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Ni L, Xu J, Li Q, Ge X, Wang F, Deng X, Miao L. Focusing on the Immune Cells: Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Biliary Tract Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:941-963. [PMID: 39099760 PMCID: PMC11296367 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s474348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) represents a challenging malignancy characterized by aggressive behavior, high relapse rates, and poor prognosis. In recent years, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for various cancers, but its efficacy in BTC remains limited. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in preclinical and clinical studies of immunotherapy for BTC. We explore the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in reshaping the management of BTC. Despite disappointing results thus far, ongoing clinical trials are investigating the combination of immunotherapy with other treatment modalities. Furthermore, research on the tumor microenvironment has unveiled novel targets for immunotherapeutic interventions. By understanding the current state of immunotherapy in BTC and highlighting future directions, this article aims to fuel further exploration and ultimately improve patient outcomes in this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luohang Ni
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianing Xu
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Quanpeng Li
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianxiu Ge
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Wang
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueting Deng
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Miao
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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Shen P, Shi Y, Xu P, Rao L, Wang Z, Jiang J, Weng M. The construction of a prognostic model by apoptosis-related genes to predict survival, immune landscape, and medication in cholangiocarcinoma. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2024; 48:102430. [PMID: 39069260 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2024.102430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive and invasive malignant tumor of the bile duct, with a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Currently, there is a lack of effective targeted treatment methods and reliable biomarkers for prognosis. METHODS We downloaded RNA-seq and clinical data of CCA from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases as training and test sets. The apoptosis-related genes were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database (MsigDB) database. We used univariate/multivariate Cox regression and Lasso regression analyses to construct a riskscore prognostic model. Based on the median riskscore, we clustered the patients into high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups. We carried out Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HR and LR groups. The single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was employed to analyze the immune infiltration of the HR and LR groups. The CellMiner database was utilized to predict drugs and perform molecular docking on drugs and target proteins. RESULTS We identified 8 genes with prognostic significance to construct a prognostic model. Results of GO and KEGG demonstrated that DEGs were mainly enriched in biological functions such as fatty acid metabolic processes and pathways such as the cAMP signaling pathway. Results of ssGSEA uncovered that immune cells such as DCs and Macrophages in the HR group, as well as immune functions such as Check-point and Parainflammation, were considerably higher than those in the LR group. Drug sensitivity prediction and results of molecular docking revealed that Rigosertib targeted the prognostic genes MAP3K1. HYPOTHEMYCIN and AMG900 effectively targeted JUN. CONCLUSION Our project suggested that the prognostic model with apoptotic features can effectively predict prognosis in CCA patients, proffering prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for CCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Shen
- Department of Hepatological surgery, People's Hospital of Qu Zhou, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province 324000, China
| | - Yinsheng Shi
- Department of Hepatological surgery, People's Hospital of Qu Zhou, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province 324000, China
| | - Pengcheng Xu
- Department of Hepatological surgery, People's Hospital of Qu Zhou, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province 324000, China
| | - Linbin Rao
- Department of Hepatological surgery, People's Hospital of Qu Zhou, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province 324000, China
| | - Zhengfei Wang
- Department of Hepatological surgery, People's Hospital of Qu Zhou, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province 324000, China
| | - Junjie Jiang
- Department of Hepatological surgery, People's Hospital of Qu Zhou, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province 324000, China
| | - Meiling Weng
- Department of Medical Oncology, People's Hospital of Qu Zhou, No. 100 Minjiang Avenue, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province 324000, China.
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Liu G, He Y, Yin Z, Feng Z. An anoikis-related gene signature predicts prognosis, drug sensitivity, and immune microenvironment in cholangiocarcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32337. [PMID: 38947446 PMCID: PMC11214491 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32337] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant invasive biliary tract carcinoma with a poor prognosis. Anoikis-related genes are prognostic features of a variety of cancers. However, the value of prognostication and therapeutic effect of anoikis-related genes in cholangiocarcinoma have not been reported. The aim of this research was developing an ARGs signature associated with cholangiocarcinoma patients. Methods We introduced transcriptome data to discover genes that were differentially expressed in cholangiocarcinoma. Subsequently, WGCNA was utilized to screen critical module genes in reference to anoikis. The univariate Cox, Lasso regression and Kaplan-Meier survival were executed to build a prognostic signature. We further performed gene functional enrichment, immune microenvironment and immunotherapy analysis between two risk subgroups. Finally, the pRRophetic algorithm was applied to compare the half inhibitory concentration value of several drugs. Results A grand total of 1844 genes with differential expression related to the cholangiocarcinoma patients were identified. Furthermore, we obtained 2678 key module genes related to anoikis. Then, a prognostic signature was developed using the 6 prognostic genes (FXYD2, PCBD1, C1RL, GMNN, LAMA4 and HACL1). Independent prognostic analysis showed that risk score and alcohol could function as separate prognostic variables. We found cetain distinction in the immune microenvironment between the two risk subgroups. Moreover, immunotherapy evaluation showed that the anoikis-related gene signature could be applied as a therapy predictor. Finally, Chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity results showed that the low-risk group responded better to bosutinib, gefitinib, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel, while the high-risk group responded better to axitinib, cisplatin, and imatinib. Conclusion The prognostic signature comprised of FXYD2, PCBD1, C1RL, GMNN, LAMA4 and HACL1 based on anoikis-related genes was established, which provided theoretical basis and reference value for the research and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guochao Liu
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Biliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yujian He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhaoqiang Yin
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Biliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhijie Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, Shijiazhuang, China
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Hansen FJ, David P, Weber GF. The Multifaceted Functionality of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Potential Therapeutic Target? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2216. [PMID: 38927922 PMCID: PMC11201847 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122216] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors pose a significant global health burden, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a crucial role in tumor immunity, exhibiting both anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects. This review aims to summarize the role of pDCs in different types of GI tumors and assess their potential as therapeutic targets. In gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, increased infiltration of pDCs was associated with a worse outcome, whereas in esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer, pDC infiltration improved the outcome. Initial animal studies of gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma showed that pDCs could be a successful therapeutic target. In conclusion, pDCs play a multifaceted role in GI tumors, influencing both anti-tumor immunity and tumor progression. Further research is needed to optimize their clinical application and explore combinatorial approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul David
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Faculty of Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Georg F. Weber
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Faculty of Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
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Liu Z, Zeinalzadeh Z, Huang T, Han Y, Peng L, Wang D, Zhou Z, Ousmane D, Wang J. Mitochondria-related chemoradiotherapy resistance genes-based machine learning model associated with immune cell infiltration on the prognosis of esophageal cancer and its value in pan-cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 42:101896. [PMID: 38324960 PMCID: PMC10851222 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101896] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer, known for its high incidence and low five-year survival rate, poses significant treatment challenges. A key aspect of this challenge is the close link between mitochondria and resistance to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Currently, there is a scarcity of biomarkers for predicting CRT response and prognosis in esophageal cancer. Our study addresses this gap by developing a prognostic model that incorporates mitochondria-related CRT resistance (MRCRTR) genes, including CTSL, TBL1X, CLN8, MMP1, PDPN, and MRPL37. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves reveals that patients with high MRCRTR scores have lower survival rates than those with low scores. Utilizing a nomogram, we successfully predict the one-, two-, and three-year overall survival rates for esophageal cancer patients. Cox regression analysis confirms the MRCRTR score as an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, our single-cell and correlation analyses suggested that MRCRTR genes might influence CRT resistance by modulating the immune microenvironment and impacting angiogenesis. Our pan-cancer analysis also indicates the potential applicability of MRCRTR scores to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The validation of these findings, conducted with samples from Xiang-ya Hospital, aligns closely with our bioinformatics results. Our study not only explores the role of MRCRTR genes in predicting the prognosis of esophageal cancer but also enhances the understanding of the interplay between CRT, mitochondria, and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Ultrapathology (Biomedical Electron Microscopy) Center, Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zahra Zeinalzadeh
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lushan Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zongjiang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Diabate Ousmane
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Junpu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Ultrapathology (Biomedical Electron Microscopy) Center, Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Li J, Chen H, Bai L, Tang H. Identification of CD8 + T-cell exhaustion signatures for prognosis in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:53. [PMID: 38200408 PMCID: PMC10777580 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11804-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HBV infection is the leading risk factor for HCC. HBV infection has been confirmed to be associated with the exhaustion status of CD8+ T cells and immunotherapeutic efficacy in HCC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the CD8+ T-cell exhaustion signature and immunotherapy response in patients with HBV-related HCC. METHODS We identified different clusters of HBV-related HCC cells by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and identified CD8+ T-cell exhaustion-related genes (TERGs) by pseudotime analysis. We conducted differential expression analysis and LASSO Cox regression to detect genes and construct a CD8+ T-cell exhaustion index (TEI). We next combined the TEI with other clinicopathological factors to design a prognostic nomogram for HCC patients. We also analysed the difference in the TEI between the non-responder and responder groups during anti-PD-L1 therapy. In addition, we investigated how HBV induces CD8+ T lymphocyte exhaustion through the inhibition of tyrosine metabolism in HCC using gene set enrichment analysis and RT‒qPCR. RESULTS A CD8+ T-cell exhaustion index (TEI) was established with 5 TERGs (EEF1E1, GAGE1, CHORDC1, IKBIP and MAGOH). An AFP level > 500 ng, vascular invasion, histologic grade (G3-G4), advanced TNM stage and poor five-year prognosis were related to a higher TEI score, while HBV infection was related to a lower TEI score. Among those receiving anti-PD-L1 therapy, responders had lower TEIs than non-responders did. The TEI also serves as an independent prognostic factor for HCC, and the nomogram incorporating the TEI, TNM stage, and vascular invasion exhibited excellent predictive value for the prognosis in HCC patients. RT‒qPCR revealed that among the tyrosine metabolism-associated genes, TAT (tyrosine aminotransferase) and HGD (homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase) were expressed at lower levels in HBV-HCC than in non-HBV HCC. CONCLUSION Generally, we established a novel TEI model by comprehensively analysing the progression of CD8+ T-cell exhaustion, which shows promise for predicting the clinical prognosis and potential immunotherapeutic efficacy in HBV-related HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Han Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lang Bai
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Zhang Y, Yan HJ, Wu J. The Tumor Immune Microenvironment plays a Key Role in Driving the Progression of Cholangiocarcinoma. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:681-700. [PMID: 38213139 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096267791231115101107] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an epithelial cancer distinguished by bile duct cell differentiation and is also a fibroproliferative tumor. It is characterized by a dense mesenchyme and a complex tumor immune microenvironment (TME). The TME comprises both cellular and non-cellular components. The celluar component includes CCA cells, immune cells and mesenchymal cells represented by the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), while the non-cellular component is represented by mesenchymal elements such as the extracellular matrix (ECM). Recent studies have demonstrated the important role of the TME in the development, progression, and treatment resistance of CCA. These cell-associated prognostic markers as well as intercellular connections, may serve as potential therapeutic targets and could inspire new treatment approaches for CCA in the future. This paper aims to summarize the current understanding of CCA's immune microenvironment, focusing on immune cells, mesenchymal cells, ECM, intercellular interactions, and metabolism within the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian St, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Hai-Jiao Yan
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian St, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian St, Changzhou, 213003, China
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Sheng X, Qin JM. Mechanism of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma and clinical prevention and treatment strategy. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2023; 31:753-765. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v31.i18.753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma is a primary adenocarcinoma originating from intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells. The tumor has no capsule. At the early stage of the tumor, there are infiltration and metastasis along the lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, perineural space, and loose fibrous connective tissue, which are characterized by lymph node metastasis. Due to the absence of characteristic clinical manifestations and the lack of specific molecular markers for early diagnosis, the surgical resection rate is low and the postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis rate is high. Low efficacy of chemoradiotherapy, molecular targeted drugs, and immunotherapy results in the poor prognosis. Further research of molecular pathology, gene function, and imaging technology can help elucidate the occurrence, recurrence, and metastasis mechanism of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma to improve its early diagnosis rate and precise clinical staging. Individualized precision treatment and prevention for the risk factors to reduce the recurrence and metastasis rate postoperatively are key to improving the patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Jian-Min Qin
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
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Vita F, Olaizola I, Amato F, Rae C, Marco S, Banales JM, Braconi C. Heterogeneity of Cholangiocarcinoma Immune Biology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060846. [PMID: 36980187 PMCID: PMC10047186 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are aggressive tumors arising along the biliary tract epithelium, whose incidence and mortality are increasing. CCAs are highly desmoplastic cancers characterized by a dense tumor microenvironment (TME), in which each single component plays a fundamental role in shaping CCA initiation, progression and resistance to therapies. The crosstalk between cancer cells and TME can affect the recruitment, infiltration and differentiation of immune cells. According to the stage of the disease and to intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity, TME may contribute to either protumoral or antitumoral activities. Therefore, a better understanding of the effect of each immune cell subtype may open the path to new personalized immune therapeutic strategies for the management of CCA. In this review, we describe the role of immune cells in CCA initiation and progression, and their crosstalk with both cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the cancer-stem-cell-like (CSC) niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Vita
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (F.V.); (F.A.); (C.R.); (S.M.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Olaizola
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute–Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (I.O.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Francesco Amato
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (F.V.); (F.A.); (C.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Colin Rae
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (F.V.); (F.A.); (C.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Sergi Marco
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (F.V.); (F.A.); (C.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Jesus M. Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute–Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (I.O.); (J.M.B.)
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, “Instituto de Salud Carlos III”), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Chiara Braconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (F.V.); (F.A.); (C.R.); (S.M.)
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
- Correspondence:
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Wang Z, Wu S, Wang G, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Zhu C, Qin X. ARHGAP21 Is Involved in the Carcinogenic Mechanism of Cholangiocarcinoma: A Study Based on Bioinformatic Analyses and Experimental Validation. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59010139. [PMID: 36676763 PMCID: PMC9867224 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Rho GTPase-activating protein (RhoGAP) is a negative regulatory element of Rho GTPases and participates in tumorigenesis. Rho GTPase-activating protein 21 (ARHGAP21) is one of the RhoGAPs and its role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has never been disclosed in any publications. Materials and Methods: The bioinformatics public datasets were utilized to investigate the expression patterns and mutations of ARHGAP21 as well as its prognostic significance in CCA. The biological functions of ARHGAP21 in CCA cells (RBE and Hccc9810 cell) were evaluated by scratch assay, cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK8) assay, and transwell migration assay. In addition, the underlying mechanism of ARHGAP21 involved in CCA was investigated by the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and the most significant signaling pathway was identified through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and the Western blot method. The ssGSEA algorithm was further used to explore the immune-related mechanism of ARHGAP21 in CCA. Results: The ARHGAP21 expression in CCA tissue was higher than it was in normal tissue, and missense mutation was the main alteration of ARHGAP21 in CCA. Moreover, the expression of ARHGAP21 had obvious differences in patients with different clinical characteristics and it had great prognostic significance. Based on cell experiments, we further observed that the proliferation ability and migration ability of the ARHGAP21-knockdown group was reduced in CCA cells. Several pathological signaling pathways correlated with proliferation and migration were determined by GO and KEGG analysis. Furthermore, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was the most significant one. GSEA analysis further verified that ARHGAP21 was highly enriched in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and the results of Western blot suggested that the phosphorylated PI3K and Akt were decreased in the ARHGAP21-knockdown group. The drug susceptibility of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway targeted drugs were positively correlated with ARHGAP21 expression. Moreover, we also discovered that ARHGAP21 was correlated with neutrophil, pDC, and mast cell infiltration as well as immune-related genes in CCA. Conclusions: ARHGAP21 could promote the proliferation and migration of CCA cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and ARHGAP21 may participate in the immune modulating function of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihuai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Graduate School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Siyuan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Graduate School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Gaochao Wang
- Graduate School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Graduate School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yinjie Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Graduate School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chunfu Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Graduate School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Correspondence: (C.Z.); (X.Q.)
| | - Xihu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Graduate School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Correspondence: (C.Z.); (X.Q.)
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11
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Ma K, Sun Z, Li X, Guo J, Wang Q, Teng M. Forkhead box M1 recruits FoxP3 + Treg cells to induce immune escape in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e727. [PMID: 36301031 PMCID: PMC9597491 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is a malignancy related to chronic biliary tract inflammation. Tumor immune escape is a necessary process of tumorigenesis. Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) could affect the progression of various carcinomas. This study attempted to elaborate on the mechanism of FoxM1 in HCCA immune escape. METHODS HCCA cell lines were collected to measure the expression of FoxM1 and FoxP3. CD8+ T cells were extracted to establish the co-culture system with HCCA cells and Treg cells. pcDNA3.1-FoxM1 or si-FoxP3 was transfected into HCCA cells in the co-culture system. HCCA cell viability, mobility, and invasiveness as well as levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin (IL)-6 were evaluated. The binding relation between FoxM1 and FoxP3 promoter was verified. HCCA cells with pcDNA3.1-FoxM1 were subcutaneously injected into mice to establish the xenograft mouse models. RESULTS FoxM1 and FoxP3 were overexpressed in HCCA cells. The co-culture of CD8+ T and HCCA cells inhibited HCCA cell activity and Treg cells limited CD8+ T killing. FoxM1 overexpression strengthened the inhibiting role of Treg cells in CD8+ T killing, upregulated TGF-β and IL-6 levels, and encouraged HCCA immune escape. FoxM1 bound to the FoxP3 promoter region to promote FoxP3 transcription. Silencing of FoxP3 neutralized the promoting role of FoxM1 overexpression in Treg cell immunosuppression and HCCA cell immune escape. FoxM1 aggravated tumor development, upregulated FoxP3 expression, increased Treg cells, and reduced CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION FoxM1 bound to the FoxP3 promoter region to promote FoxP3 transcription and recruited FoxP3+ Treg cells, thereby inducing HCCA immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvinceP.R. China
| | - Zhaowei Sun
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandong ProvinceP.R. China
| | - Xueliang Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandong ProvinceP.R. China
| | - Jingyun Guo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandong ProvinceP.R. China
| | - Qinlei Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandong ProvinceP.R. China
| | - Mujian Teng
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvinceP.R. China
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12
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Xue JN, Wang YY, Wang YC, Zhang N, Zhang LH, Lu ZH, Zhao LJ, Zhao HT. Novel cellular therapies for hepatobiliary malignancies. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:450-454. [PMID: 36100543 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mortalities of hepatobiliary malignancies are high. With the failure of conventional chemotherapy and unsatisfactory outcome of molecular targeted drugs, immune-based therapy has become a new focus of research in hepatobiliary cancers treatment. DATA SOURCES We performed a PubMed search with relevant articles published up to May 2022 and the following keywords: cellular immunotherapy, hepatobiliary cancer, antigen receptor T cell therapy, and receptor-engineered T cell. Information of clinical trials was obtained from https://clinicaltrials.gov/. RESULTS Cell therapies for hepatobiliary malignancies are at early stage of development. The current review showed that cellular therapies are safe and feasible in patients. These findings provide an important platform for future lager scale clinical trials on immunotherapy in patients with hepatobiliary malignancies. CONCLUSIONS With the continuous advances of cellular immunotherapy, the combination of cellular immunotherapy with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy will be new therapeutic strategies for patients with hepatobiliary cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Nan Xue
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Yan-Yu Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yun-Chao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Long-Hao Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Zheng-Hui Lu
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Li-Jin Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Hai-Tao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
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13
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Pham L, Kyritsi K, Zhou T, Ceci L, Baiocchi L, Kennedy L, Chakraborty S, Glaser S, Francis H, Alpini G, Sato K. The Functional Roles of Immune Cells in Primary Liver Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:826-836. [PMID: 35337836 PMCID: PMC9194651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Incidence of liver cancer has been increasing in recent years, and the 5-year survival is <20%. HCC and CCA are often accompanied with a dense stroma coupled with infiltrated immune cells, which is referred to as the tumor microenvironment. Populations of specific immune cells, such as high density of CD163+ macrophages and low density of CD8+ T cells, are associated with prognosis and survival rates in both HCC and CCA. Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment can be a therapeutic target for liver cancer treatments. Previous studies have introduced immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors, pulsed dendritic cells, or transduced T cells, to enhance cytotoxicity of immune cells and inhibit tumor growth. This review summarizes current understanding of the roles of immune cells in primary liver cancer covering HCC and CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Killeen, Texas
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Fan X, Zhang L, Huang J, Zhong Y, Fan Y, Zhou T, Lu M. An Integrated Immune-Related Bioinformatics Analysis in Glioma: Prognostic Signature’s Identification and Multi-Omics Mechanisms’ Exploration. Front Genet 2022; 13:889629. [PMID: 35601497 PMCID: PMC9114310 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.889629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
As the traditional treatment for glioma, the most common central nervous system malignancy with poor prognosis, the efficacy of high-intensity surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy is not satisfactory. The development of individualized scientific treatment strategy urgently requires the guidance of signature with clinical predictive value. In this study, five prognosis-related differentially expressed immune-related genes (PR-DE-IRGs) (CCNA2, HMGB2, CASP3, APOBEC3C, and BMP2) highly associated with glioma were identified for a prognostic model through weighted gene co-expression network analysis, univariate Cox and lasso regression. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, receiver operating characteristic curves and other methods have shown that the model has good performance in predicting the glioma patients’ prognosis. Further combined nomogram provided better predictive performance. The signature’s guiding value in clinical treatment has also been verified by multiple analysis results. We also constructed a comprehensive competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network based on the protective factor BMP2 to further explore its potential role in glioma progression. Numerous immune-related biological functions and pathways were enriched in a high-risk population. Further multi-omics integrative analysis revealed a strong correlation between tumor immunosuppressive environment/IDH1 mutation and signature, suggesting that their cooperation plays an important role in glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shangrao Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Shangrao People’s Hospital, Shangrao, China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- School of Stomatology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Junwen Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yun Zhong
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanting Fan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Min Lu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shangrao Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Shangrao People’s Hospital, Shangrao, China
- *Correspondence: Min Lu,
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A Combined TLR7/TLR9/GATA3 Score Can Predict Prognosis in Biliary Tract Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091597. [PMID: 34573939 PMCID: PMC8469358 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091597] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) refers to a heterogenous group of epithelial malignancies arising along the biliary tree. The highly aggressive nature combined with its silent presentation contribute to the dismal prognosis of this tumor. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) are frequently present in BTC and there is growing evidence regarding their role as therapeutic targets. In this study, we analyzed the immune cell infiltration in BTC and developed a promising immune signature score to predict prognosis in BTC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out on tissue microarray sections from 45 patients with resectable cholangiocarcinoma for the detection of 6-sulfoLacNAc+ monocytes (slanMo), BDCA-2+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), CD8+ or CD4+T-lymphocytes, CD103+ cells, GATA3+ cells, Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, 7 and 9-expressing cells as well as programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed cell death ligand 1 positive cells. Data from the IHC staining were analyzed and correlated with clinicopathological and survival data. High expression of TLR7, TLR9, and GATA3 was associated with improved overall survival (OS, Log-rank p < 0.05). In addition, TLR9 was associated with better disease-free survival (Log-rank p < 0.05). In the multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model for OS, the TLR/TLR9/GATA3 score was found to be an independent prognostic factor for OS (“Score 2” vs. “Score 0”: HR 11.17 95% CI 2.27–54.95, p < 0.01).
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