends credence to this belief, as pembrolizumab has shown evidence of clinical efficacy and consequently been granted accelerated approval by the FDA. That being said, the oncologic outcomes following monotherapy with these biologics have mostly been modest and variable, and this can be attributed to alternative resistance mechanisms to tumor response. The use of therapies that stimulate immune responses via checkpoint-independent activation will therefore augment release of T cell inhibition by checkpoint inhibitors for stronger and more sustained clinical responses. Such a combinatorial approach holds promise for weak- or non-responders to checkpoint therapies as supported by evidence from various, recent pre-clinical, and preliminary clinical studies.
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Seifert AM, Eymer A, Heiduk M, Wehner R, Tunger A, von Renesse J, Decker R, Aust DE, Welsch T, Reissfelder C, Weitz J, Schmitz M, Seifert L. PD-1 Expression by Lymph Node and Intratumoral Regulatory T Cells Is Associated with Lymph Node Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102756. [PMID: 32987956 PMCID: PMC7599971 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease and among the most immune-resistant tumor types. Single-agent immunotherapy has not demonstrated clinical benefits in pancreatic cancer patients, and combinational therapies targeting multiple mechanisms of immunosuppression are likely needed. T cell activation in lymph nodes is required for the efficacy of immunotherapy. Here, we phenotypically and functionally analyze T cells from tumor-draining lymph nodes, blood and tumors from patients with pancreatic cancer to decipher unknown immunosuppressive mechanisms and to identify potential immunotherapeutic targets. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a mostly immunosuppressive microenvironment. Tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN) are a major site for priming of tumor-reactive T cells and also tumor metastasis. However, the phenotype and function of T cells in TDLNs from PDAC patients is unknown. In this study, lymph nodes from the pancreatic head (PH), the hepatoduodenal ligament (HDL) and the interaortocaval (IAC) region were obtained from 25 patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. Additionally, tumors and matched blood were analyzed from 16 PDAC patients. Using multicolor flow cytometry, we performed a comprehensive analysis of T cells. CD4+ T cells were the predominant T cell subset in PDAC-draining lymph nodes. Overall, lymph node CD4+ and CD8+ T cells had a similar degree of activation, as measured by CD69, inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) and CD137 (4-1BB) expression and interferon-γ (IFNγ) secretion. Expression of the inhibitory receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1) by lymph node and tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs) correlated with lymph node metastasis. Collectively, Treg cells and PD-1 are two relevant components of the immunosuppressive network in PDAC-draining lymph nodes and may be particularly attractive targets for combinatorial immunotherapeutic strategies in selected patients with node-positive PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian M. Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.H.); (J.v.R.); (R.D.); (T.W.); (J.W.); (L.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Annabel Eymer
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.E.); (R.W.); (A.T.)
| | - Max Heiduk
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.H.); (J.v.R.); (R.D.); (T.W.); (J.W.); (L.S.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebekka Wehner
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.E.); (R.W.); (A.T.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Antje Tunger
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.E.); (R.W.); (A.T.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Janusz von Renesse
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.H.); (J.v.R.); (R.D.); (T.W.); (J.W.); (L.S.)
| | - Rahel Decker
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.H.); (J.v.R.); (R.D.); (T.W.); (J.W.); (L.S.)
| | - Daniela E. Aust
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty, University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
- NCT Biobank Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thilo Welsch
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.H.); (J.v.R.); (R.D.); (T.W.); (J.W.); (L.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Christoph Reissfelder
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Jürgen Weitz
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.H.); (J.v.R.); (R.D.); (T.W.); (J.W.); (L.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Marc Schmitz
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.E.); (R.W.); (A.T.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Lena Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.H.); (J.v.R.); (R.D.); (T.W.); (J.W.); (L.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
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44
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Guo L, Hua K. Cervical Cancer: Emerging Immune Landscape and Treatment. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8037-8047. [PMID: 32884290 PMCID: PMC7434518 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s264312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for defending the body’s balance and have increasingly been implicated in controlling tumor growth. In cervical cancer (CC), the immune landscape is extensively connected with human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Recent insights from studies have revealed that as a result of infection with HPV, immune cell populations such as lymphocytes or monocytes change during carcinogenesis. Immune therapy, in particular checkpoint inhibitors, those targeting PD-1 or PD-L1, has shown promising efficacy. This article reviews the immune landscape and immunotherapy of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luopei Guo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Keqin Hua
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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45
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Attademo L, Tuninetti V, Pisano C, Cecere SC, Di Napoli M, Tambaro R, Valabrega G, Musacchio L, Setola SV, Piccirillo P, Califano D, Spina A, Losito S, Greggi S, Pignata S. Immunotherapy in cervix cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 90:102088. [PMID: 32827839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The treatment approach to cervix cancer has remained unchanged for several decades and new therapeutic strategies are now required to improve outcomes, as the prognosis is still poor. In the last years, a better understanding of HPV tumor-host immune system interactions and the development of new therapeutics targeting immune checkpoints generated interest in the use of immunotherapy in cervix cancer. Preliminary phase I-II trials demonstrated the efficacy, the duration of responses and the manageable safety of this approach. Currently, many phase II and III studies are ongoing in both locally advanced and metastatic cervical cancer, assessing immunotherapy as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We reviewed the published data and the therapeutic implications of the most promising novel immunotherapeutic agents under investigation in cervix cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Attademo
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Valentina Tuninetti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS Candiolo (TO), Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy.
| | - Carmela Pisano
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Chiara Cecere
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Marilena Di Napoli
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosa Tambaro
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Valabrega
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS Candiolo (TO), Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy.
| | - Lucia Musacchio
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, University "Sapienza", Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Patrizia Piccirillo
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Daniela Califano
- Functional Genomic Unit, Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Anna Spina
- Functional Genomic Unit, Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Simona Losito
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Stefano Greggi
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Sandro Pignata
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
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46
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Wang H, Yan C, Ye H. Overexpression of MUC16 predicts favourable prognosis in MUC16-mutant cervical cancer related to immune response. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:1725-1733. [PMID: 32765681 PMCID: PMC7388571 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth ranking gynaecologic tumour in women worldwide, with respect to both incidence and mortality. MUC16 is one of the most frequently mutated genes, which functions as a tumour marker in CC. In the present study, mutation, clinical and RNA-Seq data collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were used to investigate the association between MUC16 mutation, immune response and clinical prognosis in CC. mRNA expression levels from the TCGA datasets and the results from the present study demonstrated that MUC16 was overexpressed in CC samples; however, there was no difference between mutant and wild-type CC samples. Furthermore, the results indicated that patients with MUC16-mutant overexpression had a prolonged survival time. In addition, overexpression of MUC16 was associated with immune responses in the microenvironment of MUC16-mutant CC. Immune responses were upregulated in patients with early-stage MUC16-mutant. The results from the present study provided novel biomarkers for potential immunotherapy approaches for CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
| | - Chao Yan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
| | - Hong Ye
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
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47
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Brunekreeft KL, Paijens ST, Wouters MC, Komdeur FL, Eggink FA, Lubbers JM, Workel HH, Van Der Slikke EC, Pröpper NE, Leffers N, Adam J, Pijper H, Plat A, Kol A, Nijman HW, De Bruyn M. Deep immune profiling of ovarian tumors identifies minimal MHC-I expression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy as negatively associated with T-cell-dependent outcome. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1760705. [PMID: 32923120 PMCID: PMC7458665 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1760705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial Ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy and has limited curative therapeutic options. Immunotherapy for EOC is promising, but clinical efficacy remains restricted to a small percentage of patients. Several lines of evidence suggest that the low response rate might be improved by combining immunotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel, the standard-of-care chemotherapy for EOC. Here, we assessed the immune contexture of EOC tumors, draining lymph nodes, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells during carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy. We observed that the immune contexture of EOC patients is defined by the tissue of origin, independent of exposure to chemotherapy. Summarized, draining lymph nodes were characterized by a quiescent microenvironment composed of mostly non-proliferating naïve CD4 + T cells. Circulating T cells shared phenotypic features of both lymph nodes and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Immunologically 'hot' ovarian tumors were characterized by ICOS, GITR, and PD-1 expression on CD4 + and CD8 + cells, independent of chemotherapy. The presence of PD-1 + cells in tumors prior to, but not after, chemotherapy was associated with disease-specific survival (DSS). Accordingly, we observed high MHC-I expression in tumors prior to chemotherapy, but minimal MHC-I expression in tumors after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, even though there were no differences in the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in both groups. We therefore speculate that the TIL influx into the chemotherapy tumor microenvironment may be a consequence of the general inflammatory nature of chemotherapy-experienced tumors. Strategies to upregulate MHC-I during or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy may thus improve treatment outcome in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L. Brunekreeft
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sterre T. Paijens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Fenne L. Komdeur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Florine A. Eggink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce M. Lubbers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hagma H. Workel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth C. Van Der Slikke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Noor E.J. Pröpper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ninke Leffers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Adam
- Department of Clinical Biology, Institut De Cancérologie Gustave Roussy, Paris, France
| | - Harry Pijper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annechien Plat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Kol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans W. Nijman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco De Bruyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
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48
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Yang H, Ye S, Goswami S, Li T, Wu J, Cao C, Ma J, Lu B, Pei X, Chen Y, Yu J, Xu H, Qiu L, Afridi S, Xiang L, Zhang X. Highly immunosuppressive HLADR hi regulatory T cells are associated with unfavorable outcomes in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:1993-2006. [PMID: 31709528 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance, but they also limit beneficial responses through cancer-induced immunoediting. The roles of Treg subsets in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) are currently unknown. Here, we aimed to perform an extensive study with an increased resolution of the Treg compartment in the peripheral blood and tumor tissues of CSCC patients. We first identified that an HLADRhi Treg population in the peripheral blood was significantly increased in CSCC patients compared to precancer patients and healthy donors. We found that HLADRhi Tregs express high levels of a panel of inhibition and activation markers and the TCR-responsive transcription factors BATF and IRF4. However, this Treg subset showed reduced calcium influx after TCR crosslinking. In addition, HLADRhi Tregs are highly proliferative and vulnerable to apoptosis. Further studies demonstrated that the HLADRhi Tregs display high levels of suppressive activity. Quantitative multiplexed immunohistochemistry revealed that an increase in the number of tumor-infiltrating HLADRhi Tregs is associated with unfavorable classical risk parameters of advanced disease stage and stromal invasion. Context-based quantification revealed that a high frequency of stromal HLADRhi Tregs in patients is significantly associated with worse progression-free survival. In the current study, we characterized a population of highly activated and immunosuppressive HLADRhi Tregs in CSCC patients. An increased HLADRhi Treg frequency may be a potential biomarker to stratify CSCC patients and evaluate therapeutic efficacies in personalized immuno-oncology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Ye
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shyamal Goswami
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Teng Li
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Wu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunmei Cao
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqiang Ma
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Lu
- Rudong People's Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Pei
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yu
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwei Qiu
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Saifullah Afridi
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Secretariat c/o Military Hospital, Adjacent to Armed Force Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Libing Xiang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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49
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Pan XB, Lu Y, Huang JL, Long Y, Yao DS. Prognostic genes in the tumor microenvironment in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:10154-10166. [PMID: 31740624 PMCID: PMC6914434 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is one of the most commonly occurring gynecological malignancies. Because CSCC is a biologically heterogeneous disease, its prognosis varies. Therefore, identifying prognostic biomarkers that reflect its biological heterogeneity could lead to better interventions for patients with a poor prognosis. This study used the ESTIMATE algorithm to identify immune related prognostic genes within the tumor microenvironment of CSCC. The results revealed that high immune scores were associated with better overall survival (P = 0.029). Differential expression analysis revealed 384 intersection genes influencing both the immune and stromal scores. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed the 384 intersection genes to be mainly enriched for T cell activation, the region of the membrane, carbohydrate binding, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Among them, 149 immune genes were predictive of overall survival in CSCC. These findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of immune genes within the tumor microenvironment as well as a list of immune genes prognostic in CSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Bin Pan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Li Huang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ying Long
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - De-Sheng Yao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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Yang S, Wu Y, Deng Y, Zhou L, Yang P, Zheng Y, Zhang D, Zhai Z, Li N, Hao Q, Song D, Kang H, Dai Z. Identification of a prognostic immune signature for cervical cancer to predict survival and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:e1659094. [PMID: 31741756 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1659094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Limited studies have investigated whether immune-related genes (IRGs) or tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) could be indicators for CC prognoses. The aim of this study was to develop an improved prognostic signature for CC based on IRGs or TIME to predict survival and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). A prognostic signature was constructed using bioinformatics method and its predictive capability was validated. The mechanisms underlying the signature's predictive capability were explored with CIBERSORT algorithm and mutation analysis. Immunophenoscore (IPS) is validated for ICIs response, and was therefore explored in relation to the signature. A prognostic signature based on 11 IRGs was developed. A multivariate analysis revealed that the 11-IRG signature was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and progression-free interval in CC patients. In the 11-IRG signature high-risk group, CD8 T cells and resting mast cells, which are found to associate with better OS in our study, were lower; activated mast cells, associated with poorer OS, were higher, compared with the low-risk group. An IPS analysis suggested that the 11-IRG signature low-risk group, which possessed a higher IPS, represented a more immunogenic phenotype that was more inclined to respond to ICIs. In short, an 11-IRG prognostic signature for predicting CC patients' survival and response to ICIs was firmly established. The predictive capability of this model in CC requires further testing with the goal of better prognostic stratification and treatment management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yujiao Deng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Linghui Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengtao Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen Zhai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian Hao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dingli Song
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huafeng Kang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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