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Wang S, Wang J, Xia Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Liu M, Gao Q, Zhang C. Harnessing the potential of HLA-G in cancer therapy: advances, challenges, and prospects. J Transl Med 2024; 22:130. [PMID: 38310272 PMCID: PMC10838004 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04938-w] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockades have been prized in circumventing and ablating the impediments posed by immunosuppressive receptors, reaching an exciting juncture to be an innovator in anticancer therapy beyond traditional therapeutics. Thus far, approved immune checkpoint blockades have principally targeted PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 with exciting success in a plethora of tumors and yet are still trapped in dilemmas of limited response rates and adverse effects. Hence, unveiling new immunotherapeutic targets has aroused immense scientific interest in the hope of expanding the clinical application of immune checkpoint blockades to scale new heights. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, is enriched on various malignant cells and is involved in the hindrance of immune effector cells and the facilitation of immunosuppressive cells. HLA-G stands out as a crucial next-generation immune checkpoint showing great promise for the benefit of cancer patients. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the expression pattern and immunological functions of HLA-G, as well as its interaction with well-characterized immune checkpoints. Since HLA-G can be shed from the cell surface or released by various cells as free soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) or as part of extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely HLA-G-bearing EVs (HLA-GEV), we discuss the potential of sHLA-G and HLA-GEV as predictive biomarkers. This review also addresses the advancement of HLA-G-based therapies in preclinical and clinical settings, with a focus on their clinical application in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yueqiang Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Vo D, Liu Y, Sood AK, Rezvani K, Jazaeri AA, Liu J. EGFR, HLA-G, CD70, c-MET, and NY-ESO1 as potential biomarkers in high grade epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Cancer Biomark 2024; 39:289-298. [PMID: 38250760 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230200] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
High grade epithelial ovarian carcinoma is an aggressive tumor. Treatment includes platinum therapy, however it recurs in most patients due to therapy resistance. In this project, we study the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of five potential biomarkers/prognostic markers in high grade epithelial ovarian carcinoma: EGFR, HLA-G, CD70, c-MET, and NY-ESO1. A cohort of 274 patients is used. We compare the IHC expression with age, stage, ascites status, family history of cancer, disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). EGFR expression is significantly correlated with family history and worse OS. HLA-G is associated with worse OS. To confirm the results of EGFR and HLA-G, a second separated cohort of 248 patients is used. Positive EGFR expression again shows worse OS, while HLA-G expression has worse prognostic trend. CD70 has a worse OS trend. C-MET and NY-ESO1 do not have any clinical correlations. EGFR can potentially serve as target in future clinical immune therapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Vo
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katy Rezvani
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amir A Jazaeri
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jinsong Liu
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Houston, TX, USA
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Bartolome J, Molto C, Benitez-Fuentes JD, Fernandez-Hinojal G, Manzano A, Perez-Segura P, Mittal A, Tamimi F, Amir E, Ocana A. Prognostic value of human leukocyte antigen G expression in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1165813. [PMID: 37275862 PMCID: PMC10232772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Identification of modulators of the immune response with inhibitory properties that could be susceptible for therapeutic intervention is a key goal in cancer research. An example is the human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, involved in cancer progression. Methods In this article we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between HLA-G expression and outcome in solid tumors. This study was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Results A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies comprised data from 4871 patients reporting overall survival (OS), and 961 patients, reporting disease free survival (DFS). HLA-G expression was associated with worse OS (HR 2.09, 95% CI = 1.67 to 2.63; P < .001), that was higher in gastric (HR = 3.40; 95% CI = 1.64 to 7.03), pancreatic (HR = 1.72; 95% CI = 0.79 to 3.74) and colorectal (HR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.16 to 2.07) cancer. No significant differences were observed between the most commonly utilized antibody (4H84) and other methods of detection. HLA-G expression was associated with DFS which approached but did not meet statistical significance. Discussion In summary, we describe the first meta-analysis associating HLA-G expression and worse survival in a variety of solid tumors. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022311973.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Bartolome
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos and Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clinico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Consolacion Molto
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Aranzazu Manzano
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos and Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clinico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Perez-Segura
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos and Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clinico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Abhenil Mittal
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Faris Tamimi
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eitan Amir
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alberto Ocana
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos and Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clinico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
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Tizaoui K, Jalouli M, Boujelbene N, Harrath AH, Ouzari H, Rizzo R, Zidi I. The relationship of 3'UTR HLA-G14-bp insertion/deletion and +3142 C/G polymorphisms and soluble HLA-G expression with gynecological cancers: An updated meta-analysis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e645. [PMID: 35759240 PMCID: PMC9168547 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is implicated in several cancers and is considered to be an immune checkpoint regulator. We determined the association between polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region of HLA-G and soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) expression with gynecological cancers (GCs). METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the association between HLA-G14-bp insertion (I)/deletion (D) and +3142C/G polymorphism in GC and to evaluate sHLA-G expression RESULTS: We revealed a significant association between the +3142C/G polymorphism and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) based on the allelic model G versus C (odds ratio [OR] = 0.738, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.563-0.966, p = 0.027), dominant GG+GC versus CC (OR = 0.584, 95% CI = 0.395-0.862, p = 0.007), and codominant GG versus CC (OR = 0.527, 95% CI = 0.312-0.891, p = 0.017) models, suggesting that the G allele and GG genotype are protective against ICC. In gynecological precancerous patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, we found that the 14-bp I/D under the codominant DD versus DI model (OR = 0.492, 95% CI = 0.241-1.004, p = 0.051) was of borderline significance. Soluble HLA-G levels were significantly higher in patients compared with healthy controls (standardized mean differences [SMD] = 1.434, 95% CI = 0.442-2.526, p = 0.005). Stratification by cancer type revealed that the sHLA-G levels were significantly increased in cervical cancer (SMD = 4.889, 95% CI = 0.468-9.310, p = 0.030) and in subjects of Asian ethnicity (SMD = 4.889, 95% CI = 0.467-9.309, p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS HLA-G14-bp I/D and +3142 C/G polymorphisms are associated with GC and HPV-associated cervical cancer. In addition, we found significantly increased sHLA-G levels in cancer patients. These results provide a basis for further studies in diagnostics and immunotherapy of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalthoum Tizaoui
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of TunisUniversity of Tunis El ManarTunisTunisia
| | - Maroua Jalouli
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of TunisUniversity of Tunis El ManarTunisTunisia
- Department of Zoology, College of ScienceKing Saud UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Nadia Boujelbene
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of TunisUniversity of Tunis El ManarTunisTunisia
- Department of PathologySalah Azaiz InstituteTunisTunisia
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Department of Zoology, College of ScienceKing Saud UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Hadda‐Imene Ouzari
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of TunisUniversity of Tunis El ManarTunisTunisia
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Section MicrobiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Inès Zidi
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of TunisUniversity of Tunis El ManarTunisTunisia
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Li P, Wang N, Zhang Y, Wang C, Du L. HLA-G/sHLA-G and HLA-G-Bearing Extracellular Vesicles in Cancers: Potential Role as Biomarkers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791535. [PMID: 34868081 PMCID: PMC8636042 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a non-classic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is expressed in fetal-maternal interface and immunoprivileged site only in healthy condition, and in pathological conditions such as cancer, it can be de novo expressed. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a key molecule in the process of immune escape of cancer cells, which is ubiquitously expressed in the tumor environment. This raises the possibility that it may play an adverse role in tumor immunity. The expression level of HLA-G has been demonstrated to be highly correlated with clinical parameters in many tumors, and its potential significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer has been postulated. However, because HLA-G itself has up to seven different subtypes, and for some subtypes, detected antibodies are few or absent, it is hard to evaluate the actual expression of HLA-G in tumors. In the present work, we described (a) the structure and three main forms of HLA-G, (b) summarized the mechanism of HLA-G in the immune escape of tumor cells, (c) discussed the potential role of HLA-G as a tumor marker, and reviewed (d) the methods for detecting and quantifying HLA-G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
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Dhouioui S, Laaribi AB, Boujelbene N, Jelassi R, Ben Salah H, Bellali H, Ouzari HI, Mezlini A, Zemni I, Chelbi H, Zidi I. Association of HLA-G 3'UTR polymorphisms and haplotypes with colorectal cancer susceptibility and prognosis. Hum Immunol 2021; 83:39-46. [PMID: 34763955 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G has been considered as an immune modulator in several types of cancers. Its genetic polymorphisms may potentially affect the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The overall purpose of this study was to analyze the implication of HLA-G 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) polymorphisms particularly 14 pb insertion/deletion (Ins/Del; rs371194629) and + 3142C/G (rs1063320) in CRC susceptibility and progression. A comparative analysis between patients (N = 233) and controls (N = 241) demonstrated that Del allele (Odds Ratios (OR) = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.091-1.819, p = 0.008), the homozygous Del/Del genotype (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.205-2.664, p = 0.003) and the codominant C/G genotype (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.106-2.272, p = 0.013) were associated to CRC risk. As expected, the DelG haplotype was associated with CRC susceptibility (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.068-2.012, p = 0.018). Assessment of patients' survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the Del allele and the homozygous Del/Del genotype were associated with reduced event free survival (EFS) (Respectively, p = 0.009 and p = 0.05). Interestingly, the Del allele and the homozygous Del/Del genotype have been revealed as independent prognostic factors for poor EFS in patients with CRC. Additionally, haplotypes analysis revealed that DelG haplotype was linked with significant increase in CRC risk (log-rank; EFS: p = 0.02). Inversely, the InsC haplotype was associated with a significant reduced CRC risk (log-rank; Overall survival (OS): p < 10-6; EFS: p = 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the InsC haplotype was independently associated with significantly longer EFS (p = 0.021, HR = 0.636, 95% CI = 0.433-0.935). These findings support the implication of HLA-G polymorphisms in the CRC susceptibility suggesting HLA-G as a potent prognostic and predictive indicator for CRC. Insight into mechanisms underlying HLA-G polymorphisms could allow for the development of targeted care for CRC patients according to their genetic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Dhouioui
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed-Baligh Laaribi
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Boujelbene
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Pathology, Salah Azaïz Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Refka Jelassi
- LR11-IPT-06: Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, Biotechnology and Biomolecules, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Ben Salah
- LR11-IPT-06: Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, Biotechnology and Biomolecules, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hedia Bellali
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Medical Faculty of Tunis. Head of Clinical Epidemiology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hadda-Imene Ouzari
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Mezlini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Salah Azaïz Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Inès Zemni
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Surgical Oncology, Salah Azaïz Institute, Faculty of medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hanene Chelbi
- LR11-IPT-06: Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, Biotechnology and Biomolecules, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Inès Zidi
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
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Hazini A, Fisher K, Seymour L. Deregulation of HLA-I in cancer and its central importance for immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002899. [PMID: 34353849 PMCID: PMC8344275 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that many tumors undergo a process of clonal selection which means that tumor antigens arising at various stages of tumor progression are likely to be represented in just a subset of tumor cells. This process is thought to be driven by constant immunosurveillance which applies selective pressure by eliminating tumor cells expressing antigens that are recognized by T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that the same selective pressure may also select for tumor cells that evade immune detection by acquiring deficiencies in their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) presentation pathways, allowing important tumor antigens to persist within cells undetected by the immune system. Deficiencies in antigen presentation pathway can arise by a variety of mechanisms, including genetic and epigenetic changes, and functional antigen presentation is a hard phenomenon to assess using our standard analytical techniques. Nevertheless, it is likely to have profound clinical significance and could well define whether an individual patient will respond to a particular type of therapy or not. In this review we consider the mechanisms by which HLA function may be lost in clinical disease, we assess the implications for current immunotherapy approaches using checkpoint inhibitors and examine the prognostic impact of HLA loss demonstrated in clinical trials so far. Finally, we propose strategies that might be explored for possible patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Hazini
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Kerry Fisher
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Len Seymour
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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A Critical Assessment of the Association between HLA-G Expression by Carcinomas and Clinical Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158265. [PMID: 34361031 PMCID: PMC8347921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) conveys immunological tolerance at the maternal-foetal interface. HLA-G expression by tumour cells may also play such a role, resulting in tumour immune evasion, making HLA-G a potential target for immunotherapies. The aim of this review was to determine to what extent it is justified that HLA-G expression is considered as a target for immune checkpoint inhibiting therapy by critically assessing the association between HLA-G expression by carcinomas and clinical outcome of patients. The used HLA-G-detecting mAb, HLA-G quantification methods and statistically significant HLA-G-associated clinicopathological parameters are discussed. Tumour HLA-G expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in breast, esophageal, gastric and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Tumour HLA-G expression was not associated with clinical outcome in ovarian and oral carcinoma patients. Cervical, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic carcinoma patients presented discrepant and therefore inconclusive results regarding the association between tumour HLA-G expression and clinical outcome. These disparities might partly be the result of differences in the methodological approach to quantify HLA-G expression between studies. Therefore, implementation of universal methodological procedures is strongly advised. Overall, HLA-G expression did not univocally result in poor clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. This implies that tumour HLA-G expression is not necessarily part of an inhibited tumour-immune response and tumour progression. Consequently, it remains elusive whether HLA-G expression by carcinomas functions as an immune checkpoint molecule affecting a tumour-immune response. It may also reflect derailed control of gene expression in tumours, with no real functional consequences.
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9
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Lin A, Yan WH. HLA-G/ILTs Targeted Solid Cancer Immunotherapy: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698677. [PMID: 34276691 PMCID: PMC8278316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising immunotherapy for cancers. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a neoantigen, its biological functions and clinical relevance have been extensively investigated in malignancies, and early clinical trials with “anti-HLA-G strategy” are being launched for advance solid cancer immunotherapy. The mechanism of HLA-G as a new ICI is that HLA-G can bind immune cell bearing inhibitory receptors, the immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-2 and ILT-4. HLA-G/ILT-2/-4 (HLA-G/ILTs) signaling can drive comprehensive immune suppression, promote tumor growth and disease progression. Though clinical benefits could be expected with application of HLA-G antibodies to blockade the HLA-G/ILTs signaling in solid cancer immunotherapy, major challenges with the diversity of HLA-G isoforms, HLA-G/ILTs binding specificity, intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity of HLA-G, lack of isoform-specific antibodies and validated assay protocols, which could dramatically affect the clinical efficacy. Clinical benefits of HLA-G-targeted solid cancer immunotherapy may be fluctuated or even premature unless major challenges are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China.,Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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10
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Liu L, Wang L, Zhao L, He C, Wang G. The Role of HLA-G in Tumor Escape: Manipulating the Phenotype and Function of Immune Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:597468. [PMID: 33425752 PMCID: PMC7786297 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.597468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecule, and under physiological conditions, its expression is strictly restricted to the maternal–fetal interface and immune-privileged organs where HLA-G is expected to contribute to establishment and maintenance of immune tolerance. However, the expression of HLA-G has been found in various types of tumors, and the level of its expression frequently correlates with high-grade histology and poor prognosis, raising the possibility that it may play a negative role in tumor immunity. ILT2 and ILT4, present on a broad of immune cells, have been identified as the main receptors engaging HLA-G, and their interactions have been found to allow the conversion of effectors like NK cells and T cells to anergic or unresponsive state, activated DCs to tolerogenic state, and to drive the differentiation of T cells toward suppressive phenotype. Therefore, tumors can employ HLA-G to modulate the phenotype and function of immune cells, allowing them to escape immune attack. In this review, we discuss the mechanism underlying HLA-G expression and function, its role played in each step of the tumor-immunity cycle, as well as the potential to target it for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ganlu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Emadi E, Akhoundi F, Kalantar SM, Emadi-Baygi M. Predicting the most deleterious missense nsSNPs of the protein isoforms of the human HLA-G gene and in silico evaluation of their structural and functional consequences. BMC Genet 2020; 21:94. [PMID: 32867672 PMCID: PMC7457528 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) protein is an immune tolerogenic molecule with 7 isoforms. The change of expression level and some polymorphisms of the HLA-G gene are involved in various pathologies. Therefore, this study aimed to predict the most deleterious missense non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in HLA-G isoforms via in silico analyses and to examine structural and functional effects of the predicted nsSNPs on HLA-G isoforms. RESULTS Out of 301 reported SNPs in dbSNP, 35 missense SNPs in isoform 1, 35 missense SNPs in isoform 5, 8 missense SNPs in all membrane-bound HLA-G isoforms and 8 missense SNPs in all soluble HLA-G isoforms were predicted as deleterious by all eight servers (SIFT, PROVEAN, PolyPhen-2, I-Mutant 3.0, SNPs&GO, PhD-SNP, SNAP2, and MUpro). The Structural and functional effects of the predicted nsSNPs on HLA-G isoforms were determined by MutPred2 and HOPE servers, respectively. Consurf analyses showed that the majority of the predicted nsSNPs occur in conserved sites. I-TASSER and Chimera were used for modeling of the predicted nsSNPs. rs182801644 and rs771111444 were related to creating functional patterns in 5'UTR. 5 SNPs in 3'UTR of the HLA-G gene were predicted to affect the miRNA target sites. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the HLA-G deregulation can serve as a prognostic marker for some cancers. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of in silico SNP prioritization methods provides a great framework for the recognition of functional SNPs. The results obtained from the current study would be called laboratory investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Emadi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Akhoundi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Kalantar
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Modjtaba Emadi-Baygi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Research Institute of Biotechnology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
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12
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Loustau M, Anna F, Dréan R, Lecomte M, Langlade-Demoyen P, Caumartin J. HLA-G Neo-Expression on Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1685. [PMID: 32922387 PMCID: PMC7456902 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is known to modulate the immune system activity in tissues where physiological immune-tolerance is necessary (i.e., maternal-fetal interface, thymus, and cornea). However, the frequent neo-expression of HLA-G in many cancer types has been previously and extensively described and is correlated with a bad prognosis. Despite being an MHC class I molecule, HLA-G is highly present in tumor context and shows unique characteristics of tissue restriction of a Tumor Associated Antigen (TAA), and potent immunosuppressive activity of an Immune CheckPoint (ICP). Consequently, HLA-G appears to be an excellent molecular target for immunotherapy. Although the relevance of HLA-G in cancer incidence and development has been proven in numerous tumors, its neo-expression pattern is still difficult to determine. Indeed, the estimation of HLA-G's actual expression in tumor tissue is limited, particularly concerning the presence and percentage of the new non-canonical isoforms, for which detection antibodies are scarce or inexistent. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about HLA-G neo-expression and implication in various tumor types, pointing out the need for the development of new tools to analyze in-depth the HLA-G neo-expression patterns, opening the way for the generation of new monoclonal antibodies and cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - François Anna
- Invectys, Paris, France
- Molecular Virology and Vaccinology Unit, Virology Department, Institut Pasteur & CNRS URA 3015, Paris, France
| | - Raphaelle Dréan
- Invectys, Paris, France
- Molecular Retrovirology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 3569, Paris, France
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13
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Schwich E, Rebmann V, Horn PA, Celik AA, Bade-Döding C, Kimmig R, Kasimir-Bauer S, Buderath P. Vesicular-Bound HLA-G as a Predictive Marker for Disease Progression in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1106. [PMID: 31382533 PMCID: PMC6721594 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EV) and their tumor-supporting cargos provide a promising translational potential in liquid biopsies for risk assessment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients frequently relapsing, despite initial complete therapy responses. As the immune checkpoint molecule HLA-G, which is operative in immune-escape, can be released by EV, we evaluate the abundance of EV and its vesicular-bound amount of HLA-G (HLA-GEV) as a biomarker in EOC. After enrichment of EV from plasma samples, we determined the EV particle number and amount of HLA-GEV by nanoparticle tracking analysis or ELISA. The association of results with the clinical status/outcome revealed that both, EV particle number and HLA-GEV were significantly elevated in EOC patients, compared to healthy females. However, elevated levels of HLA-GEV, but not EV numbers, were exclusively associated with a disadvantageous clinical status/outcome, including residual tumor, presence of circulating tumor cells, and disease progression. High HLA-GEV status was an independent predictor of progression, besides residual tumor burden and platinum-sensitivity. Especially among patients without residual tumor burden or with platinum-sensitivity, HLA-GEV identified patients with high risk of progression. Thus, this study highlights HLA-GEV as a potential novel biomarker for risk assessment of EOC patients with a rather beneficial prognosis defined by platinum-sensitivity or lack of residual tumor burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Schwich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany.
| | - Peter A Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander A Celik
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Bade-Döding
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Paul Buderath
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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14
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Schwich E, Rebmann V, Michita RT, Rohn H, Voncken JW, Horn PA, Kimmig R, Kasimir-Bauer S, Buderath P. HLA-G 3' untranslated region variants +3187G/G, +3196G/G and +3035T define diametrical clinical status and disease outcome in epithelial ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5407. [PMID: 30932005 PMCID: PMC6443684 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41900-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the non-classical human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) promotes cancer progression in various malignancies including epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). As single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HLA-G 3' untranslated region (UTR) regulate HLA-G expression, we investigated HLA-G 3'UTR haplotypes arranged by SNPs in healthy controls (n = 75) and primary EOC patients (n = 79) and determined soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels. Results were related to the clinical status and outcome. Although haplotype frequencies were similar in patients and controls, (i) sHLA-G levels were increased in EOC independent of the haplotype, (ii) homozygosity for UTR-1 or UTR-2 genotypes were significantly associated with metastases formation and presence of circulating tumor cells before therapy, whereas (iii) the UTR-5 and UTR-7 haplotypes were significantly associated with a beneficial clinical outcome regarding negative nodal status, early FIGO staging, and improved overall survival. Lastly, (iv) the ambivalent impact on clinical EOC aspects could be deduced to specific SNPs in the HLA-G 3'UTR: +3187G, +3196G and +3035T alleles. Our results give evidence that even if the genetic background of the HLA-G 3'UTR is identical between patients and controls, certain SNPs have the potential to contribute to diametrical clinical status/outcome in EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Schwich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Rafael Tomoya Michita
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Genetics Department, Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Willem Voncken
- Molecular Genetics, Maastricht University, PO Box 6161, 6200 MD, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Peter A Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Paul Buderath
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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15
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Ullah M, Azazzen D, Kaci R, Benabbou N, Pujade Lauraine E, Pocard M, Mirshahi M. High Expression of HLA-G in Ovarian Carcinomatosis: The Role of Interleukin-1β. Neoplasia 2019; 21:331-342. [PMID: 30802770 PMCID: PMC6389653 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study focuses on the influence of the tumor microenvironment on the expression of HLA-G in ovarian cancer and its impact on immune cells. We used carcinomatosis fluids (n = 16) collected from patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, detected by an increase in CA125 levels. Our results indicate that HLA-G is expressed by 1) ascitic cell clusters, 2) stromal cells (hospicells) extracted from cancer cell clusters, and 3) cancer cell lines and tumor cells. The origin of HLA-G was linked to inflammatory cytokines present in the cancer microenvironment. In parallel, the ascitic fluid of patients with ovarian cancer contains soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G). The mesothelial cell layer and submesothelial tissues, as well as the immune cell infiltrate, do not secrete HLA-G. In contrast, sHLA-G is absorbed by peritoneal tissues along with mesothelial layers as well as immune cell infiltrates. We demonstrated that interleukin-1β along with TGF-β can be a major HLA-G-inducing factor that upregulates HLA-G expression through the NF-κB pathway. The level of HLA-G in ascites correlated positively with the expression of T regulatory (T-regs) cells, while it negatively correlated with the expression of natural killer and memory cells in tumor-infiltrating immune cells. In conclusion, the production of HLA-G is associated with the presence of inflammatory cytokines and is strongly correlated with microenvironment tolerant cells such as T-regs and diminution of NK and memory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Ullah
- INSERM U965, Sorbonne Paris Cité-Paris Diderot University, Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis Translational Research, Hospital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Dallel Azazzen
- INSERM U965, Sorbonne Paris Cité-Paris Diderot University, Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis Translational Research, Hospital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Rachid Kaci
- INSERM U965, Sorbonne Paris Cité-Paris Diderot University, Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis Translational Research, Hospital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France; Central Department of Anatomy and Pathological Cytology, Hospital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Nadia Benabbou
- INSERM U965, Sorbonne Paris Cité-Paris Diderot University, Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis Translational Research, Hospital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France
| | | | - Marc Pocard
- INSERM U965, Sorbonne Paris Cité-Paris Diderot University, Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis Translational Research, Hospital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Massoud Mirshahi
- INSERM U965, Sorbonne Paris Cité-Paris Diderot University, Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis Translational Research, Hospital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France.
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16
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Walentowicz-Sadlecka M, Dziobek K, Grabiec M, Sadlecki P, Walentowicz P, Mak P, Szymankiewicz M, Kwinta P, Dutsch-Wicherek M. The analysis of human leukocyte antigen-G level in patients with endometrial cancer by Western blot technique. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 81:e13070. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Walentowicz-Sadlecka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Konrad Dziobek
- Center of Oncology; M. Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute, Krakow Branch; Kraków Poland
| | - Marek Grabiec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Pawel Sadlecki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Pawel Walentowicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology; Jagiellonian University; Krakow Poland
| | - Maria Szymankiewicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
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17
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Lin A, Yan WH. Heterogeneity of HLA-G Expression in Cancers: Facing the Challenges. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2164. [PMID: 30319626 PMCID: PMC6170620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity has been observed in most malignancies, which represents a considerable challenge for tumor therapy. In recent decades, the biological function and clinical significance of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G have been intensively explored. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a critical marker of immunotolerance in cancer cell immune evasion and is strongly associated with disease progress and prognosis for cancer patients. Moreover, it has recently been emphasized that the signaling pathway linking HLA-G and immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs) is considered an immune checkpoint. In addition, HLA-G itself can generate at least seven distinct isoforms, and intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G expression is common across different tumor types. Furthermore, HLA-G heterogeneity in cancers has been related to disease stage and outcomes, metastatic status and response to different therapies. This review focuses on the heterogeneity of HLA-G expression in malignant lesions, and clinical implications of this heterogeneity that might be relevant to personalized treatments are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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18
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Lin A, Zhang X, Zhang RL, Zhang JG, Zhou WJ, Yan WH. Clinical Significance of Potential Unidentified HLA-G Isoforms Without α1 Domain but Containing Intron 4 in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Front Oncol 2018; 8:361. [PMID: 30234020 PMCID: PMC6131604 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ectopic HLA-G expression in malignancies has been extensively explored and clinical significance of the molecule was widely acknowledged. Besides previously well-documented seven isoforms (HLA-G1~-G7), other novel isoforms of HLA-G have been reported but their clinical relavenace remians evaluated. In this study, lesion HLA-G expression in 379 case-matched serial section primary colorectal cancers (CRC) were evaluated with mAb 4H84 (recognizing an epitope in HLA-G α1 domain), and mAb 5A6G7 (recognizing an epitope encoded by intron 4), respectively. Data showed that HLA-G positive staining with mAbs 4H84 and 5A6G7 was 70.7 and 60.4%, respectively. When percentage of HLA-G expression detected with mAb 4H84 subtracted that with mAb 5A6G7, the difference (ΔHLA-G) with negative (ΔHLA-Gneg), comparable (ΔHLA-Gcom) and positive (ΔHLA-Gpos) were observed in 64 (16.9%), 159 (42.0%), and 156 (41.2%) cases, respectively. Noteworthy, unexpected immunostaining was observed in 44 (11.6%) lesions that no staining was detected with mAb 4H84 but positive with mAb 5A6G7 (4H84neg5A6G7pos). This staining pattern was unpredictable because all seven known HLA-G isoforms containing the α 1 domain could be recognized by the mAb 4H84. Moreover, patients with ΔHLA-Gneg had obviously better survival than those with ΔHLA-Gcom and ΔHLA-Gpos (p = 0.017), and ΔHLA-G could be an independent prognostic factor for CRC patients (p = 0.008). Our findings provides the first report that potential unidentified HLA-G isoforms is of distinct clinical significance in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Rui-Li Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Jian-Gang Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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Muinao T, Pal M, Deka Boruah HP. Origins based clinical and molecular complexities of epithelial ovarian cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 118:1326-1345. [PMID: 29890249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all common gynaecological malignancies in women worldwide. Ovarian cancer comprises of >15 distinct tumor types and subtypes characterized by histopathological features, environmental and genetic risk factors, precursor lesions and molecular events during oncogenesis. Recent studies on gene signature profiling of different subtypes of ovarian cancer have revealed significant genetic heterogeneity between and within each ovarian cancer histological subtype. Thus, an immense interest have shown towards a more personalized medicine for understanding the clinical and molecular complexities of four major types of epithelial ovarian cancer (serous, endometrioid, clear cell, and mucinous). As such, further in depth studies are needed for identification of molecular signalling network complexities associated with effective prognostication and targeted therapies to prevent or treat metastasis. Therefore, understanding the metastatic potential of primary ovarian cancer and therapeutic interventions against lethal ovarian cancer for the development of personalized therapies is very much indispensable. Consequently, in this review we have updated the key dysregulated genes of four major subtypes of epithelial carcinomas. We have also highlighted the recent advances and current challenges in unravelling the complexities of the origin of tumor as well as genetic heterogeneity of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thingreila Muinao
- Biological Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Assam 785006, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Jorhat Campus, Assam 785006, India
| | - Mintu Pal
- Biological Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Assam 785006, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Jorhat Campus, Assam 785006, India.
| | - Hari Prasanna Deka Boruah
- Biological Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Assam 785006, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Jorhat Campus, Assam 785006, India
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20
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Babay W, Ben Yahia H, Boujelbene N, Zidi N, Laaribi AB, Kacem D, Ben Ghorbel R, Boudabous A, Ouzari HI, Rizzo R, Rebmann V, Mrad K, Zidi I. Clinicopathologic significance of HLA-G and HLA-E molecules in Tunisian patients with ovarian carcinoma. Hum Immunol 2018; 79:463-470. [PMID: 29499226 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G and HLA-E, non classical HLA class I molecules, have been highly implicated in immune tolerance. HLA-G and HLA-E molecules were proposed as putative markers of several advanced cancers. As a step towards a better understanding of ovarian carcinoma, we evaluated the expression of both HLA-G and HLA-E molecules and explored their prognostic implication. METHODS HLA-G and HLA-E expression were studied by immunohistochemistry on ovarian carcinoma tissues. This expression was semi-quantitatively scored into four expression groups and correlated to clinicopathological parameters and patients' survival. RESULTS HLA-G and HLA-E have been found to be highly expressed in ovarian carcinoma tissues (Respectively, 72.4% and 96.8%). They are frequently co-expressed. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that a positive HLA-G expression status in tumor tissue is a promising candidate parameter to predict disease recurrence in addition to the disease status in Tunisian patients with ovarian carcinoma. Moreover, the elevated HLA-E expression was associated with serous ovarian carcinoma subtype as well as with advanced stages of ovarian carcinoma. CONCLUSION HLA-G and HLA-E are highly represented in ovarian carcinoma suggesting a potential association with progressive disease mechanism. HLA-G and HLA-E molecules might be new candidates' markers for ovarian carcinoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Babay
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Ben Yahia
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Boujelbene
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Pathology, Salah Azaïz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nour Zidi
- Department of Radiotherapy, Salah Azaïz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Baligh Laaribi
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dhikra Kacem
- Department of Pathology, Salah Azaïz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Abdellatif Boudabous
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hadda-Imene Ouzari
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Section Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Karima Mrad
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Pathology, Salah Azaïz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Inès Zidi
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
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21
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Fan X, Wang Y, Zhang C, Liu X, Qian Z, Jiang T. Human leukocyte antigen-G overexpression predicts poor clinical outcomes in low-grade gliomas. J Neuroimmunol 2016; 294:27-31. [PMID: 27138095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class-I molecule associated with immunosuppression, has been reported in various human malignancies. In the present study, we examined the role of HLA-G in gliomas. Clinical characteristics, mRNA expression microarrays and follow-up data pertaining to 293 patients with histologically confirmed gliomas were analyzed. The expression levels of HLA-G were compared between different grades of gliomas and correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) to evaluate its prognostic value. We found that HLA-G was overexpressed in gliomas as compared to that in normal brain tissue samples (-1.288±0.265). The highest expression levels were in glioblastomas (GBMs), anaplastic gliomas (AGs) and low-grade gliomas (LGGs), in that order (0.328±0.778, 0.176±0.881, -0.388±0.686, respectively). Significant inter-group differences were observed between low-grade and high-grade glioma tissues (p<0.001 and p<0.001, t-test, AGs and GBMs, respectively). More astrocytoma patients exhibited increased HLA-G expression as compared to other LGG patients (p=0.004, Chi-square test). Significant differences were observed with respect to PFS and OS (p=0.009 and 0.032, log-rank test, for PFS and OS, respectively) between the high- and low-expression subgroups in patients with LGGs. On Cox regression analysis, overexpression of HLA-G appeared to be an independent predictor of clinical outcomes (p=0.007 and 0.026, for PFS and OS, respectively). Our results suggest that HLA-G expression may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting aggressive tumor grades of gliomas and for histological subtype of LGGs. Elevated HLA-G expression could serve as an independent predictor of poor clinical outcomes in patients with low-grade gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fan
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinyan Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanbao Zhang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zenghui Qian
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, Beijing Academy of Critical Illness in Brain, Beijing 100069, China.
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Zhang X, Han QY, Li JB, Ruan YY, Yan WH, Lin A. Lesion HLA-G5/-G6 isoforms expression in patients with ovarian cancer. Hum Immunol 2015; 77:780-4. [PMID: 26687271 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
HLA-G is an immune tolerant with seven isoforms. HLA-G expression was observed to be associated with tumor cell immune escaping, invasion and metastasis, and with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Different types of HLA-G isoforms could be expressed in clinical settings when meet different cellular and environmental conditions. Lesion total HLA-G expression detected by the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 4H84 was widely investigated in previous studies, while specific HLA-G isoforms such as HLA-G5/-G6 remains to be clarified. In this study, 118 primary ovarian cancer lesions were probed with mAb 5A6G7 which recognizes HLA-G5/-G6 was performed by immunohistochemistry. Data showed that HLA-G5/-G6 was expressed in 79.7% (94/118) of these ovarian cancer lesions, where HLA-G5/-G6 expression was observed in 75.7% (53/70) serous, 63.6% (7/11) mucinous cystadenocarcinoma and in 100% (11/11) endometrioid adenocarcinoma, in 85.7% (6/7) clear cell carcinoma, 100% (10/10) sex cord-stromal tumor and 77.8% (7/9) germ cell tumors. However, lesion HLA-G5/-G6 expression was unrelated to histological type, patient age, FIGO stage and patient survival. Unlike total HLA-G expression, no clinical significance of HLA-G5/-G6 expression in ovarian cancer lesion was observed in this study. Our findings indicated that different HLA-G isoforms might have different biological functions in malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- Human Tissue Bank, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Han
- Human Tissue Bank, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing-Bo Li
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan-Yun Ruan
- Human Tissue Bank, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aifen Lin
- Human Tissue Bank, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China.
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Lin A, Yan WH. Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) Expression in Cancers: Roles in Immune Evasion, Metastasis and Target for Therapy. Mol Med 2015; 21:782-791. [PMID: 26322846 PMCID: PMC4749493 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2015.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant induction of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) expression has been observed in various malignancies and is strongly associated with tumor immune escape, metastasis and poor prognosis. To date, great achievements have been made in understanding the underlying mechanisms of HLA-G involved in tumor progression. HLA-G could lead to tumor evasion by inhibition of immune cell cytolysis, differentiation and proliferation and inhibition of cytokine production, induction of immune cell apoptosis, generation of regulatory cells and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressive cells and by impairment of chemotaxis. Moreover, HLA-G could arm tumor cells with a higher invasive and metastatic potential with the upregulation of tumor-promoting factor expression such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), indicating that ectopic HLA-G expression could render multiple effects during the progression of malignancies. In this review, we summarized the mechanisms of HLA-G involved in promoting tumor cell immune escaping, metastasis and disease progression. Special attention will be paid to its significance as an attractive therapeutic target in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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HLA-G expression is an independent predictor for improved survival in high grade ovarian carcinomas. J Immunol Res 2014; 2014:274584. [PMID: 24987709 PMCID: PMC4058481 DOI: 10.1155/2014/274584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I has prognostic importance in various cancers. Here, we evaluated the prognostic value of classical (A/B/C) and nonclassical (G/E) HLA expression in 169 high grade epithelial ovarian cancer samples and linked that to clinicopathological characteristics and survival. Expression of HLA-A, -B/C, or -E was not correlated with survival. Survival was prolonged when tumours expressed HLA-G (P = 0.008) and HLA-G was an independent predictor for better survival (P = 0.011). In addition, HLA-G expression was associated with longer progression-free survival (P = 0.036) and response to chemotherapy (P = 0.014). Accordingly, high expression of HLA-G mRNA was associated with prolonged disease-free survival (P = 0.037) in 65 corresponding samples. Elevated serum-soluble HLA-G levels as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 50 matched patients were not correlated to HLA-G protein expression or gene expression nor with survival. During treatment, sHLA-G levels declined (P = 0.038). In conclusion, expression of HLA-G is an independent prognostic factor for improved survival in high grade epithelial ovarian cancer and a predictor for platinum sensitivity.
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Cao B, Mysorekar IU. Intracellular bacteria in placental basal plate localize to extravillous trophoblasts. Placenta 2013; 35:139-42. [PMID: 24439469 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We previously showed that intracellular bacteria are present in the human placental maternal-fetal interface (basal plate). To determine the bacterial niche, basal plate biopsies were 1) examined histologically, and 2) cultured ex vivo, infected with either gram negative (Escherichia coli) or positive (Listeria monocytogenes) bacteria, and examined by histological staining, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. We found bacteria in fetal extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in basal plate biopsies. Both E. coli and L. monocytogenes also predominantly invaded EVTs in basal plate explants where they replicated and formed clusters or existed as single organisms. EVTs are the cell type most susceptible to bacterial colonization, likely due to their expression of major histocompatibility antigen and immune-privileged status. Pathogens persisting and replicating in the EVTs may constitute a source of intrauterine colonization that leads to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - I U Mysorekar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Longuespée R, Boyon C, Desmons A, Vinatier D, Leblanc E, Farré I, Wisztorski M, Ly K, D'Anjou F, Day R, Fournier I, Salzet M. Ovarian cancer molecular pathology. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2013; 31:713-32. [PMID: 22729278 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-012-9383-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OVC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Europe and the United States. Its early detection is difficult due to the lack of specificity of clinical symptoms. Unfortunately, late diagnosis is a major contributor to the poor survival rates for OVC, which can be attributed to the lack of specific sets of markers. Aside from patients sharing a strong family history of ovarian and breast cancer, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 tumor suppressor genes mutations, the most used biomarker is the Cancer-antigen 125 (CA-125). CA-125 has a sensitivity of 80 % and a specificity of 97 % in epithelial cancer (stage III or IV). However, its sensitivity is 30 % in stage I cancer, as its increase is linked to several physiological phenomena and benign situations. CA-125 is particularly useful for at-risk population diagnosis and to assess response to treatment. It is clear that alone, CA-125 is inadequate as a biomarker for OVC diagnosis. There is an unmet need to identify additional biomarkers. Novel and more sensitive proteomic strategies such as MALDI mass spectrometry imaging studies are well suited to identify better markers for both diagnosis and prognosis. In the present review, we will focus on such proteomic strategies in regards to OVC signaling pathways, OVC development and escape from the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Longuespée
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Biologique Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Nord de France, EA 4550, Université de Lille 1, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve D'Ascq, France
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Gillio-Tos A, Bicalho MDG, Fiano V, Grasso C, Tarallo V, De Marco L, Trevisan M, Xavier M, Slowik R, Carvalho NS, Maestri CA, Lacerda HM, Zugna D, Richiardi L, Merletti F. Case-control study of HLA-G promoter methylation status, HPV infection and cervical neoplasia in Curitiba, Brazil: a pilot analysis. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:618. [PMID: 23265140 PMCID: PMC3545901 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The causal association between persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer has been established, but the mechanisms that favor HPV persistence in cervical cells are still unknown. The diminished capability of the immune system to control and resolve HPV infection is one of several hypotheses. The tolerogenic protein HLA-G has shown aberrant expression in a variety of cancers, which has been suggested as a mechanism for tumor escape from immunosurveillance. In the present study we evaluate the role of epigenetic modification (promoter de-methylation) of the HLA-G gene on susceptibility to HPV infection and development of high-grade cervical lesions. Methods A case–control study was carried out in Curitiba, Brazil, between February and June 2010. A total of 789 women aged 15–47 years were recruited: 510 controls with normal cervical cytology, and 279 cases with histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2, N = 150) or grade 3 (CIN3, N = 129). All women were administered a questionnaire by interview, which collected information on demographic and lifestyle factors, and a cervical sample was collected. HPV DNA detection was performed by GP5+/GP6+ primer-mediated PCR. HPV-positive samples were genotyped by multiplex PCR. A pilot analysis of HLA-G promoter methylation was carried out in a subset of the study population (96 cases and 76 controls) by pyrosequencing. HLA-G methylation and HPV infection status of cases and controls were compared, and confounding factors were computed by t Student and non-parametric Wilcoxon tests. Comparison of HLA-G methylation between cases and controls was assessed by the Bonferroni correction. The association of HLA-G methylation with CIN2/3 was evaluated by logistic regression. Results HPV prevalence was 19.6% in controls and 94.3% in CIN2/3 cases. HPV16, 31, 33, 35 and 18 were the most prevalent types. Methylation analysis of seven CpGs in the HLA-G promoter did not reveal any spontaneous de-methylation events in CIN2/3 cases (mean proportion of methylation: 75.8%) with respect to controls (mean 73.7%; odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.96, 1.07). Conclusions This study did not support the hypothesis that spontaneous de-methylation events in the HLA-G promoter play a primary role in promoting escape from immunosurveillance in the development of precancerous cervical lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gillio-Tos
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Cancer Epidemiology - C,E,R,M,S, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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Lin A, Xu HH, Xu DP, Zhang X, Wang Q, Yan WH. Multiple steps of HLA-G in ovarian carcinoma metastasis: alter NK cytotoxicity and induce matrix metalloproteinase-15 (MMP-15) expression. Hum Immunol 2012; 74:439-46. [PMID: 23228395 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2012.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous study showed that aberrant HLA-G expression in cancer cells plays important roles in disease progression and it was associated with tumor metastasis and with poor survival in an animal model with ovarian cancer; however, the mechanisms remain to be explored. In this study, we found that HLA-G expression could dramatically decreased the NK cytotoxicity against the ovarian carcinoma cell line (HO-8910) engineered to express HLA-G (HO-8910-G), and matrix metalloproteinase-15 (MMP-15) expression was up-regulated in HO-8910-G cells. Consistent with this, a strong correlation between HLA-G and MMP-15 expression were observed in a cohort of ovarian cancer samples. Knockdown the HLA-G induced MMP-15 expression by small interfere RNA (siRNA) significantly decreased the HO-8910-G cell migration potential and tumor metastasis. Collectively, our study indicated that HLA-G involved in tumor invasiveness or metastasis may rely on the NK cytotoxicity inhibition and induction of MMP-15 expression in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, Zhejiang 317000, PR China
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Hardwick N, Ledermann JA, Aitkens E, Chain B. Pre-clinical assessment of autologous DC-based therapy in ovarian cancer patients with progressive disease. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:1929-39. [PMID: 22476408 PMCID: PMC4163652 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cell-based vaccines offer promise for therapy of ovarian cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated that oxidation of several antigens, including ovarian cancer cells, using hypochlorous acid strongly enhances their immunogenicity and their uptake and presentation by dendritic cells. The response of T cells and dendritic cells to autologous tumour from patients with active disease has not previously been investigated. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells were generated from patients with active disease and activated by co-culture with oxidised tumour cells and the TLR agonist poly I:C. The dendritic cells showed an activated phenotype, but secreted high levels of TGFβ. Co-culture of the antigen-loaded dendritic cells with autologous T cells generated a population of effector T cells that showed a low level of specific lytic activity against autologous tumour, as compared to autologous mesothelium. The addition of neutralising antibody to TGFβ in DC/T cell co-cultures increased the levels of subsequent tumour killing in three samples tested. Co-culture of monocytes from healthy volunteers with the ovarian cell line SKOV-3 prior to differentiation into dendritic cells reduced the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate cytotoxic effector cells. The study suggests that co-culture of dendritic cells with oxidised tumour cells can generate effector cells able to kill autologous tumour, but that the high tumour burden in patients with active disease may compromise dendritic cell and/or T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Hardwick
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC16BT UK
| | - Jonathan A. Ledermann
- UCL and UCLH Comprehensive Biomedical Research Cancer, UCL Cancer Institute, Tottenham Court Road, London, UK
- Gynaecological Cancer Centre, UCL Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Egla Aitkens
- Gynaecological Cancer Centre, UCL Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Benny Chain
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC16BT UK
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Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) expression in cervical cancer lesions is associated with disease progression. Hum Immunol 2012; 73:946-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2012.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Dong DD, Yie SM, Li K, Li F, Xu Y, Xu G, Song L, Yang H. Importance of HLA-G expression and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Hum Immunol 2012; 73:998-1004. [PMID: 22841927 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2012.07.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study is aimed at investigating whether or not human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) expression is associated with breast cancer molecular subtypes. HLA-G expression was immunohistochemically investigated in 104 patients with invasive ductal breast carcinoma, in which 56 were luminal A, 17 were luminal B, 19 were HER-2, and 12 were basal-like/normal breast-like subtype classified according to immunohistochemical staining results of ER, HER-2, CK5/6, and EGFR. Host immune response status was assessed by estimating the density of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). For comparison, other biomarkers such as Ki67, p53 and VEGF were also investigated. Associations of these biomarkers and TIL with molecular subtypes were statistically analyzed. We found that there were more cases with high expressions of HLA-G in non-luminal than in luminal subtypes (P=0.035). In contrast, more cases with high density of TIL was found in luminal than in non-luminal subtypes (P=0.023). Compared to all the biomarkers studied, only HLA-G expression was found to be inversely associated with the density of TIL (P=0.004). Furthermore, patients with HLA-G(high)/TIL(low) status had a higher risk of recurrence than those with HLA-G(low)/TIL(high) status, regardless of the molecular subtypes. Therefore, a combination of the status of HLA-G and TIL could improve the prognostic prediction for patients with various molecular subtypes of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Dong
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
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González A, Rebmann V, LeMaoult J, Horn PA, Carosella ED, Alegre E. The immunosuppressive molecule HLA-G and its clinical implications. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2012; 49:63-84. [PMID: 22537084 DOI: 10.3109/10408363.2012.677947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule that, through interaction with its receptors, exerts important tolerogenic functions. Its main physiological expression occurs in placenta where it seems to participate in the maternal tolerance toward the fetus. HLA-G has been studied as a marker of pregnancy complications such as abortion or pre-eclapmsia. Although HLA-G is not expressed in most adult tissues, its ectopic expression has been observed in some diseases such as viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and especially cancer. HLA-G neo-expression in cancer is associated with the capability of tumor cells to evade the immune control. In this review, we will summarize HLA-G biology and how it participates in these physiopathological processes. Special attention will be paid to its role as a diagnostic tool and also as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro González
- Department of Biochemistry, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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Lin A, Zhang X, Xu HH, Xu DP, Ruan YY, Yan WH. HLA-G expression is associated with metastasis and poor survival in the Balb/c nu/nu murine tumor model with ovarian cancer. Int J Cancer 2011; 131:150-7. [PMID: 21858813 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant HLA-G expression is associated with tumor invasiveness and poor clinical prognosis; however, there is a lack of preclinical animal model to address whether HLA-G plays a causal role in the unfavorable prognosis of malignancies. In the current study, ovarian carcinoma cell lines (HO-8910 and Ovcar-3) were transfected with HLA-G gene. HLA-G expression was analyzed with western blot and flow cytometry. Transwell experiment was performed to analyze the cell migration and invasion capability and/or multicellular spheroid formation was investigated with the 3D culture assay in vitro. The effects of HLA-G expression for tumor cell organ metastasis and for mouse survival was analyzed with the Balb/c nu/nu mouse model. Our data showed that HO-8910-G and Ovcar-3-G cells are of higher invasion potential compared with the parental HO-8910 and Ovcar-3 cells. Multicellular spheroid formation exists only in HO-8910-G cells in a 3D culture assay. In Balb/c nu/nu mouse model, widespread metastasis was observed in mice xenografted with HO-8910-G cells, but not in the group with parental cells. Mouse survival was dramatically decreased in HO-8910-G and Ovcar-3-G xenografted mice than that with HO-8910 and Ovcar-3 cells, respectively. In summary, our study provided the first evidence that HLA-G expression is associated with tumor metastasis and with poor survival in an animal model with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical College, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Yan WH. Human leukocyte antigen-G in cancer: are they clinically relevant? Cancer Lett 2011; 311:123-30. [PMID: 21843913 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The immunotolerant human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G has direct inhibitory effects on natural killer cells (NK), dendritic cells (DC), T cells and can induce tolerant regulatory cells. The expression of HLA-G has been correlated with the tolerance of the fetus, the acceptance of organ transplants, and the immune escape of tumor cells and virus-infected cells. In the context of malignancies, aberrant induction of HLA-G expression has been extensively investigated and its clinical relevance has been postulated. We here focus on the HLA-G expression in malignancies and its relevance to tumor cell immune escaping and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical College, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Kren L, Slaby O, Muckova K, Lzicarova E, Sova M, Vybihal V, Svoboda T, Fadrus P, Lakomy R, Vanhara P, Krenova Z, Sterba J, Smrcka M, Michalek J. Expression of immune-modulatory molecules HLA-G and HLA-E by tumor cells in glioblastomas: an unexpected prognostic significance? Neuropathology 2011; 31:129-34. [PMID: 20667016 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2010.01149.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The role of nonclassical human leukocyte antigens G and E (HLA-G and HLA-E) was originally thought to be restricted to the protection of the fetus from a maternal allorecognition. Now it is known that HLA-G and HLA-E exert multiple immunoregulatory functions. A prognostic significance of the expression of HLA-G and HLA-E by neoplastic cells in glioblastoma is not well characterized. In this study, we evaluated the expression of HLA-G and HLA-E by neoplastic cells in 39 cases of glioblastoma. We found the production of HLA-G and HLA in a majority of cases. There was an unexpected positive correlation between the expression of HLA-E and length of survival. We speculate that the expression of this molecule by neoplastic cells may represent a coincidental selective pro-host advantage related to better response to subsequent therapeutic modalities. Mechanisms of glioblastoma cell pathophysiology and mechanisms of responses to therapeutic interventions in respect to the expression of these molecules deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leos Kren
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Amiot L, Ferrone S, Grosse-Wilde H, Seliger B. Biology of HLA-G in cancer: a candidate molecule for therapeutic intervention? Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 68:417-31. [PMID: 21063893 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0583-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the expression of the non-classical HLA class I molecule HLA-G was first reported to be restricted to the fetal-maternal interface on the extravillous cytotrophoblasts, the distribution of HLA-G in normal tissues appears broader than originally described. HLA-G expression was found in embryonic tissues, in adult immune privileged organs, and in cells of the hematopoietic lineage. More interestingly, under pathophysiological conditions HLA-G antigens may be expressed on various types of malignant cells suggesting that HLA-G antigen expression is one strategy used by tumor cells to escape immune surveillance. In this article, we will focus on HLA-G expression in cancers of distinct histology and its association with the clinical course of diseases, on the underlying molecular mechanisms of impaired HLA-G expression, on the immune tolerant function of HLA-G in tumors, and on the use of membrane-bound and soluble HLA-G as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker to identify tumors and to monitor disease stage, as well as on the use of HLA-G as a novel therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Amiot
- UPRES EA 4427 SeRAIC, University of Rennes 1, 2 av Prof Léon Bernard, 35043 RENNES Cedex, France
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Dong DD, Hong Yang, Ke Li, Gang Xu, Song LH, Fan XL, Jiang XL, Yie SM. Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) Expression in Cervical Lesions: Association With Cancer Progression, HPV 16/18 Infection, and Host Immune Response. Reprod Sci 2010; 17:718-23. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719110369183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dan-dan Dong
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Lin-hong Song
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiao-li Fan
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xin-lian Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shang-mian Yie
- Core Laboratory, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China,
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Mach P, Blecharz P, Basta P, Marianowski P, Skret-Magierlo J, Kojs Z, Grabiec M, Wicherek L. Differences in the soluble HLA-G blood serum concentration levels in patients with ovarian cancer and ovarian and deep endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63:387-95. [PMID: 20146732 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2009.00806.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The relationship between endometriosis and cancer has been widely discussed in the literature but is still not well clarified. Perhaps significantly, soluble human leukocyte antigen-G (sHLA-G) has been identified in the microenvironment of both ovarian cancer and endometrioma. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the sHLA-G levels in the blood sera of women with deep endometriosis and ovarian endometrioma over the course of the menstrual cycle and to compare to the levels of sHLA-G in the blood sera of women with ovarian cancer. METHOD OF STUDY In our study, we examined the blood sera obtained from 123 patients operated on because of ovarian cancer (65 cases), ovarian endometrioma (30 cases), and deep endometriosis (28 cases). We decided to compare the levels of sHLA-G in patients with endometriosis to those found in patients with ovarian cancer with respect to the menstrual cycle phases. The sHLA-G concentration level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS The level of sHLA-G concentration in the blood serum of patients with deep endometriosis fluctuates over the course of the menstrual cycle, and during the proliferative and secretory phases, it remains at a high level comparable to that found in patients with ovarian cancer. By contrast, the level of sHLA-G concentration in the blood serum of patients with ovarian endometrioma fluctuates minimally over the course of the different menstrual cycle phases and, as in patients with ovarian cancer, it remains at high level during the proliferative phase. CONCLUSION sHLA-G blood serum concentration levels would seem to provide important information regarding the degree of immune system regulation disturbance in both ectopic endometrial cells and the cancer cell suppressive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Mach
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Oncology of the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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