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Ohtani H, Inoue N, Iwatani Y, Takeno Y, Arakawa Y, Hidaka Y, Watanabe M. Effect of DNA methylation at the CTLA4 gene on the clinical status of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Clin Immunol 2024; 267:110338. [PMID: 39142493 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110338] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The pathogenesis and manifestation of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), Graves' disease (GD), and Hashimoto's disease (HD) are associated with T cell activation. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) plays a crucial role in the regulation of T cell activation. DNA methylation levels of eight CpG sites in the CTLA4 gene and expression levels of soluble CTLA-4 were examined. Methylation levels of +22 CpG and CT60 CpG-SNPs in patients with GD and HD with the CT60 GG genotype were lower than those in control subjects. Methylation levels of the-15 CpG sites were lower in patients with intractable GD than those in GD patients in remission. These results suggest that demethylation of +22 CpG and CT60 CpG-SNPs may be associated with susceptibility to GD and HD in subjects with the CTLA4 CT60 GG genotype, and that demethylation of -15 CpG may be associated with the intractability of GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Ohtani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Biomedical Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 1-7 Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naoya Inoue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Biomedical Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 1-7 Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory for Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Hospital, Yamadaoka 2-15, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Iwatani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Biomedical Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 1-7 Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuri Takeno
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Biomedical Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 1-7 Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuya Arakawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Biomedical Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 1-7 Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoh Hidaka
- Laboratory for Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Hospital, Yamadaoka 2-15, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mikio Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Biomedical Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 1-7 Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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2
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Hossain SM, Carpenter C, Eccles MR. Genomic and Epigenomic Biomarkers of Immune Checkpoint Immunotherapy Response in Melanoma: Current and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7252. [PMID: 39000359 PMCID: PMC11241335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) demonstrate durable responses, long-term survival benefits, and improved outcomes in cancer patients compared to chemotherapy. However, the majority of cancer patients do not respond to ICIs, and a high proportion of those patients who do respond to ICI therapy develop innate or acquired resistance to ICIs, limiting their clinical utility. The most studied predictive tissue biomarkers for ICI response are PD-L1 immunohistochemical expression, DNA mismatch repair deficiency, and tumour mutation burden, although these are weak predictors of ICI response. The identification of better predictive biomarkers remains an important goal to improve the identification of patients who would benefit from ICIs. Here, we review established and emerging biomarkers of ICI response, focusing on epigenomic and genomic alterations in cancer patients, which have the potential to help guide single-agent ICI immunotherapy or ICI immunotherapy in combination with other ICI immunotherapies or agents. We briefly review the current status of ICI response biomarkers, including investigational biomarkers, and we present insights into several emerging and promising epigenomic biomarker candidates, including current knowledge gaps in the context of ICI immunotherapy response in melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultana Mehbuba Hossain
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (S.M.H.); (C.C.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Carien Carpenter
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (S.M.H.); (C.C.)
| | - Michael R. Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (S.M.H.); (C.C.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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3
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Tian J, Quek C. Understanding the Tumor Microenvironment in Melanoma Patients with In-Transit Metastases and Its Impacts on Immune Checkpoint Immunotherapy Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4243. [PMID: 38673829 PMCID: PMC11050678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084243] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the leading cause of global skin cancer-related death and currently ranks as the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Melanoma patients with in-transit metastases (ITM), a type of locoregional metastasis located close to the primary tumor site, exhibit a high likelihood of further disease progression and poor survival outcomes. Immunotherapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in ITM patients with reduced occurrence of further metastases and prolonged survival. The major challenge of immunotherapeutic efficacy lies in the limited understanding of melanoma and ITM biology, hindering our ability to identify patients who likely respond to ICIs effectively. In this review, we provided an overview of melanoma and ITM disease. We outlined the key ICI therapies and the critical immune features associated with therapy response or resistance. Lastly, we dissected the underlying biological components, including the cellular compositions and their communication networks within the tumor compartment, to enhance our understanding of the interactions between immunotherapy and melanoma, providing insights for future investigation and the development of drug targets and predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camelia Quek
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
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Chew V, Chuang CH, Hsu C. Translational research on drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:22. [PMID: 38368324 PMCID: PMC10874078 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01011-y] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational research plays a key role in drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, unique challenges exist in this field because of the limited availability of human tumor samples from surgery, the lack of homogenous oncogenic driver mutations, and the paucity of adequate experimental models. In this review, we provide insights into these challenges and review recent advancements, with a particular focus on the two main agents currently used as mainstream therapies for HCC: anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy. First, we examine the pre-clinical and clinical studies to highlight the challenges of determining the optimal therapeutic combinations with biologically effective dosage for HCC. Second, we discuss biomarker studies focusing on anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1-based combination therapy. Finally, we discuss the progress made in our collective understanding of tumor immunology and in multi-omics analysis technology, which enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy, characterize different patient subgroups, and facilitate the development of novel combination approaches to improve treatment efficacy. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of efforts in translational research aiming at advancing our understanding of and improving the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chien-Huai Chuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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5
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Xu H, Jia Z, Liu F, Li J, Huang Y, Jiang Y, Pu P, Shang T, Tang P, Zhou Y, Yang Y, Su J, Liu J. Biomarkers and experimental models for cancer immunology investigation. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e437. [PMID: 38045830 PMCID: PMC10693314 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancement of tumor immunotherapies poses challenges for the tools used in cancer immunology research, highlighting the need for highly effective biomarkers and reproducible experimental models. Current immunotherapy biomarkers encompass surface protein markers such as PD-L1, genetic features such as microsatellite instability, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and biomarkers in liquid biopsy such as circulating tumor DNAs. Experimental models, ranging from 3D in vitro cultures (spheroids, submerged models, air-liquid interface models, organ-on-a-chips) to advanced 3D bioprinting techniques, have emerged as valuable platforms for cancer immunology investigations and immunotherapy biomarker research. By preserving native immune components or coculturing with exogenous immune cells, these models replicate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. Animal models like syngeneic models, genetically engineered models, and patient-derived xenografts provide opportunities to study in vivo tumor-immune interactions. Humanized animal models further enable the simulation of the human-specific tumor microenvironment. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages, limitations, and prospects of different biomarkers and experimental models, specifically focusing on the role of biomarkers in predicting immunotherapy outcomes and the ability of experimental models to replicate the tumor microenvironment. By integrating cutting-edge biomarkers and experimental models, this review serves as a valuable resource for accessing the forefront of cancer immunology investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ziqi Jia
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Fengshuo Liu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jiayi Li
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yansong Huang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yiwen Jiang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengming Pu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Tongxuan Shang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengrui Tang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yongxin Zhou
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yufan Yang
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jianzhong Su
- Oujiang LaboratoryZhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain HealthWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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6
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Rocha GIY, Gomes JEM, Leite ML, da Cunha NB, Costa FF. Epigenome-Driven Strategies for Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:1351-1367. [PMID: 38058537 PMCID: PMC10697012 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s272031] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fighting cancer remains one of the greatest challenges for science in the 21st century. Advances in immunotherapy against different types of cancer have greatly contributed to the treatment, remission, and cure of patients. In this context, knowledge of epigenetic phenomena, their relationship with tumor cells and how the immune system can be epigenetically modulated represent some of the greatest advances in the development of anticancer therapies. Epigenetics is a rapidly growing field that studies how environmental factors can affect gene expression without altering DNA sequence. Epigenomic changes include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation, which impact cellular function. Epigenetics has shown promise in developing cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy, which aims to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. For example, PD-1 and PD-L1 are biomarkers that regulate the immune response to cancer cells and recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications can affect their expression, potentially influencing the efficacy of immunotherapy. New therapies targeting epigenetic modifications, such as histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases, are being developed for cancer treatment, and some have shown promise in preclinical studies and clinical trials. With growing understanding of epigenetic regulation, we can expect more personalized and effective cancer immunotherapies in the future. This review highlights key advances in the use of epigenetic and epigenomic tools and modern immuno-oncology strategies to treat several types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Lopes Leite
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Nicolau B da Cunha
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAV), Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Agronomy, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Fabricio F Costa
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Genomic Enterprise, San FranciscoCA, USA
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7
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Klümper N, Wüst L, Saal J, Ralser DJ, Zarbl R, Jarczyk J, Breyer J, Sikic D, Wullich B, Bolenz C, Roghmann F, Hölzel M, Ritter M, Strieth S, Hartmann A, Erben P, Wirtz RM, Landsberg J, Dietrich D, Eckstein M. PD-L1 ( CD274) promoter hypomethylation predicts immunotherapy response in metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2267744. [PMID: 37868689 PMCID: PMC10588513 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2267744] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PD-L1 status assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) has failed to reliably predict outcomes for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) on immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). PD-L1 promoter methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that has been shown to regulate PD-L1 mRNA expression in various malignancies. The aim of our present study was to evaluate the predictive potential of PD-L1 promoter methylation status (mPD-L1) in ICB-treated mUC compared to conventional IHC-based PD-L1 assessment. We quantified mPD-L1 in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections using an established quantitative methylation-specific PCR assay (qMSP) in a well-characterized multicenter ICB-treated cohort comprising N = 107 patients with mUC. Additionally, PD-L1 protein expression in tumor tissues was assessed using regulatory approved IHC protocols. The effect of pharmacological hypomethylation by the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine in combination with interferon-γ stimulation in urothelial carcinoma cell lines was investigated by IHC and FACS. mPD-L1 hypomethylation predicted objective response rate at the first staging on ICB. Patients with tumors categorized as PD-L1 hypomethylated (lower quartile) showed significantly prolonged progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after ICB initiation. In contrast, PD-L1 protein expression status neither correlated with response nor survival. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, PD-L1 promoter hypermethylation remained an independent predictor of unfavorable PFS and OS. In urothelial carcinoma cell lines, pharmacological demethylation led to an upregulation of membranous PD-L1 expression and an enhanced inducibility of PD-L1 expression by interferon γ. Hypomethylation of the PD-L1 promoter is a promising predictive biomarker for response to ICB in patients with mUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Klümper
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
| | - Lennert Wüst
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonas Saal
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Damian J. Ralser
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecological Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Romina Zarbl
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonas Jarczyk
- Department of Urology and Urosurgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Breyer
- Department of Urology, Caritas Hospital St. Josef, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (Bayerisches Zentrum für Krebsforschung, BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Danijel Sikic
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (Bayerisches Zentrum für Krebsforschung, BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wullich
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (Bayerisches Zentrum für Krebsforschung, BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (Bayerisches Zentrum für Krebsforschung, BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center EMN, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Philipp Erben
- Department of Urology and Urosurgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ralph M. Wirtz
- Center for Integrated Oncology, STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (Bayerisches Zentrum für Krebsforschung, BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center EMN, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Hoffmann F, Franzen A, de Vos L, Wuest L, Kulcsár Z, Fietz S, Maas AP, Hollick S, Diop MY, Gabrielpillai J, Vogt T, Kuster P, Zarbl R, Dietrich J, Kristiansen G, Brossart P, Landsberg J, Strieth S, Dietrich D. CTLA4 DNA methylation is associated with CTLA-4 expression and predicts response to immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:112. [PMID: 37415208 PMCID: PMC10327338 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of patients with recurrent or metastasized head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) do not benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) while several patients experience severe and persistent immune-mediated side effects. Therefore, predictive biomarkers are urgently needed to allow for a personalized treatment. In this study, we investigated DNA methylation of the immune checkpoint gene CTLA4 with regard to its predictive value. METHODS We analyzed CTLA4 promoter methylation in tumors of HNSCC patients (N = 29) treated with ICB at the University Medical Center Bonn with regard to response to ICB and progression-free survival. We further analyzed a second cohort (N = 138) of patients that did not receive ICB with regard to CTLA4 promoter methylation, CTLA-4 protein expression, and immune cell infiltrates. Finally, we tested inducibility of CTLA-4 protein expression in HNSCC cells using the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine. RESULTS Lower CTLA4 promoter methylation correlated with response to ICB and prolonged progression-free survival. We could show that not only tumor infiltrating immune cells, but also HNSCC cells harbor cytoplasmic and nuclear CTLA-4 expression. CTLA4 promoter methylation inversely correlated with infiltrates of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD45+ immune cells. CTLA4 methylation did not correlate with protein expression in tumors, however, decitabine treatment led to decreased CTLA4 methylation and an induction of CTLA4 mRNA and CTLA-4 protein expression in HNSCC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that CTLA4 DNA hypomethylation is a predictive biomarker for response to ICB in HNSCC. Our study warrants further analyses of the predictive value of CTLA4 DNA methylation in clinical trials of anti-PD-1 and/or anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy in HNSCC.
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Grants
- 70113307 Deutsche Krebshilfe
- 2022-1A-08, 2020-1A-13, 2020-2A-06, 2022-4-18, 2023-4-06 University Medical Center Bonn BONFOR program
- 2022-1A-08, 2020-1A-13, 2020-2A-06, 2022-4-18, 2023-4-06 University Medical Center Bonn BONFOR program
- 2022-1A-08, 2020-1A-13, 2020-2A-06, 2022-4-18, 2023-4-06 University Medical Center Bonn BONFOR program
- 2022-1A-08, 2020-1A-13, 2020-2A-06, 2022-4-18, 2023-4-06 University Medical Center Bonn BONFOR program
- 2022-1A-08, 2020-1A-13, 2020-2A-06, 2022-4-18, 2023-4-06 University Medical Center Bonn BONFOR program
- Universitätsklinikum Bonn (8930)
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Hoffmann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alina Franzen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Luka de Vos
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lennert Wuest
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Zsófi Kulcsár
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Fietz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Philippe Maas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Hollick
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marie Yatou Diop
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennis Gabrielpillai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Vogt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pia Kuster
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Romina Zarbl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joern Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Masson C, Thouvenin J, Boudier P, Maillet D, Kuchler-Bopp S, Barthélémy P, Massfelder T. Biological Biomarkers of Response and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3159. [PMID: 37370768 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123159] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents around 2% of cancer-related deaths worldwide per year. RCC is an immunogenic malignancy, and treatment of metastatic RCC (mRCC) has greatly improved since the advent of the new immunotherapy agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, it should be stressed that a large proportion of patients does not respond to these therapies. There is thus an urgent need to identify predictive biomarkers of efficacy or resistance associated with ICIs or ICI/Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combinations; this is a major challenge to achieve precision medicine for mRCC in routine practice. To identify potential biomarkers, it is necessary to improve our knowledge on the biology of immune checkpoints. A lot of efforts have been made over the last decade in the field of immuno-oncology. We summarize here the main data obtained in this field when considering mRCC. As for clinical biomarkers, clinician and scientific experts of the domain are facing difficulties in identifying such molecular entities, probably due to the complexity of immuno-oncology and the constant adaptation of tumor cells to their changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Masson
- Regenerative NanoMedicine, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), UMR_S U1260 INSERM and University of Strasbourg, 67085 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jonathan Thouvenin
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon Sud, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Philippe Boudier
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Denis Maillet
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon Sud, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Sabine Kuchler-Bopp
- Regenerative NanoMedicine, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), UMR_S U1260 INSERM and University of Strasbourg, 67085 Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Barthélémy
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thierry Massfelder
- Regenerative NanoMedicine, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), UMR_S U1260 INSERM and University of Strasbourg, 67085 Strasbourg, France
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10
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Talavera Guillén NC, Barboza de Nardi A, Noleto de Paiva F, Dias QC, Pinheiro Fantinatti A, Fávaro WJ. Clinical Implications of Immune Checkpoints and the RANK/RANK-L Signaling Pathway in High-Grade Canine Mast Cell Tumors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1888. [PMID: 37370399 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121888] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are the most common malignant cutaneous tumors in dogs, and they present extremely variable biological behavior. The interaction between RANK, RANK-L, and immune checkpoints is frequently detected in the tumor microenvironment, and, together, they participate in every stage of cancer development. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the molecular profiles of PD-L1, CTLA-4, RANK/RANK-L signaling pathway, and IFN-γ in primary tumors and lymph node metastases. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded slides of MCTs and metastatic lymph nodes of ten dogs were submitted to immunohistochemical investigations. The results demonstrated that the tumor microenvironment of the high-grade mast cell tumors showed moderate or intense immunolabeling of all proteins, and the lymph node metastases also showed moderate or intense immunolabeling of checkpoint proteins. In addition, MCTs larger than 3 cm were associated with intensified PD-L1 (p = 0.03) in metastatic lymph nodes and RANK-L (p = 0.049) immunoreactivity in the tumor. Furthermore, dogs with a survival time of less than 6 months showed higher PD-L1 immunoreactivity (p = 0.042). In conclusion, high-grade MCT is associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment that exhibits elevated RANK/RANK-L signaling and enhanced immune checkpoint immunoreactivity, potentially facilitating intratumorally immune escape. These biomarkers show promise as clinical indicators of disease progression and might response to immunotherapy in dogs with high-grade MCTs, thus emphasizing their importance for guiding treatment decisions and improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia C Talavera Guillén
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Andrigo Barboza de Nardi
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe Noleto de Paiva
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Queila Cristina Dias
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | | | - Wagner José Fávaro
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
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11
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Ralser DJ, Herr E, de Vos L, Kulcsár Z, Zarbl R, Klümper N, Gielen GH, Maas AP, Hoffmann F, Dietrich J, Kuster P, Mustea A, Glodde N, Kristiansen G, Strieth S, Landsberg J, Dietrich D. ICOS DNA methylation regulates melanoma cell-intrinsic ICOS expression, is associated with melanoma differentiation, prognosis, and predicts response to immune checkpoint blockade. Biomark Res 2023; 11:56. [PMID: 37259155 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00508-2] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inducible T cell costimulator ICOS is an emerging target in immuno-oncology. The aim of this study was to investigate the epigenetic regulation of ICOS in melanoma by DNA methylation. METHODS We comprehensively investigate ICOS DNA methylation of specific CpG sites and expression pattern within the melanoma microenvironment with regard to immune correlates, differentiation, clinical outcomes, and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response. RESULTS Our study revealed a sequence-contextual CpG methylation pattern consistent with an epigenetically regulated gene. We found a cell type-specific methylation pattern and locus-specific correlations and associations of CpG methylation with ICOS mRNA expression, immune infiltration, melanoma differentiation, prognosis, and response to ICB. High ICOS mRNA expression was identified as a surrogate for enriched immune cell infiltration and was associated with favorable overall survival (OS) in non-ICB-treated patients and predicted response and a prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) following ICB therapy initiation. ICOS hypomethylation, however, significantly correlated with poor OS in non-ICB patients but predicted higher response and prolonged PFS and OS in ICB-treated patients. Moreover, we observed cytoplasmic and sporadically nuclear tumor cell-intrinsic ICOS protein expression. Tumor cell-intrinsic ICOS protein and mRNA expression was inducible by pharmacological demethylation with decitabine. CONCLUSION Our study identified ICOS DNA methylation and mRNA expression as promising prognostic and predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy in melanoma and points towards a hitherto undescribed role of ICOS in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian J Ralser
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecological Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Herr
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Luka de Vos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Zsófi Kulcsár
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Romina Zarbl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Niklas Klümper
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerrit H Gielen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Philippe Maas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Friederike Hoffmann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörn Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pia Kuster
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Mustea
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecological Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Glodde
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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12
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Vaddi PK, Osborne DG, Nicklawsky A, Williams NK, Menon DR, Smith D, Mayer J, Reid A, Domenico J, Nguyen GH, Robinson WA, Ziman M, Gao D, Zhai Z, Fujita M. CTLA4 mRNA is downregulated by miR-155 in regulatory T cells, and reduced blood CTLA4 levels are associated with poor prognosis in metastatic melanoma patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1173035. [PMID: 37197667 PMCID: PMC10183574 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1173035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is an immune checkpoint expressed in regulatory T (Treg) cells and activated T lymphocytes. Despite its potential as a treatment strategy for melanoma, CTLA-4 inhibition has limited efficacy. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) melanoma database and another dataset, we found that decreased CTLA4 mRNA was associated with a poorer prognosis in metastatic melanoma. To investigate further, we measured blood CTLA4 mRNA in 273 whole-blood samples from an Australian cohort and found that it was lower in metastatic melanoma than in healthy controls and associated with worse patient survival. We confirmed these findings using Cox proportional hazards model analysis and another cohort from the US. Fractionated blood analysis revealed that Treg cells were responsible for the downregulated CTLA4 in metastatic melanoma patients, which was confirmed by further analysis of published data showing downregulated CTLA-4 surface protein expression in Treg cells of metastatic melanoma compared to healthy donors. Mechanistically, we found that secretomes from human metastatic melanoma cells downregulate CTLA4 mRNA at the post-transcriptional level through miR-155 while upregulating FOXP3 expression in human Treg cells. Functionally, we demonstrated that CTLA4 expression inhibits the proliferation and suppressive function of human Treg cells. Finally, miR-155 was found to be upregulated in Treg cells from metastatic melanoma patients compared to healthy donors. Our study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of reduced CTLA4 expression observed in melanoma patients, demonstrating that post-transcriptional silencing of CTLA4 by miRNA-155 in Treg cells may play a critical role. Since CTLA-4 expression is downregulated in non-responder melanoma patients to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, targeting miRNA-155 or other factors involved in regulating CTLA4 expression in Treg cells without affecting T cells could be a potential strategy to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in melanoma. Further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating CTLA4 expression in Treg cells and identify potential therapeutic targets for enhancing immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Kumar Vaddi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Douglas Grant Osborne
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Andrew Nicklawsky
- University of Colorado Cancer Center Biostatistics Core, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Nazanin K. Williams
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Dinoop Ravindran Menon
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Derek Smith
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jonathan Mayer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Anna Reid
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Joanne Domenico
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Giang Huong Nguyen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - William A. Robinson
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Melanie Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Dexiang Gao
- University of Colorado Cancer Center Biostatistics Core, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Zili Zhai
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO, United States
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13
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Micevic G, Bosenberg MW, Yan Q. The Crossroads of Cancer Epigenetics and Immune Checkpoint Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1173-1182. [PMID: 36449280 PMCID: PMC10073242 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved treatment outcomes for several types of cancer over the past decade, but significant challenges that limit wider effectiveness of current immunotherapies remain to be addressed. Certain "cold" tumor types, such as pancreatic cancer, exhibit very low response rates to ICI due to intrinsically low immunogenicity. In addition, many patients who initially respond to ICI lack a sustained response due to T-cell exhaustion. Several recent studies show that epigenetic modifiers, such as SETDB1 and LSD1, can play critical roles in regulating both tumor cell-intrinsic immunity and T-cell exhaustion. Here, we review the evidence showing that multiple epigenetic regulators silence the expression of endogenous antigens, and their loss induces viral mimicry responses bolstering the response of "cold" tumors to ICI in preclinical models. Similarly, a previously unappreciated role for epigenetic enzymes is emerging in the establishment and maintenance of stem-like T-cell populations that are critical mediators of response to ICI. Targeting the crossroads of epigenetics and immune checkpoint therapy has tremendous potential to improve antitumor immune responses and herald the next generation of sustained responses in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Micevic
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Marcus W. Bosenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
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14
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Hoffmann F, Fröhlich A, Sirokay J, de Vos L, Zarbl R, Dietrich J, Strieth S, Landsberg J, Dietrich D. DNA methylation of GITR, OX40, 4-1BB, CD27 , and CD40 correlates with BAP1 aberrancy and prognosis in uveal melanoma. Melanoma Res 2023; 33:116-125. [PMID: 36735464 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma represents an aggressive tumor that responds mostly poorly to established melanoma treatments. Comprehensive methylation profiling of the next-generation immunotherapeutic target genes, for example, members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, might allow for the development of companion predictive biomarkers. We have analyzed CpG sites within the immune checkpoint genes GITR, OX40, 4-1BB, CD 27, and CD40 probed by the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip in N = 80 uveal melanomas included in The Cancer Genome Atlas with regard to BAP1 aberrancy, mRNA expression, and overall survival. In all analyzed immune checkpoint genes, BAP1 aberrancy was associated with decreased CpG methylation levels. We identified specific CpG sites that significantly correlated with BAP1 aberrancy, mRNA expression levels, and overall survival. Our results suggest epigenetic regulation of the analyzed immune checkpoint genes via DNA methylation in uveal melanoma and provide rationale for methylation testing in biomarker programs in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Romina Zarbl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörn Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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15
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Costa PMDS, Sales SLA, Pinheiro DP, Pontes LQ, Maranhão SS, Pessoa CDÓ, Furtado GP, Furtado CLM. Epigenetic reprogramming in cancer: From diagnosis to treatment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1116805. [PMID: 36866275 PMCID: PMC9974167 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1116805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the epigenetic program of gene expression is a hallmark of cancer that initiates and propagates tumorigenesis. Altered DNA methylation, histone modifications and ncRNAs expression are a feature of cancer cells. The dynamic epigenetic changes during oncogenic transformation are related to tumor heterogeneity, unlimited self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. This stem cell-like state or the aberrant reprogramming of cancer stem cells is the major challenge in treatment and drug resistance. Given the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications, the ability to restore the cancer epigenome through the inhibition of the epigenetic modifiers is a promising therapy for cancer treatment, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer therapies, including immunotherapies. Herein, we highlighted the main epigenetic alterations, their potential as a biomarker for early diagnosis and the epigenetic therapies approved for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Mikael da Silva Costa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Biotechnology Northeastern Network of Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Sarah Leyenne Alves Sales
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Queiroz Pontes
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ-Ceará, Sector of Biotechnology, Eusebio, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Sarah Sant’Anna Maranhão
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Claudia do Ó. Pessoa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Biotechnology Northeastern Network of Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Gilvan Pessoa Furtado
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ-Ceará, Sector of Biotechnology, Eusebio, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado
- Drug Research and Development Center, Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Experimental Biology Center, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,*Correspondence: Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado,
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16
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Luo L, Fu S, Du W, He LN, Zhang X, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Hong S. LRRC3B and its promoter hypomethylation status predicts response to anti-PD-1 based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:959868. [PMID: 36798137 PMCID: PMC9928207 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.959868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The leucine rich repeat containing 3B (LRRC3B) gene is a tumor suppressor gene involved in the anti-tumor immune microenvironment. Expression of LRRC3B and DNA methylation at the LRRC3B promoter region may serve as a useful marker to predict response to anti-PD-1 therapy. However, no studies have yet systematically explored the protective role of LRRC3B methylation in tumor progression and immunity. Methods Expression of LRRC3B of 33 cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was downloaded from UCSC Xena (http://xena.ucsc.edu/). And, we evaluated the differential expression of LRRC3B according to tumor stage, overall survival, and characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. The immunotherapeutic cohorts included IMvigor21, GSE119144, and GSE72308 which were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We conducted pearson correlation analysis of LRRC3B and tumor microenvironment (TME) in pan-cancer. Also, six immune cell types (B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) and tumor purity were analyzed using the Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER1.0) (Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER2.0). And, a "silencing score" model base on LRRC3B promoter methylation to predict overall survival (OS) by multivariate Cox regression analysis was constructed. Finally, the model was applied to predict anti-PD-1 therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer (BRCA). Results LRRC3B expression associated with less tumor invasion, less severe tumor stage, and decreased metastasis. The inactivation of LRRC3B promoted the enrichment of immuneosuppressive cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), M2 subtype of tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs), M1 subtype of tumor-associated macrophages (M1-TAMs), and regulatory T (Treg) cells. A high silencing score was significantly associated with immune inhibition, low expression of LRRC3B, poor patient survival, and activation of cancer-related pathways. Conclusion Our comprehensive analysis demonstrated the potential role of LRRC3B in the anti-tumor microenvironment, clinicopathological features of cancer, and disease prognosis. It suggested that LRRC3B methylation could be used as a powerful biomarker to predict immunotherapy responses in NSCLC and BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sha Fu
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Du
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Na He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanye Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of VIP Region, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaodong Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Anichini A, Molla A, Nicolini G, Perotti VE, Sgambelluri F, Covre A, Fazio C, Lofiego MF, Di Giacomo AM, Coral S, Manca A, Sini MC, Pisano M, Noviello T, Caruso F, Brich S, Pruneri G, Maurichi A, Santinami M, Ceccarelli M, Palmieri G, Maio M, Mortarini R. Landscape of immune-related signatures induced by targeting of different epigenetic regulators in melanoma: implications for immunotherapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:325. [PMID: 36397155 PMCID: PMC9670381 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02529-5] [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] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improvement of efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) remains a major clinical goal. Association of ICB with immunomodulatory epigenetic drugs is an option. However, epigenetic inhibitors show a heterogeneous landscape of activities. Analysis of transcriptional programs induced in neoplastic cells by distinct classes of epigenetic drugs may foster identification of the most promising agents. Methods Melanoma cell lines, characterized for mutational and differentiation profile, were treated with inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (guadecitabine), histone deacetylases (givinostat), BET proteins (JQ1 and OTX-015), and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (GSK126). Modulatory effects of epigenetic drugs were evaluated at the gene and protein levels. Master molecules explaining changes in gene expression were identified by Upstream Regulator (UR) analysis. Gene set enrichment and IPA were used respectively to test modulation of guadecitabine-specific gene and UR signatures in baseline and on-treatment tumor biopsies from melanoma patients in the Phase Ib NIBIT-M4 Guadecitabine + Ipilimumab Trial. Prognostic significance of drug-specific immune-related genes was tested with Timer 2.0 in TCGA tumor datasets. Results Epigenetic drugs induced different profiles of gene expression in melanoma cell lines. Immune-related genes were frequently upregulated by guadecitabine, irrespective of the mutational and differentiation profiles of the melanoma cell lines, to a lesser extent by givinostat, but mostly downregulated by JQ1 and OTX-015. GSK126 was the least active drug. Quantitative western blot analysis confirmed drug-specific modulatory profiles. Most of the guadecitabine-specific signature genes were upregulated in on-treatment NIBIT-M4 tumor biopsies, but not in on-treatment lesions of patients treated only with ipilimumab. A guadecitabine-specific UR signature, containing activated molecules of the TLR, NF-kB, and IFN innate immunity pathways, was induced in drug-treated melanoma, mesothelioma and hepatocarcinoma cell lines and in a human melanoma xenograft model. Activation of guadecitabine-specific UR signature molecules in on-treatment tumor biopsies discriminated responding from non-responding NIBIT-M4 patients. Sixty-five % of the immune-related genes upregulated by guadecitabine were prognostically significant and conferred a reduced risk in the TCGA cutaneous melanoma dataset. Conclusions The DNMT inhibitor guadecitabine emerged as the most promising immunomodulatory agent among those tested, supporting the rationale for usage of this class of epigenetic drugs in combinatorial immunotherapy approaches. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02529-5.
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GAO Z, LING X, SHI C, WANG Y, LIN A. Tumor immune checkpoints and their associated inhibitors. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:823-843. [PMID: 36226537 PMCID: PMC9561405 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Immunological evasion is one of the defining characteristics of cancers, as the immune modification of an immune checkpoint (IC) confers immune evasion capabilities to tumor cells. Multiple ICs, such as programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), can bind to their respective receptors and reduce tumor immunity in a variety of ways, including blocking immune cell activation signals. IC blockade (ICB) therapies targeting these checkpoint molecules have demonstrated significant clinical benefits. This is because antibody-based IC inhibitors and a variety of specific small molecule inhibitors can inhibit key oncogenic signaling pathways and induce durable tumor remission in patients with a variety of cancers. Deciphering the roles and regulatory mechanisms of these IC molecules will provide crucial theoretical guidance for clinical treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the functional and regulatory mechanisms of these IC molecules at multiple levels, including epigenetic regulation, transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modifications. In addition, we provide a summary of the medications targeting various nodes in the regulatory pathway, and highlight the potential of newly identified IC molecules, focusing on their potential implications for cancer diagnostics and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerui GAO
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China,Chu Kochen Honors College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Xingyi LING
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Chengyu SHI
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Ying WANG
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Aifu LIN
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China,Breast Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310003, China,International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu322000, China,ZJU-QILU Joint Research Institute, Hangzhou310058, China,Aifu LIN,
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19
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Dong MP, Thuy LTT, Hoang DV, Hai H, Hoang TH, Sato-Matsubara M, Hieu VN, Daikoku A, Hanh NV, Urushima H, Dat NQ, Uchida-Kobayashi S, Enomoto M, Ohtani N, Tamori A, Kawada N. Soluble Immune Checkpoint Protein CD27 Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in Hepatitis C Virus-Sustained Virological Response Patients. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:1379-1396. [PMID: 35963463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Factors affecting the probability of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development even after sustained virological response (SVR) following anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy remain unelucidated. This study characterized the role of 16 soluble (s) immune checkpoint proteins in 168 HCV-SVR patients, with 47 developing HCC at the study end point. At baseline, high concentrations of 10 immune checkpoint proteins were found in the sera of the HCC group. At the study end point, levels of sCD27, sCD28, sCD40, and sCD86 in the HCC group, which were depleted following SVR, returned to higher levels than those in the non-HCC group. More importantly, patients with baseline levels of sCD27 ≥ 4104 pg/mL, sCD28 ≥ 1530 pg/mL, and sCD40 ≥ 688 pg/mL predicted a significantly greater HCC cumulative rate. Although sCD27 was elevated in patient sera, its membrane-bound form, mCD27, accumulated in the tumor and peritumor area, mainly localized in T cells. Interestingly, T-cell activation time dependently induced sCD27. Furthermore, CD70, the ligand of CD27, was robustly expressed in HCC area in which CD70 promoter methylation analysis indicated the hypomethylation compared with the nontumor pairs. Recombinant human CD27 treatment induced the proliferation of CD70-bearing HepG2 cells via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, but not NF-κB or p38 pathway. In conclusion, these data indicate that baseline sCD27, sCD28, and sCD40 levels could be used as HCC prognostic markers in HCV-SVR patients. sCD27 likely promotes HepG2 cell growth via the CD27-CD70 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Phuong Dong
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Le Thi Thanh Thuy
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Dinh Viet Hoang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Hai
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Truong Huu Hoang
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan; Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, Cancer Institute, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Misako Sato-Matsubara
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Vu Ngoc Hieu
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsuko Daikoku
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ngo Vinh Hanh
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hayato Urushima
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ninh Quoc Dat
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Sawako Uchida-Kobayashi
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoko Ohtani
- Department of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tamori
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan.
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20
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de Vos L, Carrillo Cano TM, Zarbl R, Klümper N, Ralser DJ, Franzen A, Herr E, Gabrielpillai J, Vogt TJ, Dietrich J, Strieth S, Landsberg J, Dietrich D. CTLA4 , PD-1 , PD-L1 , PD-L2 , TIM-3 , TIGIT , and LAG3 DNA Methylation Is Associated With BAP1 -Aberrancy, Transcriptional Activity, and Overall Survival in Uveal Melanoma. J Immunother 2022; 45:324-334. [PMID: 35862127 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000429] [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: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is an aggressive disease with poor response to oncological treatment, including immunotherapy. Loss of the epigenetic modifier BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) function drives UM oncogenesis and is associated with an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment, poor prognosis, and a distinct DNA methylation and gene expression profile. Our study aimed to analyze comprehensively the DNA methylation status of the immune checkpoint genes PD-1 , PD-L1 , PD-L2 , CTLA4, TIM-3 ( HAVCR2 ), TIGIT , and LAG3 and its association with mRNA expression, BAP1 -aberrancy, and patients' survival. We analyzed the DNA methylation landscape of immune checkpoint genes at single CpG resolution in N=80 UM samples provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas. We analyzed CpG methylation levels of the immune checkpoints with regard to their transcriptional signatures and patient outcomes.Methylation of specific CpG sites within the immune checkpoint genes PD-1 , PD-L1 , PD-L2 , CTLA4 , TIM-3 , TIGIT , and LAG3 correlated strongly with mRNA expression levels, indicating a strong regulation of gene expression through DNA methylation. Moreover, immune checkpoint gene methylation was strongly associated with BAP1 -mutation status and associated with overall survival in UM. Our data indicate an epigenetic regulation of immune checkpoints through DNA methylation in UM. Further, our data highlight the prognostic significance of DNA methylation of immune checkpoint genes in UM thereby providing a rationale for methylation testing as predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuelle Herr
- Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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21
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Chen Y, Yi X, Sun N, Guo W, Li C. Epigenetics Regulates Antitumor Immunity in Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:868786. [PMID: 35693795 PMCID: PMC9174518 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.868786] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most malignant skin cancer, which originates from epidermal melanocytes, with increasing worldwide incidence. The escape of immune surveillance is a hallmark of the tumor, which is manifested by the imbalance between the enhanced immune evasion of tumor cells and the impaired antitumor capacity of infiltrating immune cells. According to this notion, the invigoration of the exhausted immune cells by immune checkpoint blockades has gained encouraging outcomes in eliminating tumor cells and significantly prolonged the survival of patients, particularly in melanoma. Epigenetics is a pivotal non-genomic modulatory paradigm referring to heritable changes in gene expression without altering genome sequence, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNAs, and m6A RNA methylation. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated how the dysregulation of epigenetics regulates multiple biological behaviors of tumor cells and contributes to carcinogenesis and tumor progression in melanoma. Nevertheless, the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity, as well as its implication in melanoma immunotherapy, remains elusive. In this review, we first introduce the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic innovations of melanoma. Then, the tumor microenvironment and the functions of different types of infiltrating immune cells are discussed, with an emphasis on their involvement in antitumor immunity in melanoma. Subsequently, we systemically summarize the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity in melanoma, from the perspective of distinct paradigms of epigenetics. Ultimately, the progression of the clinical trials regarding epigenetics-based melanoma immunotherapy is introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiuli Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ningyue Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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22
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Chen S, Su X, Mo Z. KCNN4 is a Potential Biomarker for Predicting Cancer Prognosis and an Essential Molecule that Remodels Various Components in the Tumor Microenvironment: A Pan-Cancer Study. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:812815. [PMID: 35720112 PMCID: PMC9205469 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.812815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Potassium Calcium-Activated Channel Subfamily N Member 4 (KCNN4) is a member of the KCNN family. Studies have revealed that KCNN4 is implicated in various physiological processes as well as promotes the malignant phenotypes of cancer cells. However, little is known about its associations with survival outcomes across varying cancer types. Methods: Herein, we systematically explored the prognostic value of KCNN4 in the pan-cancer dataset retrieved from multiple databases. Next, we performed correlation analysis of KCNN4 expression with tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI), and immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) to assess its potential as a predictor of immunotherapy efficacy. Afterwards, patients were divided into increased-risk group and decreased-risk group based on the contrasting survival outcomes in various cancer types. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of the distinctive effects were analyzed using ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT algorithms, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis. Results: KCNN4 expression levels were aberrant in transcriptomic and proteomic levels between cancer and normal control tissues in pan-cancer datasets, further survival analysis elucidated that KCNN4 expression was correlated to multiple survival data, and clinical annotations. Besides, KCNN4 expression was correlated to TMB and MSI levels in 14 types and 12 types of pan-cancers, respectively. Meanwhile, different types of cancer have specific tumor-infiltrating immune cell (TICs) profiles. Conclusions: Our results revealed that KCNN4 could be an essential biomarker for remodeling components in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and a robust indicator for predicting prognosis as well as immunotherapy response in pan-cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaotao Su
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Zengnan Mo,
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23
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Indini A, Massi D, Pirro M, Roila F, Grossi F, Sahebkar A, Glodde N, Bald T, Mandalà M. Targeting inflamed and non-inflamed melanomas: biological background and clinical challenges. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:477-490. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Genetic Update and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102371. [PMID: 35625975 PMCID: PMC9139429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the main type of cancer in the Caucasian population, and the number of cases continues to rise. Research mostly focuses on clinical characteristics analysis, but genetic features are crucial to malignancies’ establishment and advance. We aim to explore the genetic basics of skin cancer, surrounding microenvironment interactions, and regulation mechanisms to provide a broader perspective for new therapies’ development. Abstract Skin cancer is one of the main types of cancer worldwide, and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most frequent within this group. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common types. Multifactorial features are well-known for cancer development, and new hallmarks are gaining relevance. Genetics and epigenetic regulation play an essential role in cancer susceptibility and progression, as well as the variety of cells and molecules that interact in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide an update on the genetic features of NMSC, candidate genes, and new therapies, considering diverse perspectives of skin carcinogenesis. The global health situation and the pandemic have been challenging for health care systems, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer. We provide innovative approaches to overcome the difficulties in the current clinical dynamics.
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25
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Loick SM, Fröhlich A, Gabrielpillai J, Franzen A, Vogt TJ, Dietrich J, Wiek C, Scheckenbach K, Strieth S, Landsberg J, Dietrich D. DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression of OX40 (TNFRSF4) and GITR (TNFRSF18, AITR) in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Correlates With HPV Status, Mutational Load, an Interferon-γ Signature, Signatures of Immune Infiltrates, and Survival. J Immunother 2022; 45:194-206. [PMID: 34908008 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily members 4 (TNFRSF4, OX40) and 18 (TNFRSF18, GITR, AITR) are under investigation as targets for immunotherapy of various cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Understanding the regulation of OX40 and GITR, particularly on an epigenetic level, might help to develop companion predictive biomarkers. We conducted broad correlation analyses of DNA methylation of 46 CpG sites within the GITR/OX40 gene locus in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and normal adjacent tissues provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network. We analyzed methylation levels with regard to transcriptional gene activity (mRNA expression), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, differential methylation between tumors and normal adjacent tissues, signatures of immune cell infiltrates, an interferon-γ signature, mutational load, and overall survival. Moreover, we investigated methylation levels in HPV-positive and HPV-negative cell lines and in isolated monocytes, granulocytes, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and B cells from peripheral blood from healthy donors. Our results revealed a complex and sequence-contextual methylation pattern in accordance with features of epigenetic regulated genes. We detected significant methylation differences between normal adjacent and tumor tissues, between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors, between tumor and immune cells, and significant correlations between methylation and mRNA expression. We further found significant correlations of CpG methylation with overall survival, signatures of immune cell infiltrates, an interferon-γ signature, and mutational load. Our study provides a framework to prospectively test specific CpG sites as biomarkers, in particular in the context of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M Loick
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | - Anne Fröhlich
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
| | | | - Alina Franzen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | - Timo J Vogt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | - Jörn Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kathrin Scheckenbach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | | | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
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26
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Niebel D, Fröhlich A, Zarbl R, Fietz S, de Vos L, Vogt TJ, Dietrich J, Sirokay J, Kuster P, Saavedra G, Ramírez Valladolid S, Hoffmann F, Strieth S, Landsberg J, Dietrich D. DNA methylation regulates TIGIT expression within the melanoma microenvironment, is prognostic for overall survival, and predicts progression-free survival in patients treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:50. [PMID: 35410311 PMCID: PMC9004005 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01270-2] [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: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TIGIT is an immune checkpoint under investigation as therapeutic target. Understanding the regulation of TIGIT on an epigenetic level might support the development of companion biomarkers. METHODS We correlated TIGIT DNA methylation of single CpG sites with gene expression, signatures of immune infiltrates and interferon-γ, and survival in melanoma. We further analyzed methylation levels in immune cell subsets, melanocyte and melanoma cell lines. TIGIT expression patterns within components of the melanoma microenvironment were analyzed by single cell sequencing. We used quantitative methylation-specific PCR, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry for correlations between expression and methylation and to assess the effect of pharmacological demethylation of melanoma cells treated with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (decitabine). Finally, we investigated the association of patients' survival with TIGIT mRNA and methylation. RESULTS Depending on the sequence context of the analyzed CpG site, we found a cell type-specific TIGIT gene locus methylation pattern and significant correlations of TIGIT methylation with mRNA expression, an interferon γ signature, and distinct immune cell infiltrates, including TIGIT+ lymphocytes. We detected a melanoma cell-intrinsic TIGIT protein expression. Pharmacological demethylation of the A375 melanoma cell line led to a constitutive TIGIT expression. Low promoter flank methylation and high mRNA expression was associated with patients' prognosis and predicted progression-free survival in patients treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. A high TIGIT+ lymphocyte score was associated with better progression-free survival under anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate an epigenetic regulation of TIGIT expression via DNA methylation within the melanoma microenvironment. TIGIT DNA methylation and expression may serve as predictive biomarkers in the context of immunotherapies in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Niebel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anne Fröhlich
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Romina Zarbl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Fietz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Luka de Vos
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo J Vogt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörn Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Judith Sirokay
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pia Kuster
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gonzalo Saavedra
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susana Ramírez Valladolid
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Friederike Hoffmann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Zhao Y, Chen D, Yin J, Xie J, Sun CY, Lu M. Comprehensive Analysis of Tumor Immune Microenvironment Characteristics for the Prognostic Prediction and Immunotherapy of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:788580. [PMID: 35464860 PMCID: PMC9024147 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.788580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer of oral and maxillofacial region. A recent clinical research has shown that tumor immune microenvironment (TIME)cells are closely related to immunotherapy sensitivity and OSCC prognosis. Nonetheless, a comprehensive analysis of TIME in OSCC has not been reported. Methods: Bioinformatics and computational algorithms were employed to determine the significance of TIME cells in 257 OSCC patients. TIME scores were measured by three TIME models, and then used to evaluate the prognosis of OSCC patients. Results: High TIME score was characterized by better prognosis in OSCC patients less than 60 years old, overexpression of immunotherapy targets (e.g., PD-1 and CLTA-4), and higher T-cell activity to inhibit tumor growth. Besides, poor prognosis was associated with low time score. Conclusion: TIME score exhibited potential as a prognostic biomarker and an indicator in predict immunotherapeutic outcomes. Through the understanding of TIME model, this study can provide a better scheme for immunotherapy as the effective treatment of OSCC patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongyi Chen
- Department of Prosthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhao Yin
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Prosthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-yu Sun
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Lu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Mengmeng Lu,
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28
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Dum D, Henke TLC, Mandelkow T, Yang C, Bady E, Raedler JB, Simon R, Sauter G, Lennartz M, Büscheck F, Luebke AM, Menz A, Hinsch A, Höflmayer D, Weidemann S, Fraune C, Möller K, Lebok P, Uhlig R, Bernreuther C, Jacobsen F, Clauditz TS, Wilczak W, Minner S, Burandt E, Steurer S, Blessin NC. Semi-automated validation and quantification of CTLA-4 in 90 different tumor entities using multiple antibodies and artificial intelligence. J Transl Med 2022; 102:650-657. [PMID: 35091676 PMCID: PMC9162915 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-022-00728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CTLA-4 is an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor and a negative regulator of anti-tumor T-cell function. This study is aimed for a comparative analysis of CTLA-4+ cells between different tumor entities. To quantify CTLA-4+ cells, 4582 tumor samples from 90 different tumor entities as well as 608 samples of 76 different normal tissue types were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray format. Two different antibody clones (MSVA-152R and CAL49) were validated and quantified using a deep learning framework for automated exclusion of unspecific immunostaining. Comparing both CTLA-4 antibodies revealed a clone dependent unspecific staining pattern in adrenal cortical adenoma (63%) for MSVA-152R and in pheochromocytoma (67%) as well as hepatocellular carcinoma (36%) for CAL49. After automated exclusion of non-specific staining reaction (3.6%), a strong correlation was observed for the densities of CTLA-4+ lymphocytes obtained by both antibodies (r = 0.87; p < 0.0001). A high CTLA-4+ cell density was linked to low pT category (p < 0.0001), absent lymph node metastases (p = 0.0354), and PD-L1 expression in tumor cells or inflammatory cells (p < 0.0001 each). A high CTLA-4/CD3-ratio was linked to absent lymph node metastases (p = 0.0295) and to PD-L1 positivity on immune cells (p = 0.0026). Marked differences exist in the number of CTLA-4+ lymphocytes between tumors. Analyzing two independent antibodies by a deep learning framework can facilitate automated quantification of immunohistochemically analyzed target proteins such as CTLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dum
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tjark L. C. Henke
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Mandelkow
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cheng Yang
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elena Bady
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas B. Raedler
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Guido Sauter
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Lennartz
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Büscheck
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas M. Luebke
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Menz
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Hinsch
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Doris Höflmayer
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sören Weidemann
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Fraune
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Möller
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Lebok
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ria Uhlig
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Bernreuther
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Jacobsen
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till S. Clauditz
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Waldemar Wilczak
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Minner
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eike Burandt
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niclas C. Blessin
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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29
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Long Q, Huang C, Huang J, Meng Q, Cheng Y, Li Y, He L, Chen M, Zhang C, Wang X, Zhu W, Peng J, Shi D, Zheng F, Dong P, Deng W. Prognostic value of JAK3 promoter methylation and mRNA expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. J Adv Res 2021; 40:153-166. [PMID: 36100323 PMCID: PMC9481962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Long
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Meng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanjun Cheng
- Reproductive Center, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, China
| | - Yilin Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liru He
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changlin Zhang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wancui Zhu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Peng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingbo Shi
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fufu Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Pei Dong
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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30
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Desaulniers D, Vasseur P, Jacobs A, Aguila MC, Ertych N, Jacobs MN. Integration of Epigenetic Mechanisms into Non-Genotoxic Carcinogenicity Hazard Assessment: Focus on DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10969. [PMID: 34681626 PMCID: PMC8535778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics involves a series of mechanisms that entail histone and DNA covalent modifications and non-coding RNAs, and that collectively contribute to programing cell functions and differentiation. Epigenetic anomalies and DNA mutations are co-drivers of cellular dysfunctions, including carcinogenesis. Alterations of the epigenetic system occur in cancers whether the initial carcinogenic events are from genotoxic (GTxC) or non-genotoxic (NGTxC) carcinogens. NGTxC are not inherently DNA reactive, they do not have a unifying mode of action and as yet there are no regulatory test guidelines addressing mechanisms of NGTxC. To fil this gap, the Test Guideline Programme of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development is developing a framework for an integrated approach for the testing and assessment (IATA) of NGTxC and is considering assays that address key events of cancer hallmarks. Here, with the intent of better understanding the applicability of epigenetic assays in chemical carcinogenicity assessment, we focus on DNA methylation and histone modifications and review: (1) epigenetic mechanisms contributing to carcinogenesis, (2) epigenetic mechanisms altered following exposure to arsenic, nickel, or phenobarbital in order to identify common carcinogen-specific mechanisms, (3) characteristics of a series of epigenetic assay types, and (4) epigenetic assay validation needs in the context of chemical hazard assessment. As a key component of numerous NGTxC mechanisms of action, epigenetic assays included in IATA assay combinations can contribute to improved chemical carcinogen identification for the better protection of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Desaulniers
- Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Hazard Identification Division, Health Canada, AL:2203B, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Paule Vasseur
- CNRS, LIEC, Université de Lorraine, 57070 Metz, France;
| | - Abigail Jacobs
- Independent at the Time of Publication, Previously US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, USA;
| | - M. Cecilia Aguila
- Toxicology Team, Division of Human Food Safety, Center for Veterinary Medicine, US Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD 20852, USA;
| | - Norman Ertych
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Miriam N. Jacobs
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK;
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31
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Ralser DJ, Klümper N, Gevensleben H, Zarbl R, Kaiser C, Landsberg J, Hölzel M, Strieth S, Faridi A, Abramian A, Dietrich D. Molecular and Immune Correlates of PDCD1 (PD-1), PD-L1 (CD274), and PD-L2 (PDCD1LG2) DNA Methylation in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. J Immunother 2021; 44:319-324. [PMID: 34347720 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints are important targets in oncological therapy. Recent studies have proven efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, only a proportion of TNBC-patients benefit from ICI. Thus, current scientific efforts in this context are focused on the identification of a robust biomarker that enables patient stratification. In the present study, we investigated the epigenetic regulation of PD-1 (PDCD1), PD-L1 (CD274), and PD-L2 (PDCD1LG2). Methylation data of PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2, and complex immunogenomic data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Methylation were systematically analyzed with regard to the transcriptional activity of the studied immune checkpoint genes and the tumor microenvironment. We found differential methylation of PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 in normal adjacent tissue and TNBC tumor tissue. In the TNBC-TCGA cohort, methylation status of PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 were significantly correlated with mRNA levels indicating a strong epigenetic regulation of the transcriptional activity. Moreover, PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 methylation status was strongly associated with a distinct immune cell infiltration pattern. Our results indicate an epigenetic regulation of immune checkpoint genes through DNA methylation in TNBC. In addition, the methylation status was associated with a distinct composition of the tumor microenvironment. Overall, this provides a strong rationale for assessing the value of PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 DNA methylation to predict response to ICI and immunogenicity in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niklas Klümper
- Urology
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Heidrun Gevensleben
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn
| | | | | | | | - Michael Hölzel
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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32
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Sanceau J, Gougelet A. Epigenetic mechanisms of liver tumor resistance to immunotherapy. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:979-1002. [PMID: 34630870 PMCID: PMC8473495 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i9.979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor, which stands fourth in rank of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of HCC is constantly increasing in correlation with the epidemic in diabetes and obesity, arguing for an urgent need for new treatments for this lethal cancer refractory to conventional treatments. HCC is the paradigm of inflammation-associated cancer, since more than 80% of HCC emerge consecutively to cirrhosis associated with a vast remodeling of liver microenvironment. In the recent decade, immunomodulatory drugs have been developed and have given impressive results in melanoma and later in several other cancers. In the present review, we will discuss the recent advancements concerning the use of immunotherapies in HCC, in particular those targeting immune checkpoints, used alone or in combination with other anti-cancers agents. We will address why these drugs demonstrate unsatisfactory results in a high proportion of liver cancers and the mechanisms of resistance developed by HCC to evade immune response with a focus on the epigenetic-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sanceau
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
| | - Angélique Gougelet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
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33
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Klümper N, Ralser DJ, Bawden EG, Landsberg J, Zarbl R, Kristiansen G, Toma M, Ritter M, Hölzel M, Ellinger J, Dietrich D. LAG3 ( LAG-3, CD223) DNA methylation correlates with LAG3 expression by tumor and immune cells, immune cell infiltration, and overall survival in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000552. [PMID: 32234847 PMCID: PMC7174079 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphocyte activating 3 (LAG3, LAG-3, CD223) is a promising target for immune checkpoint inhibition in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (KIRC). The aim of this study was to investigate the epigenetic regulation of LAG3 in KIRC by methylation. Methods We correlated quantitative LAG3 methylation levels with transcriptional activity, immune cell infiltration, and overall survival in a cohort of n=533 patients with KIRC and n=160 normal adjacent tissue (NAT) samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Furthermore, we analyzed LAG3 methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and KIRC cell lines. We validated correlations between LAG3 expression, immune cell infiltrates, survival, and methylation in an independent KIRC cohort (University Hospital Bonn (UHB) cohort, n=118) by means of immunohistochemistry and quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Results We found differential methylation profiles among PBMCs, NAT, KIRC cell lines, and KIRC tumor tissue. Methylation strongly correlated with LAG3 mRNA expression in KIRCs (TCGA cohort) and KIRC cell lines. In the UHB cohort, methylation correlated with LAG3-positive immune cells and tumor-intrinsic LAG3 protein expression. Furthermore, LAG3 methylation strongly correlated with signatures of distinct immune cell infiltrates, an interferon-y signature (TCGA cohort), and immunohistochemically quantified CD45+, CD8+, and CD4+ immune cell infiltrates (UHB cohort). LAG3 mRNA expression (TCGA cohort), methylation (both cohorts), and tumor cell-intrinsic protein expression (UHB cohort) was significantly associated with overall survival. Conclusion Our data suggest an epigenetic regulation of LAG3 expression in tumor and immune cells via DNA methylation. LAG3 expression and methylation is associated with a subset of KIRCs showing a distinct clinical course and immunogenicity. Our study provides rationale for further testing LAG3 DNA methylation as a predictive biomarker for response to LAG3 immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Klümper
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Damian J Ralser
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Emma Grace Bawden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenny Landsberg
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Romina Zarbl
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marieta Toma
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg Ellinger
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Dusseldorf, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany .,Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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34
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Epigenetic Regulation in Melanoma: Facts and Hopes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082048. [PMID: 34440824 PMCID: PMC8392422 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal disease, even when diagnosed in advanced stages. Although recent progress in biology and treatment has dramatically improved survival rates, new therapeutic approaches are still needed. Deregulation of epigenetics, which mainly controls DNA methylation status and chromatin remodeling, is implied not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in resistance to antitumor drugs. Epigenetics in melanoma has been studied recently in both melanoma preclinical models and patient samples, highlighting its potential role in different phases of melanomagenesis, as well as in resistance to approved drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and MAPK inhibitors. This review summarizes what is currently known about epigenetics in melanoma and dwells on the recognized and potential new targets for testing epigenetic drugs, alone or together with other agents, in advanced melanoma patients.
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35
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Klümper N, Ralser DJ, Zarbl R, Schlack K, Schrader AJ, Rehlinghaus M, Hoffmann MJ, Niegisch G, Uhlig A, Trojan L, Steinestel J, Steinestel K, Wirtz RM, Sikic D, Eckstein M, Kristiansen G, Toma M, Hölzel M, Ritter M, Strieth S, Ellinger J, Dietrich D. CTLA4 promoter hypomethylation is a negative prognostic biomarker at initial diagnosis but predicts response and favorable outcome to anti-PD-1 based immunotherapy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002949. [PMID: 34446578 PMCID: PMC8395367 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), different combination therapies, each including anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), are applied as first-line treatment. Robust predictive biomarkers for rational upfront therapy decisions are lacking, although they are urgently needed. Recently, we showed that CTLA4 promoter methylation predicts response to ICB in melanoma. Here, we aimed to investigate CTLA4 methylation in ccRCC and its utility to serve as a predictive biomarker for anti-PD-1 based ICB in metastatic ccRCC. METHODS CTLA4 methylation was analyzed with regard to transcriptional gene activity (mRNA expression), intratumoral immune cell composition, and clinical course in two ccRCC cohorts obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA cohort, n=533) and the University Hospital Bonn (UHB Non-ICB Cohort, n=116). In addition, CTLA4 methylation as well as CD8+ T cell infiltrates and PD-L1 expression were evaluated in pre-treatment samples from a multicenter cohort (RCC-ICB Cohort, n=71). Patients included in the RCC-ICB Cohort were treated with either first line anti-PD-1 based combination therapy (n=25) or monotherapy post-tyrosine kinase inhibition in second line or later. Analyses were performed with regard to treatment response according to RECIST, progression-free survival (PFS), event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) following treatment initiation. RESULTS CTLA4 promoter hypomethylation was significantly correlated with CTLA4 mRNA expression, lymphocyte infiltration, and poor OS in both primary ccRCC cohorts (TCGA: HR 0.30 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.49), p<0.001; UHB Non-ICB: HR 0.35 (95% CI 0.16 to 0.75), p=0.007). In contrast, CTLA4 promoter hypomethylation predicted response and, accordingly, favorable outcomes (PFS and OS) in patients with ICB-treated ccRCC, overcompensating the negative prognostic value of CTLA4 hypomethylation at initial diagnosis. Moreover, in multivariable Cox regression, CTLA4 promoter hypomethylation remained an independent predictor of improved outcome in ICB-treated ccRCC after co-adjustment of the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium score (HR 3.00 (95% CI 1.47 to 6.28), p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests CTLA4 methylation as a powerful predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response in metastatic RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Klümper
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Damian J Ralser
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Romina Zarbl
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Schlack
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Marc Rehlinghaus
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michèle J Hoffmann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Günter Niegisch
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annemarie Uhlig
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lutz Trojan
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julie Steinestel
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Konrad Steinestel
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ralph M Wirtz
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Danijel Sikic
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Marieta Toma
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg Ellinger
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen/Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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Piotrowska M, Gliwiński M, Trzonkowski P, Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes D. Regulatory T Cells-Related Genes Are under DNA Methylation Influence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7144. [PMID: 34281195 PMCID: PMC8267835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert a highly suppressive function in the immune system. Disturbances in their function predispose an individual to autoimmune dysregulation, with a predominance of the pro-inflammatory environment. Besides Foxp3, which is a master regulator of these cells, other genes (e.g., Il2ra, Ctla4, Tnfrsf18, Ikzf2, and Ikzf4) are also involved in Tregs development and function. Multidimensional Tregs suppression is determined by factors that are believed to be crucial in the action of Tregs-related genes. Among them, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, tend to be widely studied over the past few years. DNA methylation acts as a repressive mark, leading to diminished gene expression. Given the role of increased CpG methylation upon Tregs imprinting and functional stability, alterations in the methylation pattern can cause an imbalance in the immune response. Due to the fact that epigenetic changes can be reversible, so-called epigenetic modifiers are broadly used in order to improve Tregs performance. In this review, we place emphasis on the role of DNA methylation of the genes that are key regulators of Tregs function. We also discuss disease settings that have an impact on the methylation status of Tregs and systematize the usefulness of epigenetic drugs as factors able to influence Tregs functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dorota Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (M.G.); (P.T.)
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Pettini F, Visibelli A, Cicaloni V, Iovinelli D, Spiga O. Multi-Omics Model Applied to Cancer Genetics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115751. [PMID: 34072237 PMCID: PMC8199287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we focus on bioinformatic oncology as an integrative discipline that incorporates knowledge from the mathematical, physical, and computational fields to further the biomedical understanding of cancer. Before providing a deeper insight into the bioinformatics approach and utilities involved in oncology, we must understand what is a system biology framework and the genetic connection, because of the high heterogenicity of the backgrounds of people approaching precision medicine. In fact, it is essential to providing general theoretical information on genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics to understand the phases of multi-omics approach. We consider how to create a multi-omics model. In the last section, we describe the new frontiers and future perspectives of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pettini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Via M. Bracci 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3755461426
| | - Anna Visibelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.V.); (D.I.); (O.S.)
| | - Vittoria Cicaloni
- Toscana Life Sciences Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Daniele Iovinelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.V.); (D.I.); (O.S.)
| | - Ottavia Spiga
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.V.); (D.I.); (O.S.)
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Shang S, Li X, Gao Y, Guo S, Sun D, Zhou H, Sun Y, Wang P, Zhi H, Bai J, Ning S, Li X. MeImmS: Predict Clinical Benefit of Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Treatments Based on DNA Methylation in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Genet 2021; 12:676449. [PMID: 34093667 PMCID: PMC8173132 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.676449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become an effective therapy for cancer treatment. However, the development of biomarkers to predict immunotherapy response still remains a challenge. We have developed the DNA Methylation Immune Score, named “MeImmS,” which can predict clinical benefits of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients based on DNA methylation of 8 CpG sites. The 8 CpG sites regulate the expression of immune-related genes and MeImmS was related to immune-associated pathways, exhausted T cell markers and immune cells. Copy-number loss in 1p36.33 may affect the response of cancer patients to immunotherapy. In addition, SAA1, CXCL10, CCR5, CCL19, CXCL11, CXCL13, and CCL5 were found to be key immune regulatory genes in immunotherapy. Together, MeImmS discovered the heterogeneous of NSCLC patients and guided the immunotherapy of cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Shang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dailin Sun
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hanxiao Zhou
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Sun
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Zhi
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Bai
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shangwei Ning
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xia Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Chocarro L, Blanco E, Zuazo M, Arasanz H, Bocanegra A, Fernández-Rubio L, Morente P, Fernández-Hinojal G, Echaide M, Garnica M, Ramos P, Vera R, Kochan G, Escors D. Understanding LAG-3 Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105282. [PMID: 34067904 PMCID: PMC8156499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is a cell surface inhibitory receptor with multiple biological activities over T cell activation and effector functions. LAG-3 plays a regulatory role in immunity and emerged some time ago as an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule comparable to PD-1 and CTLA-4 and a potential target for enhancing anti-cancer immune responses. LAG-3 is the third inhibitory receptor to be exploited in human anti-cancer immunotherapies, and it is considered a potential next-generation cancer immunotherapy target in human therapy, right next to PD-1 and CTLA-4. Unlike PD-1 and CTLA-4, the exact mechanisms of action of LAG-3 and its relationship with other immune checkpoint molecules remain poorly understood. This is partly caused by the presence of non-conventional signaling motifs in its intracellular domain that are different from other conventional immunoregulatory signaling motifs but with similar inhibitory activities. Here we summarize the current understanding of LAG-3 signaling and its role in LAG-3 functions, from its mechanisms of action to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Chocarro
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Ester Blanco
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Miren Zuazo
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra CHN-IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Leticia Fernández-Rubio
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Pilar Morente
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Gonzalo Fernández-Hinojal
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra CHN-IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
| | - Miriam Echaide
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Maider Garnica
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Pablo Ramos
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Ruth Vera
- Department of Medical Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra CHN-IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
- Correspondence: (G.K.); (D.E.)
| | - David Escors
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (L.C.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (H.A.); (A.B.); (L.F.-R.); (P.M.); (G.F.-H.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.)
- Correspondence: (G.K.); (D.E.)
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Ishitsuka Y, Hanaoka Y, Tanemura A, Fujimoto M. Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Age of Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1148. [PMID: 33800195 PMCID: PMC7962464 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most prevalent skin cancer globally. Because most cSCC cases are manageable by local excision/radiotherapy and hardly become life-threatening, they are often excluded from cancer registries in most countries. Compared with cutaneous melanoma that originates from the melanin-producing, neural crest-derived epidermal resident, keratinocyte (KC)-derived cancers are influenced by the immune system with regards to their pathogenetic behaviour. Congenital or acquired immunosurveillance impairments compromise tumoricidal activity and raises cSCC incidence rates. Intriguingly, expanded applications of programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade therapies have revealed cSCC to be one of the most amenable targets, particularly when compared with the mucosal counterparts arisen in the esophagus or the cervix. The clinical observation reminds us that cutaneous tissue has a peculiarly high immunogenicity that can evoke tumoricidal recall responses topically. Here we attempt to redefine cSCC biology and review current knowledge about cSCC from multiple viewpoints that involve epidemiology, clinicopathology, molecular genetics, molecular immunology, and developmental biology. This synthesis not only underscores the primal importance of the immune system, rather than just a mere accumulation of ultraviolet-induced mutations but also reinforces the following hypothesis: PD-1 blockade effectively restores the immunity specially allowed to exist within the fully cornified squamous epithelium, that is, the epidermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Ishitsuka
- Department of Dermatology Integrated Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Y.H.); (A.T.); (M.F.)
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41
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Fietz S, Zarbl R, Niebel D, Posch C, Brossart P, Gielen GH, Strieth S, Pietsch T, Kristiansen G, Bootz F, Landsberg J, Dietrich D. CTLA4 promoter methylation predicts response and progression-free survival in stage IV melanoma treated with anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy (ipilimumab). Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:1781-1788. [PMID: 33196890 PMCID: PMC8139923 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Anti-CTLA-4-antibodies can induce long-lasting tumor remissions. However, only a few patients respond, necessitating the development of predictive companion biomarkers. Increasing evidence suggests a major role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in immunology and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we tested CTLA4 promoter methylation and CTLA-4 protein expression as predictive biomarkers for response to anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy. We identified retrospectively N = 30 stage IV melanoma patients treated with single-agent anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy (ipilimumab). We used quantitative methylation-specific PCR and immunohistochemistry to quantify CTLA4 methylation and protein expression in pre-treatment samples. CTLA4 methylation was significantly higher in progressive as compared to responding tumors and significantly associated with progression-free survival. A subset of infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor cells highly expressed CTLA-4. However, CTLA-4 protein expression did not predict response to treatment. We conclude that CTLA4 methylation is a predictive biomarker for response to anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Fietz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus, Bonn, 53127, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Romina Zarbl
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis Niebel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Christian Posch
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Brossart
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerrit H Gielen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Torsten Pietsch
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Friedrich Bootz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Rauscher S, Greil R, Geisberger R. Re-Sensitizing Tumor Cells to Cancer Drugs with Epigenetic Regulators. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:353-359. [PMID: 33423645 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666210108102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer drug resistance is a major problem for cancer therapy. While many drugs can be effective in first-line treatments, cancer cells can become resistant due to genetic (mutations and chromosomal aberrations) but also epigenetic changes. Hence, many research studies addressed epigenetic drugs in circumventing resistance to conventional therapeutics in different tumor entities and in increasing the efficiency of immune checkpoint therapies. Furthermore, repositioning of already approved drugs in combination with epigenetic modifiers could potentiate their efficacy and thus could be an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Summarizing, we recapitulate current data on epigenetic drugs and their targets in modulating sensitivity towards conventional and immune therapies, providing evidence that altering expression profiles by epigenetic modifiers holds great potential to improve the clinical outcome of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Rauscher
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roland Geisberger
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020Salzburg, Austria
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43
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Bockhorst C, Dietrich J, Vogt TJ, Stauber RH, Strieth S, Bootz F, Dietrich D, Vos LD. The DNA methylation landscape of PD-1 ( PDCD1) and adjacent lncRNA AC131097.3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Epigenomics 2020; 13:113-127. [PMID: 33351665 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: PD-1 expression is associated with DNA methylation in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). We performed methylation analysis at single CpG site resolution in order to understand epigenetic regulation. Materials and methods: CpG methylation analysis of PD-1 and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AC131097.3 was performed in n = 528 HNSCCs and n = 50 normal adjacent tissues provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas and in isolated leukocytes. Results: PD-1 mRNA and AC131097.3 lncRNA expression correlated inversely with promoter and positively with gene body CpG methylation. PD-1 and AC131097.3 are co-expressed. Methylation was sequence-contextually associated with human papillomavirus prognosis, mutational load, and immune infiltrates. Conclusions: The significance of PD-1 and AC131097.3 methylation is highly sequence-contextual. AC131097.3 might play a role in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Bockhorst
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörn Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo J Vogt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Roland H Stauber
- Molecular & Cellular Oncology, ENT/University Hospital of Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Friedrich Bootz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Luka de Vos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.,Department of Dermatology & Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Genome-wide identification of differentially methylated promoters and enhancers associated with response to anti-PD-1 therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1550-1563. [PMID: 32879421 PMCID: PMC8080767 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-00493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although approved programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 inhibitors show durable responses, clinical benefits to these agents are only seen in one-third of patients in most cancer types. Therefore, strategies for improving the response to PD-1 inhibitor for treating various cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are urgently needed. Compared with genome and transcriptome, tumor DNA methylome in anti-PD-1 response was relatively unexplored. We compared the pre-treatment methylation status of cis-regulatory elements between responders and non-responders to treatment with nivolumab or pembrolizumab using the Infinium Methylation EPIC Array, which can profile ~850,000 CpG sites, including ~350,000 CpG sites located in enhancer regions. Then, we analyzed differentially methylated regions overlapping promoters (pDMRs) or enhancers (eDMRs) between responders and non-responders to PD-1 inhibitors. We identified 1007 pDMRs and 607 eDMRs associated with the anti-PD-1 response. We also identified 1109 and 1173 target genes putatively regulated by these pDMRs and eDMRs, respectively. We found that eDMRs contribute to the epigenetic regulation of the anti-PD-1 response more than pDMRs. Hypomethylated pDMRs of Cytohesin 1 Interacting Protein (CYTIP) and TNF superfamily member 8 (TNFSF8) were more predictive than programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression for anti-PD-1 response and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in a validation cohort, suggesting their potential as predictive biomarkers for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. The catalog of promoters and enhancers differentially methylated between responders and non-responders to PD-1 inhibitors presented herein will guide the development of biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for improving anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in NSCLC.
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Fröhlich A, Sirokay J, Fietz S, Vogt TJ, Dietrich J, Zarbl R, Florin M, Kuster P, Saavedra G, Valladolid SR, Hoffmann F, Flatz L, Ring SS, Golletz C, Pietsch T, Strieth S, Brossart P, Gielen GH, Kristiansen G, Bootz F, Landsberg J, Dietrich D. Molecular, clinicopathological, and immune correlates of LAG3 promoter DNA methylation in melanoma. EBioMedicine 2020; 59:102962. [PMID: 32861198 PMCID: PMC7475111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The co-receptor lymphocyte-activation gene-3 (LAG3, LAG-3, CD223) is a potential target for immune checkpoint inhibition immunotherapies. However, little is known about the biological and clinical significance of LAG3 DNA methylation in melanoma and its microenvironment. Methods We evaluated LAG3 promoter and gene body methylation in a cohort of N = 470 melanoma patients obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA cohort), an independent cohort of N = 120 patients from the University Hospital Bonn, and in subsets of peripheral blood leukocytes, melanocytes, and melanoma cell lines. We validated the association of LAG3 methylation with mRNA expression in vitro in the melanoma cell line A375 treated with the hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine and stimulated with interferon-γ. Finally, we investigated correlations between LAG3 methylation and progression-free survival in patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB cohort, N = 118). Findings Depending on the analysed locus (promoter, gene body) we found region-dependent significant LAG3 methylation differences between monocytes, B cells, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, regulatory T cells, melanocytes, and melanoma cell lines. In tumor tissues, methylation correlated significantly with LAG3 mRNA expression, immune cell infiltrates (histopathologic lymphocyte score and RNA-Seq signatures of distinct immune infiltrates), and an interferon-γ signature. Finally, LAG3 methylation was associated with overall survival in the TCGA cohort and progression-free survival in the ICB cohort. We detected basal LAG3 mRNA expression in the melanoma cell A375 and an interferon-γ inducible expression after demethylation with 5-azacytidine. Interpretation Our study points towards an epigenetic regulation of LAG3 via promoter methylation and suggests a prognostic and predictive significance of LAG3 methylation in melanoma. Our results give insight in the tumor cell-intrinsic transcriptional regulation of LAG3 in melanoma. In perspective, our results might pave the way for investigating LAG3 methylation as a predictive biomarker for response to anti-LAG3 immune checkpoint blockage. Funding A full list of funding bodies that contributed to this study can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Fröhlich
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Judith Sirokay
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Fietz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo J Vogt
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörn Dietrich
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Romina Zarbl
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Mike Florin
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Pia Kuster
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gonzalo Saavedra
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Susana Ramírez Valladolid
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Flatz
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland.; Department of Oncology and Haematology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Sandra S Ring
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland.; Microbiology and Immunology PhD Program, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carsten Golletz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Torsten Pietsch
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerrit H Gielen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Friedrich Bootz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany.
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Kim JY, Choi JK, Jung H. Genome-wide methylation patterns predict clinical benefit of immunotherapy in lung cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:119. [PMID: 32762727 PMCID: PMC7410160 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00907-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is crucial to unravel molecular determinants of responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy because only a small subset of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients responds to ICB therapy. Previous studies were concentrated on genomic and transcriptomic markers (e.g., mutation burden and immune gene expression). However, these markers are not sufficient to accurately predict a response to ICB therapy. Results Here, we analyzed DNA methylomes of 141 advanced NSCLC samples subjected to ICB therapy (i.e., anti-programmed death-1) from two independent cohorts (60 and 81 patients from our and IDIBELL cohorts). Integrative analysis of patients with matched transcriptome data in our cohort (n = 28) at pathway level revealed significant overlaps between promoter hypermethylation and transcriptional repression in nonresponders relative to responders. Fifteen immune-related pathways, including interferon signaling, were identified to be enriched for both hypermethylation and repression. We built a reliable prognostic risk model based on eight genes using LASSO model and successfully validated the model in independent cohorts. Furthermore, we found 30 survival-associated molecular interaction networks, in which two or three hypermethylated genes showed significant mutual exclusion across nonresponders. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that methylation patterns can provide insight into molecular determinants underlying the clinical benefit of ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Yeon Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Kyoon Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea. .,Penta Medix Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeongi-do, 13449, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunchul Jung
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea. .,Cancer Ageing and Somatic Mutation Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
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Vos LD, Dietrich J, Strieth S, Bootz F, Dietrich D, Franzen A. PD-1, CTLA4, PD-L1 and PD-L2 DNA methylation in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Immunotherapy 2020; 12:903-920. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We investigated DNA methylation patterns of immune checkpoint genes PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA4 and an adjacent long noncoding RNA in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Materials & methods: DNA methylation and mRNA expression were examined in PTCs. DNA methylation was correlated with mRNA expression, BRAF and RAS mutational status, and immune cell infiltration. Results: Inverse correlations between DNA methylation and mRNA expression were observed. Immune checkpoint expression correlated positively, and DNA methylation negatively, with immune cell infiltration. Higher DNA methylation levels accompanied by lower immune checkpoint expression were observed in RAS-mutated tumors. Conclusion: We suggest epigenetic regulation of immune checkpoints in PTC. Methylation was associated with BRAF and RAS mutation status. DNA methylation might be a promising biomarker candidate in the context of immunotherapies in PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka de Vos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Dermatology & Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörn Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Friedrich Bootz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alina Franzen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Franzen A, Bootz F, Dietrich D. [Prognostic and predictive methylation biomarkers in HNSCC : Epigenomic diagnostics for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)]. HNO 2020; 68:911-915. [PMID: 32613323 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-020-00902-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prognostic and predictive biomarkers for personalized treatment management in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are of great clinical interest. OBJECTIVE DNA methylation is an epigenetic process involved in gene regulation and could be a source of potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers. METHODS This study comprises literature research in PubMed and own studies. RESULTS Gene methylation, e.g. of PITX2, is a strong, human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent prognostic biomarker. SHOX2 and SEPT9 methylation in circulating cell-free DNA within blood plasma correlates with tumor stage and prognosis. Methylation of diverse immune checkpoints, e.g., PD‑1, PD-L1, and CTLA4, is also prognostic and correlates with gene expression. CONCLUSION DNA methylation is a source of efficient prognostic blood plasma- and tissue-based biomarkers. However, prior to clinical implementation, studies must prove that biomarker-guided treatment selection can lead to better outcomes or reduced toxicity. The applicability of DNA methylation as a predictive biomarker for targeted drug-based cancer therapy seems promising, although further validation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Franzen
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - F Bootz
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - D Dietrich
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.
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Villanueva L, Álvarez-Errico D, Esteller M. The Contribution of Epigenetics to Cancer Immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:676-691. [PMID: 32622854 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Effective anticancer immunotherapy treatments constitute a qualitative leap in cancer management. Nonetheless, not all patients benefit from such therapies because they fail to achieve complete responses, suffer frequent relapses, or develop potentially life-threatening toxicities. Epigenomic signatures in immune and cancer cells appear to be accurate and promising predictors of patient outcomes with immunotherapy. In addition, combined treatments with epigenetic drugs can exploit the dynamic nature of epigenetic changes to potentially modulate responses to immunotherapy. Candidate epigenetic biomarkers may provide a rationale for patient stratification and precision medicine, thus maximizing the chances of treatment success while minimizing unwanted effects. We present a comprehensive up-to-date view of potential epigenetic biomarkers in immunotherapy and discuss their advantages over other indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorea Villanueva
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Khan AQ, Ahmad F, Raza SS, Zarif L, Siveen KS, Sher G, Agha MV, Rashid K, Kulinski M, Buddenkotte J, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Role of non-coding RNAs in the progression and resistance of cutaneous malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:208-226. [PMID: 32717336 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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