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Wang S, Wang J, Xia Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Liu M, Gao Q, Zhang C. Harnessing the potential of HLA-G in cancer therapy: advances, challenges, and prospects. J Transl Med 2024; 22:130. [PMID: 38310272 PMCID: PMC10838004 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockades have been prized in circumventing and ablating the impediments posed by immunosuppressive receptors, reaching an exciting juncture to be an innovator in anticancer therapy beyond traditional therapeutics. Thus far, approved immune checkpoint blockades have principally targeted PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 with exciting success in a plethora of tumors and yet are still trapped in dilemmas of limited response rates and adverse effects. Hence, unveiling new immunotherapeutic targets has aroused immense scientific interest in the hope of expanding the clinical application of immune checkpoint blockades to scale new heights. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, is enriched on various malignant cells and is involved in the hindrance of immune effector cells and the facilitation of immunosuppressive cells. HLA-G stands out as a crucial next-generation immune checkpoint showing great promise for the benefit of cancer patients. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the expression pattern and immunological functions of HLA-G, as well as its interaction with well-characterized immune checkpoints. Since HLA-G can be shed from the cell surface or released by various cells as free soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) or as part of extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely HLA-G-bearing EVs (HLA-GEV), we discuss the potential of sHLA-G and HLA-GEV as predictive biomarkers. This review also addresses the advancement of HLA-G-based therapies in preclinical and clinical settings, with a focus on their clinical application in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yueqiang Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Venetis K, Sajjadi E, Peccatori FA, Guerini-Rocco E, Fusco N. Immune plasticity in pregnancy-associated breast cancer tumorigenesis. Eur J Cancer Prev 2023; 32:364-369. [PMID: 37038998 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PrBC) is a rare tumor that requires complex management. The coexistence of cancer and pregnancy involves several proliferative, invasive, and immune tolerance mechanisms that are shared between the two conditions. In normal pregnancy, successful fetal development is achieved through suppression of the maternal immune response toward the fetus. Similar immunosuppressive patterns during the malignant transformation supporting tumor growth, progression, and metastasis are also exhibited by tumors. An improved understanding of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and pathways underlying the immunological synergy in PrBC could lead to the identification of novel biomarkers that potentially improve patients' clinical management. In this review article, we outline some of the paramount features of immune plasticity during pregnancy, discussing the similarities shared between normal pregnancy and breast cancer in terms of immune suppression mechanisms. Emphasis is also placed on how the current knowledge of the immune milieu of these conditions may be translated into consequent therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Sajjadi
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan
| | - Fedro A Peccatori
- Fertility and Procreation Unit, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan
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Hoffmann O, Wormland S, Bittner AK, Hölzenbein J, Schwich E, Schramm S, Rohn H, Horn PA, Kimmig R, Kasimir-Bauer S, Rebmann V. Elevated sHLA-G plasma levels post chemotherapy combined with ILT-2 rs10416697C allele status of the sHLA-G-related receptor predict poorest disease outcome in early triple-negative breast cancer patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1188030. [PMID: 37283737 PMCID: PMC10239857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1188030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) shows an aggressive growing and spreading behavior and has limited treatment options, often leading to inferior disease outcome. Therefore, surrogate markers are urgently needed to identify patients at high risk of recurrence and more importantly, to identify additional therapeutic targets enabling further treatment options. Based on the key role of the non-classical human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) and its related receptor immunoglobulin-like transcript receptor-2 (ILT-2) in immune evasion mechanisms of tumors, members of this ligand-receptor axis appear to be promising tool for both, defining risk groups and potential therapeutic targets. Materials and methods To follow this, sHLA-G levels before and after chemotherapy (CT), HLA-G 3' UTR haplotypes, and allele variations rs10416697 at the distal gene promoter region of ILT-2 were defined in healthy female controls and early TNBC patients. The results obtained were associated with clinical status, presence of circulating tumor cell (CTC) subtypes, and disease outcome of patients in terms of progression-free or overall survival. Results sHLA-G plasma levels were increased in TNBC patients post-CT compared to levels of patients pre-CT or controls. High post-CT sHLA-G levels were associated with the development of distant metastases, the presence of ERCC1 or PIK3CA-CTC subtypes post-CT, and poorer disease outcome in uni- or multivariate analysis. HLA-G 3' UTR genotypes did not influence disease outcome but ILT-2 rs10416697C allele was associated with AURKA-positive CTC and with adverse disease outcome by uni- and multivariate analysis. The prognostic value of the combined risk factors (high sHLA-G levels post-CT and ILT-2 rs10416697C allele carrier status) was an even better independent indicator for disease outcome in TNBC than the lymph nodal status pre-CT. This combination allowed the identification of patients with high risk of early progression/death with positive nodal status pre-CT or with non-pathological complete therapy response. Conclusion The results of this study highlight for the first time that the combination of high levels of sHLA-G post-CT with ILT-2 rs10416697C allele receptor status is a promising tool for the risk assessment of TNBC patients and support the concept to use HLA-G/ILT-2 ligand-receptor axis as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Hoffmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wormland
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Bittner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Essen, Germany
| | - Julian Hölzenbein
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Esther Schwich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Schramm
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Essen, Germany
| | - Hana Rohn
- Department of Infection Diseases, West German Centre of Infection Diseases, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter A. Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Essen, Germany
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Crump LS, Kines KT, Richer JK, Lyons TR. Breast cancers co-opt normal mechanisms of tolerance to promote immune evasion and metastasis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1475-C1495. [PMID: 36189970 PMCID: PMC9662806 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00189.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Normal developmental processes, such as those seen during embryonic development and postpartum mammary gland involution, can be reactivated by cancer cells to promote immune suppression, tumor growth, and metastatic spread. In mammalian embryos, paternal-derived antigens are at risk of being recognized as foreign by the maternal immune system. Suppression of the maternal immune response toward the fetus, which is mediated in part by the trophoblast, is critical to ensure embryonic survival and development. The postpartum mammary microenvironment also exhibits immunosuppressive mechanisms accompanying the massive cell death and tissue remodeling that occurs during mammary gland involution. These normal immunosuppressive mechanisms are paralleled during malignant transformation, where tumors can develop neoantigens that may be recognized as foreign by the immune system. To circumvent this, tumors can dedifferentiate and co-opt immune-suppressive mechanisms normally utilized during fetal tolerance and postpartum mammary involution. In this review, we discuss those similarities and how they can inform our understanding of cancer progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey S Crump
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kelsey T Kines
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Traci R Lyons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
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Khan SU, Fatima K, Malik F. Understanding the cell survival mechanism of anoikis-resistant cancer cells during different steps of metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:715-726. [PMID: 35829806 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anchorage-independent survival of cancer cells is associated with metastasis as it enables cells to travel to secondary target sites. Tissue integrity is generally maintained by detachment-induced cell death called 'anoikis', but cancer cells undergoing the multistep metastatic process show resistance to anoikis. Anoikis resistance enables these cells to survive through the extracellular matrix (ECM) deprived phase, which starts when cancer cells detach and move into the circulation till cells reach to the secondary target site. Comprehensive analysis of the molecular and functional biology of anoikis resistance in cancer cells will provide crucial details about cancer metastasis, enabling us to identify novel therapeutic targets against cancer cell dissemination and ultimately secondary tumor formation. This review broadly summarizes recent advances in the understanding of cellular and molecular events leading to anoikis and anoikis resistance. It further elaborates more about the signaling cross-talk in anoikis resistance and its regulation during metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, 190005, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), 201002, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, 190005, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), 201002, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, 190005, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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Chan C, Lustig M, Baumann N, Valerius T, van Tetering G, Leusen JHW. Targeting Myeloid Checkpoint Molecules in Combination With Antibody Therapy: A Novel Anti-Cancer Strategy With IgA Antibodies? Front Immunol 2022; 13:932155. [PMID: 35865547 PMCID: PMC9295600 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.932155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with therapeutic antibodies has shown a lack of durable responses in some patients due to resistance mechanisms. Checkpoint molecules expressed by tumor cells have a deleterious impact on clinical responses to therapeutic antibodies. Myeloid checkpoints, which negatively regulate macrophage and neutrophil anti-tumor responses, are a novel type of checkpoint molecule. Myeloid checkpoint inhibition is currently being studied in combination with IgG-based immunotherapy. In contrast, the combination with IgA-based treatment has received minimal attention. IgA antibodies have been demonstrated to more effectively attract and activate neutrophils than their IgG counterparts. Therefore, myeloid checkpoint inhibition could be an interesting addition to IgA treatment and has the potential to significantly enhance IgA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chilam Chan
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marta Lustig
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Niklas Baumann
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Valerius
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Geert van Tetering
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeanette H. W. Leusen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Jeanette H. W. Leusen,
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7
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Tizaoui K, Jalouli M, Ouzari HI, Harrath AH, Rizzo R, Boujelbene N, Zidi I. 3'UTR-HLA-G polymorphisms and circulating sHLA-G are associated with breast cancer: Evidence from a meta-analysis. Immunol Lett 2022; 248:78-89. [PMID: 35752280 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) gene polymorphisms and circulating sHLA-G have often been linked to the risk of breast cancer (BC). However, the results remain controversial. To resolve this issue, we performed a meta-analysis of HLA-G gene polymorphisms and sHLA-G levels in BC. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis on the association of HLA-G 14-bp Insertion/Deletion (Ins/Del) and HLA-G +3142 C/G polymorphisms with BC as well as the relationship between sHLA-G and the disease outcome. RESULTS Pooled analysis showed a statistically significant association between the HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism and BC susceptibility for the overall population and for Caucasians. The Del allele and genotypes with at least one copy of the Del allele presented significant risks for BC. For HLA-G +3142 C/G polymorphism, the G allele significantly decreased the risk of BC for the overall population and for Caucasians, indicating that the G allele was a protective factor against BC and that the C allele was a significant risk factor for BC. The meta-analysis revealed a significantly increased level of sHLA-G patients with BC compared to the control group for the overall population, Caucasians and Asians. CONCLUSION The present meta-analysis showed a major association of both HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Del and +3142 C/G polymorphisms with BC susceptibility, suggesting Del and C variants as highly significant risk factors for BC. The present study also showed significantly higher sHLA-G levels in patients with BC compared to healthy controls. Our pooled results suggested a critical role of HLA-G in BC, thereby providing evidence to use HLA-G as a biomarker and a therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalthoum Tizaoui
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Maroua Jalouli
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hadda-Imene Ouzari
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- King Saud University, College of Science, Department of Zoology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Section Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nadia Boujelbene
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Pathology, Salah Azaïz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Inès Zidi
- Laboratory Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
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Hu C, Huang Q, Sun Q. The Regulation of Lymph Node Pre-Metastatic Niche Formation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:852611. [PMID: 35574333 PMCID: PMC9094482 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.852611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In many distinct forms of malignancies, there is a close relationship between lymph node (LN) metastases and further dissemination to distant organs, and this is a critical prognostic factor. At the beginning of the process, the original tumor secretes soluble substances or releases extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are carried through lymphatic channels to draining (sentinel) LN. The tumor-derived factors then drive LN remodeling. These significant alterations occur prior to the emergence of the first metastatic cell, bringing about the development of a pre-metastatic niche that allows metastatic cells to survive and thrive. In this review, we discuss current information available about the regulation of lymph node pre-metastatic niche in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the role of EVs in forming the pre-metastatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Eckstein M, Taubert H, Wach S, Fiebig C, Strick R, Hartmann A, Seliger B. The Human Leukocyte Antigen G as an Immune Escape Mechanism and Novel Therapeutic Target in Urological Tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811200. [PMID: 35185904 PMCID: PMC8855320 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-classical human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a potent regulatory protein involved in the induction of immunological tolerance. This is based on the binding of membrane-bound as well as soluble HLA-G to inhibitory receptors expressed on various immune effector cells, in particular NK cells and T cells, leading to their attenuated functions. Despite its restricted expression on immune-privileged tissues under physiological conditions, HLA-G expression has been frequently detected in solid and hematopoietic malignancies including urological cancers, such as renal cell and urothelial bladder carcinoma and has been associated with progression of urological cancers and poor outcome of patients: HLA-G expression protects tumor cells from anti-tumor immunity upon interaction with its inhibitory receptors by modulating both the phenotype and function of immune cells leading to immune evasion. This review will discuss the expression, regulation, functional and clinical relevance of HLA-G expression in urological tumors as well as its use as a putative biomarker and/or potential therapeutic target for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma as well as urothelial bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Wach
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Fiebig
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reiner Strick
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Main Department of GMP Cell and Gene Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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10
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Zheng G, Jia L, Yang AG. Roles of HLA-G/KIR2DL4 in Breast Cancer Immune Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:791975. [PMID: 35185887 PMCID: PMC8850630 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.791975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a nonclassical MHC Class I molecule, which was initially reported as a mediator of immune tolerance when expressed in extravillous trophoblast cells at the maternal-fetal interface. HLA-G is the only known ligand of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 2DL4 (KIR2DL4), an atypical family molecule that is widely expressed on the surface of NK cells. Unlike other KIR receptors, KIR2DL4 contains both an arginine–tyrosine activation motif in its transmembrane region and an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) in its cytoplasmic tail, suggesting that KIR2DL4 may function as an activating or inhibitory receptor. The immunosuppressive microenvironment exemplified by a rewired cytokine network and upregulated immune checkpoint proteins is a hallmark of advanced and therapy-refractory tumors. Accumulating evidence has shown that HLA-G is an immune checkpoint molecule with specific relevance in cancer immune escape, although the role of HLA-G/KIR2DL4 in antitumor immunity is still uncharacterized. Our previous study had shown that HLA-G was a pivotal mediator of breast cancer resistance to trastuzumab, and blockade of the HLA-G/KIR2DL4 interaction can resensitize breast cancer to trastuzumab treatment. In this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the role of HLA-G/KIR2DL4 in the immune microenvironment of breast cancer. A better understanding of HLA-G is beneficial to identifying novel biomarker(s) for breast cancer, which is important for precision diagnosis and prognostic assessment. In addition, it is also necessary to unravel the mechanisms underlying HLA-G/KIR2DL4 regulation of the immune microenvironment in breast cancer, hopefully providing a rationale for combined HLA-G and immune checkpoints targeting for the effective treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lintao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - An-Gang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Martín-Villa JM, Vaquero-Yuste C, Molina-Alejandre M, Juarez I, Suárez-Trujillo F, López-Nares A, Palacio-Gruber J, Barrera-Gutiérrez L, Fernández-Cruz E, Rodríguez-Sainz C, Arnaiz-Villena A. HLA-G: Too Much or Too Little? Role in Cancer and Autoimmune Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:796054. [PMID: 35154112 PMCID: PMC8829012 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.796054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule with immunomodulatory properties. It was initially described at the maternal-fetal interface, and it was later found that this molecule was constitutively expressed on certain immuneprivileged tissues, such as cornea, endothelial and erythroid precursors, and thymus. The immunosuppressive effect of HLA-G is exerted through the interaction with its cognate receptors, expressed on immunocompetent cells, like ILT2, expressed on NK, B, T cells and APCs; ILT4, on APCs; KIR, found on the surface of NK cells; and finally, the co-receptor CD8. Because of these immunomodulatory functions, HLA-G has been involved in several processes, amongst which organ transplantation, viral infections, cancer progression, and autoimmunity. HLA-G neo-expression on tumors has been recently described in several types of malignancies. In fact, tumor progression is tightly linked to the presence of the molecule, as it exerts its tolerogenic function, inhibiting the cells of the immune system and favoring tumor escape. Several polymorphisms in the 3’UTR region condition changes in HLA-G expression (14bp and +3142C/G, among others), which have been associated with both the development and outcome of patients with different tumor types. Also, in recent years, several studies have shown that HLA-G plays an important role in the control of autoimmune diseases. The ability of HLA-G to limit the progression of these diseases has been confirmed and, in fact, levels of the molecule and several of its polymorphisms have been associated with increased susceptibility to the development of autoimmune diseases, as well as increased disease severity. Thus, modulating HLA-G expression in target tissues of oncology patients or patients with autoimmune diseases may be potential therapeutic approaches to treat these pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Martín-Villa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Vaquero-Yuste
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Molina-Alejandre
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Juarez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Suárez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-Nares
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Palacio-Gruber
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Barrera-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Sainz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Arnaiz-Villena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Li P, Wang N, Zhang Y, Wang C, Du L. HLA-G/sHLA-G and HLA-G-Bearing Extracellular Vesicles in Cancers: Potential Role as Biomarkers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791535. [PMID: 34868081 PMCID: PMC8636042 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a non-classic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is expressed in fetal-maternal interface and immunoprivileged site only in healthy condition, and in pathological conditions such as cancer, it can be de novo expressed. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a key molecule in the process of immune escape of cancer cells, which is ubiquitously expressed in the tumor environment. This raises the possibility that it may play an adverse role in tumor immunity. The expression level of HLA-G has been demonstrated to be highly correlated with clinical parameters in many tumors, and its potential significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer has been postulated. However, because HLA-G itself has up to seven different subtypes, and for some subtypes, detected antibodies are few or absent, it is hard to evaluate the actual expression of HLA-G in tumors. In the present work, we described (a) the structure and three main forms of HLA-G, (b) summarized the mechanism of HLA-G in the immune escape of tumor cells, (c) discussed the potential role of HLA-G as a tumor marker, and reviewed (d) the methods for detecting and quantifying HLA-G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
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13
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Bai Y, Liu W, Xie Y, Liang J, Wang F, Li C. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) expression plays an important role in the diagnosis and grading of endometrial cancer. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2021; 42:641-647. [PMID: 34382498 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2021.1920007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The research aimed to investigate the expression of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) in cancer tissues and normal endometrium and the expression of HLA-G in the three different grades of Endometrial cancer, to determine if HLA-G expression is related with the diagnosis and grading of endometrial cancer. The expression of HLA-G protein was analysed in the primary tumour in 97 tissue samples obtained from endometrial cancer, in which 30 samples were at pathological Grade 1; 37 samples were at Grade 2; 27 samples were at Grade 3; and the other 5 samples were obtained from normal endometrium. The HLA-G protein level was measured by immunohistochemical method and analysed according to the clinicopathological parameters of patients. A statistically significant difference (p < .05) was observed in HLA-G expression between the cancerous tissue and the normal endometrium (p = .0007), and the histochemistry score (H-score) of the negative control was 0.05 ± 0.03 (mean ± SD). Statistically significant correlations were also observed between samples of pathological Grade 1 and Grade 2 (p = .0126), Grade 2 and Grade 3 (p = .0359), Grade 1 and Grade 3 (p = .0001). Endometrial cancer cells express higher levels of HLA-G probably to escape immune surveillance, and HLA-G expression level is related with the pathological grade of endometrial cancer. Therefore, HLA-G detecting and quantifying could possibly help diagnosing, grading and treatment of endometrial cancer.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The expression of a member of the non-classical HLA antigens, HLA-G, is one of the main ways for tumour immune escape and progression. The significance of HLA-G in tumour biology has been intensively investigated (Carosella et al. 2015), and now it is widely acknowledged that HLA-G expression in tumours is highly linked with immune suppressive microenvironments, advanced tumour stage, poor therapeutic responses and prognosis (Lin and Yan, 2018). However, to our knowledge, no research has been conducted on the correlation between HLA-G expression and pathological grades of endometrial cancer.What do the results of this study add? Our study demonstrated that the expression of HLA-G plays an important role in the pathological grading of endometrial cancer.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Measuring the level of HLA-G expression to help pathological grading of endometrial cancer is important in determining the treatment of patients with endometrial cancer and studying the underlying mechanisms of the development of endometrial cancer, while proving or finding new targeted therapies inhibiting or modifying these processes still requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunkai Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhui Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Changzhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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14
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Hazini A, Fisher K, Seymour L. Deregulation of HLA-I in cancer and its central importance for immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002899. [PMID: 34353849 PMCID: PMC8344275 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that many tumors undergo a process of clonal selection which means that tumor antigens arising at various stages of tumor progression are likely to be represented in just a subset of tumor cells. This process is thought to be driven by constant immunosurveillance which applies selective pressure by eliminating tumor cells expressing antigens that are recognized by T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that the same selective pressure may also select for tumor cells that evade immune detection by acquiring deficiencies in their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) presentation pathways, allowing important tumor antigens to persist within cells undetected by the immune system. Deficiencies in antigen presentation pathway can arise by a variety of mechanisms, including genetic and epigenetic changes, and functional antigen presentation is a hard phenomenon to assess using our standard analytical techniques. Nevertheless, it is likely to have profound clinical significance and could well define whether an individual patient will respond to a particular type of therapy or not. In this review we consider the mechanisms by which HLA function may be lost in clinical disease, we assess the implications for current immunotherapy approaches using checkpoint inhibitors and examine the prognostic impact of HLA loss demonstrated in clinical trials so far. Finally, we propose strategies that might be explored for possible patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Hazini
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Kerry Fisher
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Len Seymour
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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15
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A Critical Assessment of the Association between HLA-G Expression by Carcinomas and Clinical Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158265. [PMID: 34361031 PMCID: PMC8347921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) conveys immunological tolerance at the maternal-foetal interface. HLA-G expression by tumour cells may also play such a role, resulting in tumour immune evasion, making HLA-G a potential target for immunotherapies. The aim of this review was to determine to what extent it is justified that HLA-G expression is considered as a target for immune checkpoint inhibiting therapy by critically assessing the association between HLA-G expression by carcinomas and clinical outcome of patients. The used HLA-G-detecting mAb, HLA-G quantification methods and statistically significant HLA-G-associated clinicopathological parameters are discussed. Tumour HLA-G expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in breast, esophageal, gastric and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Tumour HLA-G expression was not associated with clinical outcome in ovarian and oral carcinoma patients. Cervical, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic carcinoma patients presented discrepant and therefore inconclusive results regarding the association between tumour HLA-G expression and clinical outcome. These disparities might partly be the result of differences in the methodological approach to quantify HLA-G expression between studies. Therefore, implementation of universal methodological procedures is strongly advised. Overall, HLA-G expression did not univocally result in poor clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. This implies that tumour HLA-G expression is not necessarily part of an inhibited tumour-immune response and tumour progression. Consequently, it remains elusive whether HLA-G expression by carcinomas functions as an immune checkpoint molecule affecting a tumour-immune response. It may also reflect derailed control of gene expression in tumours, with no real functional consequences.
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16
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Lin A, Yan WH. HLA-G/ILTs Targeted Solid Cancer Immunotherapy: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698677. [PMID: 34276691 PMCID: PMC8278316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising immunotherapy for cancers. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a neoantigen, its biological functions and clinical relevance have been extensively investigated in malignancies, and early clinical trials with “anti-HLA-G strategy” are being launched for advance solid cancer immunotherapy. The mechanism of HLA-G as a new ICI is that HLA-G can bind immune cell bearing inhibitory receptors, the immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-2 and ILT-4. HLA-G/ILT-2/-4 (HLA-G/ILTs) signaling can drive comprehensive immune suppression, promote tumor growth and disease progression. Though clinical benefits could be expected with application of HLA-G antibodies to blockade the HLA-G/ILTs signaling in solid cancer immunotherapy, major challenges with the diversity of HLA-G isoforms, HLA-G/ILTs binding specificity, intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity of HLA-G, lack of isoform-specific antibodies and validated assay protocols, which could dramatically affect the clinical efficacy. Clinical benefits of HLA-G-targeted solid cancer immunotherapy may be fluctuated or even premature unless major challenges are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China.,Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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17
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Adolf IC, Almars A, Dharsee N, Mselle T, Akan G, Nguma IJ, Nateri AS, Atalar F. HLA-G and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with cancer in African populations: Implications in personal medicine. Genes Dis 2021; 9:1220-1233. [PMID: 35873024 PMCID: PMC9293715 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body against malignancy. During cancer immunoediting, the immune system can recognize and keep checking the tumor cells by down-expression of some self-molecules or by increasing expression of some novel molecules. However, the microenvironment created in the course of cancer development hampers the immune ability to recognize and destroy the transforming cells. Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) is emerging as immune checkpoint molecule produced more by cancer cells to weaken the immune response against them. HLA-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule which is normally expressed in immune privileged tissues as a soluble or membrane-bound protein. HLA-G locus is highly polymorphic in the non-coding 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and in the 5′ upstream regulatory region (5′ URR). HLA-G expression is controlled by polymorphisms located in these regions, and several association studies between these polymorphic sites and disease predisposition, response to therapy, and/or HLA-G protein expression have been reported. Various polymorphisms are demonstrated to modulate its expression and this is increasingly finding more significance in cancer biology. This review focuses on the relevance of the HLA-G gene and its polymorphisms in cancer development. We highlight population genetics of HLA-G as evidence to espouse the need and importance of exploring potential utility of HLA-G in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and immunotherapy in the currently understudied African population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Chatita Adolf
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, P.O Box 608, Tanzania
| | - Amany Almars
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Nazima Dharsee
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 3592, Tanzania
| | - Teddy Mselle
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Gokce Akan
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Irene Jeremiah Nguma
- Clinical Oncology Department, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH), Mbeya P.O Box 419, Tanzania
| | - Abdolrahman S. Nateri
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fatmahan Atalar
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
- Child Health Institute, Department of Rare Diseases, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
- Corresponding author. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, P.O Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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18
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Peng Y, Xiao J, Li W, Li S, Xie B, He J, Liu C. Prognostic and Clinicopathological Value of Human Leukocyte Antigen G in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:642902. [PMID: 34055611 PMCID: PMC8149900 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.642902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic value of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) expression in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remains controversial. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to summarize available evidence from case-control or cohort studies that evaluated this association. METHODS The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies written in English published up to April 1, 2021, and with no initial date. Furthermore, the Google Scholar and Google databases were also searched manually for gray literature. The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020213411). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for end points using fixed- and random-effects statistical models to account for heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot, Begg's and Egger's tests, and the "trim and fill" method. RESULTS A total of 30 eligible articles with 5737 unique patients, including 12 studies on colorectal cancer (CRC), 6 on gastric cancer (GC), 5 on esophageal cancer (ESCC), 5 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and 2 on pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC), were retrieved. Both univariate (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.48 ~ 2.72) and multivariate (HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 2.03 ~ 3.55) analyses revealed that HLA-G expression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (OS), regardless of the cancer type or antibody used. Subgroup analysis stratified by antibody showed that the 4H84 (I2 = 45.8%, P = 0.101) antibodies could be trustworthy and reliable for detecting HLA-G expression in GI cancers. In addition, HLA-G expression was found to be correlated with adverse clinicopathological parameters such as clinical stage, nodal status, metastasis, and histological grade but not tumor status. CONCLUSION Elevated HLA-G expression indicates a poor prognosis for GI cancer patients, and screening for this marker could allow for the early diagnosis and treatment of GI cancers to improve survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjia Peng
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyun Li
- Department of Statistics, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuna Li
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binbin Xie
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Liu L, Wang L, Zhao L, He C, Wang G. The Role of HLA-G in Tumor Escape: Manipulating the Phenotype and Function of Immune Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:597468. [PMID: 33425752 PMCID: PMC7786297 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.597468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecule, and under physiological conditions, its expression is strictly restricted to the maternal–fetal interface and immune-privileged organs where HLA-G is expected to contribute to establishment and maintenance of immune tolerance. However, the expression of HLA-G has been found in various types of tumors, and the level of its expression frequently correlates with high-grade histology and poor prognosis, raising the possibility that it may play a negative role in tumor immunity. ILT2 and ILT4, present on a broad of immune cells, have been identified as the main receptors engaging HLA-G, and their interactions have been found to allow the conversion of effectors like NK cells and T cells to anergic or unresponsive state, activated DCs to tolerogenic state, and to drive the differentiation of T cells toward suppressive phenotype. Therefore, tumors can employ HLA-G to modulate the phenotype and function of immune cells, allowing them to escape immune attack. In this review, we discuss the mechanism underlying HLA-G expression and function, its role played in each step of the tumor-immunity cycle, as well as the potential to target it for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ganlu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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20
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Zhang X, Lin A, Han QY, Zhang JG, Chen QY, Ye YH, Zhou WJ, Xu HH, Gan J, Yan WH. Intratumor Heterogeneity of HLA-G Expression in Cancer Lesions. Front Immunol 2020; 11:565759. [PMID: 33329527 PMCID: PMC7717930 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.565759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling pathway between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G and immune inhibitory receptors immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-2/4 has been acknowledged as one of immune checkpoints, and as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Like other immune checkpoints, inter- and even intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G could render a rather complexity for HLA-G-target immunotherapy. However, little information for intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G is available. In this study, HLA-G expression in a serial section of colorectal cancer (CRC) lesions from three CRC patients (each sample with serial section of 50 slides, 10 randomized slides for each antibody), three different locations within a same sample (five CRC), and three case-matched blocks that each includes 36 esophageal cancer samples, were evaluated with immunohistochemistry using anti-HLA-G antibodies (mAbs 4H84, MEM-G/1 and MEM-G/2 probing for all denatured HLA-G isoforms, 5A6G7, and 2A12 probing for denatured HLA-G5 and HLA-G6 isoforms). Our results revealed that, in addition to the frequently observed inter-tumor heterogeneity, intratumor heterogeneous expression of HLA-G is common in different areas within a tumor in CRC and esophageal cancer samples included in this study. Moreover, percentage of HLA-G expression probed with different anti-HLA-G antibodies also varies dramatically within a tumor. Given HLA-G has been considered as an important immune checkpoint, intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G expression, and different specificity of anti-HLA-G antibodies being used among studies, interpretation and clinical significance of HLA-G expression in cancers should be with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Han
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Jian-Gang Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Qiong-Yuan Chen
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Yao-Han Ye
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Jun Gan
- Medical Research Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
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21
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Würfel FM, Wirtz RM, Winterhalter C, Taffurelli M, Santini D, Mandrioli A, Veltrup E, Rübner M, Fasching PA, Würfel W, Zamagni C. HLA-J, a Non-Pseudogene as a New Prognostic Marker for Therapy Response and Survival in Breast Cancer. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2020; 80:1123-1133. [PMID: 33173240 PMCID: PMC7647720 DOI: 10.1055/a-1128-6664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are cell-surface proteins, essential for immune cell interaction. HLA-G is known for their high immunosuppressive effect and its potential as predictive marker in breast cancer. However, nothing is known about the HLA-J and its immunosuppressive, prognostic and predictive features, as it is assumed to be a "pseudogene" by in silico sequence interpretation. HLA-J, ESR1, ERBB2, KRT5 and KRT20 mRNA expression were analysed in 29 fresh frozen breast cancer biopsies and their corresponding resectates obtained from patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). mRNA was analysed with gene specific TaqMan-based Primer/Probe sets and normalized to Calmodulin 2. All breast cancer samples did express HLA-J and frequently increased HLA-J mRNA levels after NACT. HLA-J mRNA was significantly associated with overexpression of the ESR1 mRNA status (Spearman ρ 0,5679; p = 0.0090) and KRT5 mRNA (Spearman ρ 0,6121; p = 0.0041) in breast cancer core biopsies and dominated in luminal B subtype. Kaplan Meier analysis revealed that an increase of HLA-J mRNA expression after NACT had worse progression free survival (p = 0,0096), indicating a counterreaction of tumor tissues presumably to prevent elimination by enhanced immune infiltration induced by NACT. This counterreaction is associated with worse prognosis. To our knowledge this is the first study identifying HLA-J as a new predictive marker in breast cancer being involved in immune evasion mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M Würfel
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ralph M Wirtz
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Mario Taffurelli
- General and Breast Surgery Unit University of Bologna S. Orsola Hospital Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Anna Mandrioli
- Addarii Breast and Gynaecological Medical Oncology S. Orsola Hospital Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elke Veltrup
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Rübner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Claudio Zamagni
- Addarii Breast and Gynaecological Medical Oncology S. Orsola Hospital Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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22
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Wuerfel FM, Huebner H, Häberle L, Gass P, Hein A, Jud SM, Hack CC, Wunderle M, Schulz-Wendtland R, Erber R, Hartmann A, Ekici AB, Beckmann MW, Fasching PA, Ruebner M. HLA-G and HLA-F protein isoform expression in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15750. [PMID: 32978482 PMCID: PMC7519664 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72837-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive human leukocyte antigens HLA-G and HLA-F are expressed on trophoblast and malignant cells. Four membrane-bound and three soluble HLA-G protein isoforms have been described, which have different immunosuppressive potentials. HLA-F has three transcript variants, resulting in three different protein isoforms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic and predictive value of HLA-G and HLA-F protein isoform expression patterns in patients with breast cancer. Core biopsies were taken at diagnosis in patients with HER2+ (n = 28), luminal B-like (n = 49) and triple-negative (n = 38) breast cancers who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Expression levels of HLA-F and -G were correlated with the pathological complete response (pCR). Protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis, using two antibodies for each HLA, specific for different isoforms. The protein expression of HLA isoforms did not significantly differ between breast cancer subtypes. However, some initial indications were found for an association between the soluble HLA-G6 protein isoform and pCR in HER2+ breast cancer. The study provides preliminary evidence for the evaluation of HLA-G isoform expression, in particular HLA-G6, as a possible new marker for pCR in HER2+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M Wuerfel
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Huebner
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lothar Häberle
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paul Gass
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Hein
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian M Jud
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carolin C Hack
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marius Wunderle
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Schulz-Wendtland
- Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ramona Erber
- Institute of Pathology, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arif B Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Ruebner
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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23
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Emadi E, Akhoundi F, Kalantar SM, Emadi-Baygi M. Predicting the most deleterious missense nsSNPs of the protein isoforms of the human HLA-G gene and in silico evaluation of their structural and functional consequences. BMC Genet 2020; 21:94. [PMID: 32867672 PMCID: PMC7457528 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) protein is an immune tolerogenic molecule with 7 isoforms. The change of expression level and some polymorphisms of the HLA-G gene are involved in various pathologies. Therefore, this study aimed to predict the most deleterious missense non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in HLA-G isoforms via in silico analyses and to examine structural and functional effects of the predicted nsSNPs on HLA-G isoforms. RESULTS Out of 301 reported SNPs in dbSNP, 35 missense SNPs in isoform 1, 35 missense SNPs in isoform 5, 8 missense SNPs in all membrane-bound HLA-G isoforms and 8 missense SNPs in all soluble HLA-G isoforms were predicted as deleterious by all eight servers (SIFT, PROVEAN, PolyPhen-2, I-Mutant 3.0, SNPs&GO, PhD-SNP, SNAP2, and MUpro). The Structural and functional effects of the predicted nsSNPs on HLA-G isoforms were determined by MutPred2 and HOPE servers, respectively. Consurf analyses showed that the majority of the predicted nsSNPs occur in conserved sites. I-TASSER and Chimera were used for modeling of the predicted nsSNPs. rs182801644 and rs771111444 were related to creating functional patterns in 5'UTR. 5 SNPs in 3'UTR of the HLA-G gene were predicted to affect the miRNA target sites. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the HLA-G deregulation can serve as a prognostic marker for some cancers. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of in silico SNP prioritization methods provides a great framework for the recognition of functional SNPs. The results obtained from the current study would be called laboratory investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Emadi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Akhoundi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Kalantar
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Modjtaba Emadi-Baygi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Research Institute of Biotechnology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
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24
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Loustau M, Anna F, Dréan R, Lecomte M, Langlade-Demoyen P, Caumartin J. HLA-G Neo-Expression on Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1685. [PMID: 32922387 PMCID: PMC7456902 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is known to modulate the immune system activity in tissues where physiological immune-tolerance is necessary (i.e., maternal-fetal interface, thymus, and cornea). However, the frequent neo-expression of HLA-G in many cancer types has been previously and extensively described and is correlated with a bad prognosis. Despite being an MHC class I molecule, HLA-G is highly present in tumor context and shows unique characteristics of tissue restriction of a Tumor Associated Antigen (TAA), and potent immunosuppressive activity of an Immune CheckPoint (ICP). Consequently, HLA-G appears to be an excellent molecular target for immunotherapy. Although the relevance of HLA-G in cancer incidence and development has been proven in numerous tumors, its neo-expression pattern is still difficult to determine. Indeed, the estimation of HLA-G's actual expression in tumor tissue is limited, particularly concerning the presence and percentage of the new non-canonical isoforms, for which detection antibodies are scarce or inexistent. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about HLA-G neo-expression and implication in various tumor types, pointing out the need for the development of new tools to analyze in-depth the HLA-G neo-expression patterns, opening the way for the generation of new monoclonal antibodies and cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - François Anna
- Invectys, Paris, France
- Molecular Virology and Vaccinology Unit, Virology Department, Institut Pasteur & CNRS URA 3015, Paris, France
| | - Raphaelle Dréan
- Invectys, Paris, France
- Molecular Retrovirology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 3569, Paris, France
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25
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El-Kenawi A, Hänggi K, Ruffell B. The Immune Microenvironment and Cancer Metastasis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:a037424. [PMID: 31501262 PMCID: PMC7117953 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between neoplastic cells and the immune microenvironment regulates every step of the metastatic process. Immune cells contribute to invasion by secreting a cornucopia of inflammatory factors that promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and remodeling of the stroma. Cancer cells then intravasate to the circulatory system assisted by macrophages and use several pathways to avoid recognition by cytotoxtic lymphocytes and phagocytes. Circulating tumor cells that manage to adhere to the vasculature and encounter premetastic niches are able to use the associated myeloid cells to extravasate into ectopic organs and establish a dormant microscopic colony. If successful at avoiding repetitive immune attack, dormant cells can subsequently grow into overt, clinically detectable metastatic lesions, which ultimately account to most cancer-related deaths. Understanding how disseminated tumor cells evade and corrupt the immune system during the final stages of metastasis will be pivotal in developing new therapeutic modalities that combat metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa El-Kenawi
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Kay Hänggi
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Brian Ruffell
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
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26
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Sayad S, Ahmadi SAY, Moradi M, Nekouian R, Anbari K, Shahsavar F. A meta-analysis on diagnostic accuracy of serum HLA-G level in breast cancer. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2020.1735936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Sayad
- Department of Breast Surgery, Firoozgar Clinical Research Development Center (FCRDC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Amir Yasin Ahmadi
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Moradi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Firoozgar Clinical Research Development Center (FCRDC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Nekouian
- Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khatereh Anbari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Farhad Shahsavar
- Department of Immunology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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27
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Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor 2DL4 (CD158d) Regulates Human Mast Cells both Positively and Negatively: Possible Roles in Pregnancy and Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030954. [PMID: 32023940 PMCID: PMC7037260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) 2DL4 (CD158d) was previously thought to be a human NK cell-specific protein. Mast cells are involved in allergic reactions via their KIT-mediated and FcɛRI-mediated responses. We recently detected the expression of KIR2DL4 in human cultured mast cells established from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers (PB-mast), in the human mast cell line LAD2, and in human tissue mast cells. Agonistic antibodies against KIR2DL4 negatively regulate the KIT-mediated and FcɛRI-mediated responses of PB-mast and LAD2 cells. In addition, agonistic antibodies and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a natural ligand for KIR2DL4, induce the secretion of leukemia inhibitory factor and serine proteases from human mast cells, which have been implicated in pregnancy establishment and cancer metastasis. Therefore, KIR2DL4 stimulation with agonistic antibodies and recombinant HLA-G protein may enhance both processes, in addition to suppressing mast-cell-mediated allergic reactions.
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28
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Zhong X, Zhang H, Zhu Y, Liang Y, Yuan Z, Li J, Li J, Li X, Jia Y, He T, Zhu J, Sun Y, Jiang W, Zhang H, Wang C, Ke Z. Circulating tumor cells in cancer patients: developments and clinical applications for immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:15. [PMID: 31980023 PMCID: PMC6982393 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-1141-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed into the bloodstream from either primary or metastatic tumors during an intermediate stage of metastasis. In recent years, immunotherapy has also become an important focus of cancer research. Thus, to study the relationship between CTCs and immunotherapy is extremely necessary and valuable to improve the treatment of cancer. In this review, based on the advancements of CTC isolation technologies, we mainly discuss the clinical applications of CTCs in cancer immunotherapy and the related immune mechanisms of CTC formation. In order to fully understand CTC formation, sufficiently and completely understood molecular mechanism based on the different immune cells is critical. This understanding is a promising avenue for the development of effective immunotherapeutic strategies targeting CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zhong
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hangtian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuqing Liang
- The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zhuolin Yuan
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiachen Li
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yifan Jia
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tian He
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiangyuan Zhu
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wengting Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Cheng Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of medicine, The Fifth Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zunfu Ke
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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29
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Kadiam S, Ramasamy T, Ramakrishnan R, Mariakuttikan J. Association of HLA-G 3'UTR 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism with breast cancer among South Indian women. J Clin Pathol 2019; 73:456-462. [PMID: 31796638 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2019-205772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AIM Human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are potent immune mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of HLA-G and promoter region of TNF-α are well known to influence their expression levels and may consequently contribute to varied disease predisposition. Therefore, in the present study, we explored the effect of HLA-G 3'UTR (14-bp Ins/Del and +3142 C/G) and TNF-α promoter (-238 G/A and -308 G/A) polymorphisms on breast cancer risk among South Indian women. METHODS A total of 342 women (100 patients with breast cancer, 142 patients with benign breast disorder and 100 healthy women volunteers) were enrolled for this study. Genotyping of HLA-G and TNF-α polymorphisms were performed by direct PCR DNA amplification and amplification refractory mutation system PCR methods, respectively. RESULTS Significantly higher frequencies of HLA-G 14-bp Ins allele and Ins/+3142G haplotype were observed in patients with breast cancer than healthy controls (OR=1.56, Pc=0.036) and patients with benign breast disorder (OR=1.47, Pc=0.046). Similarly, subgroup analysis based on age at diagnosis (age≤50 years and >50 years) of breast cancer revealed higher frequencies of 14-bp Ins allele and Ins/+3142G haplotype in the patients of age >50 years than healthy controls (OR=1.77, Pc=0.03). Additionally, the extended haplotypes and multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis of the studied polymorphisms revealed significant contribution of HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism towards breast cancer risk. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study suggest that the HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism could influence breast cancer pathogenesis among South Indian women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sony Kadiam
- Department of Immunology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
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30
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Adolf IC, Akan G, Mselle TF, Dharsee N, Namkinga LA, Atalar F. Implication of Soluble HLA-G and HLA-G +3142G/C Polymorphism in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Therapy in Tanzania. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2019; 20:3465-3472. [PMID: 31759373 PMCID: PMC7062990 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.11.3465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During cancer growth, immunosuppressive microenvironment is created that enables tumour cells to evade an eliminative immune response and hence manage to grow into malignancy. HLA-G, existing as either membrane-bound (mHLA-G) or soluble (sHLA-G) molecule is thought to be immunosuppressive and produced more by tumor cells. The +3142G/C polymorphism in HLA-G gene affects its expression, and G allele is considered to be a protective mutant allele associated with less expression of HLA-G. The implication of HLA-G in cancer development has been reported in different cancers and populations. But, its implication in most African populations has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the possible associations of soluble HLA-G and HLA-G +3142G/C SNP with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS 75 breast cancer patients and 84 normal controls were recruited in this study. The genotyping of HLA-G +3142G/C polymorphism was determined by LightSNiP typing assay using quantitative Real-Time PCR and sHLA-G levels were determined by ELISA. RESULTS The sHLA-G levels were significantly lower in breast cancer patients than in controls (p<0.001). Also, they were significantly lower in mastectomized patients compared to non-mastectomized patients (p=0.018). The ROC analysis revealed a significant ability of sHLA-G to differentiate breast cancer patients versus normal controls (AUC=0.697, 95% CI= 0.619-0.767, p<0.001) and identify mastectomized patients (AUC=0.667, 95% CI= 0.549 to 0.772, p=0.041). The assessment of +3142G/C polymorphism revealed a relatively similar distribution of frequencies of genotypes and alleles between breast cancer patients and normal controls (p>0.05) and was neither associated with sHLA-G levels. CONCLUSION While the +3142G/C SNP was found not to be relevant to breast cancer, the changes of sHLA-G levels in response to medical interventions such as mastectomy may be translated into its potential prognostic utility for breast cancer. More studies are needed to provide clear evidence of sHLA-G as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of breast cancer in Tanzania. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Chatita Adolf
- Department of Biochemistry, MUHAS Genetics Laboratory, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences,
- University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences,
| | - Gokce Akan
- Department of Biochemistry, MUHAS Genetics Laboratory, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences,
| | - Teddy F Mselle
- Department of Biochemistry, MUHAS Genetics Laboratory, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences,
| | | | - Lucy A Namkinga
- University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences,
| | - Fatmahan Atalar
- Department of Biochemistry, MUHAS Genetics Laboratory, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences,
- 4Child Health Institute, Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul University, Turkey.
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31
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Würfel FM, Winterhalter C, Trenkwalder P, Wirtz RM, Würfel W. European Patent in Immunoncology: From Immunological Principles of Implantation to Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081830. [PMID: 31013867 PMCID: PMC6514949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The granted European patent EP 2 561 890 describes a procedure for an immunological treatment of cancer. It is based on the principles of the HLA-supported communication of implantation and pregnancy. These principles ensure that the embryo is not rejected by the mother. In pregnancy, the placenta, more specifically the trophoblast, creates an “interface” between the embryo/fetus and the maternal immune system. Trophoblasts do not express the “original” HLA identification of the embryo/fetus (HLA-A to -DQ), but instead show the non-classical HLA groups E, F, and G. During interaction with specific receptors of NK cells (e.g., killer-immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR)) and lymphocytes (lymphocyte-immunoglobulin-like receptors (LIL-R)), the non-classical HLA groups inhibit these immunocompetent cells outside pregnancy. However, tumors are known to be able to express these non-classical HLA groups and thus make use of an immuno-communication as in pregnancies. If this occurs, the prognosis usually worsens. This patent describes, in a first step, the profiling of the non-classical HLA groups in primary tumor tissue as well as metastases and recurrent tumors. The second step comprises tailored antibody therapies, which is the subject of this patent. In this review, we analyze the underlying mechanisms and describe the currently known differences between HLA-supported communication of implantation and that of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M Würfel
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, D-50935 Cologne, Werthmannstrasse 1c, 50935 Cologne, Germany.
| | | | | | - Ralph M Wirtz
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, D-50935 Cologne, Werthmannstrasse 1c, 50935 Cologne, Germany.
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Lin A, Yan WH. Heterogeneity of HLA-G Expression in Cancers: Facing the Challenges. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2164. [PMID: 30319626 PMCID: PMC6170620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity has been observed in most malignancies, which represents a considerable challenge for tumor therapy. In recent decades, the biological function and clinical significance of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G have been intensively explored. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a critical marker of immunotolerance in cancer cell immune evasion and is strongly associated with disease progress and prognosis for cancer patients. Moreover, it has recently been emphasized that the signaling pathway linking HLA-G and immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs) is considered an immune checkpoint. In addition, HLA-G itself can generate at least seven distinct isoforms, and intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G expression is common across different tumor types. Furthermore, HLA-G heterogeneity in cancers has been related to disease stage and outcomes, metastatic status and response to different therapies. This review focuses on the heterogeneity of HLA-G expression in malignant lesions, and clinical implications of this heterogeneity that might be relevant to personalized treatments are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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33
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Zhang Y, Yu S, Han Y, Wang Y, Sun Y. Human leukocyte antigen-G expression and polymorphisms promote cancer development and guide cancer diagnosis/treatment. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:699-709. [PMID: 29399142 PMCID: PMC5772757 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical HLA molecule, predominantly expressed in cytotrophoblast cells to protect the fetus during pregnancy. Notably, a high frequency of HLA-G expression has been observed in a wide variety of cancer types in previous studies. Furthermore, HLA-G expression in cancer has been considered to be detrimental, since it can protect cancer cells from natural killer cell cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated destruction, promote tumor spreading and shorten the survival time of patients by facilitating tumor immune evasion. In addition, HLA-G polymorphisms have been investigated in numerous types of cancer and are considered as risk factors and predictive markers of cancer. This review focuses on HLA-G expression and its polymorphisms in cancer, analyzing the mechanisms of HLA-G in promoting cancer development, and evaluating the potential and value of its clinical application as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, or even as a prospective therapeutic target in certain types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Shuwen Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yali Han
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yuping Sun
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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34
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Calì B, Molon B, Viola A. Tuning cancer fate: the unremitting role of host immunity. Open Biol 2017; 7:rsob.170006. [PMID: 28404796 PMCID: PMC5413907 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.170006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Host immunity plays a central and complex role in dictating tumour progression. Solid tumours are commonly infiltrated by a large number of immune cells that dynamically interact with the surrounding microenvironment. At first, innate and adaptive immune cells successfully cooperate to eradicate microcolonies of transformed cells. Concomitantly, surviving tumour clones start to proliferate and harness immune responses by specifically hijacking anti-tumour effector mechanisms and fostering the accumulation of immunosuppressive immune cell subsets at the tumour site. This pliable interplay between immune and malignant cells is a relentless process that has been concisely organized in three different phases: elimination, equilibrium and escape. In this review, we aim to depict the distinct immune cell subsets and immune-mediated responses characterizing the tumour landscape throughout the three interconnected phases. Importantly, the identification of key immune players and molecules involved in the dynamic crosstalk between tumour and immune system has been crucial for the introduction of reliable prognostic factors and effective therapeutic protocols against cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Calì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy .,Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - B Molon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - A Viola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
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35
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Kirana C, Ruszkiewicz A, Stubbs RS, Hardingham JE, Hewett PJ, Maddern GJ, Hauben E. Soluble HLA-G is a differential prognostic marker in sequential colorectal cancer disease stages. Int J Cancer 2017; 140:2577-2586. [PMID: 28233298 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The expression of HLA-G by tumour cells is an established mechanism to escape recognition and immune mediated destruction, allowing tumour survival, growth and metastasis. However, the prognostic value of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) remains unknown. Mucinous carcinoma (MC) is a distinct form of colorectal cancer (CRC) found in 10 to 15% of patients, which has long been associated with poor response to treatment. To investigate the prognostic value of plasma sHLA-G levels in CRC patients, preoperative plasma sHLA-G levels were determined by ELISA in CRC patients (n = 133). In addition, the local expression of HLA-G in tumour biopsies was assessed using tissue microarray analysis (n = 255). Within the high 33rd percentile of sHLA-G levels (265-890 U/mL; n = 44) we observed higher frequency of MC patients (p = 0.012; Chi-square), and higher sHLA-G levels in patients with vascular invasion (p = 0.035; two-tailed t-test). Moreover, MC patients had significantly higher sHLA-G levels compared to those with adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (p = 0.036; two-tailed t-test). Surprisingly, while stage II patients showed negative correlation between sHLA-G levels and liver metastasis free survival (LMFS) (p = 0.041; R = -0.321), in stage III patients high sHLA-G levels were associated with significantly longer LMFS (p = 0.002), and sHLA-G levels displayed positive correlation with LMFS (p = 0.006; R = 0.409). High HLA-G expression in tumours was associated with poor cancer specific overall survival in stage II to III (p = 0.01), and with shorter LMFS in stage II patients (p = 0.004). Our findings reveal that sHLA-G levels are associated with distinct progression patterns in consecutive disease stages, indicating a potential value as surrogate marker in the differential prognosis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Kirana
- Liver Metastasis Research Group, Department of Surgery, The Basil Hetzel Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Andrew Ruszkiewicz
- Division of Surgical Pathology, The Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Richard S Stubbs
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Wakefield Biomedical Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery, The Wakefield Clinic, Wakefield Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer E Hardingham
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Peter J Hewett
- Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia
| | - Guy J Maddern
- Liver Metastasis Research Group, Department of Surgery, The Basil Hetzel Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia.,Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia
| | - Ehud Hauben
- Liver Metastasis Research Group, Department of Surgery, The Basil Hetzel Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia
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Leone P, De Re V, Vacca A, Dammacco F, Racanelli V. Cancer treatment and the KIR-HLA system: an overview. Clin Exp Med 2017; 17:419-429. [PMID: 28188495 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-017-0455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that the success of cancer therapy depends not only on a combination of adequate procedures (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) that aim to eliminate all tumor cells, but also on the functional state of the host immune system. HLA and KIR molecules, in particular, are critical to the interactions between tumor cells and both innate and adaptive immune cells such as NK cells and T cells. Different KIR-HLA gene combinations as well as different HLA expression levels on tumor cells associate with variable tumor prognosis and response to treatment. On the other hand, different therapies have different effects on HLA molecules and immune cell functions regulated by these molecules. Here, we provide an overview of the KIR-HLA system, a description of its alterations with clinical relevance in diverse tumor types, and an analysis of the consequences that conventional cancer therapies may have on it. We also discuss how this knowledge can be exploited to identify potential immunological biomarkers that can help to select patients for tailored therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Leone
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico - 11, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Valli De Re
- Bio-Proteomics Facility, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico - 11, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Franco Dammacco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico - 11, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico - 11, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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37
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Abstract
It is now widely recognized that HLA-G molecule is implicated in immune tolerance and particularly in immune subversion of tumor cells. In this study, we explored levels of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in plasma samples obtained from women with breast cancer (BC). Additionally, we correlated sHLA-G concentration with pregnancy and breastfeeding history. We reported in this preliminary work significant differences in sHLA-G levels between BC patients with/without breastfeeding experience (p = 0.04). Interestingly, among women with BC, only those without previous pregnancy experience present significant increase in sHLA-G (p = 0.02). Of relevance, we demonstrated that patients without both pregnancy and breastfeeding history have advanced SBR III grade, associated with significant enhancement in tumor size compared with patients who had both experiences (p = 0.028). Taken together, our results indicate the potential implication of previous pregnancy and breastfeeding experience in sHLA-G expression during BC. We theorized that having pregnancy and breastfeeding history may protect against advanced BC stages.
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38
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Long-term exposure of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to ethanol stimulates oncogenic features. Int J Oncol 2016; 50:49-65. [PMID: 27959387 PMCID: PMC5182011 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for breast cancer. Little is known regarding the mechanism, although it is assumed that acetaldehyde or estrogen mediated pathways play a role. We previously showed that long-term exposure to 2.5 mM ethanol (blood alcohol ~0.012%) of MCF-12A, a human normal epithelial breast cell line, induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and oncogenic transformation. In this study, we investigated in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, whether a similar exposure to ethanol at concentrations ranging up to peak blood levels in heavy drinkers would increase malignant progression. Short-term (1-week) incubation to ethanol at as low as 1-5 mM (corresponding to blood alcohol concentration of ~0.0048-0.024%) upregulated the stem cell related proteins Oct4 and Nanog, but they were reduced after exposure at 25 mM. Long-term (4-week) exposure to 25 mM ethanol upregulated the Oct4 and Nanog proteins, as well as the malignancy marker Ceacam6. DNA microarray analysis in cells exposed for 1 week showed upregulated expression of metallothionein genes, particularly MT1X. Long-term exposure upregulated expression of some malignancy related genes (STEAP4, SERPINA3, SAMD9, GDF15, KRT15, ITGB6, TP63, and PGR, as well as the CEACAM, interferon related, and HLA gene families). Some of these findings were validated by RT-PCR. A similar treatment also modulated numerous microRNAs (miRs) including one regulator of Oct4 as well as miRs involved in oncogenesis and/or malignancy, with only a few estrogen-induced miRs. Long-term 25 mM ethanol also induced a 5.6-fold upregulation of anchorage-independent growth, an indicator of malignant-like features. Exposure to acetaldehyde resulted in little or no effect comparable to that of ethanol. The previously shown alcohol induction of oncogenic transformation of normal breast cells is now complemented by the current results suggesting alcohol's potential involvement in malignant progression of breast cancer.
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39
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Mohme M, Riethdorf S, Pantel K. Circulating and disseminated tumour cells - mechanisms of immune surveillance and escape. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2016; 14:155-167. [PMID: 27644321 DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2016.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic spread of tumour cells is the main cause of cancer-related deaths. Understanding the mechanisms of tumour-cell dissemination has, therefore, become an important focus for cancer research. In patients with cancer, disseminated cancer cells are often detectable in the peripheral blood as circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and in the bone marrow or lymph nodes as disseminated tumour cells (DTCs). The identification and characterization of CTCs and DTCs has yielded important insights into the mechanisms of metastasis, resulting in a better understanding of the molecular alterations and profiles underlying drug resistance. Given the expanding role of immunotherapies in the treatment of cancer, interactions between tumour cells and immune cells are the subject of intense research. Theoretically, cancer cells that exit the primary tumour site - leaving the protection of the typically immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment - will be more vulnerable to attack by immune effector cells; thus, the survival of tumour cells after dissemination might be the 'Achilles' heel' of metastatic progression. In this Review, we discuss findings relating to the interactions of CTCs and DTCs with the immune system, in the context of cancer immuno-editing, evasion from immune surveillance, and formation of metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Mohme
- Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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40
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Lazarte J, Goldraich L, Manlhiot C, Kozuszko S, Rao V, Delgado D. Human Leukocyte Antigen-G Polymorphisms Association With Cancer Post-Heart Transplantation. Hum Immunol 2016; 77:805-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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41
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Moslehi A, Hashemi-Beni B, Moslehi A, Akbari MA, Adib M. The effect of progesterone and 17-β estradiol on membrane-bound HLA-G in adipose derived stem cells. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 20:341-6. [PMID: 27382350 PMCID: PMC4930902 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2016.20.4.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Membrane-bound HLA-G (mHLA-G) discovery on adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) as a tolerogenic and immunosuppressive molecule was very important. Many documents have shown that HLA-G expression can be controlled via some hormones such as progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2). Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate progesterone and estradiol effects on mHLA-G in ADSCs at restricted and combination concentrations. Three independent cell lines were cultured in complete free phenol red DMEM and subcultured to achieve suffi cient cells. These cells were treated with P4, E2 and P4 plus E2 at physiologic and pregnancy concentrations for 3 days in cell culture conditions. The HLA-G positive ADSCs was measured via monoclonal anti HLA-G-FITC/MEMG-09 by means of flow cytometry in nine groups. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests. There were no signifi cant values of the mean percentage of HLA-G positive cells in E2-treated and the combination of P4 plus E2-treated ADSCs compared to control cells (p value>0.05) but P4 had a signifi cant increase on mHLA-G in ADSCs (p value<0.05). High P4 concentration increased mHLA-G but E2 and the combination of P4 plus E2 could not change mHLA-G on ADSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Moslehi
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Batool Hashemi-Beni
- Department of Anatomical Science and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Azam Moslehi
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Medical School, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom 3713649373, Iran
| | - Maryam Ali Akbari
- Department of Anatomical Science and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Minoo Adib
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
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42
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Ishibashi K, Kumai T, Ohkuri T, Kosaka A, Nagato T, Hirata Y, Ohara K, Oikawa K, Aoki N, Akiyama N, Sado M, Kitada M, Harabuchi Y, Celis E, Kobayashi H. Epigenetic modification augments the immunogenicity of human leukocyte antigen G serving as a tumor antigen for T cell-based immunotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1169356. [PMID: 27471649 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1169356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune escape has been a major problem for developing effective immunotherapy. The human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a non-classical MHC class I molecule whose primary function is to protect the fetus from the mother's immune system. While HLA-G is hardly found in normal adult tissues, various tumor cells are known to express it, aiding their escape from the immune system. Thus, HLA-G is an attractive immunotherapy target. CD4(+) helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) play an important role in the immune reaction against tumors by assisting in the generation and persistence of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or by displaying direct antitumor effects. We report here that HLA-G expression in breast cancer significantly correlates with a poor prognosis. Also, we describe that the MHC class II-binding peptide HLA-G26-40 was effective in eliciting tumor-reactive CD4(+) T cell responses. Furthermore, treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine increased HLA-G expression in tumors and subsequently enhanced recognition by HLA-G26-40-specific HTLs. These findings predict that a combination immunotherapy targeting HLA-G together with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor could be useful against some cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Ishibashi
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan; Respiratory and Breast Center, Asahikawa Medical University Hospital, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Takumi Kumai
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan; Cancer Immunology, Inflammation and Tolerance Program, Augusta University Cancer Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Takayuki Ohkuri
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Akemi Kosaka
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Nagato
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yui Hirata
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Kenzo Ohara
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Kensuke Oikawa
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Naoko Aoki
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Naoko Akiyama
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University Hospital , Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Sado
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University Hospital , Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kitada
- Respiratory and Breast Center, Asahikawa Medical University Hospital , Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Harabuchi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Esteban Celis
- Cancer Immunology, Inflammation and Tolerance Program, Augusta University Cancer Center , Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Hiroya Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa, Japan
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43
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König L, Kasimir-Bauer S, Hoffmann O, Bittner AK, Wagner B, Manvailer LFS, Schramm S, Bankfalvi A, Giebel B, Kimmig R, Horn PA, Rebmann V. The prognostic impact of soluble and vesicular HLA-G and its relationship to circulating tumor cells in neoadjuvant treated breast cancer patients. Hum Immunol 2016; 77:791-9. [PMID: 26796737 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The non-classical human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) molecule and its soluble forms exert multiple immune suppressive regulatory functions in malignancy and in stem cells contributing to immune escape mechanisms. HLA-G can be secreted as free soluble HLA-G molecules or via extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here we evaluated these soluble HLA-G forms as prognostic marker for prediction of the clinical outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) treated breast cancer (BC) patients. Plasma samples of BC patients procured before (n=142) and after (n=154) NACT were quantified for total soluble HLA-G (sHLA-Gtot) and HLA-G levels in ExoQuick™ derived EV fractions (sHLA-GEV) by ELISA. The corresponding increments were specified as free sHLA-G (sHLA-Gfree). Total and free sHLA-G were significantly increased in NACT treated BC patients compared to healthy controls (n=16). High sHLA-Gfree levels were exclusively associated to estrogen receptor expression before NACT. Importantly, high sHLA-GEV levels before NACT were related to disease progression and the detection of stem cell-like circulating tumor cells, but high sHLA-Gfree levels indicated an improved clinical outcome. Thus, this study demonstrates for the first time that the different sHLA-G subcomponents represent dissimilar qualitative prognostic impacts on the clinical outcome of NACT treated BC patients, whereas the total sHLA-G levels without separating into subcomponents are not related to clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa König
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany.
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Hoffmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Bittner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Luis Felipe Santos Manvailer
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany; The Capes Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Cx. Postal 250, Brasília DF 70.040-020, Brazil
| | - Sabine Schramm
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Agnes Bankfalvi
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Bernd Giebel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Peter A Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Association of HLA-G +3142 C>G polymorphism and breast cancer in Tunisian population. Immunol Res 2016; 64:961-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s12026-015-8782-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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HLA-G and MHC Class II Protein Expression in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2015; 64:225-40. [PMID: 26667793 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-015-0372-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The expression of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) and HLA class II protein was studied by immunohistochemical staining of lymph nodes from 148 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and related to the clinical course of the disease. Negative HLA-G expression was associated with a lower probability of achieving a complete remission (p = 0.04). Patients with negative HLA-G expression tended towards a lower 3-year overall survival (OS) rate compared to those with positive expression of HLA-G (p = 0.08). When restricting the analysis to patients receiving chemotherapy with rituximab, the estimated 3-year OS rate of patients with positive HLA-G expression was 73.3 % compared with 47.5 % (p = 0.03) in those with negative expression. Patients with negative HLA class II expression presented a lower 3-year OS rate compared to subjects with positive expression (p = 0.04). The loss of HLA class II expression (p = 0.05) and belonging to the intermediate high/high IPI risk group (p = 0.001) independently increased the risk of death. HLA class II expression also retained its prognostic value in patients receiving rituximab; the 3-year OS rate was 65.3 % in patients with positive HLA class II expression versus 29.6 % (p = 0.04) in subjects that had loss of HLA class II expression. To our knowledge, for the first time, the expression of HLA-G protein in DLBCL and its association with the clinical course of the disease was demonstrated. Moreover, the link between losing HLA class II protein expression and poor survival of patients treated with immunochemotherapy was confirmed.
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Khorrami S, Rahimi R, Mohammadpour H, Bahrami S, Yari F, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh R. Association of HLA-G*01:01:02:01/G*01:04:01 polymorphism with gastric adenocarcinoma. Hum Immunol 2015; 77:153-7. [PMID: 26585776 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) plays an important role in tumor cell escape from immune surveillance and HLA-G polymorphisms might service as a potential risk factor for clinical outcomes in GAC (gastric adenocarcinoma). We investigated the association between HLA-G polymorphisms as well as soluble HLA-G level and accordance of GAC. This case-control study included 100 GAC patients and 102 unrelated Iranian individual's samples as control. The clinical stages ranged from I to IV. PCR-RFLP method was carried out in order to specify the genotypes of the HLA-G gene. Concentrations of sHLA-G in serum were determined with the sHLA-G-specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The G*01:04:01 and G*01:01:02:01 alleles were the predominant alleles in GAC patients and healthy controls. The G*01:01:03:01 and G*01:01:08 allele distributions are significantly higher among controls comparing to cases and seem to have protective effect (P value=0.026 and 0.007 respectively). There is a substantial differences in G*01:01:02:01/G*01:04:01 genotype frequencies between cases and controls (OR=2.8, P value<0.001). The G*01:01:03:01/G*01:04:01 and G*01:01:02:01/G*01:01:08 genotypes frequency are higher among controls in comparison to patients (P value=0.028 and 0.007 respectively). The polymorphisms in HLA-G could affect GAC induction and its outcome. Also, increased sHLA-G levels in serum might be a useful biomarker for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Khorrami
- Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Rahimi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hemn Mohammadpour
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salahadin Bahrami
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yari
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Lin A, Yan WH. Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) Expression in Cancers: Roles in Immune Evasion, Metastasis and Target for Therapy. Mol Med 2015; 21:782-791. [PMID: 26322846 PMCID: PMC4749493 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2015.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant induction of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) expression has been observed in various malignancies and is strongly associated with tumor immune escape, metastasis and poor prognosis. To date, great achievements have been made in understanding the underlying mechanisms of HLA-G involved in tumor progression. HLA-G could lead to tumor evasion by inhibition of immune cell cytolysis, differentiation and proliferation and inhibition of cytokine production, induction of immune cell apoptosis, generation of regulatory cells and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressive cells and by impairment of chemotaxis. Moreover, HLA-G could arm tumor cells with a higher invasive and metastatic potential with the upregulation of tumor-promoting factor expression such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), indicating that ectopic HLA-G expression could render multiple effects during the progression of malignancies. In this review, we summarized the mechanisms of HLA-G involved in promoting tumor cell immune escaping, metastasis and disease progression. Special attention will be paid to its significance as an attractive therapeutic target in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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Dias FC, Castelli EC, Collares CVA, Moreau P, Donadi EA. The Role of HLA-G Molecule and HLA-G Gene Polymorphisms in Tumors, Viral Hepatitis, and Parasitic Diseases. Front Immunol 2015; 6:9. [PMID: 25699038 PMCID: PMC4313582 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering that the non-classical HLA-G molecule has well-recognized tolerogenic properties, HLA-G expression is expected to be deleterious when present in tumor cells and in cells chronically infected by viruses, whereas HLA-G expression is expected to be advantageous in autoimmune disorders. The expression of HLA-G on tissue or peripheral blood cells, the levels of soluble HLA-G and polymorphic sites along the gene have been studied in several disorders. In this study, we revised the role of the molecule and polymorphic sites along the HLA-G gene in tumors, viral hepatitis, and parasitic disorders. Overall, several lines of evidence clearly show that the induction of HLA-G expression in tumors has been associated with worse disease outcome and disease spread. In addition, the few studies conducted on hepatitis and parasitic disorders indicate that HLA-G may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Few isolated polymorphic sites, primarily located at the coding or 3′ untranslated HLA-G region, have been evaluated in these disorders, and a complete HLA-G typing together with the study of gene regulatory elements may further help on the understanding of the influence of the genetic background on disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrício C Dias
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Erick C Castelli
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista , Botucatu , Brazil
| | - Cristhianna V A Collares
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Philippe Moreau
- Research Division in Hematology and Immunology, Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies, Saint-Louis Hospital, CEA , Paris , France
| | - Eduardo A Donadi
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
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Zhang X, Li S, Zhang Y, Lu Y, Wang J, Xu J, Li X, Qin X. Meta-analysis of the relationship between 14bp insertion/deletion polymorphism of HLA-G gene and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus. Hum Immunol 2014; 75:1171-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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