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Li W, You J, Xue H, Liu Y, Chen J, Zheng X, Chen L, Wu C. Unlocking the potential of HHLA2: identifying functional immune infiltrating cells in the tumor microenvironment and predicting clinical outcomes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:207. [PMID: 39105870 PMCID: PMC11303638 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HHLA2 (human endogenous retrovirus-H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2) represents a recently identified member of the B7 immune checkpoint family, characterized by limited expression in normal tissues but notable overexpression in various cancer types. Nevertheless, the precise function and interaction with immune cells remain poorly understood, particularly in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). This investigation endeavored to elucidate the biological significance of HHLA2 within the tumor microenvironment of human LSCC tissues and delineate the clinical relevance and functional roles of HHLA2 in LSCC pathogenesis. METHODS Through multiplexed immunohistochemistry analyses conducted on tissue microarrays sourced from LSCC patients (n = 72), the analysis was executed to assess the expression levels of HHLA2, density and spatial patterns of CD68+HLA-DR+CD163- (M1 macrophages), CTLA-4+CD4+FoxP3+ (CTLA-4+Treg cells), CTLA-4+CD4+FoxP3- (CTLA-4+Tcon cells), exhausted CD8+T cells, and terminally exhausted CD8+T cells in LSCC tissues. Survival analysis was conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of HHLA2 and these immune checkpoints or immune cell populations, employing COX regression analysis to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curves revealed a significant association between HHLA2 expression and overall survival (OS) in LSCC. Elevated levels of HHLA2 were linked to reduced patient survival, indicating its potential as a prognostic marker (HR: 3.230, 95%CI 0.9205-11.34, P = 0.0067). Notably, increased infiltration of CD68+ cells (total macrophages), STING+CD68+HLA-DR+CD163- (STING+M1 macrophages), CTLA-4+CD4+FoxP3+, CTLA-4+CD4+FoxP3-, PD-1+LAG-3+CD8+T cells, and PD-1+LAG-3+TIM-3+CD8+T cells strongly linked to poorer survival outcomes (P < 0.05). A discernible trend was observed between the levels of these immune cell populations, STING+CD68+ (STING+ total macrophages), CD68+HLA-DR+CD163-, STING+CD68+CD163+HLA-DR- (STING+M2 macrophages), PD-1+LAG-3-CD8+T cells, PD-1+TIM-3+CD8+T cells, and PD-1+LAG-3+TIM-3-CD8+T cells and prognosis. Importantly, multivariate COX analysis identified HHLA2 as an independent predictive factor for OS in LSCC patients (HR = 3.86, 95% CI 1.08-13.80, P = 0.038). This underscored the potential of HHLA2 as a critical marker for predicting patient outcomes in LSCC. CONCLUSIONS HHLA2 emerged as a detrimental prognostic biomarker for assessing OS in LSCC patients. Relative to other immune checkpoints, HHLA2 exhibited heightened predictive efficacy for the prognosis of LSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianqing You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haixiang Xue
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Changping Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Leau R, Duplouye P, Huchet V, Nerrière-Daguin V, Martinet B, Néel M, Morin M, Danger R, Braudeau C, Josien R, Blancho G, Haspot F. Correct stimulation of CD28H arms NK cells against tumor cells. Eur J Immunol 2024:e2350901. [PMID: 39101623 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Tumor evasion has recently been associated with a novel member of the B7 family, HERV-H LTR-associating 2 (HHLA2), which is mostly overexpressed in PDL-1neg tumors. HHLA2 can either induce a costimulation signal when bound to CD28H or inhibit it by binding to KIR3DL3 on T- and NK cells. Given the broad distribution of CD28H expression on NK cells and its role, we compared two monoclonal antibodies targeting this novel NK-cell engager in this study. We show that targeting CD28H at a specific epitope not only strongly activates Ca2+ flux but also results in NK-cell activation. CD28H-activated NK cells further display increased cytotoxic activity against hematopoietic cell lines and bypass HHLA2 and HLA-E inhibitory signals. Additionally, scRNA-seq analysis of clear cell renal cancer cells revealed that HHLA2+ clear cell renal cancer cell tumors were infiltrated with CD28H+ NK cells, which could be targeted by finely chosen anti-CD28H Abs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Leau
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Pierre Duplouye
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Virginie Huchet
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Véronique Nerrière-Daguin
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Bernard Martinet
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Mélanie Néel
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Martin Morin
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Richard Danger
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Cécile Braudeau
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CIMNA, Nantes, France
| | - Régis Josien
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CIMNA, Nantes, France
| | - Gilles Blancho
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Fabienne Haspot
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
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Yang XL, Zeng Z, Wang C, Wang GY, Zhang FQ. Prognostic model incorporating immune checkpoint genes to predict the immunotherapy efficacy for lung adenocarcinoma: a cohort study integrating machine learning algorithms. Immunol Res 2024; 72:851-863. [PMID: 38755433 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram based on immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) for predicting prognosis and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) efficacy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. A total of 385 LUAD patients from the TCGA database and 269 LUAD patients in the combined dataset (GSE41272 + GSE50081) were divided into training and validation cohorts, respectively. Three different machine learning algorithms including random forest (RF), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression analysis, and support vector machine (SVM) were employed to select the predictive markers from 82 ICGs to construct the prognostic nomogram. The X-tile software was used to stratify patients into high- and low-risk subgroups based on the nomogram-derived risk scores. Differences in functional enrichment and immune infiltration between the two subgroups were assessed using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and various algorithms. Additionally, three lung cancer cohorts receiving ICB therapy were utilized to evaluate the ability of the model to predict ICB efficacy in the real world. Five ICGs were identified as predictive markers across all three machine learning algorithms, leading to the construction of a nomogram with strong potential for prognosis prediction in both the training and validation cohorts (all AUC values close to 0.800). The patients were divided into high- (risk score ≥ 185.0) and low-risk subgroups (risk score < 185.0). Compared to the high-risk subgroup, the low-risk subgroup exhibited enrichment in immune activation pathways and increased infiltration of activated immune cells, such as CD8 + T cells and M1 macrophages (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the low-risk subgroup had a greater likelihood of benefiting from ICB therapy and longer progression-free survival (PFS) than did the high-risk subgroup (P < 0.05) in the two cohorts receiving ICB therapy. A nomogram based on ICGs was constructed and validated to aid in predicting prognosis and ICB treatment efficacy in LUAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Lin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Yu Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Quan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Qian Y, Zhang Q, Ren Y, Cao L, Zheng S, Li B, Wu X, Meng Z, Xu K. Prognostic Value and Immune Landscapes of Four Types of RNA Modification Writer-Related LncRNAs Signature in Lung Adenocarcinoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:4818-4837. [PMID: 39132150 PMCID: PMC11310873 DOI: 10.7150/jca.96755] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the predominant pathological subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The four primary forms of RNA adenosine modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), alternative polyadenylation (APA) and adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, play a critical role in tumor progression. However, the clinical significance of RNA modification writer-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in LUAD remains unclear. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to obtain transcriptomic and clinicopathological data. Univariate Cox regression analysis, consensus cluster analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression were used to establish the molecular subtypes and prognostic signatures of LUAD based on the expression levels of lncRNAs. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, and TIDE algorithms were used to investigate immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy. In addition, IC50 of chemotherapeutic agents were calculated for different risk subgroups using the "pRRophetic" R package. Finally, the expression of prognosis-associated lncRNAs in lung cancer tissues was verified using qPCR. Results: A prognostic risk signature containing seven lncRNAs associated with four types of RNA modification writers was established. The high-risk group had a poorer prognosis and higher clinicopathological grade. Most immune checkpoint genes and immune cell infiltration differed significantly between the two risk groups. The high-risk group had a higher tumor mutation burden (TMB), lower TIDE score, and was more sensitive to immunotherapy. Conclusion: We developed an RNA modification writer-related seven-lncRNA signature prognostic model that was associated with prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and response to immunotherapy in LUAD patients. Among them, LINC01352, AC024075.1, AC005070.3, AL133445.2, AC005856.1, and LINC00968 were downregulated in LUAD, whereas AC092168.2 was upregulated. This model may be a valuable tool for personalized LUAD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Qian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Qicheng Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yinghui Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Limin Cao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Sijia Zheng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Core Facility Center, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Zhaowei Meng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
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Wang J, Yang K, Yang X, Jin T, Tian Y, Dai C, Xu F. HHLA2 promotes hepatoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1275-1287. [PMID: 38578157 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23723] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as one of the most malignant tumors characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Emerging evidence underscores the crucial role of the B7 protein family in various cancers, including HCC. However, the involvement of the human endogenous retrovirus H long-terminal repeat-associated protein 2 (HHLA2, or B7-H5) in HCC remains unclear. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the differential expression of HHLA2 between HCC and normal liver tissues. A battery of assays, including CCK8, EdU, tablet clone-forming, Transwell, and wound healing assays, were conducted to elucidate the function and potential mechanisms of HHLA2 in the malignant biological behaviors of HCC. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the tumorigenicity of hepatoma cell lines exhibiting different HHLA2 expression levels in vivo. Western blot analysis was used to analyze HHLA2, secretory phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR levels. HHLA2 exhibited elevated expression in HCC tissues, correlating with poor tumor differentiation and shortened overall survival in HCC patients. In vitro experiments demonstrated that HHLA2 overexpression (OE) promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells, while in vivo experiments revealed that HHLA2 OE enhanced HCC tumor growth. Conversely, inhibition of HHLA2 expression yielded the opposite effect. Downregulation of SPP1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion induced by HHLA2 OE, and this effect was linked to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that HHLA2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells via the SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, establishing it as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Department of Tradition Chinese Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Han C, Su J, Pei Y, Su X, Zheng D. LINC00665 promotes the progression and immune evasion of lung cancer by facilitating the translation of TCF7 protein through dependence on IRES. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:227. [PMID: 38951802 PMCID: PMC11218341 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03411-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of LINC00665 on the development and immune evasion of lung cancer. METHODS Tumor tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues were collected from 84 lung cancer patients, categorized into non-metastatic (n = 58) and metastatic (n = 26) groups. LINC00665 expression in lung cancer and metastatic lung cancer tissues was assessed via qRT-PCR. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between LINC00665 and immune-modulating cytokines (TGF-β, IL-10, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α). A549 and H1299 cells, with relatively high LINC00665 expression, were used for in vitro studies. Cells were transfected with LINC00665-targeting shRNA, and changes in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and NK cell cytotoxicity were assessed. Downstream molecular mechanisms of LINC00665 were investigated using GEO database analysis, highlighting the association with HHLA2. LINC00665's role in promoting HHLA2 expression via binding with TCF7 was explored. In low LINC00665-expressing A549/H1299 cells, overexpression of HHLA2 was performed to evaluate effects on malignant behavior and NK cell sensitivity. A xenograft model was established for in vivo validation through tumor volume and weight measurements, Ki-67 immunoreactivity analysis, and flow cytometry analysis of CD107a + NK cells. RESULTS LINC00665, TCF7 mRNA, and HHLA2 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in lung cancer tissues than adjacent tissues, with non-metastatic lung cancer showing higher expression than metastatic lung cancer. In metastatic lung cancer, LINC00665 positively correlated with immune-suppressive cytokines (TGF-β, IL-10, IL-1β) and negatively correlated with anti-tumor cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α). LINC00665 knockdown significantly inhibited lung cancer cell growth and metastasis, promoting sensitivity to NK cells. Further analysis revealed that LINC00665 recruits transcription factor TCF7 to upregulate HHLA2 expression in lung cancer cells, thereby facilitating lung cancer development and immune escape. CONCLUSION LINC00665, through recruitment of TCF7 and upregulation of HHLA2, inhibits NK cell cytotoxicity, promoting the development and immune evasion of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaonan Han
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Jinchen Su
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yue Pei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.128 East Yangquan Road, Yicheng Subdistrict, Yixing, 214200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyu Su
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Di Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.
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Witkop EM, Diggins K, Wiedeman A, Serti E, Nepom G, Gersuk VH, Fuchs B, Long SA, Linsley PS. Interconnected lineage trajectories link conventional and natural killer (NK)-like exhausted CD8 + T cells beneficial in type 1 diabetes. Commun Biol 2024; 7:773. [PMID: 38937521 PMCID: PMC11211332 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06456-3] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Distinct Natural Killer (NK)-like CD57+ and PD-1+ CD8+ exhausted-like T cell populations (Tex) have both been linked to beneficial immunotherapy response in autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. The origins and relationships between these cell types are poorly understood. Here we show that while PD-1+ and CD57+ Tex populations are epigenetically similar, CD57+ Tex cells display unique increased chromatin accessibility of inhibitory Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (iKIR) and other NK cell genes. PD-1+ and CD57+ Tex also show reciprocal expression of Inhibitory Receptors (IRs) and iKIRs accompanied by chromatin accessibility of Tcf1 and Tbet transcription factor target sites, respectively. CD57+ Tex show unappreciated gene expression heterogeneity and share clonal relationships with PD-1+ Tex, with these cells differentiating along four interconnected lineage trajectories: Tex-PD-1+, Tex-CD57+, Tex-Branching, and Tex-Fluid. Our findings demonstrate new relationships between Tex-like populations in human autoimmune disease and suggest that modulating common precursor populations may enhance response to autoimmune disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Witkop
- Benaroya Research Institute, Systems Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kirsten Diggins
- Benaroya Research Institute, Systems Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alice Wiedeman
- Benaroya Research Institute, Translational Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Gerald Nepom
- Benaroya Research Institute, Translational Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immune Tolerance Network (ITN), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vivian H Gersuk
- Benaroya Research Institute, Genomics Core, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bryce Fuchs
- Benaroya Research Institute, Translational Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - S Alice Long
- Benaroya Research Institute, Translational Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter S Linsley
- Benaroya Research Institute, Systems Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Ge J, Yin X, Sun X, Kou L, Xue X, Ma J. Chemotherapy resistance in acute myeloid leukemia is associated with decreased anti-tumor immune response through MHC molecule and B7 family members. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:221. [PMID: 38861194 PMCID: PMC11166614 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01072-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains challenging due to chemotherapeutic drug-resistance (CDR). Aberrant expression B7 family proteins are involved in tumors evasion. We wonder whether B7 family protein alteration in AML CDR further supports tumor escape. Here, we establish AML cytarabine-resistant cell line U937/Ara-C and report on the expression MHC molecule and B7 family member. HLA-ABC was highly expressed similarly on both cell lines. MIC (MHC class I chain related) A/B and B7-H6 was moderately expressed on the surface of U937 and decreased dramatically by U937/Ara-C. In contrast, enhanced expression of B7-H1 and B7-H7 by U937/Ara-C was observed. HLA-DR and other B7 family members including CD80, CD86, B7-DC, B7-H2, B7-H3, B7-H4, and B7-H5 were not detected by both cell lines. Compared co-cultured with U937, peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed a decreased cytotoxicity when incubated with U937/Ara-C, as indicated by decreased levels of granzyme B and perforin production, accompanied with less TNF-α and lactate dehydrogenase secretion. In conclusion, AML CDR further evades the anti-tumor immune response which may through MHC molecule and B7 family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ge
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Yin
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liduo Kou
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
- Aerospace Central Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Peking University Aerospace, Beijng, 100049, China
| | - Xin Xue
- China Basic Medical Theory of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Juan Ma
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China.
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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Zhou S, Wang Z, Zhao D, Fu Y, Zhang S, Wang Z, Zou X. HHLA2 deficiency inhibits pancreatic cancer progression and THP-1 macrophage M2 polarization via EGFR/MAPK/ERK and mTOR/AKT pathway. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:133. [PMID: 38762741 PMCID: PMC11102221 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03409-2] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human endogenous retrovirus subfamily H long terminal repeat associating protein 2, (HHLA2), a member of B7 family, exhibits heightened expression in various malignant tumors. However, the exact functions of HHLA2 in pancreatic cancer (PC) remain incompletely elucidated. METHODS We initially conducted an analysis of the B7 family members' expression pattern in pancreatic tumor samples and adjacent normal tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blot methods were used to assess HHLA2 expression levels in PC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, after silencing HHLA2 in PC cell lines, cell migration and proliferation of PC cells were detected by wound healing and CCK-8 assays, and cell invasion of PC cells was detected by transwell assays. We also investigated the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and levels of EGFR, MEK, ERK1/2, mTOR and AKT via western blot analysis. Finally, the correlation between HHLA2 expression and immune infiltration was further explored. RESULTS Silencing of HHLA2 resulted in the inhibition of PC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, potentially through the suppression of the EGFR/MAPK/ERK and mTOR/AKT signaling pathway. Additionally, silencing HHLA2 led to the inhibition of M2-type polarization of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). CONCLUSION The knockdown of HHLA2 was observed to inhibit the migration and invasion of PC cells through the regulation of the EMT process and EGFR/MAPK/ERK and mTOR/AKT pathway. Furthermore, silencing HHLA2 was found to modulate M2 polarization of TAMs. These finding suggest that HHLA2 could be a promising therapeutic target for Pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Jiangsu University, No.321, Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zhangding Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Dian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Jiangsu University, No.321, Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.99, Huaihai West Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Jiangsu University, No.321, Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Berjis A, Muthumani D, Aguilar OA, Pomp O, Johnson O, Finck AV, Engel NW, Chen L, Plachta N, Scholler J, Lanier LL, June CH, Sheppard NC. Pretreatment with IL-15 and IL-18 rescues natural killer cells from granzyme B-mediated apoptosis after cryopreservation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3937. [PMID: 38729924 PMCID: PMC11087472 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47574-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies are under assessment for treating various cancers, but cryopreservation reduces both the recovery and function of NK cells, thereby limiting their therapeutic feasibility. Using cryopreservation protocols optimized for T cells, here we find that ~75% of NK cells die within 24 h post-thaw, with the remaining cells displaying reduced cytotoxicity. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and confocal microscopy, we find that cryopreserved NK cells largely die via apoptosis initiated by leakage of granzyme B from cytotoxic vesicles. Pretreatment of NK cells with a combination of Interleukins-15 (IL-15) and IL-18 prior to cryopreservation improves NK cell recovery to ~90-100% and enables equal tumour control in a xenograft model of disseminated Raji cell lymphoma compared to non-cryopreserved NK cells. The mechanism of IL-15 and IL-18-induced protection incorporates two mechanisms: a transient reduction in intracellular granzyme B levels via degranulation, and the induction of antiapoptotic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla Berjis
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Deeksha Muthumani
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oscar A Aguilar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Parker Institute of Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California; San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oz Pomp
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Omar Johnson
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amanda V Finck
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nils W Engel
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linhui Chen
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, the Bioinformatic Core, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Scholler
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Parker Institute of Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California; San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carl H June
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Neil C Sheppard
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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12
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Kula A, Koszewska D, Kot A, Dawidowicz M, Mielcarska S, Waniczek D, Świętochowska E. The Importance of HHLA2 in Solid Tumors-A Review of the Literature. Cells 2024; 13:794. [PMID: 38786018 PMCID: PMC11119147 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly developing field of medicine that aims to use the host's immune mechanisms to inhibit and eliminate cancer cells. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and its ligand PD-L1 are used in various cancer therapies. However, the most thoroughly researched pathway targeting PD-1/PD-L1 has many limitations, and multiple malignancies resist its effects. Human endogenous retrovirus-H Long repeat-associating 2 (HHLA2, known as B7H5/B7H7/B7y) is the youngest known molecule from the B7 family. HHLA2/TMIGD2/KIRD3DL3 is one of the critical pathways in modulating the immune response. Recent studies have demonstrated that HHLA2 has a double effect in modulating the immune system. The connection of HHLA2 with TMIGD2 induces T cell growth and cytokine production via an AKT-dependent signaling cascade. On the other hand, the binding of HHLA2 and KIR3DL3 leads to the inhibition of T cells and mediates tumor resistance against NK cells. This review aimed to summarize novel information about HHLA2, focusing on immunological mechanisms and clinical features of the HHLA2/KIR3DL3/TMIGD2 pathway in the context of potential strategies for malignancy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kula
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland; (M.D.); (D.W.)
| | - Dominika Koszewska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 19 Jordana, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (D.K.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
| | - Anna Kot
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 19 Jordana, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (D.K.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
| | - Miriam Dawidowicz
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland; (M.D.); (D.W.)
| | - Sylwia Mielcarska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 19 Jordana, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (D.K.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
| | - Dariusz Waniczek
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland; (M.D.); (D.W.)
| | - Elżbieta Świętochowska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 19 Jordana, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (D.K.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
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13
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Zhang D, Xie J, Sun F, Xu R, Liu W, Xu J, Huang X, Zhang G. Pharmacological suppression of HHLA2 glycosylation restores anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 589:216819. [PMID: 38522775 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy aimed at inhibiting the negative co-stimulatory molecule programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has limited effectiveness, with clinical response rates remaining below 10%-15%. Therefore, new immune checkpoints need to be explored. Our study focused on human endogenous retrovirus H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2), a highly glycosylated member of the B7 family that is widely expressed in colorectal cancer. HHLA2 expression negatively correlates with the prognosis of colorectal cancer. Glycosylation of HHLA2, which is regulated by the glycosyltransferase STT3 oligosaccharyltransferase complex catalytic subunit A (STT3A), is crucial for protein stability and expression in cell membranes. Additionally, the binding of HHLA2 to the receptors killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor, three immunoglobulin domains and long cytoplasmic tail 3 (KIR3DL3) and transmembrane and immunoglobulin (Ig) domain containing 2 (TMIGD2) is dependent on N-glycosylation. Moreover, N-glycosylation of HHLA2 promotes immune evasion in colorectal cancer by suppressing the immune response of NK cells. Notably, the STT3A inhibitor NGI-1 enhances the anti-tumor immune response of NK cells. Our findings provide new insights and a molecular basis for targeting HHLA2 in immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongze Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jinjing Xie
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | | | - Ruyan Xu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Xue Huang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Guangbo Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Tumor Immunology, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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14
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Kula A, Dawidowicz M, Mielcarska S, Świętochowska E, Waniczek D. Prognostic Value of HHLA2 in Patients with Solid Tumors: A Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4760. [PMID: 38731979 PMCID: PMC11083681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HHLA2 is a checkpoint from the B7 family that can play a co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory role in cancer, depending on the binding receptor. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the relationship between HHLA2 levels and its impact on the prognosis of patients with solid cancers. The study used data from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane and SCOPUS databases. The R studio software was used for the data analysis. The study assessed overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), progression-free survival (PFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) by pooling appropriate hazard ratios (HR). Eighteen studies (2880 patients' data) were included. High expression of HHLA2 was associated with worse OS (HR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.23-2.03), shorter RFS (HR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.38-2.77) and worse DFS (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01-2.09) in patients with solid cancers. The current study suggests that high expression of HHLA2 is associated with poorer prognosis in patients with solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kula
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Miriam Dawidowicz
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Sylwia Mielcarska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
| | - Elżbieta Świętochowska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
| | - Dariusz Waniczek
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland;
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15
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Taghavi BA, Salehi M, Mokhtarzadeh A, Baradaran B. Suppression of B7-H7 Enhanced MCF-7 Cancer Cell Line's Chemosensitivity to Paclitaxel. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01145-2. [PMID: 38662256 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01145-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The B7-H7 is the newest addition to the B7 family of proteins that is present in the majority of malignancies. In this respect, the goal of the work was to investigate the impact of B7-H7 inhibition on breast cancer cells when paclitaxel and small interference RNA (siRNA) were combined. B7-H7 siRNA was used with Paclitaxel to treat MCF-7 cells. The IC50 of Paclitaxel and the cell survival was then assessed through using MTT assay. Investigation was conducted using flow cytometry to both the induction of apoptosis and the cell cycle. In addition, the clonogenic capacity of MCF-7 cells was investigated. Furthermore, qRT-PCR, was used to evaluate expression of genes. Our results demonstrated that suppressing B7-H7 sensitizes MCF-7 cells to Paclitaxel by triggering apoptosis and altering the expression of critical apoptosis mediator genes. In addition, the cell cycle was stopped in the sub-G1 and also G2-M phases as a result of the combination therapy leading prevention of developing colonies by MCF-7 cells. B7-H7 silencing improved the chemosensitivity of MCF-7 cells to Paclitaxel and demonstrated antiproliferative effects. After the adequate study has been conducted, this strategy may be regarded as a possible alternative treatment option for this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Amir Taghavi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Salehi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht St., Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht St., Tabriz, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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16
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Wang Y, Cho JW, Kastrunes G, Buck A, Razimbaud C, Culhane AC, Sun J, Braun DA, Choueiri TK, Wu CJ, Jones K, Nguyen QD, Zhu Z, Wei K, Zhu Q, Signoretti S, Freeman GJ, Hemberg M, Marasco WA. Immune-restoring CAR-T cells display antitumor activity and reverse immunosuppressive TME in a humanized ccRCC mouse model. iScience 2024; 27:108879. [PMID: 38327771 PMCID: PMC10847687 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the major barriers that have restricted successful use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in the treatment of solid tumors is an unfavorable tumor microenvironment (TME). We engineered CAR-T cells targeting carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) to secrete anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), termed immune-restoring (IR) CAR G36-PDL1. We tested CAR-T cells in a humanized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) orthotopic mouse model with reconstituted human leukocyte antigen (HLA) partially matched human leukocytes derived from fetal CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and bearing human ccRCC skrc-59 cells under the kidney capsule. G36-PDL1 CAR-T cells, haploidentical to the tumor cells, had a potent antitumor effect compared to those without immune-restoring effect. Analysis of the TME revealed that G36-PDL1 CAR-T cells restored active antitumor immunity by promoting tumor-killing cytotoxicity, reducing immunosuppressive cell components such as M2 macrophages and exhausted CD8+ T cells, and enhancing T follicular helper (Tfh)-B cell crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jae-Won Cho
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gabriella Kastrunes
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alicia Buck
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Cecile Razimbaud
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Aedin C. Culhane
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jiusong Sun
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - David A. Braun
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06525, USA
| | - Toni K. Choueiri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kristen Jones
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Quang-De Nguyen
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin Wei
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Quan Zhu
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sabina Signoretti
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gordon J. Freeman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Martin Hemberg
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wayne A. Marasco
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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17
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Burke KP, Chaudhri A, Freeman GJ, Sharpe AH. The B7:CD28 family and friends: Unraveling coinhibitory interactions. Immunity 2024; 57:223-244. [PMID: 38354702 PMCID: PMC10889489 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Immune responses must be tightly regulated to ensure both optimal protective immunity and tolerance. Costimulatory pathways within the B7:CD28 family provide essential signals for optimal T cell activation and clonal expansion. They provide crucial inhibitory signals that maintain immune homeostasis, control resolution of inflammation, regulate host defense, and promote tolerance to prevent autoimmunity. Tumors and chronic pathogens can exploit these pathways to evade eradication by the immune system. Advances in understanding B7:CD28 pathways have ushered in a new era of immunotherapy with effective drugs to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and transplant rejection. Here, we discuss current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the coinhibitory functions of CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1:B7-1 and PD-L2:RGMb interactions and less studied B7 family members, including HHLA2, VISTA, BTNL2, and BTN3A1, as well as their overlapping and unique roles in regulating immune responses, and the therapeutic potential of these insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly P Burke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Apoorvi Chaudhri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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18
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Quiniou SMA, Bengtén E, Boudinot P. Costimulatory receptors in the channel catfish: CD28 family members and their ligands. Immunogenetics 2024; 76:51-67. [PMID: 38197898 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01327-3] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The CD28-B7 interaction is required to deliver a second signal necessary for T-cell activation. Additional membrane receptors of the CD28 and B7 families are also involved in immune checkpoints that positively or negatively regulate leukocyte activation, in particular T lymphocytes. BTLA is an inhibitory receptor that belongs to a third receptor family. Fish orthologs exist only for some of these genes, and the potential interactions between the corresponding ligands remain mostly unclear. In this work, we focused on the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), a long-standing model for fish immunology, to analyze these co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors. We identified one copy of cd28, ctla4, cd80/86, b7h1/dc, b7h3, b7h4, b7h5, two btla, and four b7h7 genes. Catfish CD28 contains the highly conserved mammalian cytoplasmic motif for PI3K and GRB2 recruitment, however this motif is absent in cyprinids. Fish CTLA4 share a C-terminal putative GRB2-binding site but lacks the mammalian PI3K/GRB2-binding motif. While critical V-domain residues for human CD80 or CD86 binding to CD28/CTLA4 show low conservation in fish CD80/86, C-domain residues are highly conserved, underscoring their significance. Catfish B7H1/DC had a long intracytoplasmic domain with a P-loop-NTPase domain that is absent in mammalian sequences, while the lack of NLS motif in fish B7H4 suggests this protein may not regulate cell growth when expressed intracellularly. Finally, there is a notable expansion of fish B7H7s, which likely play diverse roles in leukocyte regulation. Overall, our work contributes to a better understanding of fish leukocyte co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Bengtén
- Center for Immunology and Microbial Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Pierre Boudinot
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France.
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19
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Li Y, Yang Q, Yang X, Ge J, Xu T, Liu H. HHLA2 is more significantly associated with poor prognosis in TSCC than PD-L1. J Oral Pathol Med 2024; 53:159-168. [PMID: 38321252 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence and mortality of tongue squamous cell carcinoma have shown an alarming increase in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the potential of HHLA2 as an immune checkpoint in comparison to PD-L1. METHODS We obtained RNA-seq data from TCGA to study HHLA2 and PD-L1 expression across various tissues. Using the CIBERSORT package, we estimated cell type abundances within mixed populations based on gene expression profiles. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze HHLA2 and PD-L1 expression in Tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Prognostic evaluation was carried out with Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. To explore factors affecting HHLA2, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted with the COX regression model. Additionally, we used single-cell RNA sequencing data from the GEO database for gene set enrichment analysis with genes strongly correlated with HHLA2. RESULTS Our analysis of RNA-seq data unveiled a significant upregulation of HHLA2 and PD-L1 expression in primary tumors when compared with normal tissue. HHLA2 exhibited a positive expression rate of 36.9%, while PD-L1 had a positive expression rate of 24.6%. HHLA2 emerged as a noteworthy independent risk factor impacting the overall survival of Tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients. The analysis of scRNA-seq data shed light on the involvement of HHLA2 in key pathways related to cell cycle regulation and interferon alpha/beta signaling. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that in the context of Tongue squamous cell carcinoma, HHLA2 may represent a more promising target for immunotherapy when compared with PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Qiong Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jie Ge
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Tianshu Xu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - HuaLian Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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20
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Ahn BC, Park C, Kim MS, Lee JM, Choi JH, Kim HY, Lee GK, Yu N, Lee Y, Han JY. Tumor Microenvironment Modulation by Neoadjuvant Erlotinib Therapy and Its Clinical Impact on Operable EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Res Treat 2024; 56:70-80. [PMID: 37340841 PMCID: PMC10789966 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2023.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors have greatly improved survival in EGFR-mutant (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, their effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME) are unknown. We assessed the changes induced by neoadjuvant erlotinib therapy (NE) in the TME of operable EGFRm NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a single-arm phase II trial for neoadjuvant/adjuvant erlotinib therapy in patients with stage II/IIIA EGFRm NSCLC (EGFR exon 19 deletion or L858R mutations). Patients received up to 2 cycles of NE (150 mg/day) for 4 weeks, followed by surgery and adjuvant erlotinib or vinorelbine plus cisplatin therapy depending on observed NE response. TME changes were assessed based on gene expression analysis and mutation profiling. RESULTS A total of 26 patients were enrolled; the median age was 61, 69% were female, 88% were stage IIIA, and 62% had L858R mutation. Among 25 patients who received NE, the objective response rate was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52.4 to 85.7). The median disease-free and overall survival (OS) were 17.9 (95% CI, 10.5 to 25.4) and 84.7 months (95% CI, 49.7 to 119.8), respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis in resected tissues revealed upregulation of interleukin, complement, cytokine, transforming growth factor β, and hedgehog pathways. Patients with upregulated pathogen defense, interleukins, and T-cell function pathways at baseline exhibited partial response to NE and longer OS. Patients with upregulated cell cycle pathways at baseline exhibited stable/progressive disease after NE and shorter OS. CONCLUSION NE modulated the TME in EGFRm NSCLC. Upregulation of immune-related pathways was associated with better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beung-Chul Ahn
- Center for Lung Cancer, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Charny Park
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Moon Soo Kim
- Center for Lung Cancer, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Jong Mog Lee
- Center for Lung Cancer, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Jin Ho Choi
- Center for Lung Cancer, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Hyae Young Kim
- Department of Radiology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Geon Kook Lee
- Department of Pathology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Namhee Yu
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Youngjoo Lee
- Center for Lung Cancer, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Ji-Youn Han
- Center for Lung Cancer, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
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21
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Masoumi J, Ghorbaninezhad F, Saeedi H, Safaei S, Khaze Shahgoli V, Ghaffari Jolfayi A, Naseri B, Baghbanzadeh A, Baghbani E, Mokhtarzadeh A, Bakhshivand M, Javan MR, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. siRNA-Mediated B7H7 Knockdown in Gastric Cancer Lysate-Loaded Dendritic Cells Amplifies Expansion and Cytokine Secretion of Autologous T Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3212. [PMID: 38137433 PMCID: PMC10740599 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123212] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer, ranked as the fifth most common cancer worldwide, presents multiple treatment challenges. These obstacles often arise due to cancer stem cells, which are associated with recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. While dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy has shown promise as a therapeutic strategy, its efficacy can be limited by the tumor microenvironment and certain inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules, such as B7H7. SiRNA-medicated knockdown of B7H7 in tumor cell lysate-pulsed DCs can increase cytokine secretion and autologous T lymphocyte expansion. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of B7H7 suppression in gastric cancer cell lysate-pulsed DCs on the stimulatory potential of autologous CD3+ T lymphocytes. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and monocytes were obtained; then, they were differentiated to immature DCs (iDCs) by GM-CSF and IL-4. Tumor cell lysates from human gastric cancer cell lines were harvested, and iDCs were transformed into mature DCs (mDCs) by stimulating iDCs with tumor cell lysate and lipopolysaccharide. B7H7-siRNA was delivered into mDCs using electroporation, and gene silencing efficiency was assessed. The phenotypic characteristics of iDCs, mDCs, and B7H7-silenced mDCs were evaluated using specific surface markers, an inverted light microscope, and flow cytometry. CD3+ T cells were isolated via magnetically activated cell sorting. They were labeled with CFSE dye and co-cultured with mDCs and B7H7-silenced mDCs to evaluate their ability to induce T-cell proliferation. T-cell proliferation was assessed using flow cytometry. The concentration of TGF-β, IL-4, and IFN-γ secreted from CD3+ T cells in the co-cultured supernatant was evaluated to investigate the cytokine secretory activity of the cells. RESULTS Transfection of B7H7 siRNA into mDCs was performed in optimal conditions, and the siRNA transfection effectively reduced B7H7 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. SiRNA-mediated B7H7 knockdown in mDCs enhanced maturation and activation of the DCs, as demonstrated by an increased surface expression of CD11c, CD86, and CD40. Co-culture experiments revealed that B7H7-silenced mDCs had more capacity to induce T cell proliferation compared to non-transfected mDCs. The cytokine production patterns of T cells were also altered. Upon examining the levels of TGF-β, IL-4, and IFN-γ released by CD3+ T cells in the co-culture supernatant, we found that silencing B7H7 in mDCs resulted in a rise in IL-4 secretion and a reduction in TGF-β levels compared to mDCs that were not transfected. CONCLUSIONS The study found that suppressing B7H7 expression in DCs significantly enhances their maturation and stimulatory activity when exposed to gastric cancer cell lysate. These B7H7-silenced DCs can substantially increase cytokine production and promote co-cultured T-cell expansion. Consequently, inhibiting B7H7 in DCs may offer a practical strategy to enhance the ability of DCs to initiate T lymphocyte responses and improve the effectiveness of DC-based cell therapy for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Masoumi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Farid Ghorbaninezhad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran
| | - Hossein Saeedi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Sahar Safaei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Vahid Khaze Shahgoli
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Amir Ghaffari Jolfayi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Bahar Naseri
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Elham Baghbani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bakhshivand
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Mohammad Reza Javan
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol 98616-15881, Iran;
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran; (J.M.); (F.G.); (V.K.S.); (A.G.J.); (B.N.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51548-53431, Iran
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22
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Gawesh ZM, Ibrahim EM, ElKalla HMHR, Awad AAH, Mohamed MA. Evaluation of HHLA2 and CD8 Immunohistochemical Expression in Colorectal Carcinoma and Their Prognostic Significance. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:4309-4319. [PMID: 38156868 PMCID: PMC10909113 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.12.4309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide. Human endogenous retrovirus H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2) is a novel immune checkpoint molecule. The association between HHLA2 expression and clinicopathological features and its prognostic significance in CRC patients are still controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of HHLA2 and CD8 in CRC. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study included 134 cases diagnosed with primary CRC at the Gastrointestinal Surgery Center (GISC) department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, during the period from December 2014 to December 2018. Clinicopathological and survival data were collected. IHC for HHLA2 and CD8 was performed, and they were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient prognosis. RESULTS Among 134 CRC cases, high HHLA2 expression was detected in 73 (54.5%). High HHLA2 expression was significantly related to the depth of invasion (P = 0.005*), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.01*), tumor stage )P = 0.002*), and distant recurrence )P = 0.012*). Multivariate analysis spotted HHLA2 high expression as an independent prognostic predictor for OS in CRC (P = 0.03*) and DFS (P = 0.008*). CD8 shows a significant correlation with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (P ≤ 0.001*), absence of metastasis ((P = 0.029*), absence of tumor deposits (P=0.014*). However, CD8 shows no significant association with survival or HHLA2. CONCLUSION HHLA2 is an independent prognostic factor for the overall survival and disease free survival of CRC patients and can predict poor prognosis in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mie Ali Mohamed
- Department of Pathology, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt.
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23
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Shigemura T, Perrot N, Huang Z, Bhatt RS, Sheshdeh AB, Ahmar NE, Ghandour F, Signoretti S, McDermott DF, Freeman GJ, Mahoney KM. Regulation of HHLA2 expression in kidney cancer and myeloid cells. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1039. [PMID: 37891555 PMCID: PMC10605970 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune checkpoint HERV-H LTR-associating 2 (HHLA2) is expressed in kidney cancer and various other tumor types. Therapeutics targeting HHLA2 or its inhibitory receptor KIR3DL3 are being developed for solid tumors, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the regulation of HHLA2 expression remains poorly understood. A better understanding of HHLA2 regulation in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment is crucial for the successful translation of these therapeutic agents into clinical applications. METHODS Flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR were used to analyze HHLA2 expression in primary kidney tumors ex vivo and during in vitro culture. HHLA2 expression in A498 and 786-O ccRCC cell lines was examined in vitro and in subcutaneous tumor xenografts in NSG mice. Monocytes and dendritic cells were analyzed for HHLA2 expression. We tested a range of cytokines and culture conditions, including hypoxia, to induce HHLA2 expression. RESULTS Analysis of HHLA2 expression revealed that HHLA2 is expressed on tumor cells in primary kidney tumors ex vivo; however, its expression gradually diminishes during a 4-week in vitro culture period. A498 and 786-O ccRCC tumor cell lines do not express HHLA2 in vitro, but HHLA2 expression was observed when grown as subcutaneous xenografts in NSG immunodeficient mice. Induction experiments using various cytokines and culture conditions failed to induce HHLA2 expression in A498 and 786-O tumor cell lines in vitro. Analysis of HHLA2 expression in monocytes and dendritic cells demonstrated that only IL-10 and BMP4, along with IL-1β and IL-6 to a lesser extent, modestly enhanced HHLA2 protein and mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS HHLA2 expression is induced on kidney cancer cells in vivo by a tumor microenvironmental signal that is not present in vitro. HHLA2 expression is differentially regulated in kidney cancer epithelial cells and monocytes. Cytokines, particularly IL10, that induce HHLA2 expression in monocytes fail to upregulate HHLA2 expression in tumor cell lines in vitro. These findings underscore the importance of the interplay between tumor cell and tumor microenvironmental signals in the regulation of HHLA2. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms involved in HHLA2 regulation and its implications for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonari Shigemura
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Nahuel Perrot
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Zimo Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Rupal S Bhatt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Aseman Bagheri Sheshdeh
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nourhan El Ahmar
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fatme Ghandour
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sabina Signoretti
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David F McDermott
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Kathleen M Mahoney
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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24
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Palmer WH, Leaton LA, Codo AC, Crute B, Roest J, Zhu S, Petersen J, Tobin RP, Hume PS, Stone M, van Bokhoven A, Gerich ME, McCarter MD, Zhu Y, Janssen WJ, Vivian JP, Trowsdale J, Getahun A, Rossjohn J, Cambier J, Loh L, Norman PJ. Polymorphic KIR3DL3 expression modulates tissue-resident and innate-like T cells. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eade5343. [PMID: 37390222 PMCID: PMC10360443 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.ade5343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Most human killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are expressed by natural killer (NK) cells and recognize HLA class I molecules as ligands. KIR3DL3 is a conserved but polymorphic inhibitory KIR recognizing a B7 family ligand, HHLA2, and is implicated for immune checkpoint targeting. The expression profile and biological function of KIR3DL3 have been somewhat elusive, so we searched extensively for KIR3DL3 transcripts, revealing highly enriched expression in γδ and CD8+ T cells rather than NK cells. These KIR3DL3-expressing cells are rare in the blood and thymus but more common in the lungs and digestive tract. High-resolution flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptomics showed that peripheral blood KIR3DL3+ T cells have an activated transitional memory phenotype and are hypofunctional. The T cell receptor (TCR) usage is biased toward genes from early rearranged TCR-α variable segments or Vδ1 chains. In addition, we show that TCR-mediated stimulation can be inhibited through KIR3DL3 ligation. Whereas we detected no impact of KIR3DL3 polymorphism on ligand binding, variants in the proximal promoter and at residue 86 can reduce expression. Together, we demonstrate that KIR3DL3 is up-regulated alongside unconventional T cell stimulation and that individuals may vary in their ability to express KIR3DL3. These results have implications for the personalized targeting of KIR3DL3/HHLA2 checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H. Palmer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laura Ann Leaton
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ana Campos Codo
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Bergren Crute
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - James Roest
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash
University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shiying Zhu
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash
University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jan Petersen
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash
University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard P. Tobin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology,
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Patrick S. Hume
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO,
USA
| | - Matthew Stone
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology,
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Adrie van Bokhoven
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mark E. Gerich
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Martin D. McCarter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology,
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology,
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Julian P. Vivian
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash
University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andrew Getahun
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash
University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University,
School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - John Cambier
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Liyen Loh
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of
Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville,
Australia
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Stricker E, Peckham-Gregory EC, Scheurer ME. CancerHERVdb: Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV) Expression Database for Human Cancer Accelerates Studies of the Retrovirome and Predictions for HERV-Based Therapies. J Virol 2023; 97:e0005923. [PMID: 37255431 PMCID: PMC10308937 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00059-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we sought to create a database summarizing the expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in various human cancers. HERVs are suitable therapeutic targets due to their abundance in the human genome, overexpression in various malignancies, and involvement in various cancer pathways. We identified articles on HERVs from PubMed and then prescreened and automatically categorized them using the portable document format (PDF) data extractor (PDE) R package. We discovered 196 primary research articles with HERV expression data from cancer tissues or cancer cell lines. HERV RNA and protein expression was reported in brain, breast, cervical, colorectal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, kidney/renal/pelvis, liver, lung, genital, oral cavity, pharynx, ovary, pancreas, prostate, skin, testicular, urinary/bladder, and uterus cancers, leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas. Additionally, we discovered reports of HERV RNA-only overexpression in soft tissue cancers including heart, thyroid, bone, and joint cancers. The CancerHERVdb database is hosted in the form of interactive visualizations of the expression data and a summary data table at https://erikstricker.shinyapps.io/cancerHERVdb/. The user can filter the findings according to cancer type, HERV family, HERV gene, or a combination thereof and easily export the results with the corresponding reference list. In our report, we provide examples of potential uses of the CancerHERVdb, such as identification of cancers suitable for off-target treatment with the multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV)-Env-targeting antibody GNbAC1 (now named temelimab) currently in phase 2b clinical trials for multiple sclerosis or the discovery of cancers overexpressing HERV-H long terminal repeat-associating 2 (HHLA2), a newly emerging immune checkpoint. In summary, the CancerHERVdb allows cross-study comparisons, encourages data exploration, and informs about potential off-target effects of HERV-targeting treatments. IMPORTANCE Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which in the past have inserted themselves in various regions of the human genome, are to various degrees activated in virtually every cancer type. While a centralized naming system and resources summarizing HERV levels in cancers are lacking, the CancerHERVdb database provides a consolidated resource for cross-study comparisons, data exploration, and targeted searches of HERV activation. The user can access data extracted from hundreds of articles spanning 25 human cancer categories. Therefore, the CancerHERVdb database can aid in the identification of prognostic and risk markers, drivers of cancer, tumor-specific targets, multicancer spanning signals, and targets for immune therapies. Consequently, the CancerHERVdb database is of direct relevance for clinical as well as basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Stricker
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Houston, Texas, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Houston, Texas, USA
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Su Q, Du J, Xiong X, Xie X, Wang L. B7-H7: A potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110403. [PMID: 37290327 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy enhances the body's immunity against tumors by mitigating immune escape. Compared with traditional chemotherapy, immunotherapy has the advantages of fewer drugs, a wider range of action and fewer side effects. B7-H7 (also known as HHLA2, B7y) is a member of the B7 family of costimulatory molecules that was discovered more than 20 years ago. B7-H7 is mostly expressed in organs such as the breast, intestine, gallbladder and placenta and is detected predominantly in monocytes/macrophages in the immune system. Its expression is upregulated after stimulation by inflammatory factors such as lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ. B7-H7/transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain containing 2 (TMIGD2) and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor, three Ig domains and long cytoplasmic tail 3 (KIR3DL3)-B7-H7 are the two currently confirmed signaling pathways for B7-H7. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that B7-H7 is widely present in a variety of human tumor tissues, especially in programmed cell death-1 (PD-L1)-negative human tumors. B7-H7 promotes tumor progression, disrupts T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity, and inhibits immune surveillance. B7-H7 also triggers tumor immune escape and is associated with clinical stage, depth of tumor infiltration, metastasis, prognosis, and survival related to different tumor types. Multiple studies have shown that B7-H7 is a promising immunotherapeutic target. Herein, review the current literature on the expression, regulation, receptors and function of B7-H7 and its regulation/function in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanping Su
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Health Commission of Shandong Province, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Linyi Key Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Key Laboratory for Translational Oncology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingyi Du
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; School of Cinical Medicine, Shandong First Medical Universiy & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xingfang Xiong
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Institute of Clinical Medicine College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaoli Xie
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Health Commission of Shandong Province, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Linyi Key Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Key Laboratory for Translational Oncology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Health Commission of Shandong Province, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Linyi Key Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Linyi, Shandong Province, China; Key Laboratory for Translational Oncology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Hematology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China.
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Mortezaee K. HHLA2 immune-regulatory roles in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114639. [PMID: 37011487 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2 or B7-H7) is a newly discovered B7 family member. HHLA2 is aberrantly expressed in solid tumors and exerts co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory activities dependent on interaction with counter receptors. HHLA2 represents co-stimulatory effects upon interaction with transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain containing 2 (TMIGD2, also called CD28H), but its interaction with killer cell Ig-like receptor, three Ig domains and long cytoplasmic tail 3 (KIR3DL3) renders co-inhibitory effects. TMIGD2 is mainly expressed on resting or naïve T cells, whereas expression of KIR3DL3 occurs on activated T cells. HHLA2/KIR3DL3 attenuates responses from both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immunity, and the activity within this axis is regarded as a biomarker of weak prognosis in cancer patients. HHLA2/KIR3DL3 promotes CD8+ T cell exhaustion and induces macrophage polarity toward pro-tumor M2 phenotype. HHLA2 represents diverse expression profile and activity in tumor and stroma. Tumoral expression of HHLA2 is presumably higher compared with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and HHLA2 co-expression with PD-L1 is indicative of more severe outcomes. A suggested strategy in patients with HHLA2high cancer is to use monoclonal antibodies for specifically suppressing the HHLA2 inhibitory receptor KIR3DL3, not the HHLA2 ligand. TMIGD2 can be a target for development of agonistic bispecific antibodies for hampering tumor resistance to the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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Mora-Bitria L, Asquith B. Innate receptors modulating adaptive T cell responses: KIR-HLA interactions and T cell-mediated control of chronic viral infections. Immunogenetics 2023; 75:269-282. [PMID: 36719466 PMCID: PMC9887252 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01293-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are mainly expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and are key regulators of innate immune responses. NK cells are the first responders in the face of infection and help promote placentation during pregnancy; the importance of KIRs in these NK-mediated processes is well-established. However, mounting evidence suggests that KIRs also have a prominent and long-lasting effect on the adaptive immune system. Here, we review the evidence for the impact of KIRs on T cell responses with a focus on the clinical significance of this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mora-Bitria
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Becca Asquith
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Song L, Bai G, Liu XS, Li B, Li H. Efficient and accurate KIR and HLA genotyping with massively parallel sequencing data. Genome Res 2023; 33:923-931. [PMID: 37169596 PMCID: PMC10519407 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277585.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Killer cell immunoglobulin like receptor (KIR) genes and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity. They are highly polymorphic and cannot be genotyped with standard variant calling pipelines. Compared with HLA genes, many KIR genes are similar to each other in sequences and may be absent in the chromosomes. Therefore, although many tools have been developed to genotype HLA genes using common sequencing data, none of them work for KIR genes. Even specialized KIR genotypers could not resolve all the KIR genes. Here we describe T1K, a novel computational method for the efficient and accurate inference of KIR or HLA alleles from RNA-seq, whole-genome sequencing, or whole-exome sequencing data. T1K jointly considers alleles across all genotyped genes, so it can reliably identify present genes and distinguish homologous genes, including the challenging KIR2DL5A/KIR2DL5B genes. This model also benefits HLA genotyping, where T1K achieves high accuracy in benchmarks. Moreover, T1K can call novel single-nucleotide variants and process single-cell data. Applying T1K to tumor single-cell RNA-seq data, we found that KIR2DL4 expression was enriched in tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. T1K may open the opportunity for HLA and KIR genotyping across various sequencing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Song
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Gali Bai
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - X Shirley Liu
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Bo Li
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Fu Y, Zheng P, Zheng X, Chen L, Kong C, Liu W, Li S, Jiang J. Downregulation of HHLA2 inhibits ovarian cancer progression via the NF-κB signaling pathway and suppresses the expression of CA9. Cell Immunol 2023; 388-389:104730. [PMID: 37210768 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2023.104730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
HHLA2 has been recently demonstrated to play multifaceted roles in several types of cancers. However, its underlying mechanism in the progression of human ovarian cancer (OC) remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether downregulation of HHLA2 inhibited malignant phenotypes of human OC cells and explore its specific mechanism. Our results revealed that downregulation of HHLA2 by transfection with a lentiviral vector significantly suppressed the viability, invasion, and migration of OC cells. Interaction study showed that downregulation of HHLA2 in OC cells reduced the expression of CA9 and increased the expressions of p-IKKβ and p-RelA. Conversely, the viability, invasion, and migration of HHLA2-depleted OC cells were increased when CA9 was upregulated. In vivo, we found that downregulation of HHLA2 significantly inhibited tumor growth, which was reversed by CA9 overexpression. In addition, downregulation of HHLA2 inhibited the OC progression via activating the NF-κB signaling pathway and decreasing the expression of CA9. Collectively, our data suggested a link between HHLA2 and NF-κB axis in the pathogenesis of OC, and these findings might provide valuable insights into the development of novel potential therapeutic targets for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Fu
- Department of Gynecology, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Changzhou, China; Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Panpan Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China; Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China; Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China; Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China; Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China; Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China; Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Caixia Kong
- Department of Gynecology, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - Shuping Li
- Department of Gynecology, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Changzhou, China.
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China; Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China; Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
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Nishihara D, Kijima T, Arai K, Kamai T. Increased co-expression of stromal HHLA2 and fibroblast activation protein in upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Int Urol Nephrol 2023; 55:867-874. [PMID: 36598731 PMCID: PMC10030454 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-022-03458-0] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human endogenous retrovirus-H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2; also known as B7 homolog 7 [B7-H7]) regulates immune responses. However, its immunoregulatory role in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains unclear. METHODS We evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of HHLA2 and fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which is a marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts, in UTUC tissues from 85 patients who underwent nephroureterectomy. The associations between the expressions of HHLA2 and FAP and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated. RESULTS The increased expression of HHLA2 in tumor cells (t-HHLA2) was associated with a low histological grade, a negative lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and a low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, whereas an increased expression of HHLA2 in stromal cells (s-HHLA2) was associated with a high histological grade. No correlation was observed between the expression of t-HHLA2 and s-HHLA2. FAP was expressed only in the stromal cells (s-FAP). Positive s-FAP expression was significantly associated with increased s-HHLA2 expression, higher histological grade, higher pathological T stage, and positive LVI. Higher t-HHLA2 was associated with longer cancer-specific and progression-free survival. In contrast, positive s-FAP was associated with short progression-free survival. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the progression of UTUC may involve increased co-expression of HHLA2 and FAP in the tumor stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisaku Nishihara
- Department of Urology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Shimotsuga, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Toshiki Kijima
- Department of Urology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Shimotsuga, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan.
| | - Kyoko Arai
- Department of Urology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Shimotsuga, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Takao Kamai
- Department of Urology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Shimotsuga, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
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Stricker E, Peckham-Gregory EC, Scheurer ME. HERVs and Cancer-A Comprehensive Review of the Relationship of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Human Cancers. Biomedicines 2023; 11:936. [PMID: 36979914 PMCID: PMC10046157 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and genetic mutations can lead to exhibition of several cancer hallmarks in affected cells such as sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppression, activated invasion, deregulation of cellular energetics, and avoidance of immune destruction. Similar biological changes have been observed to be a result of pathogenic viruses and, in some cases, have been linked to virus-induced cancers. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), once external pathogens, now occupy more than 8% of the human genome, representing the merge of genomic and external factors. In this review, we outline all reported effects of HERVs on cancer development and discuss the HERV targets most suitable for cancer treatments as well as ongoing clinical trials for HERV-targeting drugs. We reviewed all currently available reports of the effects of HERVs on human cancers including solid tumors, lymphomas, and leukemias. Our review highlights the central roles of HERV genes, such as gag, env, pol, np9, and rec in immune regulation, checkpoint blockade, cell differentiation, cell fusion, proliferation, metastasis, and cell transformation. In addition, we summarize the involvement of HERV long terminal repeat (LTR) regions in transcriptional regulation, creation of fusion proteins, expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and promotion of genome instability through recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Stricker
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
| | | | - Michael E. Scheurer
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
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Ahangar NK, Khalaj-Kondori M, Alizadeh N, Mokhtarzadeh A, Baghbanzadeh A, Shadbad MA, Dolatkhah K, Baradaran B. Silencing tumor-intrinsic HHLA2 potentiates the anti-tumoral effect of paclitaxel on MG63 cells: Another side of immune checkpoint. Gene 2023; 855:147086. [PMID: 36535461 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is common type of bone cancer; however, the prognosis of patients with metastatic osteosarcoma is poor. As a new inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule, HHLA2 is upregulated in osteosarcoma. Herein, we studied the significance of tumor-intrinsic HHLA2 in MG-63 growth. Also, we examined the influence of combined therapy of HHLA2 knockdown with paclitaxel on the apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and stemness of MG-63 cells. METHODS The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to study the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of paclitaxel and the cytotoxicity of HHLA2-small interfering RNA (siRNA) on MG-63 cells. The apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed using flow cytometry. The wound-healing and colony formation assays were conducted to investigate the effect of paclitaxel and HHLA2 knockdown on the migration and stemness of MG-63 cells, respectively. QRT-PCR was used to determine the Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels. RESULTS HHLA2 silencing has enhanced the chemosensitivity of MG-63 cells to paclitaxel. Besides, HHLA2 knockdown has increased the paclitaxel-induced cytotoxic effect on MG-63 cells. In terms of stimulating apoptosis, decreasing clonogenicity, halting the cell cycle at the sub G1 phase, and inhibiting migration, tumor-intrinsic HHLA2 silencing has increased these anti-tumor effects of paclitaxel on MG-63 cells. Besides, HHLA2 knockdown has potentiated paclitaxel-mediated Bcl-2 downregulation and paclitaxel-mediated caspase-3 and Bax upregulation in MG-63 cells. CONCLUSION Tumor-intrinsic HHLA2 knockdown increases the anti-tumoral effect of paclitaxel on MG-63 cells and enhances the chemosensitivity of MG-63 cells to paclitaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noora Karim Ahangar
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khalaj-Kondori
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran.
| | - Nazila Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | | | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
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Construction and Validation of a Novel Immune Checkpoint-Related Model in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9010514. [PMID: 36618968 PMCID: PMC9822741 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9010514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background With the highest mortality and metastasis rate, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is one of the most common urological malignant tumors and not sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Immunotherapy, which proves to be effective and a big progression, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, is not sensitive to all KIRC patients. To predict prognosis and immunotherapy response, a novel immune checkpoint gene- (ICG-) related model is essential in clinics. Methods From the public database-downloaded dataset, a novel ICG-related model for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in KIRC patients was built up and verified with R packages and Cox regression analysis. The Kaplan-Meier curve was plotted. Results 39 ICGs were identified to have different expression in KIRC patients and enriched in immune-related biological pathways and activities. Three ICGs (CTLA4, TNFSF14, and HHLA2) were screened to generate KIRC-ICG model. The KIRC-ICG model was verified to be effective. With conducting KIRC-SYS model, KIRC-ICGscore was verified to be an independent factor regardless of age, gender, stage, grade, and TNM stage. Compared to the ICG-low subgroup, the ICG-high subgroup had more immune activities. KIRC-ICGscore was significantly positively correlated with the expression of Treg markers. KIRC-ICG model could also be reliable to predict immunotherapy response. Conclusion The KIRC-ICG model was reliable to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response for KIRC patients and could be an independent factor regardless of clinical characteristics.
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Ren X, Corrigan DT, Zang X. Protocol for evaluating antitumor activity of KIR3DL3 blockade in an NK cell-based xenogeneic lung tumor model. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101818. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Chen X, Li J, Chen Y, Que Z, Du J, Zhang J. B7 Family Members in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Attractive Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315005. [PMID: 36499340 PMCID: PMC9740860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 5-10%. The immune checkpoint blockade represented by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has been effective in a variety of solid tumors but has had little clinical response in pancreatic cancer patients. The unique suppressive immune microenvironment is the primary reason for this outcome, and it is essential to identify key targets to remodel the immune microenvironment. Some B7 family immune checkpoints, particularly PD-L1, PD-L2, B7-H3, B7-H4, VISTA and HHLA2, have been identified as playing a significant role in the control of tumor immune responses. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the recent research progress of some members of the B7 family in pancreatic cancer, which revealed that they can be involved in tumor progression through immune-dependent and non-immune-dependent pathways, highlighting the mechanisms of their involvement in tumor immune escape and assessing the prospects of their clinical application. Targeting B7 family immune checkpoints is expected to result in novel immunotherapeutic treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Function Imaging, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ziting Que
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiawei Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Function Imaging, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jianqiong Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Function Imaging, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-25-83272314
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Ren X, Peng M, Xing P, Wei Y, Galbo PM, Corrigan D, Wang H, Su Y, Dong X, Sun Q, Li Y, Zhang X, Edelmann W, Zheng D, Zang X. Blockade of the immunosuppressive KIR2DL5/PVR pathway elicits potent human NK cell-mediated antitumor immunity. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e163620. [PMID: 36377656 PMCID: PMC9663162 DOI: 10.1172/jci163620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy targeting the TIGIT/PVR pathway is currently facing challenges. KIR2DL5, a member of the human killer cell, immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family, has recently been identified as another binding partner for PVR. The biology and therapeutic potential of the KIR2DL5/PVR pathway are largely unknown. Here we report that KIR2DL5 was predominantly expressed on human NK cells with mature phenotype and cytolytic function and that it bound to PVR without competition with the other 3 known PVR receptors. The interaction between KIR2DL5 on NK cells and PVR on target cells induced inhibitory synapse formation, whereas new monoclonal antibodies blocking the KIR2DL5-PVR interaction robustly augmented the NK cytotoxicity against PVR+ human tumors. Mechanistically, both intracellular ITIM and ITSM of KIR2DL5 underwent tyrosine phosphorylation after engagement, which was essential for KIR2DL5-mediated NK suppression by recruiting SHP-1 and/or SHP-2. Subsequently, ITIM/SHP-1/SHP-2 and ITSM/SHP-1 downregulated the downstream Vav1/ERK1/2/p90RSK/NF-κB signaling. KIR2DL5+ immune cells infiltrated in various types of PVR+ human cancers. Markedly, the KIR2DL5 blockade reduced tumor growth and improved overall survival across multiple NK cell-based humanized tumor models. Thus, our results revealed functional mechanisms of KIR2DL5-mediated NK cell immune evasion, demonstrated blockade of the KIR2DL5/PVR axis as a therapy for human cancers, and provided an underlying mechanism for the clinical failure of anti-TIGIT therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | - Mou Peng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | - Peng Xing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | - Yao Wei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | - Phillip M. Galbo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Hao Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | - Yingzhen Su
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | - Qizhe Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | - Yixian Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
- Department of Oncology
- Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Yu L, Sun M, Zhang Q, Zhou Q, Wang Y. Harnessing the immune system by targeting immune checkpoints: Providing new hope for Oncotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:982026. [PMID: 36159789 PMCID: PMC9498063 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.982026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the goal of harnessing the host's immune system to provide long-lasting remission and cures for various cancers, the advent of immunotherapy revolutionized the cancer therapy field. Among the current immunotherapeutic strategies, immune checkpoint blockades have greatly improved the overall survival rates in certain patient populations. Of note, CTLA4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are two major non-redundant immune checkpoints implicated in promoting cancer immune evasion, and ultimately lead to relapse. Antibodies or inhibitors targeting these two c+heckpoints have achieved some encouraging clinical outcomes. Further, beyond the canonical immune checkpoints, more inhibitory checkpoints have been identified. Herein, we will summarize recent progress in immune checkpoint blockade therapies, with a specific focus on key pre-clinical and clinical results of new immune checkpoint therapies for cancer. Given the crucial roles of immune checkpoint blockade in oncotherapy, drugs targeting checkpoint molecules expressed by both cancer and immune cells are in clinical trials, which will be comprehensively summarized in this review. Taken together, investigating combinatorial therapies targeting immune checkpoints expressed by cancer cells and immune cells will greatly improve immunotherapies that enhance host elimination of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Minghan Sun
- Central of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Lv C, Han S, Wu B, Liang Z, Li Y, Zhang Y, Lang Q, Zhong C, Fu L, Yu Y, Xu F, Tian Y. Novel immune scoring dynamic nomograms based on B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2: Potential prediction in survival and immunotherapeutic efficacy for gallbladder cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:984172. [PMID: 36159808 PMCID: PMC9493478 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.984172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundGallbladder cancer (GBC) is a mortal malignancy with limited therapeutic strategies. We aimed to develop novel immune scoring systems focusing on B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2. We further investigated their potential clinical effects in predicting survival and immunotherapeutic efficacy for GBC.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study in a single center that explored the expression characteristics of B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2. The immune scoring nomograms for prognostic were developed via logistic regression analyses. Their performance was evaluated using the Harrell concordance index (C-index) and decision curves analysis (DCA), and validated with calibration curves.ResultsB7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 manifested with a relatively high rate of co-expression patterns in GBC tissues. They were associated with worse clinicopathological stage, suppression of immune microenvironment, and unfavorable prognosis in postoperative survival. B7 stratification established based on B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 was an independent prognostic predictor (p<0.05 in both groups). Moreover, immune stratification was also successfully constructed based on B7 stratification and the density of CD8+ TILs (all p<0.001). The prediction models were developed based on B7-/or immune stratification combined with the TNM/or Nevin staging system. These novel models have excellent discrimination ability in predicting survival and immunotherapeutic efficacy for GBC patients by DCA and clinical impact plots. Finally, dynamic nomograms were developed for the most promising clinical prediction models (B7-TNM model and Immune-TNM model) to facilitate prediction.ConclusionsImmune scoring systems focusing on B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 may effectively stratify the prognosis of GBC. Prognostic nomograms based on novel immune scoring systems may potentially predict survival and immunotherapeutic efficacy in GBC. Further valid verification is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Shukun Han
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Baokang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhiyun Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Qi Lang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Chongli Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Surgery, Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Tian,
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Wang J, Liu X, Jin T, Cao Y, Tian Y, Xu F. NK cell immunometabolism as target for liver cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 112:109193. [PMID: 36087507 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are being used effectively as a potential candidate in tumor immunotherapy. However, the migration and transport of NK cells to solid tumors is inadequate. NK cell dysfunction, tumor invasiveness, and metastasis are associated with altered metabolism of NK cells in the liver cancer microenvironment. However, in liver cancers, metabolic impairment of NK cells is still not understood fully. Evidence from various sources has shown that the interaction of NK cell's immune checkpoints with its metabolic checkpoints is responsible for the regulation of the development and function of these cells. How immune checkpoints contribute to metabolic programming is still not fully understood, and how this can be beneficial needs a better understanding, but they are emerging to be incredibly compelling to rebuilding the function of NK cells in the tumor. It is expected to represent a potential aim that focuses on improving the efficacy of therapies based on NK cells for treating liver cancer. Here, the recent advancements made to understand the NK cell's metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer have been summarized, along with the possible interplay between the immune and the metabolic checkpoints in NK cell function. Finally, an overview of some potential metabolic-related targets that can be used for liver cancer therapy treatment has been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yuqing Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
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Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Diversity in an Admixed South American Population. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182776. [PMID: 36139351 PMCID: PMC9496851 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that mediate antiviral and antitumor responses. NK cell activation and induction of effector functions are tightly regulated by the integration of activating and inhibitory receptors such as killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). KIR genes are characterized by a high degree of diversity due to presence or absence, gene copy number and allelic polymorphism. The aim of this study was to establish the distribution of KIR genes and genotypes, to infer the most common haplotypes in an admixed Colombian population and to compare these KIR gene frequencies with some Central and South American populations and worldwide. A total of 161 individuals from Medellin, Colombia were included in the study. Genomic DNA was used for KIR and HLA genotyping. We analyzed only KIR gene-content (presence or absence) based on PCR-SSO. The KIR genotype, most common haplotypes and combinations of KIR and HLA ligands frequencies were estimated according to the presence or absence of KIR and HLA genes. Dendrograms, principal component (PC) analysis and Heatmap analysis based on genetic distance were constructed to compare KIR gene frequencies among Central and South American, worldwide and Amerindian populations. The 16 KIR genes analyzed were distributed in 37 different genotypes and the 7 most frequent KIR inferred haplotypes. Importantly, we found three new genotypes not previously reported in any other ethnic group. Our genetic distance, PC and Heatmap analysis revealed marked differences in the distribution of KIR gene frequencies in the Medellin population compared to worldwide populations. These differences occurred mainly in the activating KIR isoforms, which are more frequent in our population, particularly KIR3DS1. Finally, we observed unique structural patterns of genotypes, which evidences the potential diversity and variability of this gene family in our population, and the need for exhaustive genetic studies to expand our understanding of the KIR gene complex in Colombian populations.
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Huang H, Cai Y, Hong X, Gao W, Tang J, Zhang S, Xu Z. T cell proliferation-related genes: Predicting prognosis, identifying the cold and hot tumors, and guiding treatment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:948734. [PMID: 36118894 PMCID: PMC9478955 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.948734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Immunotherapy has become a new direction of current research because the effect of traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is not satisfactory. T cell proliferation-related genes (TRGs) play a pivotal role in tumor progression by regulating the proliferation, activity, and function of immune cells. The purpose of our study is to construct and verify a prognostic model based on TRGs and to identify tumor subtypes that may guide treatment through comprehensive bioinformatics analyses. Methods: RNA sequencing data, clinical information, and somatic mutation data of ccRCC are obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We identified the prognosis-related TRGs which were differentially expressed between normal and tumor tissues. After dividing the patients into a train set and a test set according to proportion 1:1 randomly, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to construct a risk-stratified model. Its prediction performance was verified. Then, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), principal component analysis (PCA), tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) prediction were performed between the different groups of patients. To further discuss the immunotherapy between hot and cold tumors, we divided all patients into two clusters based on TRGs through unsupervised learning. Analyzing the gene mutation and calculating the tumor mutation burden (TMB), we further explored the relationship between somatic mutations and grouping or clustering. Results: Risk-stratified model and nomogram predict the prognosis of ccRCC patients accurately. Functional enrichment analyses suggested that TRGs mainly focused on the biological pathways related to tumor progression and immune response. Different tumor microenvironment, drug resistance, and TMB can be distinguished clearly according to both risk stratification and tumor subtype clustering. Conclusion: In this study, a new stratification model of ccRCC based on TRGs was established, which can accurately predict the prognosis of patients. IC50 prediction may guide the application of anti-tumor drugs. The distinction between hot and cold tumors provides a reference for clinical immunotherapy.
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Ren X, Li Y, Nishimura C, Zang X. Crosstalk between the B7/CD28 and EGFR pathways: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1181-1193. [PMID: 35873032 PMCID: PMC9293717 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are one of the most common oncogenic drivers in cancers such as non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. Molecular-targeted agents against EGFR signaling pathways have shown robust clinical efficacy, but patients inevitably experience acquired resistance. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have exhibited durable anti-tumor responses in a subset of patients across multiple cancer types, their efficacy is limited in cancers harboring activating gene alterations of EGFR. Increasing studies have demonstrated that upregulation of new B7/CD28 family members such as B7-H3, B7x and HHLA2, is associated with EGFR signaling and may contribute to resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies by creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the regulatory effect of EGFR signaling on the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and new B7/CD28 family member pathways. Understanding these interactions may inform combination therapeutic strategies and potentially overcome the current challenge of resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies. We also summarize clinical data of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies in EGFR-mutated cancers, as well as ongoing clinical trials of combination of EGFR-targeted therapies and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yixian Li
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Christopher Nishimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA.,Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA.,Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
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Jennifer Zhang Q. Donor selection based on NK alloreactivity for patients with hematological malignancies. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:695-703. [PMID: 35965181 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important defender against infections and tumors. Their function is regulated by the balance of inhibitory and activating receptors. Among all inhibitory NK receptors: killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and CD94/NKG2A recognize human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I molecules, allowing NK cells to be 'licensed' to avoid autoreactivity, but be fully functional at the same time. Licensed NK cells can target malignant cells with altered or downregulated/missing 'self' antigens. NK cell attacking malignant cells is one of the mechanisms of graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Numerous studies have demonstrated that NK cells improve hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) survival by reducing relapse mortality through GVL effect. Therapeutic strategies, such as adoptive alloreactive NK cell transfer, CAR-NK cells, antibodies against NKG2A and KIR2DL1-3, have been utilized to treat hematological malignancies in HCT. In this review, NK cell functions, NK cell receptors and ligands, as well as common alloreactive NK donor selection algorithms for patients with hematological malignancies in the setting of HCT are discussed. The goal of this review is to provide insights on the controversial results and provide better understanding and resources on how to perform alloreactive donor NK cell selection in HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuheng Jennifer Zhang
- UCLA Immunogenetics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA.
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Li Y, Lv C, Yu Y, Wu B, Zhang Y, Lang Q, Liang Z, Zhong C, Shi Y, Han S, Xu F, Tian Y. KIR3DL3-HHLA2 and TMIGD2-HHLA2 pathways: The dual role of HHLA2 in immune responses and its potential therapeutic approach for cancer immunotherapy. J Adv Res 2022; 47:137-150. [PMID: 35933091 PMCID: PMC10173190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are essential components of the immune system and are regulated by coinhibitory and costimulatory molecules in which the B7 family and CD28 family play significant roles. Previous immune checkpoint studies on B7/CD28 family members, such as PD-1, have led to remarkable success in cancer immunotherapy. However, there is still a need to find new immune checkpoint molecules. Recent studies have demonstrated that HHLA2 exerts inhibitory and stimulatory functions on the immune system by binding to different receptors on different sites. However, the pathways between HHLA2 and its two receptors on T cells and NK cells remain controversial. AIM OF REVIEW Here, we reviewed recent studies about HHLA2 ligand interactions with KIR3DL3 and TMIGD2. We focused on elucidating the pathways between KIR3DL3/TMIGD2 and HHLA2 as well as their function in tumour progression. We also addressed the relationship between HHLA2 expression and the clinical prognosis of cancer patients. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW KIR3DL3/TMIGD2-HHLA2 may represent novel pathways within the tumour microenvironment and serve as crucial immune checkpoints for developing novel therapeutic drugs against human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Baokang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qi Lang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhiyun Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chongli Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Shi
- The First Clinical College of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Shukun Han
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
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Zhang Y, Li H, Lv C, Wu B, Yu Y, Zhong C, Lang Q, Liang Z, Li Y, Shi Y, Jian J, Xu F, Tian Y. HHLA2 promotes tumor progression by long non‑coding RNA H19 in human gallbladder cancer. Int J Oncol 2022; 61:112. [PMID: 35920182 PMCID: PMC9374468 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the most malignant of all types of biliary tract cancers that is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. Accumulating evidence suggest that the B7 family of proteins serve an essential role in various types of cancers, including GBC. However, the potential function and regulatory mechanism of human endogenous retrovirus-H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2; also known as B7-H7 or B7H5) in GBC remain poorly understood. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression pattern of HHLA2 in samples from 89 patients with GBC. The possible association between HHLA2 expression and the clinicopathological parameters, including prognosis, were then assessed. Using lentiviruses, overexpression of HHLA2 plasmid or short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) of HHLA2 were transfected into GBC-SD cells to overexpress or knock down HHLA2 expression, respectively. The effects of HHLA2 overexpression and knockdown on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process on GBC-SD cells were measured by the western blotting and immunofluorescence staining of collagen I, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, vimentin and α-SMA. By contrast, changes in cell proliferation were measured using EdU assay. Cell invasion and migration were assessed using Transwell and wound-healing assays, respectively. In addition, a xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the tumorigenic ability of the GBC cell line in vivo after stable transfection with lentivirus for HHLA2 overexpression or shRNA for HHLA2 knockdown. The regulatory relationships among TGF-β1, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 (H19) and HHLA2 were then investigated. The mRNA expression of lncRNA H19 were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, whereas the expression levels of HHLA2 were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. HHLA2 expression was found to gradually increase as the stages of the GBC samples become more advanced. In addition, the expression level of HHLA2 was calculated to be positively associated with the Nevin stage, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, tumor invasion and regional lymph node metastasis but was negatively associated with the overall patient survival (OS). In vitro experiments demonstrated that overexpression of HHLA2 promoted GBC migration, invasion, proliferation and EMT, whereas in vivo experiments found a promoting role of HHLA2 overexpression on GBC tumor growth. After transfection with lentiviruses encoding the overexpression plasmid of lncRNA H19, GBC migration, invasion, proliferation and EMT were increased. By contrast, knocking down HHLA2 expression suppressed TGF-β1- or lncRNA H19 overexpression-induced GBC migration, invasion, proliferation and EMT. In addition, HHLA2 knockdown significantly reduced the sizes of the GBC tumors in vivo. These results suggest that HHLA2 overexpression can promote GBC progression. Conversely, ablation of HHLA2 expression inhibited both TGF-β1- and lncRNA H19-induced GBC progression, suggesting that HHLA2 is a potential therapeutic target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Hanrong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110005, P.R. China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Baokang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Surgery, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Chongli Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Qi Lang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyun Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Jian Jian
- Department of Oncology, Liaoyang Central Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoyang, Liaoning 111010, P.R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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Harnessing natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy: dispatching the first responders. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:559-577. [PMID: 35314852 PMCID: PMC10019065 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have crucial roles in the innate immunosurveillance of cancer and viral infections. They are 'first responders' that can spontaneously recognize abnormal cells in the body, rapidly eliminate them through focused cytotoxicity mechanisms and potently produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that recruit and activate other immune cells to initiate an adaptive response. From the initial discovery of the diverse cell surface receptors on NK cells to the characterization of regulatory events that control their function, our understanding of the basic biology of NK cells has improved dramatically in the past three decades. This advanced knowledge has revealed increased mechanistic complexity, which has opened the doors to the development of a plethora of exciting new therapeutics that can effectively manipulate and target NK cell functional responses, particularly in cancer patients. Here, we summarize the basic mechanisms that regulate NK cell biology, review a wide variety of drugs, cytokines and antibodies currently being developed and used to stimulate NK cell responses, and outline evolving NK cell adoptive transfer approaches to treat cancer.
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Pollock NR, Harrison GF, Norman PJ. Immunogenomics of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor (KIR) and HLA Class I: Coevolution and Consequences for Human Health. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:1763-1775. [PMID: 35561968 PMCID: PMC10038757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interactions of killer cell immunoglobin-like receptors (KIR) with human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I regulate effector functions of key cytotoxic cells of innate and adaptive immunity. The extreme diversity of this interaction is genetically determined, having evolved in the ever-changing environment of pathogen exposure. Diversity of KIR and HLA genes is further facilitated by their independent segregation on separate chromosomes. That fetal implantation relies on many of the same types of immune cells as infection control places certain constraints on the evolution of KIR interactions with HLA. Consequently, specific inherited combinations of receptors and ligands may predispose to specific immune-mediated diseases, including autoimmunity. Combinatorial diversity of KIR and HLA class I can also differentiate success rates of immunotherapy directed to these diseases. Progress toward both etiopathology and predicting response to therapy is being achieved through detailed characterization of the extent and consequences of the combinatorial diversity of KIR and HLA. Achieving these goals is more tractable with the development of integrated analyses of molecular evolution, function, and pathology that will establish guidelines for understanding and managing risks. Here, we present what is known about the coevolution of KIR with HLA class I and the impact of their complexity on immune function and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Pollock
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - Genelle F Harrison
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - Paul J Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo.
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Zhou L, Fang H, Yin M, Long H, Weng G. Novel immune-related signature based on immune cells for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24409. [PMID: 35441741 PMCID: PMC9169179 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the kidney and is characterized by poor prognosis. We sought to build an immune-related prognostic signature and investigate its relationship with immunotherapy response in ccRCC. METHODS Immune-related genes were identified by ssGSEA and WGCNA. The prognostic signature was conducted via univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and multivariable Cox regression analyses. Kaplan-Meier analysis, PCA, t-SNE, and ROC were used to evaluate the risk model. RESULTS A total of 119 immune-related genes associated with prognosis were screened out. Six immune-related genes (CSF1, CD5L, AIM2, TIMP3, IRF6, and HHLA2) were applied to construct a prognostic signature for KIRC. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in high-risk group had a poorer survival outcome than in low-risk group. The 1-, 3- and 5-year AUC of the prognostic signature was 0.754, 0.715, and 0.739, respectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models demonstrated that the risk signature was an independent prognostic factor for KIRC survival. GSEA analysis suggested that the high-risk group was concentrated on immune-related pathways. The high-risk group with more regulatory T-cell infiltration showed a higher expression of immune negative regulation genes. The risk score had positively relationship with TIDE score and negatively with the response of immunotherapy. The IC50 values of axitinib, sunitinib, sorafenib, and temsirolimus were lower in the high-risk group. CONCLUSION Our study defined a robust signature that may be promising for predicting clinical outcomes and immunotherapy and targeted therapy response in ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libin Zhou
- Department of UrologyThe Affiliated Lihuili HospitalNingbo UniversityNingboChina
- Department of UrologyNingbo Medical Centre Lihuili HospitalNingboChina
| | - Hualong Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of NanchangNanchangChina
| | - Min Yin
- Department of UrologyNingbo Medical Centre Lihuili HospitalNingboChina
| | - Huimin Long
- Department of UrologyNingbo Medical Centre Lihuili HospitalNingboChina
| | - Guobin Weng
- Department of UrologyThe Affiliated Yinzhou No 2 Hospital, Ningbo UniversityNingboChina
- Department of UrologyNingbo Yinzhou No 2 HospitalNingboChina
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Zhuang X, Long EO. NK Cells Equipped With a Chimeric Antigen Receptor That Overcomes Inhibition by HLA Class I for Adoptive Transfer of CAR-NK Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:840844. [PMID: 35585985 PMCID: PMC9108249 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.840844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dominant inhibitory receptors for HLA class I (HLA-I) endow NK cells with high intrinsic responsiveness, a process termed licensing or education, but hinder their ability to kill HLA-I+ tumor cells. Cancer immunotherapy with adoptive transfer of NK cells must overcome inhibitory signals by such receptors to promote elimination of HLA-I+ tumor cells. As proof of concept, we show here that a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) can be engineered to overcome inhibition by receptors for HLA-I and to promote lysis of HLA-I+ tumor cells by CAR-NK cells. The design of this NK-tailored CAR (NK-CAR) relied on the potent NK cell activation induced by the synergistic combination of NK receptors CD28H (CD28 homolog, TMIGD2) and 2B4 (CD244, SLAMF4). An NK-CAR consisting of the single-chain fragment variable (scFv) of a CD19 antibody, the CD28H transmembrane domain, and the fusion of CD28H, 2B4, and TCRζ signaling domains was compared to a third-generation T-cell CAR with a CD28-41BB-TCRζ signaling domain. The NK-CAR delivered stronger activation signals to NK cells and induced more robust tumor cell lysis. Furthermore, such CAR-NK cells could overcome inhibition by HLA-E or HLA-C expressed on tumor cells. Therefore, engineering of CAR-NK cells that could override inhibition by HLA-I in patients undergoing cancer immunotherapy is feasible. This approach offers an attractive alternative to more complex strategies, such as genetic editing of inhibitory receptors in CAR-NK cells or treatment of patients with a combination of CAR-NK cells and checkpoint blockade with antibodies to inhibitory receptors. A significant benefit of inhibition-resistant NK-CARs is that NK cell inhibition would be overcome only during contact with targeted tumor cells and that HLA-I on healthy cells would continue to maintain NK cell responsiveness through licensing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric O. Long
- *Correspondence: Eric O. Long, ; Xiaoxuan Zhuang,
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