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Martin JC, da Silva Fernandes T, Chaudhry KA, Oshi M, Abrams SI, Takabe K, Rosario SR, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor suppresses STING-mediated type I IFN expression in triple-negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5731. [PMID: 38459088 PMCID: PMC10923803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54732-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Despite decades of intense investigation, treatment options remain limited, and rapid recurrence with distant metastases remains a significant challenge. Cancer cell-intrinsic production of cytokines such as type I interferons (IFN-I) is a known potent modulator of response to therapy in many cancers, including TNBC, and can influence therapeutic outcome. Here, we report that, in TNBC systems, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) suppresses IFN-I expression via inhibition of STImulator of Interferon Genes (STING), a key mediator of interferon production. Intratumoral STING activity is essential in mediating the efficacy of PARP inhibitors (PARPi) which are used in the treatment of cancers harboring BRCA1 deficiency. We find that, in TNBC cells, PARPi treatment activates AhR in a BRCA1 deficiency-dependent manner, thus suggesting the presence of a negative feedback loop aimed at modulating PARPi efficacy. Importantly, our results indicate that the combined inhibition of PARP and AhR is superior in elevating IFN-I expression as compared to PARPi-alone. Thus, AhR inhibition may allow for enhanced IFN-I production upon PARPi in BRCA1-deficient breast cancers, most of which are of TNBC origin, and may represent a therapeutically viable strategy to enhance PARPi efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Martin
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Kanita A Chaudhry
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Masanori Oshi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Scott I Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Spencer R Rosario
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Chen M, Yu S, van der Sluis T, Zwager MC, Schröder CP, van der Vegt B, van Vugt MATM. cGAS-STING pathway expression correlates with genomic instability and immune cell infiltration in breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2024; 10:1. [PMID: 38167507 PMCID: PMC10761738 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability, as caused by oncogene-induced replication stress, can lead to the activation of inflammatory signaling, involving the cGAS-STING and JAK-STAT pathways. Inflammatory signaling has been associated with pro-tumorigenic features, but also with favorable response to treatment, including to immune checkpoint inhibition. In this study, we aim to explore relations between inflammatory signaling, markers of replication stress, and immune cell infiltration in breast cancer. Expression levels of cGAS-STING signaling components (STING, phospho-TBK1, and phospho-STAT1), replication stress markers (γH2AX and pRPA), replication stress-related proto-oncogenes (Cyclin E1 and c-Myc) and immune cell markers (CD20, CD4, and CD57) are determined immunohistochemically on primary breast cancer samples (n = 380). RNA-sequencing data from TCGA (n = 1082) and METABRIC (n = 1904) are used to calculate cGAS-STING scores. pTBK1, pSTAT1 expression and cGAS-STING pathway scores are all increased in triple-negative breast cancers compared to other subtypes. Expression of γH2AX, pRPA, Cyclin E1, c-Myc, and immune cell infiltration positively correlate with p-STAT1 expression (P < 0.001). Additionally, we observe significant positive associations between expression of pTBK1 and γH2AX, pRPA, c-Myc, and number of CD4+ cells and CD20+ cells. Also, cGAS-STING scores are correlated with genomic instability metrics, such as homologous recombination deficiency (P < 0.001) and tumor mutational burden (P < 0.01). Moreover, data from the I-SPY2 clinical trial (n = 71) confirms that higher cGAS-STING scores are observed in breast cancer patients who responded to immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. In conclusion, the cGAS-STING pathway is highly expressed in TNBCs and is correlated with genomic instability and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shibo Yu
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke van der Sluis
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mieke C Zwager
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien P Schröder
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Vegt
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marcel A T M van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Huang C, Shao N, Huang Y, Chen J, Wang D, Hu G, Zhang H, Luo L, Xiao Z. Overcoming challenges in the delivery of STING agonists for cancer immunotherapy: A comprehensive review of strategies and future perspectives. Mater Today Bio 2023; 23:100839. [PMID: 38024837 PMCID: PMC10630661 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) agonists have emerged as promising agents in the field of cancer immunotherapy, owing to their excellent capacity to activate the innate immune response and combat tumor-induced immunosuppression. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the strategies employed to develop effective formulations for STING agonists, with particular emphasis on versatile nano-delivery systems. The recent advancements in delivery systems based on lipids, natural/synthetic polymers, and proteins for STING agonists are summarized. The preparation methodologies of nanoprecipitation, self-assembly, and hydrogel, along with their advantages and disadvantages, are also discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities in developing next-generation STING agonist delivery systems are elaborated. This review aims to serve as a reference for researchers in designing novel and effective STING agonist delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiqing Huang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400, China
| | - Ni Shao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yanyu Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Jifeng Chen
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Duo Wang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Genwen Hu
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Dongguan, 523560, China
| | - Liangping Luo
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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4
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Jin X, Wang W, Zhao X, Jiang W, Shao Q, Chen Z, Huang C. The battle between the innate immune cGAS-STING signaling pathway and human herpesvirus infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235590. [PMID: 37600809 PMCID: PMC10433641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of human herpesvirus (HHVs) is gradually increasing and has affected a wide range of population. HHVs can result in serious consequences such as tumors, neonatal malformations, sexually transmitted diseases, as well as pose an immense threat to the human health. The cGAS-STING pathway is one of the innate immune pattern-recognition receptors discovered recently. This article discusses the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in human diseases, especially in human herpesvirus infections, as well as highlights how these viruses act on this pathway to evade the host immunity. Moreover, the author provides a comprehensive overview of modulators of the cGAS-STING pathway. By focusing on the small molecule compounds based on the cGAS-STING pathway, novel targets and concepts have been proposed for the development of antiviral drugs and vaccines, while also providing a reference for the investigation of disease models related to the cGAS-STING pathway. HHV is a double-stranded DNA virus that can trigger the activation of intracellular DNA sensor cGAS, after which the host cells initiate a cascade of reactions that culminate in the secretion of type I interferon to restrict the viral replication. Meanwhile, the viral protein can interact with various molecules in the cGAS-STING pathway. Viruses can evade immune surveillance and maintain their replication by inhibiting the enzyme activity of cGAS and reducing the phosphorylation levels of STING, TBK1 and IRF3 and suppressing the interferon gene activation. Activators and inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway have yielded numerous promising research findings in vitro and in vivo pertaining to cGAS/STING-related disease models. However, there remains a dearth of small molecule modulators that have been successfully translated into clinical applications, which serves as a hurdle to be overcome in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximing Jin
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjia Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinwei Zhao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhua Jiang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingqing Shao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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5
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Viculin J, Degoricija M, Vilović K, Gabela I, Franković L, Vrdoljak E, Korac-Prlic J. Elevated Tumor Cell-Intrinsic STING Expression in Advanced Laryngeal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3510. [PMID: 37444620 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal cancer is the second most common malignancy of the head and neck, worldwide. Immunotherapy targeting checkpoint inhibitors has been approved for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic laryngeal cancer but has a relatively low response rate and outcomes that leave many patients underserved. Targeting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway can potentially improve the activation of immune effector cells, although its role in the development and progression of laryngeal cancer has not yet been investigated in depth. Fifty-nine tumor samples from patients with pathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, stage I-IV non-metastatic disease, who were treated at the University Hospital of Split, were immunohistochemically stained for the expression of STING, cGAS, CD8, CD68, and CD163. Elevated tumor cell-intrinsic STING expression was positively associated with stage IV (p = 0.0031), pT3, and pT4 laryngeal cancers (p = 0.0336) as well as with higher histological grades (G2 and G3) (p = 0.0204) and lymph node-positive tumors (p = 0.0371). After adjusting for age, sex, location, and cGAS expression, elevated STING expression was significantly associated with stage IV cancer in a multiple logistic regression model (β = 1.849, SE = ±0.8643, p = 0.0324). Elevated STING expression represents a potentially favorable predictive biomarker for new therapeutic approaches involving STING agonists combined with immunotherapy and DNA-damaging agents (radiotherapy, cisplatin, and PARP inhibitors) in laryngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Viculin
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marina Degoricija
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vilović
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Gabela
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Lucija Franković
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Eduard Vrdoljak
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Jelena Korac-Prlic
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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6
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Wang T, Sun S, Zeng X, Li J. ICI-based therapies: A new strategy for oral potentially malignant disorders. Oral Oncol 2023; 140:106388. [PMID: 37054586 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are linked with an escalated risk of developing cancers, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Since prevailing therapies cannot effectively forestall the exacerbation and recurrence of OPMDs, halting their malignant progression is paramount. The immune checkpoint serves as a cardinal regulator of the immune response and the primary cause of adaptive immunological resistance. Although the exact mechanism remains elusive, elevated expression of multiple immune checkpoints in OPMDs and OSCC relative to healthy oral mucosa has been ascertained. This review delves into the immunosuppressive microenvironment of OPMDs, the expression of diverse immune checkpoints such as programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and programmed death receptor-1 ligand (PD-L1) in OPMDs, and the potential application of corresponding inhibitors. In addition, synergistic strategies incorporating combined immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as cGAS-STING, costimulatory molecules, cancer vaccines, and hydrogels, are discussed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the role and application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in oral carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Silu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Xin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
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Wang CL, Ho AS, Chang CC, Sie ZL, Peng CL, Chang J, Cheng CC. Radiotherapy enhances CXCR3 highCD8 + T cell activation through inducing IFNγ-mediated CXCL10 and ICAM-1 expression in lung cancer cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:1865-1880. [PMID: 36688994 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03379-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) not only damages tumors but also induces interferon (IFN) expression in tumors. IFNs mediate PD-L1 to exhaust CD8+ T cells, but which also directly impact tumor cells and potentially activate anti-tumor immune surveillance. Little is known about the contradictory mechanism of IFNs in regulating CD8+ T-mediated anti-tumor activity in lung cancer. This study found that RT induced IFNs and CXCL9/10 expression in the RT-treated lung cancer cells. Specifically, RT- and IFNγ-pretreated A549 significantly activated CD8+ T cells, resulting in significant inhibition of A549 colony formation. RNAseq and consequent qPCR results revealed that IFNγ induced PD-L1, CXCL10, and ICAM-1, whereas PD-L1 knockdown activated CD8+ T cells, but ICAM-1 knockdown diminished CD8+ T cell activation. We further demonstrated that CXCR3 and CXCL10 decreased in the CD8+ T cells and nonCD8+ PBMCs, respectively, in the patients with lung cancer that expressed lower reactivation as co-cultured with A549 cells. In addition, inhibitors targeting CXCR3 and LFA-1 in CD8+ T cells significantly diminished CD8+ T cell activation and splenocytes-mediated anti-LL/2shPdl1. In conclusion, we validated that RT suppressed lung cancer and overexpress PD-L1, CXCL10, and ICAM-1, which exhibited different roles in regulating CD8+ T cell activity. We propose that CXCR3highCD8+ T cells stimulated by CXCL10 exhibit anti-tumor immunity, possibly by enhancing T cells-tumor cells adhesion through CXCL10/CXCR3-activated LFA-1-ICAM-1 interaction, but CXCR3lowCD8+ T cells with low CXCL10 in patients with lung cancer were exhausted by PD-L1 dominantly. Therefore, RT potentially activates CD8+ T cells by inducing IFNs-mediated CXCL10 and ICAM-1 expression in tumors to enhance CD8+ T-tumor adhesion and recognition. This study clarified the possible mechanisms of RT and IFNs in regulating CD8+ T cell activation in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Liang Wang
- Division of Pulmonary Oncology and Interventional Bronchoscopy, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Ai-Sheng Ho
- Division of Gastroenterology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.,TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Zong-Lin Sie
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Liang Peng
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Taoyuan, 325, Taiwan
| | - Jungshan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chia Cheng
- Division of Pulmonary Oncology and Interventional Bronchoscopy, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan. .,Radiation Biology Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
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Biesaga B, Smolarczyk R, Mucha-Małecka A, Czapla J, Ryś J, Małecki K. Prognostic Significance of STING Immunoexpression in Relation to HPV16 Infection in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinomas of Oral Cavity and Oropharynx. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102538. [PMID: 36289800 PMCID: PMC9599825 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with HPV16 in cancers of the oral cavity (OCSCC) and oropharynx (OPSCC) is, today, an important etiological and prognostic factor. Patients with HPV-positive OPSCC have a better prognosis than uninfected patients. However, in over 40% of these patients, cancer progression is noticed. Their identification is particularly important due to the ongoing clinical trials regarding the possibility of de-escalation of anticancer treatment in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. Some studies suggest that there is possibility to differentiate prognosis of HPV16-positive patients by STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) immunoexpression. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of STING immunoexpression on overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with HPV16-positive and -negative OCSCC and OPSCC. The study was performed in a group of 87 patients with OCSCC and OPSCC for which in our earlier study active HPV16 infection was assessed by P16 expression followed by HPV DNA detection. To analyze STING immunoexpression in tumor area (THS) and in adjacent stromal tissues (SHS) H score (HS) was applied. In the subgroup with HPV16, active infection patients with tumors with THS had significantly better DFS (p = 0.047) than those without THS. In this subgroup, TSH did not significantly influence OS, and SHS did not significantly correlate with OS and DFS. In the subgroup of patients without active HPV16 infection, THS and SHS also did not significantly influence patients' survival. Presented results indicated prognostic potential of tumor STING immunoexpression in patients with active HPV16 infection in cancers of oral cavity and oropharynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Biesaga
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch, Garncarska 11, 31-115 Cracow, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-63-48-498
| | - Ryszard Smolarczyk
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Anna Mucha-Małecka
- Department of Radiotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch, Garncarska 11, 31-115 Cracow, Poland
| | - Justyna Czapla
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Janusz Ryś
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch, Garncarska 11, 31-115 Cracow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Małecki
- Department of Radiotherapy for Children and Adults, University Children’s Hospital of Krakow, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
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IRF3 Knockout Results in Partial or Complete Rejection of Murine Mesothelioma. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215196. [PMID: 34768716 PMCID: PMC8584553 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MESO) has a poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and novel therapeutic approaches are needed. IRF3 is a downstream molecule of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway, but its roles have not been investigated in MESO. METHODS Various murine mesothelioma cell lines were inoculated into wild type (WT) and IRF3 knockout (IRF3KO) mice to compare tumor growth. AE17-bearing mice were treated with local radiotherapy (LRT) to evaluate the effect on tumor growth, and immune cell infiltration was analyzed by flow cytometry 20 days after tumor inoculation. TCGA data were used to examine the relationship between mRNA expression of IRF3 and genes of the cGAS/STING signaling cascade on prognosis in MESO. Correlations between gene expression of IRF3, cGAS/STING signaling pathway, and immune checkpoints were analyzed in TCGA MESO and our scRNA-Seq data from MESO patients. RESULTS In mouse mesothelioma models, AK7, RN5 and ZiP3 were completely rejected in IRF3KO mice 20 days after the tumor challenge. AE17tumor volume was slightly larger than WT mice around day 10 before shrinking and becoming significantly smaller than WT mice on day 20. LRT accelerated tumor shrinkage of AE17 tumors in IRF3KO mice. Compared with WT mice, the number of macrophages infiltrating the tumor of IRF3KO mice was significantly reduced, and CD4+ T cells and CD8+IFNγ+ T cells were significantly increased. TCGA data showed that IRF3 expression was an unfavorable prognostic factor in MESO patients. IRF3 expression, the cGAS/STING signaling pathway, and immune checkpoints were positively correlated. CONCLUSION IRF3 could play a critical role in the tumor immune microenvironment of MESO.
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