SUV39H1-DNMT3A-mediated epigenetic regulation of Tim-3 and galectin-9 in the cervical cancer

Maternal high fat diet programs spatial learning and central leptin signaling in mouse offspring in a sex-specific manner

Environmental factors in early life have been demonstrated to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, especially the deficiency of the cognitive ability. Leptin has emerged as a key hormone that conveys information on energy stores, but there is growing appreciation that leptin signaling may also play an important role in neurodevelopment. The present study aimed to investigate whether maternal HFD exposure impairs the offspring learning and memory through the programming of central leptin system. We observed that hippocampus-dependent learning and memory were impaired in male but not female offspring from HFD-fed maternal ancestors (C57BL/6 mice), as assessed by novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. Moreover, the chromatin immunoprecipitation results revealed the maternal HFD consumption led to the increasement in the binding of the histone marker H3K9me3 in male offspring, which mediates gene silencing in the leptin receptor promoter region. Furthermore, there was an increase in the expression of the histone methylase SUV39H1 in male but not female offspring, which regulates H3K9me3. Additionally, it has been observed that IL-6 and IL-1 also could lead to similar alternations when acting on cultured hippocampal neurons in vitro. Taken together, our data suggest that maternal HFD consumption influences male offspring hippocampal cognitive performance in a sex-specific manner, and central leptin signaling may serve as the cross-talk between maternal diet and cognitive impairment in offspring.

Niraparib enhances antitumor immunity and contributes to the efficacy of PD-L1 blockade in cervical cancer

PURPOSE

With the development of immunotherapy research, the role of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in the treatment of cervical cancer has been emphasized, but many patients still can't receive long-term benefits from ICB. Poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) has been proved to exert significant antitumor effects in multiple solid tumors. Whether cervical cancer patients obtain better benefits from the treatment regimen of PARPi combined with ICB remains unclear.

METHODS

The alteration of PD-L1 expression induced by niraparib in cervical cancer cells and its underlying mechanism were assessed by western blot and immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).The regulation of PTEN by KDM5A was confirmed using Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and RNA interference. Analyzing the relationship between PD-L1 and immune effector molecules through searching online databases. Therapeutic efficacy of niraparib, PD-L1 blockade or combination was assessed in syngeneic tumor model. The changes of immune cells and cytokines in vivo was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

We found that niraparib upregulated PD-L1 expression and potentiated the antitumor effects of PD-L1 blockade in a murine cervical cancer model. Niraparib inhibited the Pten expression by increasing the abundance of KDM5A, which expanded PD-L1 abundance through activating the PI3K-AKT-S6K1 pathway. PD-L1 was positively correlated with immune effector molecules including TNF-α, IFN-γ, granzyme A and granzyme B based on biological information analysis. Niraparib increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and the level of IFN-γ, granzyme B in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrates the regulation of niraparib on local immune microenvironment of cervical cancer, and provides theoretical basis for supporting the combination of PARPi and PD-L1 blockade as a potential treatment for cervical cancer.

Simultaneous targeting of Tim3 and A2a receptors modulates MSLN-CAR T cell antitumor function in a human cervical tumor xenograft model

Introduction

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has transformed the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, its efficacy in solid tumors is limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that compromises CAR T cell antitumor function in clinical settings. To overcome this challenge, researchers have investigated the potential of inhibiting specific immune checkpoint receptors, including A2aR (Adenosine A2 Receptor) and Tim3 (T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3), to enhance CAR T cell function. In this study, we evaluated the impact of genetic targeting of Tim3 and A2a receptors on the antitumor function of human mesothelin-specific CAR T cells (MSLN-CAR) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Second-generation anti-mesothelin CAR T cells were produced using standard cellular and molecular techniques. A2aR-knockdown and/or Tim3- knockdown anti-mesothelin-CAR T cells were generated using shRNA-mediated gene silencing. The antitumor function of CAR T cells was evaluated by measuring cytokine production, proliferation, and cytotoxicity in vitro through coculture with cervical cancer cells (HeLa cell line). To evaluate in vivo antitumor efficacy of manufactured CAR T cells, tumor growth and mouse survival were monitored in a human cervical cancer xenograft model.

Results

In vitro experiments demonstrated that knockdown of A2aR alone or in combination with Tim3 significantly improved CAR T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity in presence of tumor cells in an antigen-specific manner. Furthermore, in the humanized xenograft model, both double knockdown CAR T cells and control CAR T cells could effectively control tumor growth. However, single knockdown CAR T cells were associated with reduced survival in mice.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential of concomitant genetic targeting of Tim3 and A2a receptors to augment the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised in light of our observation of decreased survival in mice treated with single knockdown MSLN-CAR T cells, emphasizing the need for careful efficacy considerations.

Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities

Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.

A new emerging target in cancer immunotherapy: Galectin-9 (LGALS9)

Over the past few decades, advances in immunological knowledge have led to the identification of novel immune checkpoints, reinvigorating cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors, has become the leader in the precision treatment of cancer, bringing a new dawn to the treatment of most cancer patients. Galectin-9 (LGALS9), a member of the galectin family, is a widely expressed protein involved in immune regulation and tumor pathogenesis, and affects the prognosis of various types of cancer. Galectin-9 regulates immune homeostasis and tumor cell survival through its interaction with its receptor Tim-3. In the review, based on a brief description of the signaling mechanisms and immunomodulatory activities of galectin-9 and Tim-3, we summarize the targeted expression patterns of galectin-9 in a variety of malignancies and the promising mechanisms of anti-galectin-9 therapy in stimulating anti-tumor immune responses.

Targeting PARP for the optimal immunotherapy efficiency in gynecologic malignancies

Gynecologic cancer, which includes ovarian, cervical, endometrial, vulvar, and vaginal cancer, is a major health concern for women all over the world. Despite the availability of various treatment options, many patients eventually progress to advanced stages and face high mortality rates. PARPi (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) have both shown significant efficacy in the treatment of advanced and metastatic gynecologic cancer. However, both treatments have limitations, including inevitable resistance and a narrow therapeutic window, making PARPi and ICI combination therapy a promising approach to treating gynecologic malignancies. Preclinical and clinical trials have looked into the combination therapy of PARPi and ICI. PARPi improves ICI efficacy by inducing DNA damage and increasing tumor immunogenicity, resulting in a stronger immune response against cancer cells. ICI, conversly, can increase PARPi sensitivity by priming and activating immune cells, consequently prompting immune cytotoxic effect. Several clinical trials in gynecologic cancer patients have investigated the combination therapy of PARPi and ICI. When compared to monotherapy, the combination of PARPi and ICI increased progression-free survival and overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. The combination therapy has also been studied in other types of gynecologic cancer, including endometrial and cervical cancer, with promising results. Finally, the combination therapeutic strategy of PARPi and ICI is a promising approach in the treatment of gynecologic cancer, particularly advanced and metastatic stages. Preclinical studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this combination therapy in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Advances in epigenetic modifications and cervical cancer research

Cervical cancer (CC) is an important public health problem for women, and perspectives and information regarding its prevention and treatment are quickly evolving. Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been recognized as a major contributor to CC development; however, HPV infection is not the only cause of CC. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression levels caused by non-gene sequence changes. Growing evidence suggests that the disruption of gene expression patterns which were governed by epigenetic modifications can result in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and various other maladies. This article mainly reviews the current research status of epigenetic modifications in CC based on four aspects, respectively DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNA regulation and chromatin regulation, and we also discuss their functions and molecular mechanisms in the occurrence and progression of CC. This review provides new ideas for early screening, risk assessment, molecular targeted therapy and prognostic prediction of CC.

The Role of Histone Modification in DNA Replication-Coupled Nucleosome Assembly and Cancer

Histone modification regulates replication-coupled nucleosome assembly, DNA damage repair, and gene transcription. Changes or mutations in factors involved in nucleosome assembly are closely related to the development and pathogenesis of cancer and other human diseases and are essential for maintaining genomic stability and epigenetic information transmission. In this review, we discuss the role of different types of histone posttranslational modifications in DNA replication-coupled nucleosome assembly and disease. In recent years, histone modification has been found to affect the deposition of newly synthesized histones and the repair of DNA damage, further affecting the assembly process of DNA replication-coupled nucleosomes. We summarize the role of histone modification in the nucleosome assembly process. At the same time, we review the mechanism of histone modification in cancer development and briefly describe the application of histone modification small molecule inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Epigenetic Perspective of Immunotherapy for Cancers

Immunotherapy has brought new hope for cancer patients in recent times. However, despite the promising success of immunotherapy, there is still a need to address major challenges including heterogeneity in response among patients, the reoccurrence of the disease, and iRAEs (immune-related adverse effects). The first critical step towards solving these issues is understanding the epigenomic events that play a significant role in the regulation of specific biomolecules in the context of the immune population present in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) during various treatments and responses. A prominent advantage of this step is that it would enable researchers to harness the reversibility of epigenetic modifications for their druggability. Therefore, we reviewed the crucial studies in which varying epigenomic events were captured with immuno-oncology set-ups. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic possibilities of their utilization for the betterment of immunotherapy in terms of diagnosis, progression, and cure for cancer patients.

Decreased SUV39H1 at the promoter region leads to increased CREMα and accelerates autoimmune response in CD4+ T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Overproduction of cAMP-responsive element modulator α (CREMα) in total T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can inhibit IL-2 and increase IL-17A. These ultimately promote progression of SLE. This study aims to investigate the expression of CREMα in SLE CD4⁺ T cells and find out the mechanisms for the regulation of CREMα in SLE CD4⁺ T cells.

RESULTS

CREMα mRNA was overexpressed in CD4⁺ T cells from SLE patients. The levels of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and suppressor of variation 3-9 homolog 1 (SUV39H1) at the CREMα promoter of SLE CD4⁺ T cells were markedly decreased. Down-regulating SUV39H1 in normal CD4⁺ T cells elevated the levels of CREMα, IL-17A, and histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in the CREMα promoter region, and lowered IL-2, H3K9me3, DNA methylation, and DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) enrichments within the CREMα promoter, while no sharp change in SET domain containing 1 (Set1) at the CREMα promoter. Up-regulating SUV39H1 in SLE CD4⁺ T cells had the opposite effects. The DNA methylation and DNMT3a levels were obviously reduced, and H3K4me3 enrichment was greatly increased at the CREMα promoter of CD4⁺ T cells from SLE patients. The Set1 binding in the CREMα promoter region upgraded significantly, and knocking down Set1 in SLE CD4⁺ T cells alleviated the H3K4me3 enrichment within this region, suppressed CREMα and IL-17A productions, and promoted the levels of IL-2, CREMα promoter DNA methylation, and DNMT3a. But there were no obviously alterations in H3K9me3 and SUV39H1 amounts in the region after transfection.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased SUV39H1 in the CREMα promoter region of CD4⁺ T cells from SLE patients contributes to under-expression of H3K9me3 at this region. In the meantime, the Set1 binding at the CREMα promoter of SLE CD4⁺ T cells is up-regulated. As a result, DNMT3a and DNA methylation levels alleviate, and H3K4me3 binding increases. All these lead to overproduction of CREMα. Thus, the secretion of IL-2 down-regulates and the concentration of IL-17A up-regulates, ultimately promoting SLE.

Serum Levels of Galectin-9 are Increased in Cervical Cancer Patients and are Higher in Advanced Clinical Stages

Purpose

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most frequent cancer in undeveloped countries. Serum biomarkers could be useful for evaluation of the treatment response and as a complementary means to improve diagnosis. The expression of galectin-9 is altered in cancer tissue, and higher concentrations are found in the serum of cancer patients. The objectives of this study were (a) to determine the serum galectin-9 concentration in patients with intraepithelial lesions and CC, (b) to determine if the concentration was related to the clinicopathological characteristics and (c) to determine if the galectin-9 concentration was related to its expression level in tumour tissue.

Patients and Methods

In all, 222 serum samples from women with different diagnoses, including premalignant lesions and CC, as well as samples from women with normal cytology were included in the study. The serum galectin-9 concentration was determined by ELISA. To evaluate the expression level of galectin-9 in CC tissue, immunohistochemistry was performed in 34 CC biopsy specimens.

Results

The galectin-9 concentration in the serum of CC patients (8.171 ng/mL) was increased compared with serum from women with normal epithelia (4.654 ng/mL) and those with low-grade (4.806 ng/mL) and high-grade (5.354 ng/mL) intraepithelial lesions (p value < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve considering the CC group and the control group was 0.882. The optimal cut-off value was ≥6.88 ng/mL, the specificity obtained was 100%, and the sensitivity was 68.2%. In the CC group, the analysis of the clinical stage showed an increase of galectin-9 in the advanced stage IV group. Serum galectin-9 was not related to the level of galectin-9 expression in tissue, which suggests that galectin-9 is not secreted by tumour cells.

Conclusion

The serum galectin-9 concentration is related to cancer progression, as the level of this protein is higher in patients with advanced-stage disease.

A Novel Prognostic Risk Model for Cervical Cancer Based on Immune Checkpoint HLA-G-Driven Differentially Expressed Genes

Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a potential checkpoint molecule that plays a key role in cervical carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to construct and validate a prognostic risk model to predict the overall survival (OS) of cervical cancer patients, providing a reference for individualized clinical treatment that may lead to better clinical outcomes. HLA-G-driven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from two cervical carcinoma cell lines, namely, SiHa and HeLa, with stable overexpression of HLA-G by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The biological functions of these HLA-G-driven DEGs were analysed by GO enrichment and KEGG pathway using the “clusterProfiler” package. The protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were assessed using the STRING database. The prognostic relevance of each DEG was evaluated by univariate Cox regression using the TCGA-CESC dataset. After the TCGA-CESC cohort was randomly divided into training set and testing set, and a prognostic risk model was constructed by LASSO and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis in training set and validated in testing set or in different types of cervical cancer set. The predictive ability of the prognostic risk model or nomogram was evaluated by a series of bioinformatics methods. A total of 1108 candidate HLA-G-driven DEGs, including 391 upregulated and 717 downregulated genes, were obtained and were enriched mostly in the ErbB pathway, steroid biosynthesis, and MAPK pathway. Then, an HLA-G-driven DEG signature consisting of the eight most important prognostic genes CD46, LGALS9, PGM1, SPRY4, CACNB3, PLIN2, MSMO1, and DAGLB was identified as a key predictor of cervical cancer. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that this signature is an independent risk factor for the overall survival of CESC patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 5-year overall survival rate is 23.0% and 84.6% for the high-risk and low-risk patients, respectively (P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of this prognostic model with an area under the curve (AUC) was 0.896 for 5 years, which was better than that of other clinical traits. This prognostic risk model was also successfully validated in different subtypes of cervical cancer, including the keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell neoplasms, non-squamous cell neoplasms set. Single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) algorithm and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis confirmed that this signature influence tumour microenvironment and immune checkpoint blockade. A nomogram that integrated risk score, age, clinical stage, histological grade, and pathological type was then built to predict the overall survival of CESC patients and evaluated by calibration curves, AUC, concordance index (C-index) and decision curve analysis (DCA). To summarize, we developed and validated a novel prognostic risk model for cervical cancer based on HLA-G-driven DEGs, and the prognostic signature showed great ability in predicting the overall survival of patients with cervical cancer.

The role of epigenetic modifications in Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

Distant metastasis is the major contributor to the high mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC). To overcome the poor prognosis caused by distant metastasis, the mechanisms of CRC metastasis should be further explored. Epigenetic events are the main mediators of gene regulation and further affect tumor progression. Recent studies have found that some epigenetic enzymes are often dysregulated or mutated in multiple tumor types, which prompted us to study the roles of these enzymes in CRC metastasis. In this review, we summarized the alteration of enzymes related to various modifications, including histone modification, nonhistone modification, DNA methylation, and RNA methylation, and their epigenetic mechanisms during the progression of CRC metastasis. Existing data suggest that targeting epigenetic enzymes is a promising strategy for the treatment of CRC metastasis.

High Risk-Human Papillomavirus in HNSCC: Present and Future Challenges for Epigenetic Therapies

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by an incidence of 650,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths per year worldwide and a male to female ratio of 3:1. The main risk factors are alcohol and tobacco consumption and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections. HNSCC cases are divided into two subgroups, the HPV-negative (HPV−) and the HPV-positive (HPV+) which have different clinicopathological and molecular profiles. However, patients are still treated with the same therapeutic regimens. It is thus of utmost importance to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences to find new biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets towards personalized therapies. Epigenetic alterations are a hallmark of cancer and can be exploited as both promising biomarkers and potential new targets. E6 and E7 HPV oncoviral proteins besides targeting p53 and pRb, impair the expression and the activity of several epigenetic regulators. While alterations in DNA methylation patterns have been well described in HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC, accurate histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs) characterization is still missing. Herein, we aim to provide an updated overview on the impact of HPV on the hPTMs landscape in HNSCC. Moreover, we will also discuss the sex and gender bias in HNSCC and how the epigenetic machinery could be involved in this process, and the importance of taking into account sex and/or gender also in this field.

Regulatory T Cell Apoptosis during Preeclampsia May Be Prevented by Gal-2

There are several open questions to be answered regarding the pathophysiology of the development of preeclampsia (PE). Numerous factors are involved in its genesis, such as defective placentation, vascular impairment, and an altered immune response. The activation of the adaptive and innate immune system represents an immunologic, particularity during PE. Proinflammatory cytokines are predominantly produced, whereas immune regulatory and immune suppressive factors are diminished in PE. In the present study, we focused on the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) which are key players in processes mediating immune tolerance. To identify Tregs in the decidua, an immunohistochemical staining of FoxP3 of 32 PE and 34 control placentas was performed. A clearly reduced number of FoxP3-positive cells in the decidua of preeclamptic women could be shown in our analysis (p = 0.036). Furthermore, CCL22, a well-known Treg chemoattractant, was immunohistochemically evaluated. Interestingly, CCL22 expression was increased at the maternal-fetal interface in PE-affected pregnancies (p_{syncytiotrophoblast} = 0.035, p_decidua = 0.004). Therefore, the hypothesis that Tregs undergo apoptosis at the materno-fetal interface during PE was generated, and verified by FoxP3/TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) staining. Galectin-2 (Gal-2), a member of the family of carbohydrate-binding proteins, which is known to be downregulated during PE, seems to play a pivotal role in T cell apoptosis. By performing a cell culture experiment with isolated Tregs, we could identify Gal-2 as a factor that seems to prevent the apoptosis of Tregs. Our findings point to a cascade of apoptosis of Tregs at the materno-fetal interface during PE. Gal-2 might be a potential therapeutic target in PE to regulate immune tolerance.

Epigenetic Changes and Functions in Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis is one of the most common occupational diseases in the world, and specific treatment methods of pneumoconiosis are lacking at present, so it carries great social and economic burdens. Pneumoconiosis, coronavirus disease 2019, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis all have similar typical pathological changes-pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease characterized by excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix and remodeling of the lung tissue structure. Clarifying the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis plays an important guiding role in its treatment. The occurrence and development of pneumoconiosis are accompanied by epigenetic factors (e.g., DNA methylation and noncoding RNA) changes, which in turn can promote or inhibit the process of pneumoconiosis. Here, we summarize epigenetic changes and functions in the several kinds of evidence classification (epidemiological investigation, in vivo, and in vitro experiments) and main types of cells (macrophages, fibroblasts, and alveolar epithelial cells) to provide some clues for finding specific therapeutic targets for pneumoconiosis and even for pulmonary fibrosis.

Chaetocin: A review of its anticancer potentials and mechanisms

Chaetocin is a natural metabolite product with various biological activities and pharmacological functions isolated from Chaetomium species fungi belonging to the thiodiketopyrazines. Numerous studies have demonstrated a wide range of antitumor activities of chaetocin in vitro and in vivo. Several studies have demonstrated that chaetocin suppresses the growth and proliferation of various tumour cells by regulating multiple signalling pathways related to tumour initiation and progression, inducing cancer cell apoptosis (intrinsic and extrinsic), enhancing autophagy, inducing cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting tumour angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. The antitumor effects and molecular mechanisms of chaetocin are reviewed and analysed in this paper, and the prospective applications of chaetocin in cancer prevention and therapy are also discussed. This review aimed to summarize the recent advances in the antitumor activity of chaetocin and to provide a rationale for further exploring the potential application of chaetocin in overcoming cancer in the future.

Perspectives on immune checkpoint ligands: expression, regulation, and clinical implications

In the tumor microenvironment, immune checkpoint ligands (ICLs) must be expressed in order to trigger the inhibitory signal via immune checkpoint receptors (ICRs). Although ICL expression frequently occurs in a manner intrinsic to tumor cells, extrinsic factors derived from the tumor microenvironment can fine-tune ICL expression by tumor cells or prompt non-tumor cells, including immune cells. Considering the extensive interaction between T cells and other immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, ICL expression on immune cells can be as significant as that of ICLs on tumor cells in promoting anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we introduce various regulators known to induce or suppress ICL expression in either tumor cells or immune cells, and concise mechanisms relevant to their induction. Finally, we focus on the clinical significance of understanding the mechanisms of ICLs for an optimized immunotherapy for individual cancer patients.

Targeted knockdown of Tim3 by short hairpin RNAs improves the function of anti-mesothelin CAR T cells

T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (Tim3) is an immune checkpoint receptor that plays a central role in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell exhaustion within the tumor microenvironment. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of targeted-knockdown of Tim3 on the antitumor function of anti-mesothelin (MSLN)-CAR T cells. To knockdown Tim3 expression, three different shRNA sequences specific to different segments of the human Tim3 gene were designed and co-inserted with an anti-MSLN-CAR transgene into lentiviral vectors. To investigate the efficacy of Tim3 targeting in T cells, expression of Tim3 was assessed before and after antigen stimulation. Afterwards, cytotoxic effects, proliferative response and cytokine production of MSLN-CAR T cells and Tim3-targeted MSLN-CAR T cells were analyzed. Our results showed that activation of T cells and MSLN-CAR T cells led to up-regulation of Tim3. Tim3 knockdown significantly decreased its expression in different groups of MSLN-CAR T cells. Tim3 knockdown significantly improved cytotoxic function, cytokine production and proliferation capacity of MSLN-CAR T cells. Our findings indicate that targeted knockdown of Tim3 allows tumor-infiltrating CAR T cells that would otherwise be inactivated to continue to expand and carry out effector functions, thereby altering the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunosupportive via mitigated Tim3 signaling.

Gene polymorphisms of LGALS2, LGALS3 and LGALS9 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complicated rheumatic autoimmune disease. Lectin, galactoside-binding soluble, 2 (LGALS2), LGALS3 and LGALS9, three members of the galectin family, play potential roles in autoimmune diseases, including RA. However, association of genetic polymorphisms of LGALS2, LGALS3 and LGALS9 with RA risk in a Southern Chinese Han population has not been elucidated. A case-control study was conducted herein, including 500 RA patients and 650 healthy individuals of Southern Chinese Han origin. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs7291467 for the LGALS2 gene, rs4644, rs4652, rs1009977, rs2274273 and rs17128183 for the LGALS3 gene, and rs4795835, rs3763959, rs4239242, rs3751093, rs732222 and rs4794976 for the LGALS9 gene, were genotyped. Polymorphisms were genotyped using the KASP method. Frequencies of rs1009977 genotype TG and rs3751093 genotype GA of LGALS3 gene were significantly different between RA patients and healthy controls (P = 0.049, P = 0.033). Allele T and genotypes TT and TT + TG of rs4794976 for LGALS9 gene were significantly correlated with RA risk (P = 0.017, P = 0.012, P = 0.041). Subgroup analysis revealed that rs1009977, rs2274273 and rs17128183 polymorphisms of LGALS3 gene and rs4795835 polymorphism of LGALS9 gene were correlated with several RA clinical manifestations (all P < 0.05). In addition, haplotype GCGTT showed an increased risk for RA (OR = 1.216, 95% CI: 1.028-1.438, P = 0.023), whereas haplotype GCGTG showed a reduced risk for RA susceptibility (OR = 0.779, 95% CI: 0.625-0.971, P = 0.026). In conclusion, LGALS3 and LGALS9 gene polymorphisms may associate with RA predisposition in a Southern Chinese Han population.