Head and Neck Cancers Promote an Inflammatory Transcriptome through Coactivation of Classic and Alternative NF-κB Pathways

Host derived macrophage migration inhibitory factor expression attenuates anti-tumoral immune cell accumulation and promotes immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant public health concern worldwide. Immunomodulatory targets in the HNSCC tumor microenvironment are crucial to enhance the efficacy of HNSCC immunotherapy. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that has been linked to poor prognosis in many cancers, but the mechanistic role of MIF in HNSCC remains unclear. Using a murine orthotopic oral cancer model in Mif+/+ or Mif-/- mice, we determined the function of host derived MIF in HNSCC tumor development, metastasis as well as localized and systemic tumor immune responses. We observed that Mif-/- mice have decreased tumor growth and tumor burden compared to their wild-type counterparts. Flow cytometric analysis of immune populations within the primary tumor site revealed increased Th1 and cytotoxic T cell recruitment to the HNSCC tumor microenvironment. Within the tumors of Mif-/- mice, MIF deletion also enhanced the effector function of anti-tumoral effector CD8+ T cells as well as Th1 cells and decreased the accumulation of granulocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (g-MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, MDSCs isolated from tumor bearing mice chemotactically respond to MIF in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, our results demonstrate a chemotactic and immunomodulatory role for host derived MIF in promoting HNSCC and suggest that MIF targeted immunomodulation is a promising approach for HNSCC treatment.

Identification and validation of a costimulatory molecule-related signature to predict the prognosis for uveal melanoma patients

Uveal melanoma (UVM) is the most common primary tumor in adult human eyes. Costimulatory molecules (CMs) are important in maintaining T cell biological functions and regulating immune responses. To investigate the role of CMs in UVM and exploit prognostic signature by bioinformatics analysis. This study aimed to identify and validate a CMs associated signature and investigate its role in the progression and prognosis of UVM. The expression profile data of training cohort and validation cohort were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. 60 CM genes were identified, and 34 genes were associated with prognosis by univariate Cox regression. A prognostic signature was established with six CM genes. Further, high- and low-risk groups were divided by the median, and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves indicated that high-risk patients presented a poorer prognosis. We analyzed the correlation of gender, age, stage, and risk score on prognosis by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. We found that risk score was the only risk factor for prognosis. Through the integration of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), it was found that the high-risk group presented more immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoints and obtained higher immune scores. Enrichment analysis of the biological functions of the two groups revealed that the differential parts were mainly related to cell-cell adhesion, regulation of T-cell activation, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. No differences in tumor mutation burden (TMB) were found between the two groups. GNA11 and BAP1 have higher mutation frequencies in high-risk patients. Finally, based on the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer 2 (GDSC2) dataset, drug sensitivity analysis found that high-risk patients may be potential beneficiaries of the treatment of crizotinib or temozolomide. Taken together, our CM-related prognostic signature is a reliable biomarker that may provide ideas for future treatments for the disease.

Influence of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Processes and Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Enrichment in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Constitutively active kinases play a crucial role in carcinogenesis, and their inhibition is a common target for molecular tumor therapy. We recently discovered the expression of two oncogenic isoforms of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), Btk-p80 and BTK-p65. However, the precise role of BTK in HNSCC remains unclear. Analyses of a tissue microarray containing benign and malignant as well as inflammatory tissue samples of the head and neck region revealed the preferential expression of BTK-p80 in malignant tissue, whereas BTK-p65 expression was confirmed in over 80% of analyzed metastatic head and neck tumor cases. Therefore, processes associated with metastasis, like cancer stem cell (CSC) enrichment and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which in turn depend on an appropriate cytokine milieu, were analyzed. Treatment of HNSCC-derived cell lines cultured under 3D conditions with the BTK inhibitor AVL-292 caused reduced sphere formation, which was accompanied by reduced numbers of ALDH1A1+ CSCs as well as biological changes associated with the EMT. Moreover, we observed reduced NF-κB expression as well as altered NF-κB dependent pro-tumorigenic and EMT-associated cytokine release of IL-6, IFNγ, and TNFα when BTK activity was dampened. Therefore, an autocrine regulation of the oncogenic BTK-dependent process in HNSCC can be suggested, with BTK inhibition expected to be an effective treatment option for HNSCC.

Silencing of TRAF5 enhances necroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting LTBR-mediated NF-κB signaling

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with poor prognosis and high mortality. This study aimed to explore the oncogenic mechanisms of TRAF5 in HCC and provide a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.

Methods

Human HCC cell lines (HepG2, HuH7, SMMC-LM3, and Hep3B), normal adult liver epithelial cells (THLE-2), and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) were utilized. Cell transfection was performed for functional investigation. qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to detect mRNA expression of TRAF5, LTBR, and NF-κB and protein expression of TRAF5, p-RIP1(S166)/RIP1, p-MLKL(S345)/MLKL, LTBR, and p-NF-κB/NF-κB. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Cell survival, necrosis, and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342/PI double staining. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were performed to determine the interaction between TRAF5 and LTBR. A xenograft model was established to validate the role of TRAF5 in HCC.

Results

TRAF5 knockdown inhibited HCC cell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion, and survival but enhanced necroptosis. Additionally, TRAF5 is correlated with LTBR and TRAF5 silencing down-regulated LTBR in HCC cells. LTBR knockdown inhibited HCC cell viability, while LTBR overexpression eliminated the effects of TRAF5 deficiency on inhibiting HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and survival. LTBR overexpression abolished the promotive function of TRAF5 knockdown on cell necroptosis. LTBR overexpression undid the suppressive effect of TRAF5 knockdown on NF-κB signaling in HCC cells. Moreover, TRAF5 knockdown suppressed xenograft tumor growth, inhibited cell proliferation, and promoted tumor cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

TRAF5 deficiency facilitates necroptosis in HCC by suppressing LTBR-mediated NF-κB signaling.

Inhibition of USP14 promotes TNFα-induced cell death in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

TNFα is a key mediator of immune, chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced cytotoxicity, but several cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), display resistance to TNFα due to activation of the canonical NFκB pro-survival pathway. However, direct targeting of this pathway is associated with significant toxicity; thus, it is vital to identify novel mechanism(s) contributing to NFκB activation and TNFα resistance in cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of proteasome-associated deubiquitinase USP14 is significantly increased in HNSCC and correlates with worse progression free survival in Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- HNSCC. Inhibition or depletion of USP14 inhibited the proliferation and survival of HNSCC cells. Further, USP14 inhibition reduced both basal and TNFα-inducible NFκB activity, NFκB-dependent gene expression and the nuclear translocation of the NFκB subunit RELA. Mechanistically, USP14 bound to both RELA and IκBα and reduced IκBα K48-ubiquitination leading to the degradation of IκBα, a critical inhibitor of the canonical NFκB pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrated that b-AP15, an inhibitor of USP14 and UCHL5, sensitized HNSCC cells to TNFα-mediated cell death, as well as radiation-induced cell death in vitro. Finally, b-AP15 delayed tumor growth and enhanced survival, both as a monotherapy and in combination with radiation, in HNSCC tumor xenograft models in vivo, which could be significantly attenuated by TNFα depletion. These data offer new insights into the activation of NFκB signaling in HNSCC and demonstrate that small molecule inhibitors targeting the ubiquitin pathway warrant further investigation as a novel therapeutic avenue to sensitize these cancers to TNFα- and radiation-induced cytotoxicity.

IL-1β, an important cytokine affecting Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastric carcinogenesis

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is prevalent around the world and responsible for gastric cancer (GC). The development of GC from gastritis is closely associated with the bacterial virulence and the body's immune response ability. In this process, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) plays an important role. Under H. pylori infection, IL-1β is highly expressed that result in gastric acid inhibition, GC-related gene methylations and disfunctions, angiogenesis. Nod-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome mediates IL-1β maturation in cells such as macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells. But how does IL-1β get released across the cell membrane still unclear. In this review, we focus on the secretion mechanism of IL-1β across the membrane, and to explore the role of IL-1β in the progression of GC.

Development and validation of a predictive model for immune-related genes in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma

The present study involved building a model of immune-related genes (IRGs) that can predict the survival outcomes of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Using the TCGA database, we collected the gene expression profiles of patients with TSCC and analyzed the differences in IRGs obtained from the ImmPort database. Subsequently, we constructed a predictive model. Transcription factors and differentially expressed IRGs can be used to construct TSCC regulatory network. CIBERSORT tool was used to analyze the relative proportion of 22 tumor-infiltrating immune cells in TSCC samples. Finally, a prognostic model is constructed. We established an IRG model formed by seven genes. The receiver operating characteristic value of the prognostic model based on IRGs is 0.739. After the analysis of the correlation between IRGs and clinical and pathological conditions, we found that Gast was related to grade, IRF9, LTB, and T stage. Among the 22 tumor-infiltrating immune cells, the resting natural killer (NK) cells were found to be related to the 5-year survival rate. This study constructed a prognostic model formed by seven IRGs and discussed the tumor-infiltrating immune cells, which are related to the survival outcome, reflecting the potential regulatory role of TSCC tumor immune microenvironment that could potentially promote individualized treatment.

Identification of a novel ceRNA network related to prognosis and immunity in HNSCC based on integrated bioinformatic investigation

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by an immunosuppression environment and necessitates the development of new immunotherapy response predictors. The study aimed to build a prognosis-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network based on immune-related genes (IRGs) and analyze its immunological signatures. Differentially expressed IRGs were identified by bioinformatics analysis with Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and ImmPort databases. Finally, via upstream prognosis-related microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) prediction and co-expression analysis, we built an immune-related ceRNA network (LINC00052/hsa-miR-148a-3p/PLAU) related to HNSCC patient prognosis. CIBERSORT analysis demonstrated that there were substantial differences in 11 infiltrating immune cells in HNSCC, and PLAU was closely correlated with 10 type cells, including T cells CD8+ (R =  - 0.329), T cells follicular helper (R = - 0.342) and macrophage M0 (R = 0.278). Methylation and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analyses revealed that PLAU upregulation was most likely caused by hypomethylation and that high PLAU expression may be associated with tumor immune evasion in HNSCC, respectively.

Evodiamine as an anticancer agent: a comprehensive review on its therapeutic application, pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and metabolism in various cancers

Evodiamine is a major alkaloid component found in the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa. It shows the anti-proliferative potential against a wide range of cancers by suppressing cell growth, invasion, and metastasis and inducing apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Evodiamine shows its anticancer potential by modulating aberrant signaling pathways. Additionally, the review focuses on several therapeutic implications of evodiamine, such as epigenetic modification, cancer stem cells, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Moreover, combinatory drug therapeutics along with evodiamine enhances the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in various cancers by overcoming the chemo resistance and radio resistance shown by cancer cells. It has been widely used in preclinical trials in animal models, exhibiting very negligible side effects against normal cells and effective against cancer cells. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics-based collaborations of evodiamine are also included. Due to its poor bioavailability, synthetic analogs of evodiamine and its nano capsule have been formulated to enhance its bioavailability and reduce toxicity. In addition, this review summarizes the ongoing research on the mechanisms behind the antitumor potential of evodiamine, which proposes an exciting future for such interests in cancer biology.

Inflammatory Mediators in Oral Cancer: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Diagnostic Potential

Approximately 15% of cancers are attributable to the inflammatory process, and growing evidence supports an association between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and chronic inflammation. Different oral inflammatory conditions, such as oral lichen planus (OLP), submucous fibrosis, and oral discoid lupus, are all predisposing for the development of OSCC. The microenvironment of these conditions contains various transcription factors and inflammatory mediators with the ability to induce proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasion of genetically predisposed lesions, thereby promoting tumor development. In this review, we will focus on the main inflammatory molecules and transcription factors activated in OSCC, with emphasis on their translational potential.

Cancer-specific type-I interferon receptor signaling promotes cancer stemness and effector CD8+ T-cell exhaustion

Type-I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is critical to maintaining antigen-presenting cell function for anti-tumor immunity. However, recent studies have suggested that IFN-I signaling may also contribute to more aggressive phenotypes, raising the possibility that IFN-I downstream signaling in cancer and myeloid cells may exert dichotomous functions.We analyzed the clinicopathologic correlation of cancer-specific IFN-I activation in 195 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. We also characterized the immune impact of IFN-I receptor (IFNAR1)-deficiency in syngeneic tumor models using biochemistry, flow cytometry, and single-cell RNA-Seq. We stained HNSCC tissue microarrays with a sensitive IFN-I downstream signaling activation marker, MX1, and quantitated cancer cell-specific MX1 staining. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that MX1-high tumors exhibited worse survival, a phenotype that depends on the number of CD8⁺ intratumoral T-cells. We found that cancer-specific IFNAR1 engagement promotes cancer stemness and higher expression levels of suppressive immune checkpoint receptor ligands in cancer-derived exosomes. Notably, mice bearing Ifnar1-deficient tumors exhibited lower tumor burden, increased T-cell infiltration, reduced exhausted CD4⁺PD1^high T-cells, and increased effector population CD8⁺IFN-γ⁺ T-cells. Then, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing and discovered that cancer-specific IFN-I signaling not only restricts effector cells expansion but also dampens their functional fitness.The beneficial role of IFN-I activation is largely dependent on the myeloid compartment. Cancer-specific IFN-I receptor engagement promotes cancer stemness and the release of cancer-derived exosomes with high expression levels of immune checkpoint receptor ligands. Cancer-specific IFN-I activation is associated with poor immunogenicity and worse clinical outcomes in HNSCC.

IL-1/IL-1R Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer

Decades ago, the study of cancer biology was mainly focused on the tumor itself, paying little attention to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, it is well recognized that the TME plays a vital role in cancer development and progression, with emerging treatment strategies focusing on different components of the TME, including tumoral cells, blood vessels, fibroblasts, senescent cells, inflammatory cells, inflammatory factors, among others. There is a well-accepted relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer development. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine commonly found at tumor sites, is considered one of the most important inflammatory factors in cancer, and has been related with carcinogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. Increasing evidence has linked development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with chronic inflammation, and particularly, with IL-1 signaling. This review focuses on the most important members of the IL-1 family, with emphasis on how their aberrant expression can promote HNSCC development and metastasis, highlighting possible clinical applications.

CX-4945 and siRNA-Mediated Knockdown of CK2 Improves Cisplatin Response in HPV(+) and HPV(-) HNSCC Cell Lines

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can be categorized into human papillomavirus (HPV) positive or negative disease. Elevated protein kinase CK2 level and activity have been historically observed in HNSCC cells. Previous studies on CK2 in HNSCC did not generally include consideration of HPV(+) and HPV(−) status. Here, we investigated the response of HPV(+) and HPV(−) HNSCC cells to CK2 targeting using CX-4945 or siRNA downregulation combined with cisplatin treatment. HNSCC cell lines were examined for CK2 expression levels and activity and response to CX-4945, with and without cisplatin. CK2 levels and NFκB p65-related activity were high in HPV(+) HNSCC cells relative to HPV(−) HNSCC cells. Treatment with CX-4945 decreased viability and cisplatin IC50 in all cell lines. Targeting of CK2 increased tumor suppressor protein levels for p21 and PDCD4 in most instances. Further study is needed to understand the role of CK2 in HPV(+) and HPV(−) HNSCC and to determine how incorporation of the CK2-targeted inhibitor CX-4945 could improve cisplatin response in HNSCC.

Clinicopathological Features of Patients Nominated for Head and Neck Biopsies: A One-Year Series

Background Head and neck lesions, which are predominantly benign, were widely reported. Some of these tumors are potentially neoplastic and others are non-neoplastic. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the clinicopathological features of patients nominated for head and neck biopsies. Methodology In this study, data regarding head and neck biopsies were retrieved from the Department of Pathology at King Khalid Hospital, Hai'l, Northern Saudi Arabia. Data referring to head and neck biopsies of patients who were diagnosed during the period from January 2018 to December 2018 were included. Results The initial clinical presentations were stated for 50/64 (78.1%) head and neck lesions, 12/64 (18.8%) head and neck cysts, 1/64 (1.6%) keloid, and 1/64 (1.6%) ischemia. With regard to the biopsy's site, most were taken from the nose followed by oral cavity, scalp, ear, face, and eye, constituting 19/64 (29.7%), 15/64 (23.4%), 9/64 (14.1%), 5/65 (7.8%), 4/64 (6.2%), and 3/64 (4.7%), respectively. Conclusion Head and neck benign lesions, predominantly inflammatory lesions, are common in Northern Saudi Arabia. Accurate identification of these lesions is important during histopathological diagnosis, as some have pathological features that mimic some potentially neoplastic lesions.

Signaling pathways of EBV-induced oncogenesis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is closely associated with multiple human cancers. EBV-associated cancers are mainly lymphomas derived from B cells and T cells (Hodgkin lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, NK/T-cell lymphoma, and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)) and carcinomas derived from epithelial cells (nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric carcinoma). EBV can induce oncogenesis in its host cell by activating various signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Janus kinase/signal transducer and transcription activator (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and Wnt/β-catenin, which are regulated by EBV-encoded proteins and noncoding RNA. In this review, we focus on the oncogenic roles of EBV that are mediated through the aforementioned signaling pathways.

Human Papillomavirus Infection in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Transcriptional Triggers and Changed Disease Patterns

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous group of cancers. Collectively, HNSCC ranks sixth in incidence rate worldwide. Apart from classical risk factors like tobacco and alcohol, infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) is emerging as a discrete risk factor for HNSCC. HPV-positive HNSCC represent a distinct group of diseases that differ in their clinical presentation. These lesions are well-differentiated, occur at an early age, and have better prognosis. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a specific increase in the proportions of the HPV-positive HNSCC. HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC lesions display different disease progression and clinical response. For tumorigenic-transformation, HPV essentially requires a permissive cellular environment and host cell factors for induction of viral transcription. As the spectrum of host factors is independent of HPV infection at the time of viral entry, presumably entry of HPV only selects host cells that are permissive to establishment of HPV infection. Growing evidence suggest that HPV plays a more active role in a subset of HNSCC, where they are transcriptionally-active. A variety of factors provide a favorable environment for HPV to become transcriptionally-active. The most notable are the set of transcription factors that have direct binding sites on the viral genome. As HPV does not have its own transcription machinery, it is fully dependent on host transcription factors to complete the life cycle. Here, we review and evaluate the current evidence on level of a subset of host transcription factors that influence viral genome, directly or indirectly, in HNSCC. Since many of these transcription factors can independently promote carcinogenesis, the composition of HPV permissive transcription factors in a tumor can serve as a surrogate marker of a separate molecularly-distinct class of HNSCC lesions including those cases, where HPV could not get a chance to infect but may manifest better prognosis.

Regulation of NFκB Signalling by Ubiquitination: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with over 600,000 cases per year. The primary causes for HNSCC include smoking and alcohol consumption, with an increasing number of cases attributed to infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The treatment options for HNSCC currently include surgery, radiotherapy, and/or platinum-based chemotherapeutics. Cetuximab (targeting EGFR) and Pembrolizumab (targeting PD-1) have been approved for advanced stage, recurrent, and/or metastatic HNSCC. Despite these advances, whilst HPV+ HNSCC has a 3-year overall survival (OS) rate of around 80%, the 3-year OS for HPV- HNSCC is still around 55%. Aberrant signal activation of transcription factor NFκB plays an important role in the pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance of HNSCC. As an important mediator of inflammatory signalling and the immune response to pathogens, the NFκB pathway is tightly regulated to prevent chronic inflammation, a key driver of tumorigenesis. Here, we discuss how NFκB signalling is regulated by the ubiquitin pathway and how this pathway is deregulated in HNSCC. Finally, we discuss the current strategies available to target the ubiquitin pathway and how this may offer a potential therapeutic benefit in HNSCC.

Human Papillomavirus Infection in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Transcriptional Triggers and Changed Disease Patterns

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous group of cancers. Collectively, HNSCC ranks sixth in incidence rate worldwide. Apart from classical risk factors like tobacco and alcohol, infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) is emerging as a discrete risk factor for HNSCC. HPV-positive HNSCC represent a distinct group of diseases that differ in their clinical presentation. These lesions are well-differentiated, occur at an early age, and have better prognosis. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a specific increase in the proportions of the HPV-positive HNSCC. HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC lesions display different disease progression and clinical response. For tumorigenic-transformation, HPV essentially requires a permissive cellular environment and host cell factors for induction of viral transcription. As the spectrum of host factors is independent of HPV infection at the time of viral entry, presumably entry of HPV only selects host cells that are permissive to establishment of HPV infection. Growing evidence suggest that HPV plays a more active role in a subset of HNSCC, where they are transcriptionally-active. A variety of factors provide a favorable environment for HPV to become transcriptionally-active. The most notable are the set of transcription factors that have direct binding sites on the viral genome. As HPV does not have its own transcription machinery, it is fully dependent on host transcription factors to complete the life cycle. Here, we review and evaluate the current evidence on level of a subset of host transcription factors that influence viral genome, directly or indirectly, in HNSCC. Since many of these transcription factors can independently promote carcinogenesis, the composition of HPV permissive transcription factors in a tumor can serve as a surrogate marker of a separate molecularly-distinct class of HNSCC lesions including those cases, where HPV could not get a chance to infect but may manifest better prognosis.

Enhanced Radiation Sensitivity of Human Papillomavirus-Driven Head and Neck Cancer: Focus on Immunological Aspects

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), emerging in the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract, are associated with either the classical risk factors, tobacco and alcohol consumption, or with infections with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Depending on the involvement of HPV, HNSCC follow different pathways of carcinogenesis and show distinct clinical presentations regarding survival, prognosis and treatment response. For instance, HPV-driven HNSCC exhibit an enhanced radiation response compared to their typically radioresistant HPV-negative counterparts. Although radiosensitivity of HNSCC has been studied by many research groups, the major causes for the difference in radiation responses between HPV-driven and HPV-negative HNSCC are still an open question. In this mini review, we discuss the reported cellular and immunological factors involved in the enhanced radiation response in HPV-driven HNSCC, focusing on the vital role of the immune response in the outcome of HNSCC radiotherapy.