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Dang T, Guan X, Cui L, Ruan Y, Chen Z, Zou H, Lan Y, Liu C, Zhang Y. Epigenetics and immunotherapy in colorectal cancer: progress and promise. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:123. [PMID: 39252116 PMCID: PMC11385519 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01740-9] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor with the third and second highest incidence and mortality rates among various malignant tumors. Despite significant advancements in the present therapy for CRC, the majority of CRC cases feature proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stability and have no response to immunotherapy. Therefore, the search for new treatment options holds immense importance in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. In recent years, clinical research on immunotherapy combined with epigenetic therapy has gradually increased, which may bring hope for these patients. This review explores the role of epigenetic regulation in exerting antitumor effects through its action on immune cell function and highlights the potential of certain epigenetic genes that can be used as markers of immunotherapy to predict therapeutic efficacy. We also discuss the application of epigenetic drug sensitization immunotherapy to develop new treatment options combining epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Dang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
- Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
- Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Luying Cui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
- Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Yuli Ruan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
- Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyi Zou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
- Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Ya Lan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China.
| | - Yanqiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China.
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Low JT, Chan MWY, Shen CH, Wei KL. Immunological hide-and-seek: epigenetically reprogrammed cancer cells and the dynamics of CD8 + T cells. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:959. [PMID: 39230620 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer remains a global health burden, shaped by both genetic mutations and epigenetic dysregulation. Epigenetic alteration plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, immune response modulation, and the emergence of treatment resistance. This review emphasizes the intricate interplay between epigenetically reprogrammed cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), a relationship central to the immunoediting concept, which encompasses elimination, equilibrium, and escape phases. This review highlights the significance of CD8+ T cells as potent anticancer agents and discusses the mechanisms by which tumor cells evade immune surveillance and evolve resistance to immunotherapy. Such evasion entails the regulation of inhibitory molecules, antigen presentation machinery, and cytokine milieu. Furthermore, this review explores the complex dynamics culminating in CD8+ T cell dysfunction within the TME. In summary, this work offers insights into the indispensable role of epigenetic mechanisms in bolstering cancer cell survival amidst immunological challenges within the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Ting Low
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Epigenomics and Human Diseases Research Center, National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Center for Innovative Research on Aging Society (CIRAS), National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Michael W Y Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, Taiwan.
- Epigenomics and Human Diseases Research Center, National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, Taiwan.
- Center for Innovative Research on Aging Society (CIRAS), National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Huang Shen
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-Liang Wei
- Division of Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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3
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Gu X, Wei S, Lv X. Circulating tumor cells: from new biological insights to clinical practice. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:226. [PMID: 39218931 PMCID: PMC11366768 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01938-6] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary reason for high mortality rates among cancer patients is metastasis, where tumor cells migrate through the bloodstream from the original site to other parts of the body. Recent advancements in technology have significantly enhanced our comprehension of the mechanisms behind the bloodborne spread of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). One critical process, DNA methylation, regulates gene expression and chromosome stability, thus maintaining dynamic equilibrium in the body. Global hypomethylation and locus-specific hypermethylation are examples of changes in DNA methylation patterns that are pivotal to carcinogenesis. This comprehensive review first provides an overview of the various processes that contribute to the formation of CTCs, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune surveillance, and colonization. We then conduct an in-depth analysis of how modifications in DNA methylation within CTCs impact each of these critical stages during CTC dissemination. Furthermore, we explored potential clinical implications of changes in DNA methylation in CTCs for patients with cancer. By understanding these epigenetic modifications, we can gain insights into the metastatic process and identify new biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and targeted therapies. This review aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application, highlighting the significance of DNA methylation in the context of cancer metastasis and offering new avenues for improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyou Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Sun J, Tian Y, Yang C. Target therapy of TIGIT; a novel approach of immunotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03346-7. [PMID: 39158733 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT), a newly discovered checkpoint, is characterized by its elevated expression on CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Research to date has been shown that TIGIT has been linked to exhaustion of NK cell both and T cells in numerous cancers. CD155, being the specific ligand of TIGIT in humans, emerges as a key target for immunotherapy owing to its crucial interaction with TIGIT. Furthermore, numerous studies have demonstrated that the combination of TIGIT with other immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and/or traditional treatments elicits a potent antitumor response in colorectal cancer (CRC). This review provides an overview of the structure, function, and signaling pathways associated with TIGIT across multiple immune system cell types. Additionally, focusing on the role of TIGIT in the progression of CRC, this study reviewed various studies exploring TIGIT-based immunotherapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, China
| | - Changqing Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, China.
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5
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Luo Y, Lu J, Lei Z, Zhu H, Rao D, Wang T, Fu C, Zhang Z, Xia L, Huang W. Lysine methylation modifications in tumor immunomodulation and immunotherapy: regulatory mechanisms and perspectives. Biomark Res 2024; 12:74. [PMID: 39080807 PMCID: PMC11289998 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00621-w] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lysine methylation is a crucial post-translational modification (PTM) that significantly impacts gene expression regulation. This modification not only influences cancer development directly but also has significant implications for the immune system. Lysine methylation modulates immune cell functions and shapes the anti-tumor immune response, highlighting its dual role in both tumor progression and immune regulation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the intrinsic role of lysine methylation in the activation and function of immune cells, detailing how these modifications affect cellular processes and signaling pathways. We delve into the mechanisms by which lysine methylation contributes to tumor immune evasion, allowing cancer cells to escape immune surveillance and thrive. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting lysine methylation in cancer immunotherapy. Emerging strategies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, are being explored for their efficacy in modulating lysine methylation to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. By targeting these modifications, we can potentially improve the effectiveness of existing treatments and develop novel therapeutic approaches to combat cancer more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Luo
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Junli Lu
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zhen Lei
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - He Zhu
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Dean Rao
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Chenan Fu
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Castilho RM, Castilho LS, Palomares BH, Squarize CH. Determinants of Chromatin Organization in Aging and Cancer-Emerging Opportunities for Epigenetic Therapies and AI Technology. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:710. [PMID: 38927646 PMCID: PMC11202709 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060710] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article critically examines the pivotal role of chromatin organization in gene regulation, cellular differentiation, disease progression and aging. It explores the dynamic between the euchromatin and heterochromatin, coded by a complex array of histone modifications that orchestrate essential cellular processes. We discuss the pathological impacts of chromatin state misregulation, particularly in cancer and accelerated aging conditions such as progeroid syndromes, and highlight the innovative role of epigenetic therapies and artificial intelligence (AI) in comprehending and harnessing the histone code toward personalized medicine. In the context of aging, this review explores the use of AI and advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms to parse vast biological datasets, leading to the development of predictive models for epigenetic modifications and providing a framework for understanding complex regulatory mechanisms, such as those governing cell identity genes. It supports innovative platforms like CEFCIG for high-accuracy predictions and tools like GridGO for tailored ChIP-Seq analysis, which are vital for deciphering the epigenetic landscape. The review also casts a vision on the prospects of AI and ML in oncology, particularly in the personalization of cancer therapy, including early diagnostics and treatment optimization for diseases like head and neck and colorectal cancers by harnessing computational methods, AI advancements and integrated clinical data for a transformative impact on healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogerio M. Castilho
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; (L.S.C.); (C.H.S.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
| | - Leonard S. Castilho
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; (L.S.C.); (C.H.S.)
| | - Bruna H. Palomares
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba School of Dentistry, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, Sao Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Cristiane H. Squarize
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; (L.S.C.); (C.H.S.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
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7
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Zhang M, Liu C, Li Y, Li H, Zhang W, Liu J, Wang L, Sun C. Galectin-9 in cancer therapy: from immune checkpoint ligand to promising therapeutic target. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1332205. [PMID: 38264357 PMCID: PMC10803597 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1332205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a vital member of the galectin family, functioning as a multi-subtype galactose lectin with diverse biological roles. Recent research has revealed that Gal-9's interaction with tumors is an independent factor that influences tumor progression. Furthermore, Gal-9 in the immune microenvironment cross-talks with tumor-associated immune cells, informing the clarification of Gal-9's identity as an immune checkpoint. A thorough investigation into Gal-9's role in various cancer types and its interaction with the immune microenvironment could yield novel strategies for subsequent targeted immunotherapy. This review focuses on the latest advances in understanding the direct and indirect cross-talk between Gal-9 and hematologic malignancies, in addition to solid tumors. In addition, we discuss the prospects of Gal-9 in tumor immunotherapy, including its cross-talk with the ligand TIM-3 and its potential in immune-combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minpu Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ye Li
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Huayao Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Jingyang Liu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Liquan Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
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Zhang C, Sheng Q, Zhao N, Huang S, Zhao Y. DNA hypomethylation mediates immune response in pan-cancer. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2192894. [PMID: 36945884 PMCID: PMC10038033 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2192894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal DNA methylation is a fundamental characterization of epigenetics in cancer. Here we demonstrate that aberrant DNA methylating can modulate the tumour immune microenvironment in 16 cancer types. Differential DNA methylation in promoter region can regulate the transcriptomic pattern of immune-related genes and DNA hypomethylation mainly participated in the processes of immunity, carcinogenesis and immune infiltration. Moreover, many cancer types shared immune-related functions, like activation of innate immune response, interferon gamma response and NOD-like receptor signalling pathway. DNA methylation can further help identify molecular subtypes of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. These subtypes are characterized by DNA methylation pattern, major histocompatibility complex, cytolytic activity and cytotoxic t lymphocyte and tumour mutation burden, and subtype with hypomethylation pattern shows unstable immune status. Then, we investigate the DNA methylation pattern of exhaustion-related marker genes and further demonstrate the role of hypomethylation in tumour immune microenvironment. In summary, our findings support the use of hypomethylation as a biomarker to understand the mechanism of tumour immune environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Zhang
- College of Information and Computer Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qi Sheng
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- College of Information and Computer Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shan Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yuming Zhao
- College of Information and Computer Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Liang Y, Wang L, Ma P, Ju D, Zhao M, Shi Y. Enhancing anti-tumor immune responses through combination therapies: epigenetic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308264. [PMID: 38077327 PMCID: PMC10704038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are processes that affect gene expression and cellular functions without involving changes in the DNA sequence. This abnormal or unstable expression of genes regulated by epigenetics can trigger cancer and other various diseases. The immune cells involved in anti-tumor responses and the immunogenicity of tumors may also be affected by epigenomic changes. This holds significant implications for the development and application of cancer immunotherapy, epigenetic therapy, and their combined treatments in the fight against cancer. We provide an overview of recent research literature focusing on how epigenomic changes in immune cells influence immune cell behavior and function, as well as the immunogenicity of cancer cells. And the combined utilization of epigenetic medications with immune checkpoint inhibitors that focus on immune checkpoint molecules [e.g., Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4), T cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain (TIM-3), Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3)] present in immune cells and stromal cells associated with tumors. We highlight the potential of small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic regulators to amplify anti-tumor immune responses. Moreover, we discuss how to leverage the intricate relationship between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to create treatment regimens that integrate epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liang
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Peijun Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongen Ju
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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11
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Tu S, Qiu Y. Molecular subtypes and scoring tools related to Foxo signaling pathway for assessing hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis and treatment responsiveness. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1213506. [PMID: 37693891 PMCID: PMC10483071 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1213506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Transcription factors in Foxo signaling pathway influence hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through epithelial mesenchymal transition-related pathways. Prognostic factors in the Foxo signaling pathway are feasible for HCC prognosis and therapeutic management. Methods: Based on the differentially expressed genes and Foxo signaling pathway genes in HCC, the ConsensusClusterPlus package was conducted to identify Foxo signaling pathway-related molecular subtypes in HCC. Based on the DEGs in the FMSs, the optimal prognostic factors in HCC were screened by cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cox analysis to form the Foxo prognosis score (FPS). The prognostic predictive effectiveness of FPS was assessed by Kaplan Meier (K-M) analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. Additionally, tumor microenvironment (TME) score, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and treatment sensitivity differences in FMSs and FPS groups were also evaluated. Results: There were low, medium and high Foxo signaling pathway activity molecular subtypes in HCC named FMS 1, FMS 2 and FMS 3, respectively. FMS 1 with lowest Foxo signaling pathway activity presented an excellent survival advantage, while FMS 3 with highest Foxo signaling pathway activity exhibited an inhibitory TME status. According to FPS grouping, low FPS exhibited favorable survival, low TMB and anti-tumor activity. Patients in the low FPS group were mostly in the early stage of cancer. Moreover, we found that patients with high and low FPS exhibited different sensitivity to chemotherapy, and patients with low FPS were more sensitive to immunotherapy. Conclusion: We revealed a novel molecular subtype and prognostic tool based on Foxo signaling pathway signature, which could potentially provide a direction for accurate and effective assessment of potential personalized treatment options and prognostic management for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yunqing Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Nam AR, Heo M, Lee KH, Kim JY, Won SH, Cho JY. The landscape of PBMC methylome in canine mammary tumors reveals the epigenetic regulation of immune marker genes and its potential application in predicting tumor malignancy. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:403. [PMID: 37460953 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09471-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide dysregulation of CpG methylation accompanies tumor progression and characteristic states of cancer cells, prompting a rationale for biomarker development. Understanding how the archetypic epigenetic modification determines systemic contributions of immune cell types is the key to further clinical benefits. RESULTS In this study, we characterized the differential DNA methylome landscapes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 76 canines using methylated CpG-binding domain sequencing (MBD-seq). Through gene set enrichment analysis, we discovered that genes involved in the growth and differentiation of T- and B-cells are highly methylated in tumor PBMCs. We also revealed the increased methylation at single CpG resolution and reversed expression in representative marker genes regulating immune cell proliferation (BACH2, SH2D1A, TXK, UHRF1). Furthermore, we utilized the PBMC methylome to effectively differentiate between benign and malignant tumors and the presence of mammary gland tumors through a machine-learning approach. CONCLUSIONS This research contributes to a better knowledge of the comprehensive epigenetic regulation of circulating immune cells responding to tumors and suggests a new framework for identifying benign and malignant cancers using genome-wide methylome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Reum Nam
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Plus and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Heo
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Hoon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Plus and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Plus and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Won
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Yoel Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- BK21 Plus and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Gilyazova I, Enikeeva K, Rafikova G, Kagirova E, Sharifyanova Y, Asadullina D, Pavlov V. Epigenetic and Immunological Features of Bladder Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9854. [PMID: 37373000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129854] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most common types of malignant tumors of the urogenital system in adults. Globally, the incidence of BLCA is more than 500,000 new cases worldwide annually, and every year, the number of registered cases of BLCA increases noticeably. Currently, the diagnosis of BLCA is based on cystoscopy and cytological examination of urine and additional laboratory and instrumental studies. However, cystoscopy is an invasive study, and voided urine cytology has a low level of sensitivity, so there is a clear need to develop more reliable markers and test systems for detecting the disease with high sensitivity and specificity. Human body fluids (urine, serum, and plasma) are known to contain significant amounts of tumorigenic nucleic acids, circulating immune cells and proinflammatory mediators that can serve as noninvasive biomarkers, particularly useful for early cancer detection, follow-up of patients, and personalization of their treatment. The review describes the most significant advances in epigenetics of BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Gilyazova
- Institute of Urology and Clinical Oncology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450008 Ufa, Russia
| | - Kadriia Enikeeva
- Institute of Urology and Clinical Oncology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450008 Ufa, Russia
| | - Guzel Rafikova
- Institute of Urology and Clinical Oncology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450008 Ufa, Russia
| | - Evelina Kagirova
- Institute of Urology and Clinical Oncology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450008 Ufa, Russia
| | - Yuliya Sharifyanova
- Institute of Urology and Clinical Oncology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450008 Ufa, Russia
| | - Dilara Asadullina
- Institute of Urology and Clinical Oncology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450008 Ufa, Russia
| | - Valentin Pavlov
- Institute of Urology and Clinical Oncology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450008 Ufa, Russia
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14
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Guo R, Li J, Hu J, Fu Q, Yan Y, Xu S, Wang X, Jiao F. Combination of epidrugs with immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy: From theory to therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110417. [PMID: 37276826 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110417] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized treatment strategies in multiple types of cancer. However, the resistance and relapse as associated with the extreme complexity of cancer-immunity interactions remain a major challenge to be resolved. Owing to the epigenome plasticity of cancer and immune cells, a growing body of evidence has been presented indicating that epigenetic treatments have the potential to overcome current limitations of immunotherapy, thus providing a rationalefor the combination of ICIs with epigenetic agents (epidrugs). In this review, we first make an overview about the epigenetic regulations in tumor biology and immunodevelopment. Subsequently, a diverse array of inhibitory agents under investigations targeted epigenetic modulators (Azacitidine, Decitabine, Vorinostat, Romidepsin, Belinostat, Panobinostat, Tazemetostat, Enasidenib and Ivosidenib, etc.) and immune checkpoints (Atezolizmab, Avelumab, Cemiplimab, Durvalumb, Ipilimumab, Nivolumab and Pembrolizmab, etc.) to increase anticancer responses were described and the potential mechanisms were further discussed. Finally, we summarize the findings of clinical trials and provide a perspective for future clinical studies directed at investigating the combination of epidrugs with ICIs as a treatment for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Jixia Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Jinxia Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Pharmacology, Institute of Aging Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Yunfei Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Sen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory & Health Service Training, 970 Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Yantai 264002, PR China.
| | - Fei Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China.
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15
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Wu Z, Wang W, Zhang K, Fan M, Lin R. Epigenetic and Tumor Microenvironment for Prognosis of Patients with Gastric Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050736. [PMID: 37238607 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050736] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics studies heritable or inheritable mechanisms that regulate gene expression rather than altering the DNA sequence. However, no research has investigated the link between TME-related genes (TRGs) and epigenetic-related genes (ERGs) in GC. METHODS A complete review of genomic data was performed to investigate the relationship between the epigenesis tumor microenvironment (TME) and machine learning algorithms in GC. RESULTS Firstly, TME-related differential expression of genes (DEGs) performed non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering analysis and determined two clusters (C1 and C2). Then, Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates suggested that cluster C1 predicted a poorer prognosis. The Cox-LASSO regression analysis identified eight hub genes (SRMS, MET, OLFML2B, KIF24, CLDN9, RNF43, NETO2, and PRSS21) to build the TRG prognostic model and nine hub genes (TMPO, SLC25A15, SCRG1, ISL1, SOD3, GAD1, LOXL4, AKR1C2, and MAGEA3) to build the ERG prognostic model. Additionally, the signature's area under curve (AUC) values, survival rates, C-index scores, and mean squared error (RMS) curves were evaluated against those of previously published signatures, which revealed that the signature identified in this study performed comparably. Meanwhile, based on the IMvigor210 cohort, a statistically significant difference in OS between immunotherapy and risk scores was observed. It was followed by LASSO regression analysis which identified 17 key DEGs and a support vector machine (SVM) model identified 40 significant DEGs, and based on the Venn diagram, eight co-expression genes (ENPP6, VMP1, LY6E, SHISA6, TMEM158, SYT4, IL11, and KLK8) were discovered. CONCLUSION The study identified some hub genes that could be useful in predicting prognosis and management in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenghong Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Mengke Fan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Rong Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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16
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Anić P, Golubić Talić J, Božinović K, Dediol E, Mravak-Stipetić M, Grce M, Milutin Gašperov N. Methylation of Immune Gene Promoters in Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097698. [PMID: 37175405 PMCID: PMC10178514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097698] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The proportion of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOSCC) that can be attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is growing nowadays. A potential factor indicating the occurrence of HPV-positive OSCC is a change in the degree of methylation of gene promoters that play a key role in the immune response. In this study, we investigated the difference in the methylation of EDARADD, GBP4, HAVCR2, HLA DPB1, IL12RB1, MARCO, and SIGLEC12 gene promoters in samples of healthy oral mucosa versus samples of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The presence of HPV infection in samples was examined earlier. To determine the difference in methylation of those gene promotors, isolated and bisulfite-modified DNA was analysed by the methylation-specific PCR method. The investigated gene promoters were found to be more hypomethylated in the oral and oropharyngeal cancer samples in comparison to normal tissue. The proportion of unmethylated gene promoters was similar in HPV-positive and HPV-negative cancers, although the data should be confirmed on a larger set of samples. To conclude, in samples of healthy oral mucosa, the investigated gene promoters were found to be methylated in a high percentage (73.3% to 100%), while in oral and oropharyngeal cancer samples, they were methylated in a low percentage (11.1% to 37%), regardless of HPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Anić
- Research Department, Srebrnjak Children's Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Ksenija Božinović
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Emil Dediol
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marinka Mravak-Stipetić
- Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Magdalena Grce
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Micevic G, Bosenberg MW, Yan Q. The Crossroads of Cancer Epigenetics and Immune Checkpoint Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1173-1182. [PMID: 36449280 PMCID: PMC10073242 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved treatment outcomes for several types of cancer over the past decade, but significant challenges that limit wider effectiveness of current immunotherapies remain to be addressed. Certain "cold" tumor types, such as pancreatic cancer, exhibit very low response rates to ICI due to intrinsically low immunogenicity. In addition, many patients who initially respond to ICI lack a sustained response due to T-cell exhaustion. Several recent studies show that epigenetic modifiers, such as SETDB1 and LSD1, can play critical roles in regulating both tumor cell-intrinsic immunity and T-cell exhaustion. Here, we review the evidence showing that multiple epigenetic regulators silence the expression of endogenous antigens, and their loss induces viral mimicry responses bolstering the response of "cold" tumors to ICI in preclinical models. Similarly, a previously unappreciated role for epigenetic enzymes is emerging in the establishment and maintenance of stem-like T-cell populations that are critical mediators of response to ICI. Targeting the crossroads of epigenetics and immune checkpoint therapy has tremendous potential to improve antitumor immune responses and herald the next generation of sustained responses in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Micevic
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Marcus W. Bosenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
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Morishita A, Oura K, Tadokoro T, Shi T, Fujita K, Tani J, Atsukawa M, Masaki T. Galectin-9 in Gastroenterological Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076174. [PMID: 37047155 PMCID: PMC10094448 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunochemotherapy has become popular in recent years. The detailed mechanisms of cancer immunity are being elucidated, and new developments are expected in the future. Apoptosis allows tissues to maintain their form, quantity, and function by eliminating excess or abnormal cells. When apoptosis is inhibited, the balance between cell division and death is disrupted and tissue homeostasis is impaired. This leads to dysfunction and the accumulation of genetically abnormal cells, which can contribute to carcinogenesis. Lectins are neither enzymes nor antibodies but proteins that bind sugar chains. Among soluble endogenous lectins, galectins interact with cell surface sugar chains outside the cell to regulate signal transduction and cell growth. On the other hand, intracellular lectins are present at the plasma membrane and regulate signal transduction by regulating receptor–ligand interactions. Galectin-9 expressed on the surface of thymocytes induces apoptosis of T lymphocytes and plays an essential role in immune self-tolerance by negative selection in the thymus. Furthermore, the administration of extracellular galectin-9 induces apoptosis of human cancer and immunodeficient cells. However, the detailed pharmacokinetics of galectin-9 in vivo have not been elucidated. In addition, the cell surface receptors involved in galectin-9-induced apoptosis of cancer cells have not been identified, and the intracellular pathways involved in apoptosis have not been fully investigated. We have previously reported that galectin-9 induces apoptosis in various gastrointestinal cancers and suppresses tumor growth. However, the mechanism of galectin-9 and apoptosis induction in gastrointestinal cancers and the detailed mechanisms involved in tumor growth inhibition remain unknown. In this article, we review the effects of galectin-9 on gastrointestinal cancers and its mechanisms.
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Chen P, Yang X, Wang P, He H, Chen Y, Yu L, Fang H, Wang F, Huang Z. Systematic pan-cancer analysis identifies cGAS as an immunological and prognostic biomarker. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:121. [PMID: 36819495 PMCID: PMC9929843 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-6318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus causes novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is characterized by pneumonia, cytokine storms, and lymphopenia. Due to immunosuppression, cancer patients may be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and have more serious complications. According to recent research, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) could be a potential SARS-CoV-2 sensor. However, at present, no studies have been conducted on cGAS gene alterations in pan-cancer. This study aimed to discover therapeutic implications for COVID-19-infected tumor patients by performing a comprehensive analysis of cGAS in malignant tumors. Methods cGAS expression matrices were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) databases, which were used to evaluate cGAS expression in various tumors, its prognostic value, and its relationship to the immune microenvironment, microsatellite instability (MSI), immune neoantigens, gene mutations, immune checkpoints, MSI, tumor mutational burden (TMB), mismatch repair (MMR) genes, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMT). We also used the cBioPortal, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and GeneMANIA databases to explore the types of changes, gene networks and immunofluorescence localization, and protein expression of these genes. Results Compared to normal tissues, cGAS was highly expressed in 13 types of cancer (e.g., lung cancer) and lowly expressed in other cancers (e.g., pancreatic cancer). cGAS expression was associated with prognosis in nine cancers, such as renal clear cell carcinoma (P<0.05). Furthermore, deep deletion was the most common type of cGAS genomic mutation. DNMT, immune infiltration levels, TMB, MSI, MMR genes, neoantigens, and immune checkpoints were all correlated with cGAS expression. Moreover, we used the GSE30589 dataset to investigate the post-SARS-CoV infection changes in cGAS expression in vitro. Finally, mithramycin, MI219, AFP464, aminoflavone, kahalide F, AT13387, doxorubicin, and other drugs increased the sensitivity of cGAS expression. According to the evidence presented above, cGAS may become an important target for cancer therapy. Conclusions This study discovered that SARS-CoV-2-infected cancer patients might experience changes in their tumor environment as a result of cGAS, making patients with tumors expressing high cGAS more susceptible to COVID-19 and possibly a worsening prognosis. Furthermore, cGAS may be a novel biomarker for diagnosing and treating COVID-19-infected tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xian Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peiyuan Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hao He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lingfeng Yu
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huipeng Fang
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Huang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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20
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Sri-ngern-ngam K, Keawvilai P, Pisitkun T, Palaga T. Upregulation of programmed cell death 1 by interferon gamma and its biological functions in human monocytes. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 32:101369. [PMID: 36275930 PMCID: PMC9578978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101369] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is a co-inhibitory checkpoint receptor expressed in various immune cells, especially in activated T cells. Engagement of PD-1 with its ligand leads to the exhausted T cells and impaired antitumor immunity. To date, PD-1 expression and its roles have been widely reported in T cells but not well defined in innate immune cells including monocytes. In this study, expression of PD-1 was investigated in human monocytes. Here we observed that among cytokines tested, IFN-γ significantly upregulated the PD-1 expression in both THP-1 cell line and human primary monocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This effect was reduced by PI3K inhibitor, suggesting that the involvement of PI3K/AKT pathway. Furthermore, enrichment of active histone mark H3K4me3 in the Pdcd1 promotor was also observed in IFN-γ-induced THP-1, indicating that epigenetic regulation also plays a role in IFN-γ-induced PD-1 expression. To investigate the biological functions of PD-1, Pdcd1 was deleted in THP-1 cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 system and the phagocytic ability was investigated. The results showed that the PD-1 deficiency in THP-1 cell line resulted in significantly poor phagocytic potency against carboxylated-modified latex beads. Moreover, the PD-1 deficiency or blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interaction by immune checkpoint inhibitor resulted in an impaired induction of IL-4-induced CD163 expression in THP-1 cell line. Taken together, these results highlighted the importance of PD-1 expression in some of key monocyte functions. Interferon gamma treatment induces PD-1 upregulation in human monocytes. PI3K/AKT pathway is crucial for IFN-γ-induced PD-1 expression. Active histone mark H3K4me3 in Pdcd1 promoter accompanies IFN-γ treatment. PD-1 knockout in THP-1 cell line impairs phagocytosis and M2 polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittitach Sri-ngern-ngam
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand,Graduate Program in Microbiology and Microbial Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand,Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-mediated Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Pornlapat Keawvilai
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-mediated Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand,Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Tanapat Palaga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand,Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-mediated Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand,Corresponding author. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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21
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Tang Q, Chen Y, Li X, Long S, Shi Y, Yu Y, Wu W, Han L, Wang S. The role of PD-1/PD-L1 and application of immune-checkpoint inhibitors in human cancers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:964442. [PMID: 36177034 PMCID: PMC9513184 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.964442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is a checkpoint receptor expressed on the surface of various immune cells. PD-L1, the natural receptor for PD-1, is mainly expressed in tumor cells. Studies have indicated that PD-1 and PD-L1 are closely associated with the progression of human cancers and are promising biomarkers for cancer therapy. Moreover, the interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1 is one of the important mechanism by which human tumors generate immune escape. This article provides a review on the role of PD-L1/PD-1, mechanisms of immune response and resistance, as well as immune-related adverse events in the treatment of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in human cancers. Moreover, we summarized a large number of clinical trials to successfully reveal that PD-1/PD-L1 Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have manifested promising therapeutic effects, which have been evaluated from different perspectives, including overall survival, objective effective rate and medium progression-free survival. Finally, we pointed out the current problems faced by PD-1/PD-L1 Immune-checkpoint inhibitors and its future prospects. Although PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors have been widely used in the treatment of human cancers, tough challenges still remain. Combination therapy and predictive models based on integrated biomarker determination theory may be the future directions for the application of PD-1/PD-L1 Immune-checkpoint inhibitors in treating human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Clinical and Basic Research Team of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunqin Long
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Clinical and Basic Research Team of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Shi
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaya Yu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanyin Wu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Clinical and Basic Research Team of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wanyin Wu, ; Ling Han, ; Sumei Wang,
| | - Ling Han
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wanyin Wu, ; Ling Han, ; Sumei Wang,
| | - Sumei Wang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Clinical and Basic Research Team of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wanyin Wu, ; Ling Han, ; Sumei Wang,
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Zhu X, Liang R, Lan T, Ding D, Huang S, Shao J, Zheng Z, Chen T, Huang Y, Liu J, Pathak JL, Wei H, Wei B. Tumor-associated macrophage-specific CD155 contributes to M2-phenotype transition, immunosuppression, and tumor progression in colorectal cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004219. [PMID: 36104099 PMCID: PMC9476138 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Onco-immunogenic molecule CD155 is overexpressed in various tumor microenvironments (TME) including in colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in CRC TME and play a vital role in CRC progression and metastasis. Most studies have focused on investigating the role of CRC cell-specific CD155 on CRC progression, while the contribution of TAMs-specific CD155 is still unknown. Here, we sought to investigate the expression pattern of CD155 in CRC TAMs and its role in tumor immunity and progression. Methods CD155 expression patterns in CRC TAMs and macrophages in paratumor or adjacent normal tissue were analyzed in 50 patients with CRC using flow cytometry and in 141 patients with CRC using immunohistochemistry. The correlation of CD155 expression level in TAMs with M1 and M2 phenotypic transition was analyzed. The role of macrophage-specific CD155 in CRC progression and tumor immune response was investigated in vitro and in vivo. We further analyzed the effect of CRC cells on the regulation of CD155 expression in macrophages. Results CRC TAMs from clinical samples showed robustly higher expression of CD155 than macrophages from paratumor and adjacent normal tissues. The CD155 expression level was higher in TAMs of CRC at III/IV stages compared with the I/II stages and was negatively associated with the survival of patients with CRC. CD155+ TAMs showed an M2 phenotype and higher expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. CD155+ macrophages promoted CRC cell migration, invasion, and tumor growth supporting the findings from the clinical tissue analysis. This effect was mainly regulated by TGF-β-induced STAT3 activation-mediated release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)2 and MMP9 in CRC cells. CD155–⁄– bone marrow transplantation in wild-type mice, as well as CD155– macrophages treatment, promoted the antitumor immune response in the mice ectopic CRC model. Additionally, CRC cells released IL-4 to trigger CD155 expression in macrophages indicating the regulatory role of CRC cells in the development of CD155+ TAMs. Conclusions These findings indicated that CD155+ TAMs are responsible for the M2-phenotype transition, immunosuppression, and tumor progression in CRC. The specific localization of CD155+ TAMs in CRC tissue could turn into a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongpu Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianyun Lan
- Central Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongbing Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengxin Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Shao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zongheng Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tufeng Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianpei Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Janak L Pathak
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Defining the Immune Checkpoint Landscape in Human Colorectal Cancer Highlights the Relevance of the TIGIT/CD155 Axis for Optimizing Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174261. [PMID: 36077799 PMCID: PMC9454990 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While immune checkpoint (IC) therapies, particularly those targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma and several other cancers, their effect remains very limited in colorectal cancer (CRC). To define a comprehensive landscape of ICs in the human CRC tumor microenvironment (TME), we evaluated, using multiparametric flow cytometry, their ex vivo expression via tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (n = 40 CRCs) as well as that of their respective ligands on tumor and myeloid cells (n = 29). Supervised flow cytometry analyses showed that (i) most CD3+ TILs expressed PD-1 and TIGIT and, to a lesser extent, Tim-3, Lag3 and NKG2A, and (ii) EpCAM+ tumor cells and CD11b+ myeloid cells differed in their IC ligand expression profile, with a strikingly high expression of CD155 by tumor cells. An in situ analysis of IC and their ligands using immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections of CRC confirmed the overexpression of TIGIT and its ligand, CD155, in the TME. Most interestingly, an unsupervised clustering analysis of IC co-expression on CD4+ and CD8+ TILs identified two tumor subgroups, named IChigh and IClow. Altogether, our findings highlight the TIGIT/CD155 axis as a potential target that could be used in combination IC therapy in CRC.
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Mohd Idris RA, Mussa A, Ahmad S, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Hassan R, Tengku Din TADAA, Wan Abdul Rahman WF, Lazim NM, Boer JC, Plebanski M, Mohamud R. The Effects of Tamoxifen on Tolerogenic Cells in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1225. [PMID: 36009853 PMCID: PMC9405160 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tamoxifen (TAM) is the most prescribed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer patients and has been used for more than 20 years. Its role as a hormone therapy is well established; however, the potential role in modulating tolerogenic cells needs to be better clarified. Infiltrating tumor-microenvironment-regulatory T cells (TME-Tregs) are important as they serve a suppressive function through the transcription factor Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3). Abundant studies have suggested that Foxp3 regulates the expression of several genes (CTLA-4, PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, TNFR2) involved in carcinogenesis to utilize its tumor suppressor function through knockout models. TAM is indirectly concomitant via the Cre/loxP system by allowing nuclear translocation of the fusion protein, excision of the floxed STOP cassette and heritable expression of encoding fluorescent protein in a cohort of cells that express Foxp3. Moreover, TAM administration in breast cancer treatment has shown its effects directly through MDSCs by the enrichment of its leukocyte populations, such as NK and NKT cells, while it impairs the differentiation and activation of DCs. However, the fundamental mechanisms of the reduction of this pool by TAM are unknown. Here, we review the vital effects of TAM on Tregs for a precise mechanistic understanding of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ros Akmal Mohd Idris
- Immunology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ali Mussa
- Haematology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman P.O. Box 382, Sudan
| | - Suhana Ahmad
- Immunology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad A. I. Al-Hatamleh
- Immunology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rosline Hassan
- Haematology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | | | - Wan Faiziah Wan Abdul Rahman
- Pathology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Norhafiza Mat Lazim
- Otorhinolaryngology Department-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Jennifer C. Boer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Magdalena Plebanski
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Immunology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
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25
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Aristin Revilla S, Kranenburg O, Coffer PJ. Colorectal Cancer-Infiltrating Regulatory T Cells: Functional Heterogeneity, Metabolic Adaptation, and Therapeutic Targeting. Front Immunol 2022; 13:903564. [PMID: 35874729 PMCID: PMC9304750 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.903564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease with one of the highest rates of incidence and mortality among cancers worldwide. Understanding the CRC tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential to improve diagnosis and treatment. Within the CRC TME, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) consist of a heterogeneous mixture of adaptive immune cells composed of mainly anti-tumor effector T cells (CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations), and suppressive regulatory CD4+ T (Treg) cells. The balance between these two populations is critical in anti-tumor immunity. In general, while tumor antigen-specific T cell responses are observed, tumor clearance frequently does not occur. Treg cells are considered to play an important role in tumor immune escape by hampering effective anti-tumor immune responses. Therefore, CRC-tumors with increased numbers of Treg cells have been associated with promoting tumor development, immunotherapy failure, and a poorer prognosis. Enrichment of Treg cells in CRC can have multiple causes including their differentiation, recruitment, and preferential transcriptional and metabolic adaptation to the TME. Targeting tumor-associated Treg cell may be an effective addition to current immunotherapy approaches. Strategies for depleting Treg cells, such as low-dose cyclophosphamide treatment, or targeting one or more checkpoint receptors such as CTLA-4 with PD-1 with monoclonal antibodies, have been explored. These have resulted in activation of anti-tumor immune responses in CRC-patients. Overall, it seems likely that CRC-associated Treg cells play an important role in determining the success of such therapeutic approaches. Here, we review our understanding of the role of Treg cells in CRC, the possible mechanisms that support their homeostasis in the tumor microenvironment, and current approaches for manipulating Treg cells function in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Aristin Revilla
- Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Coffer
- Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Paul J. Coffer,
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Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis of DNA Methylation and Immune Infiltration in Endometrial Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5119411. [PMID: 35774278 PMCID: PMC9237709 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5119411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Endometrial cancer greatly threatens the health of female. Emerging evidences have demonstrated that DNA methylation and immune infiltration are involved in the occurrence and development of endometrial cancer. However, the mechanism and prognostic biomarkers of endometrial cancer are still unclear. In this study, we assess DNA methylation and immune infiltration via bioinformatic analysis. Methods The latest RNA-Seq, DNA methylation data, and clinical data related to endometrial cancer were downloaded from the UCSC Xena dataset. The methylation-driven genes were selected, and then the risk score was obtained using “MethylMix” and “corrplot” R packages. The connection between methylated genes and the expression of screened driven genes were explored using “survminer” and “beeswarm” packages, respectively. Finally, the role of VTCN1in immune infiltration was analyzed using “CIBERSORT” package. Results In this study, 179 upregulated genes, and 311 downregulated genes were identified and found to be related to extracellular matrix organization, cell–cell junctions, and cell adhesion molecular binding. The methylation-driven gene VTCN1 was selected, and patients classified to the hypomethylation and high expression group displayed poor prognosis. The VTCN1 gene exhibited highest correlation coefficient between methylation and expression. More importantly, the hypomethylation of promoter of VTCN1 led to its high expression, thereby induce tumor development by inhibiting CD8+ T cell infiltration. Conclusions Overall, our study was the first to reveal the mechanism of endometrial cancer by assessing DNA methylation and immune infiltration via integrated bioinformatic analysis. In addition, we found a pivotal prognostic biomarker for the disease. Our study provides potential targets for the diagnosis and prognosis of endometrial cancer in the future.
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27
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Annese T, Tamma R, Ribatti D. Update in TIGIT Immune-Checkpoint Role in Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:871085. [PMID: 35656508 PMCID: PMC9152184 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.871085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The in-depth characterization of cross-talk between tumor cells and T cells in solid and hematological malignancies will have to be considered to develop new therapeutical strategies concerning the reactivation and maintenance of patient-specific antitumor responses within the patient tumor microenvironment. Activation of immune cells depends on a delicate balance between activating and inhibitory signals mediated by different receptors. T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is an inhibitory receptor expressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs), activated T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. TIGIT pathway regulates T cell-mediated tumor recognition in vivo and in vitro and represents an exciting target for checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. TIGIT blockade as monotherapy or in combination with other inhibitor receptors or drugs is emerging in clinical trials in patients with cancer. The purpose of this review is to update the role of TIGIT in cancer progression, looking at TIGIT pathways that are often upregulated in immune cells and at possible therapeutic strategies to avoid tumor aggressiveness, drug resistance, and treatment side effects. However, in the first part, we overviewed the role of immune checkpoints in immunoediting, the TIGIT structure and ligands, and summarized the key immune cells that express TIGIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Annese
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Libera Università del Mediterraneo (LUM) Giuseppe Degennaro University, Bari, Italy.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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28
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Kalimuthu K, Keerthana CK, Mohan M, Arivalagan J, Christyraj JRSS, Firer MA, Choudry MHA, Anto RJ, Lee YJ. The emerging role of selenium metabolic pathways in cancer: New therapeutic targets for cancer. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:532-542. [PMID: 34935169 PMCID: PMC8940641 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is incorporated into the body via the selenocysteine (Sec) biosynthesis pathway, which is critical in the synthesis of selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. Selenoproteins, which play a key role in several biological processes, including ferroptosis, drug resistance, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and epigenetic processes, are guided by Se uptake. In this review, we critically analyze the molecular mechanisms of Se metabolism and its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer. Sec insertion sequence binding protein 2 (SECISBP2), which is a positive regulator for the expression of selenoproteins, would be a novel prognostic predictor and an alternate target for cancer. We highlight strategies that attempt to develop a novel Se metabolism-based approach to uncover a new metabolic drug target for cancer therapy. Moreover, we expect extensive clinical use of SECISBP2 as a specific biomarker in cancer therapy in the near future. Of note, scientists face additional challenges in conducting successful research, including investigations on anticancer peptides to target SECISBP2 intracellular protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalishwaralal Kalimuthu
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | | | - Manikandan Mohan
- College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- VAXIGEN International Research Center Private Limited, INDIA
| | - Jaison Arivalagan
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences and Proteomics Center of Excellence, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Johnson Retnaraj Samuel Selvan Christyraj
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600119, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Michael A Firer
- Dept. Chemical Engineering, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel
- Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - M. Haroon A Choudry
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ruby John Anto
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Yong J Lee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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29
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Epigenetic Regulation: A Link between Inflammation and Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051221. [PMID: 35267528 PMCID: PMC8908969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetics encompasses all the modifications that occur within cells that are independent of gene mutations. The environment is the main influencer of these alterations. It is well known that a proinflammatory environment can promote and sustain the carcinogenic process and that this environment induces epigenetic alterations. In this review, we will report how a proinflammatory microenvironment that encircles the tumor core can be responsible for the induction of epigenetic drift. Abstract Epigenetics encompasses a group of dynamic, reversible, and heritable modifications that occur within cells that are independent of gene mutations. These alterations are highly influenced by the environment, from the environment that surrounds the human being to the internal microenvironments located within tissues and cells. The ways that pigenetic modifications promote the initiation of the tumorigenic process have been widely demonstrated. Similarly, it is well known that carcinogenesis is supported and prompted by a strong proinflammatory environment. In this review, we introduce our report of a proinflammatory microenvironment that encircles the tumor core but can be responsible for the induction of epigenetic drift. At the same time, cancer cells can alter their epigenetic profile to generate a positive loop in the promotion of the inflammatory process. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the epigenetic networks between the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells might highlight new targetable mechanisms that could prevent tumor progression.
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30
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Mo S, Ru H, Huang M, Cheng L, Mo X, Yan L. Oral-Intestinal Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer: Inflammation and Immunosuppression. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:747-759. [PMID: 35153499 PMCID: PMC8824753 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s344321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely recognized that microbial disorders are involved in the pathogenesis of many malignant tumors. The oral and intestinal tract are two of the overriding microbial habitats in the human body. Although they are anatomically and physiologically continuous, belonging to the openings at both ends of the digestive tract, the oral and intestinal microbiome do not cross talk with each other due to a variety of reasons, including intestinal microbial colonization resistance and chemical barriers in the upper digestive tract. However, this balance can be upset in certain circumstances, such as disruption of colonization resistance of gut microbes, intestinal inflammation, and disruption of the digestive tract chemical barrier. Evidence is now accruing to suggest that the oral microbiome can colonize the gut, leading to dysregulation of the gut microbes. Furthermore, the oral-gut microbes create an intestinal inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment conducive to tumorigenesis and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we review the oral to intestinal microbial transmission and the inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment, induced by oral-gut axis microbes in the gut. A superior comprehension of the contribution of the oral-intestinal microbes to CRC provides new insights into the prevention and treatment of CRC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Mo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiming Ru
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Maosen Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linyao Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianwei Mo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linhai Yan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Linhai Yan, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Hedi Road No. 71, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 139 78839969, Email
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Chen X, Zhang W, Yang W, Zhou M, Liu F. Acquired resistance for immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy: challenges and prospects. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:1048-1064. [PMID: 35037899 PMCID: PMC8833108 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance has become an obstacle to the further development of immunotherapy in clinical applications and experimental studies. In the current review, the acquired resistance to immunotherapy was examined. The mechanisms of acquired resistance were based on three aspects as follows: The change of the tumor functions, the upregulated expression of inhibitory immune checkpoint proteins, and the effects of the tumor microenvironment. The combined use of immunotherapy and other therapies is performed to delay acquired resistance. A comprehensive understanding of acquired drug resistance may provide ideas for solving this dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunrui Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
| | - Wenhui Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Wenyan Yang
- Medical Center, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Respirtory Medicine, Jinshan Branch of the Sixth People’s Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 201599, P.R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
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32
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Ye F, Liang Y, Hu J, Hu Y, Liu Y, Cheng Z, Ou Y, Xu C, Jiang H. DNA Methylation Modification Map to Predict Tumor Molecular Subtypes and Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Bladder Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:760369. [PMID: 34926451 PMCID: PMC8678484 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.760369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Considering the heterogeneity and complexity of epigenetic regulation in bladder cancer, the underlying mechanisms of global DNA methylation modification in the immune microenvironment must be investigated to predict the prognosis outcomes and clinical response to immunotherapy. Methods: We systematically assessed the DNA methylation modes of 985 integrated bladder cancer samples with the unsupervised clustering algorithm. Subsequently, these DNA methylation modes were analyzed for their correlations with features of the immune microenvironment. The principal analysis algorithm was performed to calculate the DMRscores of each samples for qualification analysis. Findings: Three DNA methylation modes were revealed among 985 bladder cancer samples, and these modes are related to diverse clinical outcomes and several immune microenvironment phenotypes, e.g., immune-desert, immune-inflamed, and immune-excluded ones. Then patients were classified into high- and low-DMRscore subgroups according to the DMRscore, which was calculated based on the expression of DNA methylation related genes (DMRGs). Patients with the low-DMRscore subgroup presented a prominent survival advantage that was significantly correlated to the immune-inflamed phenotype. Further analysis revealed that patients with low DMRscores exhibited less TP53 wild mutation, lower cancer stage and molecular subtypes were mainly papillary subtypes. In addition, an independent immunotherapy cohort confirmed that DMRscore could serve as a signature to predict prognosis outcomes and immune responses. Conclusion: Global DNA methylation modes can be used to predict the immunophenotypes, aggressiveness, and immune responses of bladder cancer. DNA methylation status assessments will strengthen our insights into the features of the immune microenvironment and promote the development of more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangdie Ye
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchun Liang
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jimeng Hu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Hu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang Cheng
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxi Ou
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyang Xu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haowen Jiang
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Fudan, China
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33
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Dai E, Zhu Z, Wahed S, Qu Z, Storkus WJ, Guo ZS. Epigenetic modulation of antitumor immunity for improved cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:171. [PMID: 34930302 PMCID: PMC8691037 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play vital roles not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in the activation, differentiation and effector function(s) of immune cells. In this review, we summarize current literature related to epigenomic dynamics in immune cells impacting immune cell fate and functionality, and the immunogenicity of cancer cells. Some important immune-associated genes, such as granzyme B, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, FoxP3 and STING, are regulated via epigenetic mechanisms in immune or/and cancer cells, as are immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT) expressed by immune cells and tumor-associated stromal cells. Thus, therapeutic strategies implementing epigenetic modulating drugs are expected to significantly impact the tumor microenvironment (TME) by promoting transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming in local immune cell populations, resulting in inhibition of immunosuppressive cells (MDSCs and Treg) and the activation of anti-tumor T effector cells, professional antigen presenting cells (APC), as well as cancer cells which can serve as non-professional APC. In the latter instance, epigenetic modulating agents may coordinately promote tumor immunogenicity by inducing de novo expression of transcriptionally repressed tumor-associated antigens, increasing expression of neoantigens and MHC processing/presentation machinery, and activating tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD provides a rich source of immunogens for anti-tumor T cell cross-priming and sensitizing cancer cells to interventional immunotherapy. In this way, epigenetic modulators may be envisioned as effective components in combination immunotherapy approaches capable of mediating superior therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyong Dai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhi Zhu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgical Oncology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shudipto Wahed
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Qu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Departments of Dermatology, Immunology, Pathology and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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34
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Du XZ, Wen B, Liu L, Wei YT, Zhao K. Role of immune escape in different digestive tumours. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:10438-10450. [PMID: 35004976 PMCID: PMC8686128 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i34.10438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A counterbalance between immune cells and tumour cells is key to fighting tumours, and immune escape is an important mechanism for the survival of tumour cells in the body. Tumor cells and their cytokines impair the activity of T cells, NK cells, macrophages and other immune cells through various ways, and change the expression of their own surface antigens so as to avoid the clearance of the immune system. Changes in major histocompatibility complex molecules, high expression of programmed death-ligand 1, and the presence of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are main means by which tumors impair the function of immune cells. During the development of tumours of the digestive system, different mechanisms acting on tumour cells, the TME, and immune cells lead to immune escape and promote tumour progression. In this paper, the mechanisms of immune escape in tumour cells of the digestive system are reviewed to provide a theoretical basis for the immunotherapy of gastrointestinal tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Zhu Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Bin Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ying-Ting Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Kui Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
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35
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Arumugam T, Ramphal U, Adimulam T, Chinniah R, Ramsuran V. Deciphering DNA Methylation in HIV Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:795121. [PMID: 34925380 PMCID: PMC8674454 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.795121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With approximately 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS globally, and a further 1.5 million new global infections per year, it is imperative that we advance our understanding of all factors contributing to HIV infection. While most studies have focused on the influence of host genetic factors on HIV pathogenesis, epigenetic factors are gaining attention. Epigenetics involves alterations in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism that influences both viral and host factors. This review has five focal points, which examines (i) fluctuations in the expression of methylation modifying factors upon HIV infection (ii) the effect of DNA methylation on HIV viral genes and (iii) host genome (iv) inferences from other infectious and non-communicable diseases, we provide a list of HIV-associated host genes that are regulated by methylation in other disease models (v) the potential of DNA methylation as an epi-therapeutic strategy and biomarker. DNA methylation has also been shown to serve as a robust therapeutic strategy and precision medicine biomarker against diseases such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Despite new drugs being discovered for HIV, drug resistance is a problem in high disease burden settings such as Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, genetic therapies that are under investigation are irreversible and may have off target effects. Alternative therapies that are nongenetic are essential. In this review, we discuss the potential role of DNA methylation as a novel therapeutic intervention against HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilona Arumugam
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Upasana Ramphal
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Theolan Adimulam
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Romona Chinniah
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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36
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A pan-cancer analysis revealing the role of TIGIT in tumor microenvironment. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22502. [PMID: 34795387 PMCID: PMC8602416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), an immune checkpoint, plays a pivotal role in immune suppression. However its role in tumor immunity and correlation with the genetic and epigenetic alterations remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the expression patterns of the TIGIT and its value of prognostic prediction among 33 types of cancers based on the data collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression projects (GTEx). Furthermore, the correlations of TIGIT with pathological stages, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), signatures of T cells subtypes, immune checkpoint genes, the degree of Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using the Expression data (ESTIMATE), tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repair (MMR) genes, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were also explored. Gene functional enrichment was conducted by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Our results showed that the expression of TIGIT was upregulated in most of the cancer types. Cox regression model showed that high expression of TIGIT in tumor samples correlates with poor prognosis in KIRC, KIRP, LGG, UVM, and with favorable prognosis in BRCA, CECS, HNSC, SKCM. TIGIT expression positively correlated with advanced stages, TIICs, the signatures of effector T cells, exhausted T cells, effector Tregs and the degree of ESTIMATE in KIRC, KIRP and UVM. TIGIT expression also positively correlated with CTLA4, PDCD1 (PD-1), CD274 (PD-L1), ICOS in most of the cancer types. Furthermore, the expression of TIGIT was correlated with TMB, MSI, MMR genes and DNMTs in different types of cancers. GSEA analysis showed that the expression of TIGIT was related to cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, allograft rejection, oxidative phosphorylation. These findings suggested that TIGIT could serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and a novel target for immunotherapies in cancers.
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37
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Vietri MT, D'Elia G, Benincasa G, Ferraro G, Caliendo G, Nicoletti GF, Napoli C. DNA methylation and breast cancer: A way forward (Review). Int J Oncol 2021; 59:98. [PMID: 34726251 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The current management of breast cancer (BC) lacks specific non‑invasive biomarkers able to provide an early diagnosis of the disease. Epigenetic‑sensitive signatures are influenced by environmental exposures and are mediated by direct molecular mechanisms, mainly guided by DNA methylation, which regulate the interplay between genetic and non‑genetic risk factors during cancerogenesis. The inactivation of tumor suppressor genes due to promoter hypermethylation is an early event in carcinogenesis. Of note, targeted tumor suppressor genes are frequently hypermethylated in patient‑derived BC tissues and peripheral blood biospecimens. In addition, epigenetic alterations in triple‑negative BC, as the most aggressive subtype, have been identified. Thus, detecting both targeted and genome‑wide DNA methylation changes through liquid‑based assays appears to be a useful clinical strategy for early detection, more accurate risk stratification and a personalized prediction of therapeutic response in patients with BC. Of note, the DNA methylation profile may be mapped by isolating the circulating tumor DNA from the plasma as a more accessible biospecimen. Furthermore, the sensitivity to treatment with chemotherapy, hormones and immunotherapy may be altered by gene‑specific DNA methylation, suggesting novel potential drug targets. Recently, the use of epigenetic drugs administered alone and/or with anticancer therapies has led to remarkable results, particularly in patients with BC resistant to anticancer treatment. The aim of the present review was to provide an update on DNA methylation changes that are potentially involved in BC development and their putative clinical utility in the fields of diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Vietri
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Elia
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, AOU, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuditta Benincasa
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ferraro
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Plastic Surgery Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gemma Caliendo
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, AOU, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Francesco Nicoletti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Plastic Surgery Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
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Desaulniers D, Vasseur P, Jacobs A, Aguila MC, Ertych N, Jacobs MN. Integration of Epigenetic Mechanisms into Non-Genotoxic Carcinogenicity Hazard Assessment: Focus on DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10969. [PMID: 34681626 PMCID: PMC8535778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics involves a series of mechanisms that entail histone and DNA covalent modifications and non-coding RNAs, and that collectively contribute to programing cell functions and differentiation. Epigenetic anomalies and DNA mutations are co-drivers of cellular dysfunctions, including carcinogenesis. Alterations of the epigenetic system occur in cancers whether the initial carcinogenic events are from genotoxic (GTxC) or non-genotoxic (NGTxC) carcinogens. NGTxC are not inherently DNA reactive, they do not have a unifying mode of action and as yet there are no regulatory test guidelines addressing mechanisms of NGTxC. To fil this gap, the Test Guideline Programme of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development is developing a framework for an integrated approach for the testing and assessment (IATA) of NGTxC and is considering assays that address key events of cancer hallmarks. Here, with the intent of better understanding the applicability of epigenetic assays in chemical carcinogenicity assessment, we focus on DNA methylation and histone modifications and review: (1) epigenetic mechanisms contributing to carcinogenesis, (2) epigenetic mechanisms altered following exposure to arsenic, nickel, or phenobarbital in order to identify common carcinogen-specific mechanisms, (3) characteristics of a series of epigenetic assay types, and (4) epigenetic assay validation needs in the context of chemical hazard assessment. As a key component of numerous NGTxC mechanisms of action, epigenetic assays included in IATA assay combinations can contribute to improved chemical carcinogen identification for the better protection of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Desaulniers
- Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Hazard Identification Division, Health Canada, AL:2203B, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Paule Vasseur
- CNRS, LIEC, Université de Lorraine, 57070 Metz, France;
| | - Abigail Jacobs
- Independent at the Time of Publication, Previously US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, USA;
| | - M. Cecilia Aguila
- Toxicology Team, Division of Human Food Safety, Center for Veterinary Medicine, US Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD 20852, USA;
| | - Norman Ertych
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Miriam N. Jacobs
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK;
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Noonepalle SKR, Karabon L, Chiappinelli KB, Villagra A. Editorial: Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775101. [PMID: 34675944 PMCID: PMC8523980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Satish kumar R. Noonepalle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, GW Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, United States
| | - Lidia Karabon
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katherine B. Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, GW Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, United States
| | - Alejandro Villagra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, GW Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, United States
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40
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Triki H, Declerck K, Charfi S, Ben Kridis W, Chaabane K, Ben Halima S, Sellami T, Rebai A, Berghe WV, Cherif B. Immune checkpoint CD155 promoter methylation profiling reveals cancer-associated behaviors within breast neoplasia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1139-1155. [PMID: 34608548 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD155 immune checkpoint has recently emerged as a compelling immunotherapeutic target. Epigenetic DNA methylation changes are recognized as key molecular mechanisms in cancer development. Hence, the identification of methylation markers that are sensitive and specific for breast cancer may improve early detection and predict prognosis. We speculate that CD155 promoter methylation can be a valuable epigenetic biomarker, based upon strong indications for its immunoregulatory functions. METHODS Methylation analyses were conducted on 14 CpGs sites in the CD155 promoter region by bisulfite pyrosequencing. To elucidate the related gene expression changes, a transcriptional study using RT-qPCR was performed. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate correlations of CD155 methylation profiles with mRNA expression together with clinical-pathological features, prognosis and immune infiltrate. RESULTS CD155 promoter methylation profile was significantly associated with SBR grade, tumor size, molecular subgroups, HER2 and hormonal receptors expression status. Low CD155 methylation rates correlated with better prognosis in univariate cox proportional hazard analysis and appeared as an independent survival predictor in cox-regression multivariate analysis. Further, methylation changes at CD155 specific CpG sites were consistent with CD155 membranous mRNA isoform expression status. Statistical analyses also showed a significant association with immune Natural Killer cell infiltrate when looking at the CpG7, CpG8, CpG9 and CpG11 sites. CONCLUSION Altogether, our results contribute to a better understanding of the impact of CD155 immune checkpoint modality expression in breast tumors, revealing for the first time that specific CpG sites from CD155 promoter may be a potential biomarker in breast cancer monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Triki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax, University of Sfax, B.P 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ken Declerck
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Integrated Personalizedand Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Slim Charfi
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Wala Ben Kridis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Kais Chaabane
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Hédi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sawssan Ben Halima
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Hédi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Tahya Sellami
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Rebai
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax, University of Sfax, B.P 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Integrated Personalizedand Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Boutheina Cherif
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax, University of Sfax, B.P 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia.
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Sanceau J, Gougelet A. Epigenetic mechanisms of liver tumor resistance to immunotherapy. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:979-1002. [PMID: 34630870 PMCID: PMC8473495 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i9.979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor, which stands fourth in rank of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of HCC is constantly increasing in correlation with the epidemic in diabetes and obesity, arguing for an urgent need for new treatments for this lethal cancer refractory to conventional treatments. HCC is the paradigm of inflammation-associated cancer, since more than 80% of HCC emerge consecutively to cirrhosis associated with a vast remodeling of liver microenvironment. In the recent decade, immunomodulatory drugs have been developed and have given impressive results in melanoma and later in several other cancers. In the present review, we will discuss the recent advancements concerning the use of immunotherapies in HCC, in particular those targeting immune checkpoints, used alone or in combination with other anti-cancers agents. We will address why these drugs demonstrate unsatisfactory results in a high proportion of liver cancers and the mechanisms of resistance developed by HCC to evade immune response with a focus on the epigenetic-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sanceau
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
| | - Angélique Gougelet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
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Zhang Y, Zhang L, Sun H, Liu Y, Xu J, Huang H, Fu J, Zhang D, Tian T, Zhao Y, Wang G. Inhibitory immune checkpoints PDCD-1 and LAG-3 hypermethylation may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Mol Med 2021; 27:114. [PMID: 34544358 PMCID: PMC8454079 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes in DNA methylation of immunosuppressive checkpoints may impact express and consequently affect antigen processing and presentation by tumor cells and facilitates evasion of immunosurveillance and lead to colorectal cancer (CRC). This study is to investigate the effect of PDCD-1, LAG-3 methylation statuses in peripheral blood leukocytes on CRC risk. Methods GSE51032 dataset from Gene Expression Omnibus comprised of 166 CRC patients and 424 normal samples was used to identify significantly differentially methylated CpG sites of the two genes. A case–control study with 390 CRC patients and 397 cancer-free controls was carried out to validate the relationship between the methylation levels of the two genes and CRC susceptibility and then estimated their interactions with environmental factors on CRC risk. Results In the GSE51032 dataset, cg06291111 (PDCD-1) and cg10191002 (LAG-3) were screened as the candidate CpG sites for the following study. There were significant associations between hypermethylation of PDCD-1 and LAG-3 and lower risk of CRC (ORadj = 0.322, 95% CI 0.197–0.528; ORadj = 0.666, 95% CI 0.446–0.5996, respectively). Moreover, the results in case–control study showed similar trend, that hypermethylation of PDCD-1 and LAG-3 were associated with lower CRC risk (ORadj = 0.448, 95% CI 0.322–0.622; ORadj = 0.417, 95% CI 0.301–0.578, respectively). A synergistic interaction between LAG-3 hypermethylation and intake of eggs on CRC risk was observed. There were combination effects between hypermethylation of PDCD-1 and LAG-3 and environmental factors on CRC risk. Conclusions PDCD-1 and LAG-3 may potentially serve as blood-based predictive biomarkers for CRC risk. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-021-00373-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongru Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinming Fu
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yashuang Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guiyu Wang
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
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The Role of Oncogenes and Redox Signaling in the Regulation of PD-L1 in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174426. [PMID: 34503236 PMCID: PMC8431622 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells can evade the immune system via multiple mechanisms, including the dysregulation of the immune checkpoint signaling. These signaling molecules are important factors that can either stimulate or inhibit tumor immune response. Under normal physiological conditions, the interaction between programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), negatively regulates T cell function. In cancer cells, high expression of PD-L1 plays a key role in cancer evasion of the immune surveillance and seems to be correlated with clinical response to immunotherapy. As such, it is important to understand various mechanisms by which PD-L1 is regulated. In this review article, we provide an up-to-date review of the different mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 expression in cancer. We will focus on the roles of oncogenic signals (c-Myc, EML4-ALK, K-ras and p53 mutants), growth factor receptors (EGFR and FGFR), and redox signaling in the regulation of PD-L1 expression and discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic implications. These oncogenic signalings have common and distinct regulatory mechanisms and can also cooperatively control tumor PD-L1 expression. Finally, strategies to target PD-L1 expression in tumor microenvironment including combination therapies will be also discussed.
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Piotrowska M, Gliwiński M, Trzonkowski P, Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes D. Regulatory T Cells-Related Genes Are under DNA Methylation Influence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7144. [PMID: 34281195 PMCID: PMC8267835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert a highly suppressive function in the immune system. Disturbances in their function predispose an individual to autoimmune dysregulation, with a predominance of the pro-inflammatory environment. Besides Foxp3, which is a master regulator of these cells, other genes (e.g., Il2ra, Ctla4, Tnfrsf18, Ikzf2, and Ikzf4) are also involved in Tregs development and function. Multidimensional Tregs suppression is determined by factors that are believed to be crucial in the action of Tregs-related genes. Among them, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, tend to be widely studied over the past few years. DNA methylation acts as a repressive mark, leading to diminished gene expression. Given the role of increased CpG methylation upon Tregs imprinting and functional stability, alterations in the methylation pattern can cause an imbalance in the immune response. Due to the fact that epigenetic changes can be reversible, so-called epigenetic modifiers are broadly used in order to improve Tregs performance. In this review, we place emphasis on the role of DNA methylation of the genes that are key regulators of Tregs function. We also discuss disease settings that have an impact on the methylation status of Tregs and systematize the usefulness of epigenetic drugs as factors able to influence Tregs functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dorota Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (M.G.); (P.T.)
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45
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Zhu D, Wu ZH, Xu L, Yang DL. Single sample scoring of hepatocellular carcinoma: A study based on data mining. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 35:20587384211018389. [PMID: 34053310 PMCID: PMC8168165 DOI: 10.1177/20587384211018389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a high mortality malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Because the immune system plays a dual role by assisting the host barrier and tumor progression, there are complex interactions with considerable prognostic significance. Herein, we performed single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) to explore the tumor microenvironment (TME) and quantify the tumor-infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) subgroups of immune responses based on the HCC cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We evaluate molecular subpopulations, survival, function, and expression differential associations, as well as reveal potential targets, and biomarkers for immunotherapy. We combined the TME score and the 29 immune cell types in the low, medium, and high immunity groups. The stromal score, immune score, and ESTIMATE score were positively correlated with immune activity but negatively correlated with the tumor purity. There were 23 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-related genes that were significantly different. However, KIAA1429 was not significant among the different immunity groups. Besides, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) expression increased with the increase of immune activity. This may provide valuable information for HCC immunotherapy. We also found that there was no significant difference in naïve B cells, macrophages M1, activated mast cells, resting natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells gamma delta among the different immunity groups. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that the differential proteins were mainly enriched in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) metabolism, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-heparan sulfate/heparin, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-ganglio series and proteasome. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the immune scene, uncovering remarkable immune infiltration patterns of various subtypes of HCC using ssGSEA. This study advances the understanding of immune response and provides a basis for research to enhance immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zeng-Hong Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dong-Liang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Fathi M, Pustokhina I, Kuznetsov SV, Khayrullin M, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Karpisheh V, Jalili A, Jadidi-Niaragh F. T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain, as a potential immune checkpoint target for immunotherapy of colorectal cancer. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:726-738. [PMID: 33686787 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The importance of the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression has been well studied for many years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are regarded as potential strategies in enhancing the immune responses in patients with cancer, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC). Notably, CRCs are extraordinarily heterogeneous and mostly are microsatellite-stable (MSS) or cold tumors, which means that the immune response is not usually as strong as that of foreign cells. T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is a new immune checkpoint receptor overexpressed inside the CRC tumor-immune microenvironments. Moreover, several studies have shown that TIGIT in combination with other ICIs and/or conventional treatments, can lead to a robust anti-tumor response in CRC. This review looks deep inside TIGIT expression patterns, their various functions, and possible immunotherapy strategies to increase survival rates and decrease immune-related adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Fathi
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Sergey V Kuznetsov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Mars Khayrullin
- Department of Research Management, K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State, University of Technologies and Management (The First Cossack University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Vahid Karpisheh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Jalili
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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47
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Zhang X, Zhang W, Cao P. Advances in CpG Island Methylator Phenotype Colorectal Cancer Therapies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:629390. [PMID: 33718206 PMCID: PMC7952756 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.629390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
With the aging of the population, the incidence of colorectal cancer in China is increasing. One of the epigenetic alterations: CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) plays an important role in the incidence of colorectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that CIMP is closely related to some specific clinicopathological phenotypes and multiple molecular phenotypes in colorectal cancer. In this paper, the newest progress of CIMP colorectal cancer in chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted agents and small molecular methylation inhibitors are going to be introduced. We hope to provide potential clinical treatment strategies for personalized and precise treatment of colorectal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dalian University Affiliated Xinhua Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Dalian University Affiliated Xinhua Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Pingan Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dalian University Affiliated Xinhua Hospital, Dalian, China
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Huang H, Zhang D, Fu J, Zhao L, Li D, Sun H, Liu X, Xu J, Tian T, Zhang L, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Zhao Y. Tsukushi is a novel prognostic biomarker and correlates with tumor-infiltrating B cells in non-small cell lung cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:4428-4451. [PMID: 33428594 PMCID: PMC7906171 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A recent study has reported that tsukushi (TSKU) may be related to the development of lung cancer. However, few studies focused on if TSKU associated with the prognosis and immune infiltration cells in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The effect of TSKU expression on prognosis with NSCLC was analyzed in the PrognoScan database and validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas. The composition of tumor infiltrating cells was quantified by methylation and expression data. We combined levels of tumor infiltrating cells with TSKU to evaluate the survival of patients. The analysis of a cohort (GSE31210, N=204) of lung cancer patients demonstrated that high TSKU expression was strongly associated with poor overall survival (P =1.90E-05). The combination of high TSKU expression and low infiltration B cells identified a subtype of patients with poor survival in NSCLC. Besides, the proportion of B cells in NSCLC patients with TSKU hypermethylation were higher than those patients with TSKU hypomethylation (P <0.001). Overall, high TSKU expression combined with low infiltration of B cells may associate with a poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. TSKU might be a potential prognostic biomarker involved in tumor immune infiltration in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinming Fu
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dapeng Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongru Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yashuang Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
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49
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Ding QQ, Chauvin JM, Zarour HM. Targeting novel inhibitory receptors in cancer immunotherapy. Semin Immunol 2020; 49:101436. [PMID: 33288379 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
T cells play a critical role in promoting tumor regression in both experimental models and humans. Yet, T cells that are chronically exposed to tumor antigen during cancer progression can become dysfunctional/exhausted and fail to induce tumor destruction. Such tumor-induced T cell dysfunction may occur via multiple mechanisms. In particular, immune checkpoint inhibitory receptors that are upregulated by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in many cancers limit T cell survival and function. Overcoming this inhibitory receptor-mediated T cell dysfunction has been a central focus of recent developments in cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapies targeting inhibitory receptor pathways such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), alone or in combination, confer significant clinical benefits in multiple tumor types. However, many patients with cancer do not respond to immune checkpoint blockade, and dual PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade may cause serious adverse events, which limits its indications. Targeting novel non-redundant inhibitory receptor pathways contributing to tumor-induced T cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment may prove efficacious and non-toxic. This review presents preclinical and clinical findings supporting the roles of two key pathways-T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) and T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domain (TIGIT)/CD226/CD96/CD112R-in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Quan Ding
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Joe-Marc Chauvin
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Hassane M Zarour
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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50
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Xu F, He L, Zhan X, Chen J, Xu H, Huang X, Li Y, Zheng X, Lin L, Chen Y. DNA methylation-based lung adenocarcinoma subtypes can predict prognosis, recurrence, and immunotherapeutic implications. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:25275-25293. [PMID: 33234739 PMCID: PMC7803536 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The marked heterogeneity of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) makes its diagnosis and treatment difficult. In addition, the aberrant DNA methylation profile contributes to tumor heterogeneity and alters the immune response. We used DNA methylation array data from publicly available databases to establish a predictive model for LUAD prognosis. Thirty-three methylation sites were identified as specific prognostic biomarkers, independent of patients' clinical characteristics. These methylation profiles were used to identify potential drug candidates and study the immune microenvironment of LUAD and response to immunotherapy. When compared with the high-risk group, the low-risk group had a lower recurrence rate and favorable prognosis. The tumor microenvironment differed between the two groups as reflected by the higher number of resting dendritic cells and a lower number of monocytes and resting mast cells in the low-risk group. Moreover, low-risk patients reported higher immune and stromal scores, lower tumor purity, and higher expression of HLA genes. Low-risk patients responded well to immunotherapy due to higher expression of immune checkpoint molecules and lower stemness index. Thus, our model predicted a favorable prognosis and increased overall survival for patients in the low-risk methylation group. Further, this model could provide potential drug targets to develop effective immunotherapies for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lulu He
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueqin Zhan
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiexin Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huan Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yangyi Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohe Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongsong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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