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Xing A, Lv D, Wu C, Zhou K, Zhao T, Zhao L, Wang H, Feng H. Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Gene Signature Predicts Prognosis and Immune Infiltration Analysis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Curr Genomics 2024; 25:88-104. [PMID: 38751598 PMCID: PMC11092909 DOI: 10.2174/0113892029278082240118053857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to assess the prognostic implications of gene signature of the tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and scrutinize the influence of TLS on immune infiltration. Methods Patients with HNSCC from the Cancer Genome Atlas were categorized into high/low TLS signature groups based on the predetermined TLS signature threshold. The association of the TLS signature with the immune microenvironment, driver gene mutation status, and tumor mutational load was systematically analyzed. Validation was conducted using independent datasets (GSE41613 and GSE102349). Results Patients with a high TLS signature score exhibited better prognosis compared to those with a low TLS signature score. The group with a high TLS signature score had significantly higher immune cell subpopulations compared to the group with a low TLS signature score. Moreover, the major immune cell subpopulations and immune circulation characteristics in the tumor immune microenvironment were positively correlated with the TLS signature. Mutational differences in driver genes were observed between the TLS signature high/low groups, primarily in the cell cycle and NRF2 signaling pathways. Patients with TP53 mutations and high TLS signature scores demonstrated a better prognosis compared to those with TP53 wild-type. In the independent cohort, the relationship between TLS signatures and patient prognosis and immune infiltration was also confirmed. Additionally, immune-related biological processes and signaling pathways were activated with elevated TLS signature. Conclusion High TLS signature is a promising independent prognostic factor for HNSCC patients. Immunological analysis indicated a correlation between TLS and immune cell infiltration in HNSCC. These findings provide a theoretical basis for future applications of TLS signature in HNSCC prognosis and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyan Xing
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Dongxiao Lv
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Changshun Wu
- Department of Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
- Department of Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Tianhui Zhao
- Department of Translational Medicine, Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214104, China
| | - Lihua Zhao
- Department of Translational Medicine, Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214104, China
| | - Huaqing Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Nankai University, Tianjin, 300000, China
| | - Hong Feng
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
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Bikorimana J, Abusarah J, Gonçalves M, Farah R, Saad W, Talbot S, Stanga D, Beaudoin S, Plouffe S, Rafei M. An engineered Accum-E7 protein-based vaccine with dual anti-cervical cancer activity. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1102-1113. [PMID: 38287511 PMCID: PMC11007051 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16096] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Worldwide prevalence of cervical cancer decreased significantly with the use of human papilloma virus (HPV)-targeted prophylactic vaccines. However, these multivalent antiviral vaccines are inert against established tumors, which leave patients with surgical ablative options possibly resulting in long-term reproductive complications and morbidity. In an attempt to bypass this unmet medical need, we designed a new E7 protein-based vaccine formulation using Accum™, a technology platform designed to promote endosome-to-cytosol escape as a means to enhance protein accumulation in target cells. Prophylactic vaccination of immunocompetent mice using the Accum-E7 vaccine (aE7) leads to complete protection from cervical cancer despite multiple challenges conducted with ascending C3.43 cellular doses (0.5-, 1.0-, and 2.0 × 106 cells). Moreover, the humoral response induced by aE7 was higher in magnitude compared with naked E7 protein vaccination and displayed potent inhibitory effects on C3.43 proliferation in vitro. When administered therapeutically to animals with pre-established C3.43 or Tal3 tumors, the vaccine-induced response synergized with multiple immune checkpoint blockers (anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA4, and anti-CD47) to effectively control tumor growth. Mechanistically, the observed therapeutic effect requires cross-presenting dendritic cells as well as CD8 T cells predominantly, with a non-negligible role played by both CD4+ and CD19+ lymphocytes. good laboratory practice (GLP) studies revealed that aE7 is immunogenic and well tolerated by immunocompetent mice with no observed adverse effects despite the use of a fourfold exceeding dose. In a nutshell, aE7 represents an ideal vaccine candidate for further clinical development as it uses a single engineered protein capable of exhibiting both prophylactic and therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean‐Pierre Bikorimana
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and ImmunologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Jamilah Abusarah
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Marina Gonçalves
- Department of Molecular BiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Roudy Farah
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and ImmunologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Wael Saad
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Sebastien Talbot
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular SciencesQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
| | - Daniela Stanga
- Defence Therapeutics Inc.VancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Simon Beaudoin
- Defence Therapeutics Inc.VancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Moutih Rafei
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and ImmunologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Department of Molecular BiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
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von Witzleben A, Ellis M, Thomas GJ, Hoffmann TK, Jackson R, Laban S, Ottensmeier CH. Tumor-Infiltrating CD103+ Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells and CD103-CD8+ T Cells in HNSCC Are Linked to Outcome in Primary but not Metastatic Disease. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:224-234. [PMID: 37874322 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE High numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are linked to better survival in patients with cancer. Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM; CD8+CD103+) are recognized as a key player of anticancer immune response. To assess TRM cells in primary, metastatic, and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we developed a tissue microarray (TMA) and used multiplex IHC (MxIHC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Samples from primary tumors of 379 HNSCC cases treated at Southampton Hospitals between 2000 and 2016 were collected and analyzed. Of these, 105 cases had lymph node metastases and 82 recurrences. A TMA was generated with triplicate cores for each sample. MxIHC with a stain-and-strip approach was performed using CD8, CD103, and TIM3. Scanned slides were analyzed (digital image analysis) and quality checked (QC). RESULTS After QC, 194 primary tumors, 76 lymph node metastases, and 65 recurrences were evaluable. Alcohol consumption was statistically significantly correlated with a reduction of TRM cells in primary tumors (nondrinker vs. heavy drinker: P = 0.0036). The known survival benefit of TRM cell infiltration in primary tumors was not found for lymph node metastasis. In recurrences, a high TRM cell number led to a favorable outcome after 12 months. The checkpoint molecule TIM3, was expressed significantly higher on TRM and non-TRM cells in the lymph node compared with primary tumors (P < 0.0001), which was also seen in recurrences (P = 0.0134 and P = 0.0007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We confirm the prognostic impact of TIL in primary tumors and in recurrences. TRM cell density in lymph node metastases was not linked to outcome. The role of TIM3, as a therapeutic target remains to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian von Witzleben
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center and School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, H, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Ellis
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center and School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, H, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth J Thomas
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center and School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, H, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas K Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Richard Jackson
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Center, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Laban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian H Ottensmeier
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology and Liverpool CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, UK University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Bao J, Betzler AC, Hess J, Brunner C. Exploring the dual role of B cells in solid tumors: implications for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1233085. [PMID: 37868967 PMCID: PMC10586314 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1233085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In the tumor milieu of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), distinct B cell subpopulations are present, which exert either pro- or anti-tumor activities. Multiple factors, including hypoxia, cytokines, interactions with tumor cells, and other immune infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), alter the equilibrium between the dual roles of B cells leading to cancerogenesis. Certain B cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit immunosuppressive function. These cells are known as regulatory B (Breg) cells. Breg cells suppress immune responses by secreting a series of immunosuppressive cytokines, including IL-10, IL-35, TGF-β, granzyme B, and adenosine or dampen effector TILs by intercellular contacts. Multiple Breg phenotypes have been discovered in human and mouse cancer models. However, when compartmentalized within a tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS), B cells predominantly play anti-tumor effects. A mature TLS contains a CD20+ B cell zone with several important types of B cells, including germinal-center like B cells, antibody-secreting plasma cells, and memory B cells. They kill tumor cells via antibody-dependent cytotoxicity and phagocytosis, and local complement activation effects. TLSs are also privileged sites for local T and B cell coordination and activation. Nonetheless, in some cases, TLSs may serve as a niche for hidden tumor cells and indicate a bad prognosis. Thus, TIL-B cells exhibit bidirectional immune-modulatory activity and are responsive to a variety of immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss the functional distinctions between immunosuppressive Breg cells and immunogenic effector B cells that mature within TLSs with the focus on tumors of HNSCC patients. Additionally, we review contemporary immunotherapies that aim to target TIL-B cells. For the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to complement T-cell-based immunotherapy, a full understanding of either effector B cells or Breg cells is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantong Bao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head & Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Annika C. Betzler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head & Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Brunner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head & Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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5
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Conarty JP, Wieland A. The Tumor-Specific Immune Landscape in HPV+ Head and Neck Cancer. Viruses 2023; 15:1296. [PMID: 37376596 DOI: 10.3390/v15061296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agent of several anogenital cancers as well as head and neck cancers, with HPV+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) becoming a rapidly growing public health issue in the Western world. Due its viral etiology and potentially its subanatomical location, HPV+ HNSCC exhibits an immune microenvironment which is more inflamed and thus distinct from HPV-negative HNSCC. Notably, the antigenic landscape in most HPV+ HNSCC tumors extends beyond the classical HPV oncoproteins E6/7 and is extensively targeted by both the humoral and cellular arms of the adaptive immune system. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of HPV-specific immune responses in patients with HPV+ HNSCC. We highlight the localization, antigen specificity, and differentiation states of humoral and cellular immune responses, and discuss their similarities and differences. Finally, we review currently pursued immunotherapeutic treatment modalities that attempt to harness HPV-specific immune responses for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HPV+ HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob P Conarty
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andreas Wieland
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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6
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Alghamdi MA, AL-Eitan LN, Tarkhan AH. Integrative analysis of gene expression and DNA methylation to identify biomarkers of non-genital warts induced by low-risk human papillomaviruses infection. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16101. [PMID: 37215908 PMCID: PMC10196596 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human papillomaviruses have been shown to dysregulate the gene expression and DNA methylation profiles of their host cells over the course of infection. However, there is a lack of information on the impact of low-risk HPV infection and wart formation on host cell's expression and methylation patterns. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse the genome and methylome of common warts using an integrative approach. Methods In the present study, gene expression (GSE136347) and methylation (GSE213888) datasets of common warts were obtained from the GEO database. Identification of the differentially expressed and differentially methylated genes was carried out using the RnBeads R package and the edgeR Bioconductor package. Next, functional annotation of the identified genes was obtained using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Network construction and analyses of the gene-gene, protein-protein, and signaling interactions of the differentially expressed and differentially methylated genes was performed using the GeneMANIA web interface, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database, and the Signaling Network Open Resource 2.0 (SIGNOR 2.0), respectively. Lastly, significant hub genes were identified using the Cytoscape application CytoHubba. Results A total of 276 genes were identified as differentially expressed and differentially methylated in common warts, with 52% being upregulated and hypermethylated. Functional enrichment analysis identified extracellular components as the most enriched annotations, while network analyses identified ELN, ITGB1, TIMP1, MMP2, LGALS3, COL1A1 and ANPEP as significant hub genes. Conclusions To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first integrative study to be carried out on non-genital warts induced by low-risk HPV types. Future studies are required to re-validate the findings in larger populations using alternative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour A. Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laith N. AL-Eitan
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Amneh H. Tarkhan
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
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Taverna C, Franchi A. Role of Surgical Pathologist for Detection of Immunooncologic Predictive Factors in Head and Neck Cancer. Adv Anat Pathol 2023; 30:167-173. [PMID: 36175939 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000374] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancers. Antiprogrammed cell death (PD)-1 therapies have been recently approved in this setting and they are currently tested also in the treatment of locally advanced diseases and in the neoadjuvant setting. However, the clinical benefits of these treatments have been quite variable, hence the need to select those patients who may obtain the maximal efficacy through the identification of predictive biomarkers. Currently, PD-L1 immunohistochemical expression by tumor and immune cells is the most widely used predictive biomarker for immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, patients with PD-L1 - tumors may still respond to treatments, thereby emphasizing the need for the identification of other predictive biomarkers. In this review, we summarize the current data on histologic and molecular parameters that can be used to select patients with head and neck cancers for immunotherapy, with a focus on squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Taverna
- Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Saba NF, Pamulapati S, Patel B, Mody M, Strojan P, Takes R, Mäkitie AA, Cohen O, Pace-Asciak P, Vermorken JB, Bradford C, Forastiere A, Teng Y, Wieland A, Ferlito A. Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Treating HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071959. [PMID: 37046621 PMCID: PMC10092986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most common malignancy, with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) accounting for a majority of cases in the western world. While HNC accounts for only 5% of all cancers in the United States, the incidence of a subset of OPSCC caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasing rapidly. The treatment for OPSCC is multifaceted, with a recently emerging focus on immunotherapeutic approaches. With the increased incidence of HPV-related OPSCC and the approval of immunotherapy in the management of recurrent and metastatic HNC, there has been rising interest in exploring the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of HPV-related OPSCC specifically. The immune microenvironment in HPV-related disease is distinct from that in HPV-negative OPSCC, which has prompted further research into various immunotherapeutics. This review focuses on HPV-related OPSCC, its immune characteristics, and current challenges and future opportunities for immunotherapeutic applications in this virus-driven cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil F. Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Bhamini Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
| | - Mayur Mody
- Hematology and Oncology Program, AdventHealth Medical Group, Calhoun, GA 30701, USA
| | - Primož Strojan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Takes
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Antti A. Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Research Program in Systems Oncology, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Oded Cohen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Soroka Medical Center, Be’er Sheva 84-101, Israel
| | - Pia Pace-Asciak
- Department of Otolarynology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jan B. Vermorken
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carol Bradford
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Arlene Forastiere
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Andreas Wieland
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, 35100 Padua, Italy
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Kim SS, Liu HC, Mell LK. Treatment Considerations for Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer with a Contraindication to Cisplatin. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:147-161. [PMID: 36696081 PMCID: PMC9992074 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01051-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Significant advancements have been made in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer, predominantly driven by the integration of concurrent chemotherapy with radiation therapy as a standard of care for many patients. The most heavily investigated chemotherapeutic is cisplatin, yet many patients are ineligible for cisplatin due to the presence of pre-existing medical comorbidities. Moreover, given the toxicity profile of cisplatin, identifying which patients stand to benefit from cisplatin is challenging, which is particularly evident in older patients. Efforts to better risk-stratify patients based on age, performance status, and the degree of pre-existing comorbidities are ongoing and have been increasingly utilized in national clinical trials. In parallel, exploration into alternative systemic agents, including novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies, in cisplatin-ineligible patients are rapidly expanding. Cumulatively, identifying appropriate treatment paradigms in patients who harbor contraindications to cisplatin can not only improve clinical outcomes but also critically mitigate detrimental adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangwoo S Kim
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, MC0843, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hannah C Liu
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, MC0843, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Loren K Mell
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, MC0843, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Ruffin AT, Li H, Vujanovic L, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL, Bruno TC. Improving head and neck cancer therapies by immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:173-188. [PMID: 36456755 PMCID: PMC9992112 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Targeted immunotherapy has improved patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20% of patients produce a durable response to these treatments. Thus, new immunotherapies that consider all key players of the complex HNSCC tumour microenvironment (TME) are necessary to further enhance tumour-specific T cell responses in patients. HNSCC is an ideal tumour type in which to evaluate immune and non-immune cell differences because of two distinct TME aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative disease), multiple anatomic sites for tumour growth, and clear distinctions between patients with locally advanced disease and those with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Recent technological and scientific advancements have provided a more complete picture of all cellular constituents within this complex TME and have evaluated the interplay of both immune and non-immune cells within HNSCC. Here, we include a comprehensive analysis of the complete ecosystem of the HNSCC TME, performed utilizing data-rich resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, and cutting-edge techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional flow cytometry and spatial multispectral imaging, to generate improved treatment strategies for this diverse disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Housaiyin Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Wang S, Li X, Liu C, Yuan Y, Ma F. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the role of HPV16-positive macrophages in cervical cancer prognosis. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28410. [PMID: 36519591 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Almost all cases of cervical cancer (CC) can be attributed to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPVs) infections in keratinocytes. However, it is unknown whether HPV invades immune cells such as macrophages and T cells. We analyzed the single-cell transcriptome of the CC and its adjacent tissues and found that HPV16 genes, including E1, E6, and E7, expressed in the macrophages and CD8+ T cells in addition to the malignant cells. HPV16+ macrophages highly expressed the genes that promote cell adhesion and the favorable genes such as WAS, IQCB1, MYO1F, and PDZD11 in CC prognosis. The transcription factor KLF5 potentially accounted for the induction of these protective genes and thus facilitated the infiltration of the immune cells in tumor tissues. Our single-cell transcriptome analysis suggests the potential value of the HPV16+ macrophage in CC prognosis. However, extensive experimental studies investigating the characteristics and functions of the HPV+ immune cells are still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Medical Research, Jiangsu Toneker Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Feng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, China
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12
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Khadela A, Shah Y, Mistry P, Bodiwala K, CB A. Immunomodulatory Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Recent Advances and Clinical Prospects. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338221150559. [PMID: 36683526 PMCID: PMC9893386 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221150559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a significant role in the development, invasion, progression, and metastasis of head and neck cancer. Over the last decade, the emergence of immunotherapy has irreversibly altered the paradigm of cancer treatment. The current treatment modalities for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) include surgery, radiotherapy, and adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy which has failed to provide satisfactory clinical outcomes. To encounter this, there is a need for a novel or targeted therapy such as immunological targets along with conventional treatment strategy for optimal therapeutic outcomes. The immune system can contribute to promoting metastasis, angiogenesis, and growth by exploiting the tumor's influence on the microenvironment. Immunological targets have been found effective in recent clinical studies and have shown promising results. This review outlines the important immunological targets and the medications acting on them that have already been explored, are currently under clinical trials and are further being targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Khadela
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Yesha Shah
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Priya Mistry
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Kunjan Bodiwala
- Department of Pharmaceutical chemistry, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Avinash CB
- Medical Oncologist, ClearMedi Radiant Hospital, Mysore, India
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13
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Ectopic expression of meiotic cohesin generates chromosome instability in cancer cell line. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204071119. [PMID: 36179046 PMCID: PMC9549395 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204071119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This work originated from mining of cancer genome data and proceeded to analyze the effects of ectopic expression of meiotic cohesins in mitotic cells in culture. In the process, apart from conclusively answering the question on mechanisms for RAD21L toxicity and its underrepresentation in tumor transcriptomes, we found an association of meiotic cohesin binding with BORIS/CTCFL sites in the normal testis. We also elucidated the patterns and outcomes of meiotic cohesin binding to chromosomes in model cell lines. Furthermore, we uncovered that RAD21L-based meiotic cohesin possesses a self-contained chromosome restructuring activity able to trigger sustainable but imperfect mitotic arrest leading to chromosomal instability. The discovered epigenomic and genetic mechanisms can be relevant to chromosome instability in cancer. Many tumors express meiotic genes that could potentially drive somatic chromosome instability. While germline cohesin subunits SMC1B, STAG3, and REC8 are widely expressed in many cancers, messenger RNA and protein for RAD21L subunit are expressed at very low levels. To elucidate the potential of meiotic cohesins to contribute to genome instability, their expression was investigated in human cell lines, predominately in DLD-1. While the induction of the REC8 complex resulted in a mild mitotic phenotype, the expression of the RAD21L complex produced an arrested but viable cell pool, thus providing a source of DNA damage, mitotic chromosome missegregation, sporadic polyteny, and altered gene expression. We also found that genomic binding profiles of ectopically expressed meiotic cohesin complexes were reminiscent of their corresponding specific binding patterns in testis. Furthermore, meiotic cohesins were found to localize to the same sites as BORIS/CTCFL, rather than CTCF sites normally associated with the somatic cohesin complex. These findings highlight the existence of a germline epigenomic memory that is conserved in cells that normally do not express meiotic genes. Our results reveal a mechanism of action by unduly expressed meiotic cohesins that potentially links them to aneuploidy and chromosomal mutations in affected cells.
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14
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Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Different Immune Signatures in HPV- and HPV + Driven Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:2079389. [PMID: 36157879 PMCID: PMC9507777 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2079389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant health problem and related to poor long-term outcomes, indicating more research to be done to deeply understand the underlying pathways. Objective This current study aimed in the assessment of the viral- (especially human papilloma virus [HPV]) and carcinogen-driven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) microenvironment based on single-cell sequencing analysis. Methods Data were downloaded from GEO database (GSE139324), including 131224 cells from 18 HP- HNSCC patients and 8 HPV+ HNSCC patients. Following data normalization, all highly variable genes in single cells were identified, and batch correction was applied. Differentially expressed genes were identified using Wilcoxon rank sum test. A gene enrichment analysis was performed in each cell cluster using KEGG analysis. Single-cell pseudotime trajectories were constructed with MONOCLE (version 2.6.4). Cell-cell interactions were analyzed with CellChat R package. Additionally, cell-cell communication patterns in key signal pathways were compared in different tissue groups. A hidden Markov model (HMM) was used to predict gene expression states (on or off) throughout pseudotime. Five-year overall survival outcomes were compared in both HPV+ and HPV- subsets. Results 20,978 high-quality individual cells passed quality control. RNA-seq data were used from 522 HNSCC primary tumor samples. 1,137 differentially expressed genes between HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC patients were investigated. 96 differentially expressed genes were associated with overall survival and highly enriched in B cell associated biological process. Cell composition differed between types of samples. MHC-I, MHC-II, and MIF signaling pathways were found to be most relevant. Within these pathways, some cells were either signal receiver or signal sender, depending on sample type, respectively. Six genes were obtained, AREG and TGFBI (upregulation), CD27, CXCR3, MS4A1, and CD19 (downregulation), whose expression and HPV types were highly associated with worse overall survival. AREG and TGFBI were pDC marker genes, CXCR3 and CD27 were significantly expressed in T cell-related cells, while MS4A1 and CD19 were mainly expressed in B naïve cells. Conclusions This study revealed dynamic changes in cell percentage and heterogeneity of cell subtypes of HNSCC. AREG, TGFBI, CD27, CXCR3, MS4A1, and CD19 were associated with worse overall survival in HPV-related HNSCC. Especially B-cell related pathways were revealed as particularly relevant in HPV-related HNSCC. These findings are a basis for the development of biomarkers and therapeutic targets in respective patients.
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15
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Duhen T, Gough MJ, Leidner RS, Stanton SE. Development and therapeutic manipulation of the head and neck cancer tumor environment to improve clinical outcomes. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:902160. [PMID: 35937775 PMCID: PMC9354490 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.902160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical response to cancer therapies involves the complex interplay between the systemic, tumoral, and stromal immune response as well as the direct impact of treatments on cancer cells. Each individual's immunological and cancer histories are different, and their carcinogen exposures may differ. This means that even though two patients with oral tumors may carry an identical mutation in TP53, they are likely to have different pre-existing immune responses to their tumors. These differences may arise due to their distinct accessory mutations, genetic backgrounds, and may relate to clinical factors including previous chemotherapy exposure and concurrent medical comorbidities. In isolation, their cancer cells may respond similarly to cancer therapy, but due to their baseline variability in pre-existing immune responses, patients can have different responses to identical therapies. In this review we discuss how the immune environment of tumors develops, the critical immune cell populations in advanced cancers, and how immune interventions can manipulate the immune environment of patients with pre-malignancies or advanced cancers to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael J. Gough
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, United States
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16
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Glathar AR, Oyelakin A, Gluck C, Bard J, Sinha S. p63 Directs Subtype-Specific Gene Expression in HPV+ Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:879054. [PMID: 35712470 PMCID: PMC9192977 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.879054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex heterogeneity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) reflects a diverse underlying etiology. This heterogeneity is also apparent within Human Papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) HNSCC subtypes, which have distinct gene expression profiles and patient outcomes. One aggressive HPV+ HNSCC subtype is characterized by elevated expression of genes involved in keratinization, a process regulated by the oncogenic transcription factor ΔNp63. Furthermore, the human TP63 gene locus is a frequent HPV integration site and HPV oncoproteins drive ΔNp63 expression, suggesting an unexplored functional link between ΔNp63 and HPV+ HNSCC. Here we show that HPV+ HNSCCs can be molecularly stratified according to ΔNp63 expression levels and derive a ΔNp63-associated gene signature profile for such tumors. We leveraged RNA-seq data from p63 knockdown cells and ChIP-seq data for p63 and histone marks from two ΔNp63high HPV+ HNSCC cell lines to identify an epigenetically refined ΔNp63 cistrome. Our integrated analyses reveal crucial ΔNp63-bound super-enhancers likely to mediate HPV+ HNSCC subtype-specific gene expression that is anchored, in part, by the PI3K-mTOR pathway. These findings implicate ΔNp63 as a key regulator of essential oncogenic pathways in a subtype of HPV+ HNSCC that can be exploited as a biomarker for patient stratification and treatment choices.
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17
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Eschweiler S, Ramírez-Suástegui C, Li Y, King E, Chudley L, Thomas J, Wood O, von Witzleben A, Jeffrey D, McCann K, Simon H, Mondal M, Wang A, Dicker M, Lopez-Guadamillas E, Chou TF, Dobbs NA, Essame L, Acton G, Kelly F, Halbert G, Sacco JJ, Schache AG, Shaw R, McCaul JA, Paterson C, Davies JH, Brennan PA, Singh RP, Loadman PM, Wilson W, Hackshaw A, Seumois G, Okkenhaug K, Thomas GJ, Jones TM, Ay F, Friberg G, Kronenberg M, Vanhaesebroeck B, Vijayanand P, Ottensmeier CH. Intermittent PI3Kδ inhibition sustains anti-tumour immunity and curbs irAEs. Nature 2022; 605:741-746. [PMID: 35508656 PMCID: PMC9132770 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04685-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ (PI3Kδ) has a key role in lymphocytes, and inhibitors that target this PI3K have been approved for treatment of B cell malignancies1-3. Although studies in mouse models of solid tumours have demonstrated that PI3Kδ inhibitors (PI3Kδi) can induce anti-tumour immunity4,5, its effect on solid tumours in humans remains unclear. Here we assessed the effects of the PI3Kδi AMG319 in human patients with head and neck cancer in a neoadjuvant, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized phase II trial (EudraCT no. 2014-004388-20). PI3Kδ inhibition decreased the number of tumour-infiltrating regulatory T (Treg) cells and enhanced the cytotoxic potential of tumour-infiltrating T cells. At the tested doses of AMG319, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) required treatment to be discontinued in 12 out of 21 of patients treated with AMG319, suggestive of systemic effects on Treg cells. Accordingly, in mouse models, PI3Kδi decreased the number of Treg cells systemically and caused colitis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed a PI3Kδi-driven loss of tissue-resident colonic ST2 Treg cells, accompanied by expansion of pathogenic T helper 17 (TH17) and type 17 CD8+ T (TC17) cells, which probably contributed to toxicity; this points towards a specific mode of action for the emergence of irAEs. A modified treatment regimen with intermittent dosing of PI3Kδi in mouse models led to a significant decrease in tumour growth without inducing pathogenic T cells in colonic tissue, indicating that alternative dosing regimens might limit toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yingcong Li
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Emma King
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Dorset Cancer Centre, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Lindsey Chudley
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jaya Thomas
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Oliver Wood
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Adrian von Witzleben
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Danielle Jeffrey
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Katy McCann
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hayley Simon
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Alice Wang
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nicola A Dobbs
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - Louisa Essame
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - Gary Acton
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - Fiona Kelly
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - Gavin Halbert
- Cancer Research UK Formulation Unit, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joseph J Sacco
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Cancer Research UK Experimental Cancer Medicine Center Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Graeme Schache
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard Shaw
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Joseph H Davies
- Dorset Cancer Centre, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | | | - Rabindra P Singh
- Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul M Loadman
- University of Bradford, Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Bradford, UK
| | - William Wilson
- Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre, London, UK
| | - Allan Hackshaw
- Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre, London, UK
| | | | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gareth J Thomas
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Terry M Jones
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ferhat Ay
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Mitchell Kronenberg
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Pandurangan Vijayanand
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Christian H Ottensmeier
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Cancer Research UK Experimental Cancer Medicine Center Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogeneous, complex organization composed of tumor, stroma, and endothelial cells that is characterized by cross talk between tumor and innate and adaptive immune cells. Over the last decade, it has become increasingly clear that the immune cells in the TME play a critical role in controlling or promoting tumor growth. The function of T lymphocytes in this process has been well characterized. On the other hand, the function of B lymphocytes is less clear, although recent data from our group and others have strongly indicated a critical role for B cells in antitumor immunity. There are, however, a multitude of populations of B cells found within the TME, ranging from naive B cells all the way to terminally differentiated plasma cells and memory B cells. Here, we characterize the role of B cells in the TME in both animal models and patients, with an emphasis on dissecting how B cell heterogeneity contributes to the immune response to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Downs-Canner
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeremy Meier
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Benjamin G Vincent
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; .,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jonathan S Serody
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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19
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McCann K, von Witzleben A, Thomas J, Wang C, Wood O, Singh D, Boukas K, Bendjama K, Silvestre N, Nielsen FC, Thomas G, Sanchez-Elsner T, Greenbaum J, Schoenberger S, Peters B, Vijayanand P, Savelyeva N, Ottensmeier C. Targeting the tumor mutanome for personalized vaccination in a TMB low non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e003821. [PMID: 35361728 PMCID: PMC8971766 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is characterized by an accumulation of somatic mutations, of which a significant subset can generate cancer-specific neoepitopes that are recognized by autologous T cells. Such neoepitopes are emerging as important targets for cancer immunotherapy, including personalized cancer vaccination strategies. METHODS We used whole-exome and RNA sequencing analysis to identify potential neoantigens for a patient with non-small cell lung cancer. Thereafter, we assessed the autologous T-cell reactivity to the candidate neoantigens using a long peptide approach in a cultured interferon gamma ELISpot and tracked the neoantigen-specific T-cells in the tumor by T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing. In parallel, identified gene variants were incorporated into a Modified Vaccinia Ankara-based vaccine, which was evaluated in the human leucocyte antigen A*0201 transgenic mouse model (HHD). RESULTS Sequencing revealed a tumor with a low mutational burden: 2219 sequence variants were identified from the primary tumor, of which 23 were expressed in the transcriptome, involving 18 gene products. We could demonstrate spontaneous T-cell responses to 5/18 (28%) mutated gene variants, and further analysis of the TCR repertoire of neoantigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells revealed TCR clonotypes that were expanded in both blood and tumor tissue. Following vaccination of HHD mice, de novo T-cell responses were generated to 4/18 (22%) mutated gene variants; T cells reactive against two variants were also evident in the autologous setting. Subsequently, we determined the major histocompatibility complex restriction of the T-cell responses and used in silico prediction tools to determine the likely neoepitopes. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the feasibility of efficiently identifying tumor-specific neoantigens that can be targeted by vaccination in tumors with a low mutational burden, promising successful clinical exploitation, with trials currently underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy McCann
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Adrian von Witzleben
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jaya Thomas
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Chuan Wang
- Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Oliver Wood
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Divya Singh
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Konstantinos Boukas
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Kaidre Bendjama
- Research and Development Department, Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Nathalie Silvestre
- Research and Development Department, Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | | | - Gareth Thomas
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Tilman Sanchez-Elsner
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Jason Greenbaum
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephen Schoenberger
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Bjoern Peters
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Natalia Savelyeva
- Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christian Ottensmeier
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
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20
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Qureshi HA, Zhu X, Yang GH, Steadele M, Pierce RH, Futran ND, Lee SM, Méndez E, Houghton AM. Impact of HPV status on immune responses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2022; 127:105774. [PMID: 35219073 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of our study was to understand the impact of immune cell composition and the tumor-reactivity of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in HPV-positive (HPV+) and HPV-negative (HPV-) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). TIL cultures were established from primary HNSCC tumors, the T cell subsets were phenotypically characterized using flow cytometry, and Interferon (IFN)-γ ELISA assay was used to determine TIL function. NanoString Immune Profiler was used to determine an immune signature by HPV-status, and multiplex immunohistochemistry (MIHC) was used to quantify immune cell distributions and their spatial relationships. Results showed that HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC had similar capacity to expand IFN-γ reactive TIL populations, and these TIL populations had similar characteristics. NanoString analysis revealed increased differential expression of genes related to B cell functions in HPV+ HNSCC, which were significant at a Benjamini-Yekutieli adjusted p-value of < 0.001. MIHC also displayed increased CD8+ T cell and CD19/CD20+ B cell densities in the tumor region of HPV+ HNSCC as opposed to HPV- HNSCC (p < 0.01). Increases in a combined metric of tumor B cell content and stromal plasma cell content was associated with increased progression-free survival in HPV- HNSCC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (p = 0.03). In summary, TIL populations expanded from HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC displayed similar IFN-γ reactivity. However, we identified a strong B-cell signature present within HPV+ HNSCC, and higher B and plasma cell content associated with improved PFS in HPV- HNSCC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannan A Qureshi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Division, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Division, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Grace H Yang
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Division, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Melissa Steadele
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Division, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Robert H Pierce
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Division, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Neal D Futran
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sylvia M Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Division, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Eduardo Méndez
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Division, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - A McGarry Houghton
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Division, Seattle, WA, United States; Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
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21
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HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer: epidemiology, molecular biology and clinical management. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:306-327. [PMID: 35105976 PMCID: PMC8805140 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00603-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 136.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has one of the most rapidly increasing incidences of any cancer in high-income countries. The most recent (8th) edition of the UICC/AJCC staging system separates HPV+ OPSCC from its HPV-negative (HPV−) counterpart to account for the improved prognosis seen in the former. Indeed, owing to its improved prognosis and greater prevalence in younger individuals, numerous ongoing trials are examining the potential for treatment de-intensification as a means to improve quality of life while maintaining acceptable survival outcomes. In addition, owing to the distinct biology of HPV+ OPSCCs, targeted therapies and immunotherapies have become an area of particular interest. Importantly, OPSCC is often detected at an advanced stage owing to a lack of symptoms in the early stages; therefore, a need exists to identify and validate possible diagnostic biomarkers to aid in earlier detection. In this Review, we provide a summary of the epidemiology, molecular biology and clinical management of HPV+ OPSCC in an effort to highlight important advances in the field. Ultimately, a need exists for improved understanding of the molecular basis and clinical course of this disease to guide efforts towards early detection and precision care, and to improve patient outcomes. The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing rapidly in most developed countries. In this Review, the authors provide an overview of the epidemiology, molecular biology and treatment of HPV-positive OPSCC, including discussions of the role of treatment de-escalation and emerging novel therapies. The incidence of human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV+ OPSCC) is expected to continue to rise over the coming decades until the benefits of gender-neutral prophylactic HPV vaccination begin to become manifest. The incidence of HPV+ OPSCC appears to be highest in high-income countries, although more epidemiological data are needed from low- and middle-income countries, in which HPV vaccination coverage remains low. The substantially better prognosis of patients with HPV+ OPSCC compared to those with HPV– OPSCC has been recognized in the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM8 staging guidelines, which recommend stratification by HPV status to improve staging. The molecular biology and genomic features of HPV+ OPSCC are similar to those of other HPV-associated malignancies, with HPV oncogenes (E6 and E7) acting as key drivers of pathogenesis. Treatment de-intensification is being pursued in clinical trials, although identifying the ~15% of patients with HPV+ OPSCC who have recurrent disease, and who therefore require more intensive treatment, remains a key challenge.
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22
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Bayat Z, Ahmadi-Motamayel F, Parsa MS, Taherkhani A. Potential biomarkers and signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of primary salivary gland carcinoma: a bioinformatics study. Genomics Inform 2022; 19:e42. [PMID: 35012286 PMCID: PMC8752977 DOI: 10.5808/gi.21052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) is rare cancer, constituting 6% of neoplasms in the head and neck area. The most responsible genes and pathways involved in the pathology of this disorder have not been fully understood. We aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the most critical hub genes, transcription factors, signaling pathways, and biological processes (BPs) associated with the pathogenesis of primary SGC. The mRNA dataset GSE153283 in the Gene Expression Omnibus database was re-analyzed for determining DEGs in cancer tissue of patients with primary SGC compared to the adjacent normal tissue (adjusted p-value < 0.001; |Log2 fold change| > 1). A protein interaction map (PIM) was built, and the main modules within the network were identified and focused on the different pathways and BP analyses. The hub genes of PIM were discovered, and their associated gene regulatory network was built to determine the master regulators involved in the pathogenesis of primary SGC. A total of 137 genes were found to be differentially expressed in primary SGC. The most significant pathways and BPs that were deregulated in the primary disease condition were associated with the cell cycle and fibroblast proliferation procedures. TP53, EGF, FN1, NOTCH1, EZH2, COL1A1, SPP1, CDKN2A, WNT5A, PDGFRB, CCNB1, and H2AFX were demonstrated to be the most critical genes linked with the primary SGC. SPIB, FOXM1, and POLR2A significantly regulate all the hub genes. This study illustrated several hub genes and their master regulators that might be appropriate targets for the therapeutic aims of primary SGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Bayat
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838678, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahmadi-Motamayel
- Dental Implants Research Center and Dental Research Center, Department of Oral Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838678, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Salimi Parsa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838678, Iran
| | - Amir Taherkhani
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838678, Iran
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23
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Lue JK, Downs-Canner S, Chaudhuri J. The role of B cells in the development, progression, and treatment of lymphomas and solid tumors. Adv Immunol 2022; 154:71-117. [PMID: 36038195 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2022.07.002] [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: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
B cells are integral components of the mammalian immune response as they have the ability to generate antibodies against an almost infinite array of antigens. Over the past several decades, significant scientific progress has been made in understanding that this enormous B cell diversity contributes to pathogen clearance. However, our understanding of the humoral response to solid tumors and to tumor-specific antigens is unclear. In this review, we first discuss how B cells interact with other cells in the tumor microenvironment and influence the development and progression of various solid tumors. The ability of B lymphocytes to generate antibodies against a diverse repertoire of antigens and subsequently tailor the humoral immune response to specific pathogens relies on their ability to undergo genomic alterations during their development and differentiation. We will discuss key transforming events that lead to the development of B cell lymphomas. Overall, this review provides a foundation for innovative therapeutic interventions for both lymphoma and solid tumor malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Lue
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Stephanie Downs-Canner
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Jayanta Chaudhuri
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
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24
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Dai D, Guo Y, Shui Y, Li J, Jiang B, Wei Q. Combination of Radiosensitivity Gene Signature and PD-L1 Status Predicts Clinical Outcome of Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Study Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas Dataset. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:775562. [PMID: 34970597 PMCID: PMC8712874 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.775562] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the potential predictive value of the combination of radiosensitivity gene signature and PD-L1 expression for the prognosis of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: The cohort was selected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and classified into the radiosensitive (RS) group and radioresistant (RR) group by a radiosensitivity-related gene signature. The cohort was also grouped as PD-L1-high or PD-L1-low based on PD-L1 mRNA expression. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso)-based Cox model was used to select hub survival genes. An independent validation cohort was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Results: We selected 288 locally advanced HNSCC patients from TCGA. The Kaplan–Meier method found that the RR and PD-L1-high group had a worse survival than others (p = 0.033). The differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis identified 553 upregulated genes and 486 downregulated genes (p < 0.05, fold change >2) between the RR and PD-L1-high group and others. The univariate Cox analysis of each DEG and subsequent lasso-based Cox model revealed five hub survival genes (POU4F1, IL34, HLF, CBS, and RNF165). A further hub survival gene-based risk score model was constructed, which was validated by an external cohort. We observed that a higher risk score predicted a worse prognosis (p = 0.0013). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) plots showed that this risk score model had good prediction value (1-year AUC = 0.684, 2-year AUC = 0.702, and 3-year AUC = 0.688). Five different deconvolution methods all showed that the B cells were lower in the RR and PD-L1-high group (p < 0.05). Finally, connectivity mapping analysis showed that the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A might have the potential to reverse the phenotype of RR and PD-L1-high in locally advanced HNSCC (p < 0.05, false discovery rate <0.1). Conclusion: The combination of 31-gene signature and the PD-L1 mRNA expression had a potential predictive value for the prognosis of locally advanced HNSCC who had RT. The B cells were lower in the RR and PD-L1-high group. The identified risk gene signature of locally advanced HNSCC and the potential therapeutic drug trichostatin A for the RR and PD-L1-high group are worth being further studied in a prospective homogenous cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjun Dai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinglu Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongjie Shui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinfan Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Biao Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Zhang Y, Liu Y, Huang J, Hu Z, Miao Y. Identification of new head and neck squamous cell carcinoma subtypes and development of a novel score system (PGSscore) based on variations in pathway activity between tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4786-4805. [PMID: 36147682 PMCID: PMC9464652 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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26
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Wang C, Zainal NS, Chai SJ, Dickie J, Gan CP, Zulaziz N, Lye BKW, Sutavani RV, Ottensmeier CH, King EV, Abraham MT, Ismail SMB, Lau SH, Kallarakkal TG, Mun KS, Zain RB, Abdul Rahman ZA, Thomas GJ, Cheong SC, Savelyeva N, Lim KP. DNA Vaccines Targeting Novel Cancer-Associated Antigens Frequently Expressed in Head and Neck Cancer Enhance the Efficacy of Checkpoint Inhibitor. Front Immunol 2021; 12:763086. [PMID: 34733290 PMCID: PMC8559892 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.763086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
HPV-independent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer globally. The overall response rate to anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) in HNSCC is ~16%. One major factor influencing the effectiveness of CPI is the level of tumor infiltrating T cells (TILs). Converting TILlow tumors to TILhigh tumors is thus critical to improve clinical outcome. Here we describe a novel DNA vaccines to facilitate the T-cell infiltration and control tumor growth. We evaluated the expression of target antigens and their respective immunogenicity in HNSCC patients. The efficacy of DNA vaccines targeting two novel antigens were evaluated with or without CPI using a syngeneic model. Most HNSCC patients (43/44) co-expressed MAGED4B and FJX1 and their respective tetramer-specific T cells were in the range of 0.06-0.12%. In a preclinical model, antigen-specific T cells were induced by DNA vaccines and increased T cell infiltration into the tumor, but not MDSC or regulatory T cells. The vaccines inhibited tumor growth and improved the outcome alone and upon combination with anti-PD1 and resulted in tumor clearance in approximately 75% of mice. Pre-existence of MAGED4B and FJX1-reactive T cells in HNSCC patients suggests that these widely expressed antigens are highly immunogenic and could be further expanded by vaccination. The DNA vaccines targeting these antigens induced robust T cell responses and with the anti-PD1 antibody conferring excellent tumor control. This opens up an opportunity for combination immunotherapy that might benefit a wider population of HNSCC patients in an antigen-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wang
- Head and Neck Cancer Center, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nur Syafinaz Zainal
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - San Jiun Chai
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - James Dickie
- Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Chai Phei Gan
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Natasha Zulaziz
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bryan Kit Weng Lye
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ruhcha V Sutavani
- Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Christian H Ottensmeier
- Head and Neck Cancer Center, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emma V King
- Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mannil Thomas Abraham
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Mazlipah Binti Ismail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shin Hin Lau
- Stomatology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thomas George Kallarakkal
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kein Seong Mun
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rosnah Binti Zain
- Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Faculty of Dentistry, Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy (MAHSA) University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zainal Ariff Abdul Rahman
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University Teknologi Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Gareth J Thomas
- Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sok Ching Cheong
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Natalia Savelyeva
- Head and Neck Cancer Center, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kue Peng Lim
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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27
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Gavrielatou N, Vathiotis I, Economopoulou P, Psyrri A. The Role of B Cells in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215383. [PMID: 34771546 PMCID: PMC8582491 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Host immunity has established its role in deciding the course of cancer evolution. As cellular and molecular components in the tumor microenvironment peripherally appear to be at a constant interplay, favoring either tumor control or progression, it is vital to decrypt the immunity elements, which demonstrate the potential to be harnessed towards cancer elimination. Head and neck cancer has been characterized as densely immune infiltrated but at the same time a highly immunosuppressive malignancy due to a negative equilibrium between active and dysfunctional immune cell populations. B-cells constitute the cornerstone of humoral immunity; however, their role in cancer has been vastly overlooked in comparison to other immune subtypes and reports from multiple studies fail to show agreement on their prognostic impact. This review focuses on the role of B-cells on head and neck cancer with the aim to highlight their effect on anti-cancer immunity, as well as their possible impact on immunotherapy outcomes. Abstract Head and neck cancer comprises a heterogenous, highly immune infiltrated malignancy, defined by a predominantly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In recent years, PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors have become the standard of care treatment, either as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy agents, thus revolutionizing the therapeutic landscape of recurrent/metastatic disease. As a result, preclinical research is increasingly focusing on TME composition and pathophysiology, aiming to comprehensively characterize the specific elements and interactions affecting anti-tumor immunity, as well as to unveil novel predictive biomarkers of immunotherapy outcomes. While T lymphocytic populations have been vastly explored regarding their effect on cancer development, B-cells constitute a far less investigated, yet possibly equally important, aspect of cancer immunity. B-cell presence, either as single cells or as part of tertiary lymphoid structures within the TME, has been associated with several anti-tumor defense mechanisms, such as antigen presentation, antibody production and participation in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and has demonstrated prognostic significance for multiple types of malignancies. However, immunoregulatory B-cell phenotypes have also been identified both peripherally and within malignant tissue, bearing inhibitory effects on numerous immune response processes. Consequently, B-cells and their subsets demonstrate the potential to become valuable cancer biomarkers and acquire a leading role in future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Gavrielatou
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (N.G.); (I.V.)
| | - Ioannis Vathiotis
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (N.G.); (I.V.)
| | - Panagiota Economopoulou
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence:
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28
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Powell SF, Vu L, Spanos WC, Pyeon D. The Key Differences between Human Papillomavirus-Positive and -Negative Head and Neck Cancers: Biological and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5206. [PMID: 34680354 PMCID: PMC8533896 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a unique malignancy associated with two distinct risk factors: exposure to typical carcinogens and infection of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV encodes the potent oncoproteins E6 and E7, which bypass many important oncogenic processes and result in cancer development. In contrast, HPV-negative HNSCC is developed through multiple mutations in diverse oncogenic driver genes. While the risk factors associated with HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs are discrete, HNSCC patients still show highly complex molecular signatures, immune infiltrations, and treatment responses even within the same anatomical subtypes. Here, we summarize the current understanding of biological mechanisms, treatment approaches, and clinical outcomes in comparison between HPV-positive and -negative HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Powell
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA;
| | - Lexi Vu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - William C. Spanos
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA;
| | - Dohun Pyeon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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29
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Bajrai LH, Sohrab SS, Mobashir M, Kamal MA, Rizvi MA, Azhar EI. Understanding the role of potential pathways and its components including hypoxia and immune system in case of oral cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19576. [PMID: 34599215 PMCID: PMC8486818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98031-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There are a few biological functions or phenomenon which are universally associated with majority of the cancers and hypoxia and immune systems are among them. Hypoxia often occurs in most of the cancers which helps the cells in adapting different responses with respect to the normal cells which may be the activation of signaling pathways which regulate proliferation, angiogenesis, and cell death. Similar to it, immune signaling pathways are known to play critical roles in cancers. Moreover, there are a number of genes which are known to be associated with these hypoxia and immune system and appear to direct affect the tumor growth and propagations. Cancer is among the leading cause of death and oral cancer is the tenth-leading cause due to cancer death. In this study, we were mainly interested to understand the impact of alteration in the expression of hypoxia and immune system-related genes and their contribution to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, we have collected the genes associated with hypoxia and immune system from the literatures. In this work, we have performed meta-analysis of the gene and microRNA expression and mutational datasets obtained from public database for different grades of tumor in case of oral cancer. Based on our results, we conclude that the critical pathways which dominantly enriched are associated with metabolism, cell cycle, immune system and based on the survival analysis of the hypoxic genes, we observe that the potential genes associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its progression are STC2, PGK1, P4HA1, HK1, SPIB, ANXA5, SERPINE1, HGF, PFKM, TGFB1, L1CAM, ELK4, EHF, and CDK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Hussein Bajrai
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Mobashir
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) Karolinska Institute, Novels väg 16, Solna, 17165, Stockholm, Sweden. .,The Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India. .,SciLifeLab, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, P. O. Box 1031, 17121, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- West China School of Nursing / Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 80216, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.,Enzymoics, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia
| | - Moshahid Alam Rizvi
- The Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. .,Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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30
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Spiotto MT, Taniguchi CM, Klopp AH, Colbert LE, Lin SH, Wang L, Frederick MJ, Osman AA, Pickering CR, Frank SJ. Biology of the Radio- and Chemo-Responsiveness in HPV Malignancies. Semin Radiat Oncol 2021; 31:274-285. [PMID: 34455983 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In multiple anatomic sites, patients with cancers associated with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) experience better locoregional control and overall survival after radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy than patients with HPV-negative cancers. These improved outcomes suggest that relatively unique biological features in HPV-positive cancers may increase sensitivity to DNA damaging agents as well as an impaired DNA damage response. This review will address potential biological mechanisms driving this increased sensitivity of HPV-positive cancer to radiation and/or chemotherapy. This review will discuss the clinical and preclinical observations that support the intrinsic radiosensitivity and/or chemosensitivity of HPV-positive cancers. Furthermore, this review will highlight the molecular mechanisms for increased radiation sensitivity using the classical "4 Rs" of radiobiology: repair, reassortment, repopulation, and reoxygenation. First, HPV-positive cancers have increased DNA damage due to increased oxidative stress and impaired DNA damage repair due to the altered activity TP53, p16, TIP60, and other repair proteins. Second, irradiated HPV-positive cancer cells display increased G2/M arrest leading to reassortment of cancer cells in more radiosensitive phases of the cell cycle. In addition, HPV-positive cancers have less radioresistant cancer stem cell subpopulations that may limit their repopulation during radiotherapy. Finally, HPV-positive cancers may also have less hypoxic tumor microenvironments that make these cancers more sensitive to radiation than HPV-negative cells. We will also discuss extrinsic immune and microenvironmental factors enriched in HPV-positive cancers that facilities responses to radiation. Therefore, these potential biological mechanisms may underpin the improved clinical outcomes often observed in these virally induced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Spiotto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
| | - Cullen M Taniguchi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ann H Klopp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Lauren E Colbert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Steven H Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Abdullah A Osman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Curtis R Pickering
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Steven J Frank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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31
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Shamseddine AA, Burman B, Lee NY, Zamarin D, Riaz N. Tumor Immunity and Immunotherapy for HPV-Related Cancers. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:1896-1912. [PMID: 33990345 PMCID: PMC8338882 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection drives tumorigenesis in the majority of cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, and vulvar cancers. Genetic and epidemiologic evidence has highlighted the role of immunosuppression in the oncogenesis of HPV-related malignancies. Here we review how HPV modulates the immune microenvironment and subsequent therapeutic implications. We describe the landscape of immunotherapies for these cancers with a focus on findings from early-phase studies exploring antigen-specific treatments, and discuss future directions. Although responses across these studies have been modest to date, a deeper understanding of HPV-related tumor biology and immunology may prove instrumental for the development of more efficacious immunotherapeutic approaches. SIGNIFICANCE: HPV modulates the microenvironment to create a protumorigenic state of immune suppression and evasion. Our understanding of these mechanisms has led to the development of immunomodulatory treatments that have shown early clinical promise in patients with HPV-related malignancies. This review summarizes our current understanding of the interactions of HPV and its microenvironment and provides insight into the progress and challenges of developing immunotherapies for HPV-related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achraf A Shamseddine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Bharat Burman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nancy Y Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Dmitriy Zamarin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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32
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Wang H, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Zheng Z, Liu S, Liu Z, Meng L, Xin Y, Jiang X. Immunotherapy Advances in Locally Advanced and Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Relationship With Human Papillomavirus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652054. [PMID: 34305889 PMCID: PMC8296140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) account for the most cases of HNC. Past smoking and alcohol consumption are common risk factors of HNSCC; however, an increasing number of cases associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection have been reported in recent years. The treatment of HNSCC is integrated and multimodal including traditional surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Since pembrolizumab was approved in 2016, an increasing number of studies have focused on immunotherapy. However, not all of HNSCC patients have a better outcome on immunotherapy. Immunotherapy has been reported to be more effective in HPV-positive patients, but its molecular mechanism is still unclear. Some researchers have proposed that the high proportion of infiltrating immune cells in HPV-positive tumors and the difference in immune checkpoint expression level may be the reasons for their better response. As a result, a series of individualized immunotherapy trials have also been conducted in HPV-positive patients. This paper summarizes the current status of HNSCC immunotherapy, individualized immunotherapy in HPV-positive patients, and immune differences in HPV-positive tumors to provide new insights into HNSCC immunotherapy and try to identify patients who may benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuyu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qihe Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shiyu Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zijing Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lingbin Meng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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33
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Ruffin AT, Cillo AR, Tabib T, Liu A, Onkar S, Kunning SR, Lampenfeld C, Atiya HI, Abecassis I, Kürten CHL, Qi Z, Soose R, Duvvuri U, Kim S, Oesterrich S, Lafyatis R, Coffman LG, Ferris RL, Vignali DAA, Bruno TC. B cell signatures and tertiary lymphoid structures contribute to outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3349. [PMID: 34099645 PMCID: PMC8184766 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23355-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Current immunotherapy paradigms aim to reinvigorate CD8+ T cells, but the contribution of humoral immunity to antitumor immunity remains understudied. Here, we demonstrate that in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) caused by human papillomavirus infection (HPV+), patients have transcriptional signatures of germinal center (GC) tumor infiltrating B cells (TIL-Bs) and spatial organization of immune cells consistent with tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) with GCs, both of which correlate with favorable outcome. GC TIL-Bs in HPV+ HNSCC are characterized by distinct waves of gene expression consistent with dark zone, light zone and a transitional state of GC B cells. Semaphorin 4a expression is enhanced on GC TIL-Bs present in TLS of HPV+ HNSCC and during the differentiation of TIL-Bs. Our study suggests that therapeutics to enhance TIL-B responses in HNSCC should be prioritized in future studies to determine if they can complement current T cell mediated immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anthony R Cillo
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Angen Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sayali Onkar
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sheryl R Kunning
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Caleb Lampenfeld
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Huda I Atiya
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Irina Abecassis
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Zengbiao Qi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan Soose
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steffi Oesterrich
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Women's Cancer Research Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lan G Coffman
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Gui S, O'Neill WQ, Teknos TN, Pan Q. Plasma cell marker, immunoglobulin J polypeptide, predicts early disease-specific mortality in HPV+ HNSCC. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001259. [PMID: 33737336 PMCID: PMC7978288 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001259] [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] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV+) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have superior prognoses compared with patients with HPV− HNSCC and strategies for treatment de-escalation are under investigation for the HPV+ setting. However, the survival advantage associated with HPV is not universal, and a subset of patients with HPV+ HNSCC fail definitive treatment and progress with metastatic/recurrent disease. Currently, no biomarker is available to distinguish aggressive from indolent HPV+ HNSCC. Immune dysfunction facilitates tumorigenesis and is associated with poor treatment response; therefore, we hypothesized that diminished intratumoral immune cell functionality may be attractive biomarkers to identify patients with HPV+ HNSCC at risk for early disease-specific mortality. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HPV+ HNSCC cohort. Results Immunoglobulin J polypeptide (IGJ), uniquely expressed in plasma cells, showed a broad expression range in HPV+ HNSCC. Cox regression model, adjusting for clinical covariates, indicated that IGJ is an independent prognostic biomarker for disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with low IGJ had a 7.2-fold (p<0.001) increase in risk of disease-specific death with a median DSS of 13 months. Low IGJ showed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.89 with 91.0% sensitivity and 87.6% specificity to identify early disease-specific mortality (defined as DSS ≤12 months). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed a global dampening of immune pathways in low IGJ tumors. Conclusions Our work showed that IGJ is a robust and independent prognostic biomarker for disease-specific mortality in HPV+ HNSCC. Patient with HPV+ HNSCC with limited adaptive immune functionality should not be candidates for treatment de-escalation modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanying Gui
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - W Quinn O'Neill
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Theodoros N Teknos
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Quintin Pan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio, USA .,University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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35
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Tian G, Fu Y, Zhang D, Li J, Zhang Z, Yang X. Identification of four key prognostic genes and three potential drugs in human papillomavirus negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:167. [PMID: 33712015 PMCID: PMC7953640 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01863-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common tumor worldwide with poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs differs. However, few studies have considered the HPV status when identifying biomarkers for HNSCC. Thus, the identification of biomarkers for HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs is urgently needed. METHODS Three microarray datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. Then, functional enrichment pathway analysis was performed and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. The expression of hub genes at both the mRNA and protein level was determined in Oncomine, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). In addition, survival analysis of the patient stratified by HPV status and the expression levels of key genes were performed based on TCGA data. The role of AREG, STAG3, CAV1 and C19orf57 in cancer were analyzed through Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The top ten small molecule drugs were identified and the therapeutic value of zonisamide, NVP-AUY922, PP-2 and fostamatinib was further evaluated in six HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines. Finally, the therapeutic value of NVP-AUY922 was tested in vivo based on three HPV-negative HNSCC models, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS In total, 47 DEGs were obtained, 11 of which were identified as hub genes. Biological process analysis indicated that the hub genes were associated with the G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle. Survival analysis uncovered that the prognostic value of AREG, STAG3, C19orf57 and CAV1 differed between HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed the role of AREG, STAG3 and CAV1 in dysregulated pathways of tumor. Ten small molecules were identified as potential drugs specifically for HPV-positive or HPV-negative patients; three-NVP-AUY922, fostamatinib and PP-2-greatly inhibited the proliferation of six HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines in vitro, and NVP-AUY922 inhibited three HPV-negative HNSCC xenografts in vivo. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, AREG, STAG3, C19orf57 and CAV1 are key prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets in HPV-negative HNSCC. NVP-AUY922, fostamatinib and PP-2 may be effective drugs for HPV-negative HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocai Tian
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - You Fu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Dahe Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Oral Pathology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Sun Y, Wang Z, Qiu S, Wang R. Therapeutic strategies of different HPV status in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:1104-1118. [PMID: 33867833 PMCID: PMC8040311 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.58077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 9th most common malignant tumor in the world. Based on the etiology, HNSCC has two main subtypes: human papillomavirus (HPV) -related and HPV-unrelated. HPV-positive HNSCC is more sensitive to treatment with favorable survival. Due to the different biological behaviors, individual therapy is necessary and urgently required to deduce the therapeutic intensity of HPV-positive disease and look for a more effective and toxicity-acceptable regimen for HPV-negative disease. EGFR amplification and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway aberrant activation are quite common in HPV-positive HNSCC. Besides, HPV infection alters immune cell infiltrating in HNSCC and encompasses a diverse and heterogeneous landscape with more immune infiltration. On the other hand, the chance of HPV-negative cancers harboring mutation on the P53 gene is significantly higher than that of HPV-positive disease. This review focuses on the updated preclinical and clinical data of HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC and discusses the therapeutic strategies of different HPV status in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingming Sun
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Sanming 365001, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116001, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian University, Dalian 116001, P. R. China
| | - Sufang Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital & Fujian Cancer Hospital; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou 350014, P.R. China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116001, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian University, Dalian 116001, P. R. China
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37
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Feng B, Hess J. Immune-Related Mutational Landscape and Gene Signatures: Prognostic Value and Therapeutic Impact for Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051162. [PMID: 33800421 PMCID: PMC7962834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy has emerged as a standard-of-care for most human malignancies, including head and neck cancer, but only a limited number of patients exhibit a durable clinical benefit. An urgent medical need is the establishment of accurate response predictors, which is handicapped by the growing body of molecular, cellular and clinical variables that modify the complex nature of an effective anti-tumor immune response. This review summarizes more recent efforts to elucidate immune-related mutational landscapes and gene expression signatures by integrative analysis of multi-omics data, and highlights their potential therapeutic impact for head and neck cancer. A better knowledge of the underlying principles and relevant interactions could pave the way for rational therapeutic combinations to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, in particular for those cancer patients at a higher risk for treatment failure. Abstract Immunotherapy by immune checkpoint inhibition has become a main pillar in the armamentarium to treat head and neck cancer and is based on the premise that the host immune system can be reactivated to successfully eliminate cancer cells. However, the response rate remains low and only a small subset of head and neck cancer patients achieves a durable clinical benefit. The availability of multi-omics data and emerging computational technologies facilitate not only a deeper understanding of the cellular composition in the tumor immune microenvironment but also enables the study of molecular principles in the complex regulation of immune surveillance versus tolerance. These knowledges will pave the way to apply immunotherapy more precisely and effectively. This review aims to provide a holistic view on how the immune landscape dictates the tumor fate and vice versa, and how integrative analysis of multi-omics data contribute to our current knowledge on the accuracy of predictive biomarkers and on a broad range of factors influencing the response to immunotherapy in head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohai Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Research Group Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Al-Sahaf S, Hendawi NB, Ollington B, Bolt R, Ottewell PD, Hunter KD, Murdoch C. Increased Abundance of Tumour-Associated Neutrophils in HPV-Negative Compared to HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Mediated by IL-1R Signalling. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2021; 2:604565. [PMID: 35047989 PMCID: PMC8757728 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.604565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancer is increasing and HPV is now implicated in the aetiology of more than 60% of all oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC). In OPSCC, innate immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages generally correlate with poor prognosis, whilst adaptive immune cells, such as lymphocytes, tend to correlate with improved prognosis. This may, in part, be due to differences in the immune response within the tumour microenvironment leading to the recruitment of specific tumour-associated leukocyte sub-populations. In this study, we aimed to examine if differences exist in the levels of infiltrated leukocyte sub-populations, with particular emphasis on tumour-associated neutrophils (TAN), and to determine the mechanism of chemokine-induced leukocyte recruitment in HPV-positive compared to HPV-negative OPSCC. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that HPV-negative OPSCC contained significantly more neutrophils than HPV-positive tumours, whilst levels of CD68+ macrophages and CD3+ lymphocytes were similar. Using a 3D tissue culture model to represent tumour-stromal interactions, we demonstrated that HPV-negative tumour-stromal co-cultures expressed significantly higher levels of CXCL8, leading to increased neutrophil recruitment compared to their HPV-positive counterparts. HPV-negative OPSCC cells have previously been shown to express higher levels of IL-1 than their HPV-positive counterparts, indicating that this cytokine may be responsible for driving increased chemokine production in the HPV-negative 3D model. Inhibition of IL-1R in the tumour-stromal models using the receptor-specific antagonist, anakinra, dramatically reduced chemokine secretion and significantly impaired neutrophil and monocyte recruitment, suggesting that this tumour-stromal response is mediated by the IL-1/IL-1R axis. Here, we identify a mechanism by which HPV-negative OPSCC may recruit more TAN than HPV-positive OPSCC. Since TAN are associated with poor prognosis in OPSCC, our study identifies potential therapeutic targets aimed at redressing the chemokine imbalance to reduce innate immune cell infiltration with the aim of improving patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarmad Al-Sahaf
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Naeima B. Hendawi
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany Ollington
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Bolt
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Penelope D. Ottewell
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Keith D. Hunter
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Murdoch
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Craig Murdoch
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39
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[Tumor biology of oropharyngeal carcinoma]. HNO 2020; 69:249-255. [PMID: 33215226 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-020-00964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Etiologically, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) can be divided into OPSCC caused by noxious agents and human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven carcinoma. These types differ with regard to clinical features and prognosis-differences which are rooted in the underlying molecular biology of the tumor. OBJECTIVE The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the molecular biological characteristics of the genetics, epigenetics, and immunology of OPSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature review was performed on a selection of genetic, epigenetic, and immunological factors characterizing OPSCC. RESULTS The understanding of genetic aberrations and their consequences for cancerogenesis and tumor biology is increasing. Epigenetic phenomena are complementing functional relationships. However, epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation are complex and much research is still required in this field. Immunological aspects of cancer molecular biology have moved into the focus in light of recent advances in the field of immunotherapy. CONCLUSION The tumor biology of OPSCC is primarily defined by its HPV status. Additionally, HPV-independent genetic, epigenetic, and immunological signatures are being defined. From these advances, rationales for new treatment concepts may evolve.
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Liu X, Chen J, Lu W, Zeng Z, Li J, Jiang X, Gao Y, Gong Y, Wu Q, Xie C. Systematic Profiling of Immune Risk Model to Predict Survival and Immunotherapy Response in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:576566. [PMID: 33193693 PMCID: PMC7596453 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.576566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC), characterized by immunosuppression, is a group of highly heterogeneous cancers. Although immunotherapy exerts a promising influence on HNSCC, the response rate remains low and varies in assorted primary sites. Immunological mechanisms underlying HNSCC pathogenesis and treatment response are not fully understood. This study aimed to develop a differentially expressed genes (DEGs)–based risk model to predict immunotherapy efficacy and stratify prognosis of HNSCC patients. Materials and Methods The expression profiles of HNSCC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The tumor microenvironment and immune response were estimated by cell type identification via estimating relative subset of known RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) and immunophenoscore (IPS). The differential expression pattern based on human papillomavirus status was identified. A DEGs-based prognostic risk model was developed and validated. All statistical analyses were performed with R software (version 3.6.3). Results By using the TCGA database, we identified DKK1, HBEGF, RNASE7, TNFRSF12A, INHBA, and IPIK3R3 as DEGs that were associated with patients’ overall survival (OS). Patients were stratified into the high- and low-risk subgroups according to a DEGs-based prognostic risk model. Significant difference in OS was found between the high- and low-risk patients (1.64 vs. 2.18 years, P = 0.0017). In multivariate Cox analysis, the risk model was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard radio = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [1.02–1.10], P = 0.004). More CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells were observed in the low-risk group and associated with a favorable prognosis. The IPS analysis suggested that the low-risk patients possessed a higher IPS score and a higher immunoreactivity phenotype, which were correlated with better immunotherapy response. Conclusion Collectively, we established a reliable DEGs-based risk model with potential prognostic value and capacity to predict the immunophenotype of HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Liu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiarui Chen
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery II, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zihang Zeng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiali Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueping Jiang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanping Gao
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Saidak Z, Galmiche A, Lottin M, Montes L, Soudet S, Sevestre MA, Clatot F, Mirghani H. The coagulome of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2020; 114:105068. [PMID: 33129708 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.105068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Saidak
- Centre de Biologie Humaine, CHU Amiens, France; EA7516, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Antoine Galmiche
- Centre de Biologie Humaine, CHU Amiens, France; EA7516, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.
| | - Marine Lottin
- Centre de Biologie Humaine, CHU Amiens, France; EA7516, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Lydia Montes
- Centre de Biologie Humaine, CHU Amiens, France; EA7516, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Simon Soudet
- Centre de Biologie Humaine, CHU Amiens, France; EA7516, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Marie-Antoinette Sevestre
- Centre de Biologie Humaine, CHU Amiens, France; EA7516, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Florian Clatot
- Centre Henri Becquerel and INSERM U1245 / IRON Team, Rouen, France
| | - Haitham Mirghani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
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Hecht M, Gostian AO, Eckstein M, Rutzner S, von der Grün J, Illmer T, Hautmann MG, Klautke G, Laban S, Brunner T, Hinke A, Becker I, Frey B, Semrau S, Geppert CI, Hartmann A, Balermpas P, Budach W, Gaipl US, Iro H, Fietkau R. Safety and efficacy of single cycle induction treatment with cisplatin/docetaxel/ durvalumab/tremelimumab in locally advanced HNSCC: first results of CheckRad-CD8. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001378. [PMID: 33023982 PMCID: PMC7539609 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To determine safety and efficacy of single cycle induction treatment with cisplatin/docetaxel and durvalumab/tremelimumab in stage III-IVB head and neck cancer. Methods Patients received a single cycle of cisplatin 30 mg/m² on days 1–3 and docetaxel 75 mg/m² on day 1 combined with durvalumab 1500 mg fix dose on day 5 and tremelimumab 75 mg fix dose on day 5. Patients with pathologic complete response (pCR) in the rebiopsy after induction treatment or at least 20% increase of intratumoral CD8+ cell density in the rebiopsy compared with baseline entered radioimmunotherapy with concomitant durvalumab/tremelimumab. The objective of this interim analysis was to analyze safety and efficacy of the chemoimmunotherapy-induction treatment before radioimmunotherapy. Results A total of 57 patients were enrolled, 56 were treated. Median pretreatment intratumoral CD8+ cell density was 342 cells/mm². After induction treatment, 27 patients (48%) had a pCR in the rebiopsy and further 25 patients (45%) had a relevant increase of intratumoral CD8+ cells (median increase by a factor of 3.0). Adverse event (AE) grade 3–4 appeared in 38 patients (68%) and mainly consisted of leukopenia (43%) and infections (29%). Six patients (11%) developed grade 3–4 immune-related AE. Univariate analysis computed p16 positivity, programmed death ligand 1 immune cell area and intratumoral CD8+ cell density as predictors of pCR. On multivariable analysis, intratumoral CD8+ cell density predicted pCR independently (OR 1.0012 per cell/mm², 95% CI 1.0001 to 1.0022, p=0.016). In peripheral blood CD8+ cells, the coexpression of programmed death protein 1 significantly increased especially in patients with pCR. Conclusions Single cycle induction treatment with cisplatin/docetaxel and durvalumab/tremelimumab is feasible and achieves a high biopsy-proven pCR rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Hecht
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Antoniu Oreste Gostian
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Sandra Rutzner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Jens von der Grün
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Illmer
- Medical Oncology Clinic Dresden Freiberg, Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Matthias G Hautmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Bayern, Germany
| | - Gunther Klautke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chemnitz Hospital, Chemnitz, Sachsen, Germany
| | - Simon Laban
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Brunner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Otto von Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Axel Hinke
- Clinical Cancer Research Consulting (CCRC), Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Ina Becker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Benjamin Frey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Sabine Semrau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Carol I Geppert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Balermpas
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wilfried Budach
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Udo S Gaipl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Heinrich Iro
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
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Seliger B, Massa C, Yang B, Bethmann D, Kappler M, Eckert AW, Wickenhauser C. Immune Escape Mechanisms and Their Clinical Relevance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197032. [PMID: 32987799 PMCID: PMC7582858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been recently approved for the treatment of relapsed and metastatic human papilloma virus (HPV) positive and negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the response of patients is limited and the overall survival remains short with a low rate of long-term survivors. There exists growing evidence that complex and partially redundant immune escape mechanisms play an important role for the low efficacy of immunotherapies in this disease. These are caused by diverse complex processes characterized by (i) changes in the expression of immune modulatory molecules in tumor cells, (ii) alterations in the frequency, composition and clonal expansion of immune cell subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment and peripheral blood leading to reduced innate and adaptive immune responses, (iii) impaired homing of immune cells to the tumor site as well as (iv) the presence of immune suppressive soluble and physical factors in the tumor microenvironment. We here summarize the major immune escape strategies of HNSCC lesions, highlight pathways, and molecular targets that help to attenuate HNSCC-induced immune tolerance, affect the selection and success of immunotherapeutic approaches to overcome resistance to immunotherapy by targeting immune escape mechanisms and thus improve the HNSCC patients’ outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (C.M.); (B.Y.)
- Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (C.M.); (B.Y.)
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (C.M.); (B.Y.)
| | - Daniel Bethmann
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (D.B.); (C.W.)
| | - Matthias Kappler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.K.); (A.W.E.)
| | - Alexander Walter Eckert
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.K.); (A.W.E.)
- Klinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsklinik der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität; 90471 Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany; (D.B.); (C.W.)
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44
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Fialová A, Koucký V, Hajdušková M, Hladíková K, Špíšek R. Immunological Network in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma-A Prognostic Tool Beyond HPV Status. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1701. [PMID: 33042814 PMCID: PMC7522596 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly heterogeneous disease that affects more than 800,000 patients worldwide each year. The variability of HNSCC is associated with differences in the carcinogenesis processes that are caused by two major etiological agents, namely, alcohol/tobacco, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Compared to non-virally induced carcinomas, the oropharyngeal tumors associated with HPV infection show markedly better clinical outcomes and are characterized by an immunologically “hot” landscape with high levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. However, the standard of care remains the same for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC. Surprisingly, treatment de-escalation trials have not shown any clinical benefit in patients with HPV-positive tumors to date, most likely due to insufficient patient stratification. The in-depth analysis of the immune response, which places an emphasis on tumor-infiltrating immune cells, is a widely accepted prognostic tool that might significantly improve both the stratification of HNSCC patients in de-escalation trials and the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vladimír Koucký
- Sotio, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czechia
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Mytilineos D, Ezić J, von Witzleben A, Mytilineos J, Lotfi R, Fürst D, Tsamadou C, Theodoraki MN, Oster A, Völkel G, Kestler HA, Brunner C, Schuler PJ, Doescher J, Hoffmann TK, Laban S. Peripheral Cytokine Levels Differ by HPV Status and Change Treatment-Dependently in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5990. [PMID: 32825343 PMCID: PMC7503943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21175990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines and immune mediators play an important role in the communication between immune cells guiding their response to infectious diseases or cancer. In this study, a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of serum cytokines and immune mediators in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients was performed. In a prospective, non-interventional, longitudinal study, blood samples from 22 HNSCC patients were taken at defined time points (TP) before, during, and every 3 months after completion of (chemo)radio)therapy (CRT/RT) until 12 months after treatment. Serum concentrations of 17 cytokines/immune mediators and High-Mobility-Group-Protein B1 (HMGB1) were measured by fluorescent bead array and ELISA. Concentrations of sFas were significantly elevated during and after CRT/RT, whereas perforin levels were significantly decreased after CRT/RT. Levels of MIP-1β and Granzyme B differed significantly during CRT/RT by HPV status. Increased HMGB1 levels were observed at recurrence, accompanied by high levels of IL-4 and IL-10. The sFas increase and simultaneous perforin decrease may indicate an impaired immune cell function during adjuvant radiotherapy. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in HPV+ compared to HPV- patients seem to reflect the elevated immunogenicity of HPV-positive tumors. High levels of HMGB1 and anti-inflammatory cytokines at recurrence may be interpreted as a sign of immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Mytilineos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
| | - Jasmin Ezić
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
| | - Adrian von Witzleben
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center & School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Joannis Mytilineos
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immune Genetics, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.); (R.L.); (D.F.); (C.T.)
| | - Ramin Lotfi
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immune Genetics, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.); (R.L.); (D.F.); (C.T.)
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Fürst
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immune Genetics, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.); (R.L.); (D.F.); (C.T.)
| | - Chrysanthi Tsamadou
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immune Genetics, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.); (R.L.); (D.F.); (C.T.)
| | - Marie-Nicole Theodoraki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
| | - Angelika Oster
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
| | - Gunnar Völkel
- Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (G.V.); (H.A.K.)
| | - Hans A. Kestler
- Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (G.V.); (H.A.K.)
| | - Cornelia Brunner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
| | - Patrick J. Schuler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
| | - Johannes Doescher
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
| | - Thomas K. Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
| | - Simon Laban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (D.M.); (J.E.); (A.v.W.); (M.-N.T.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (P.J.S.); (J.D.); (T.K.H.)
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Xu Q, Fang M, Zhu J, Dong H, Cao J, Yan L, Leonard F, Oppel F, Sudhoff H, Kaufmann AM, Albers AE, Qian X. Insights into Nanomedicine for Immunotherapeutics in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the head and neck. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2506-2517. [PMID: 32792853 PMCID: PMC7415431 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.47068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade benefit only a portion of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The multidisciplinary field of nanomedicine is emerging as a promising strategy to achieve maximal anti-tumor effect in cancer immunotherapy and to turn non-responders into responders. Various methods have been developed to deliver therapeutic agents that can overcome bio-barriers, improve therapeutic delivery into the tumor and lymphoid tissues and reduce adverse effects in normal tissues. Additional modification strategies also have been employed to improve targeting and boost cytotoxic T cell-based immune responses. Here, we review the state-of-the-art use of nanotechnologies in the laboratory, in advanced preclinical phases as well as those running through clinical trials assessing their advantages and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xu
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital); Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences. Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Meiyu Fang
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital); Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences. Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital); Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences. Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Haoru Dong
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jun Cao
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital); Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences. Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lin Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fransisca Leonard
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, USA
| | - Felix Oppel
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Klinikum Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Holger Sudhoff
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Klinikum Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Andreas M Kaufmann
- Clinic for Gynecology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas E Albers
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital); Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences. Hangzhou, P.R. China
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Biau J, Bourhis J. Combining immunotherapy and radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell cancers: which perspectives? Curr Opin Oncol 2020; 32:196-202. [PMID: 32251158 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The role of the immune system is important in both initiation and development of head and neck cancers. Various immune checkpoints have been discovered that can be exploited by cancer to evade immune mediated destruction. Therefore, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been developed to overcome cancer immune-evasion and are currently in clinical use in head and neck cancers. In addition, the immune system appears to play an important role in the response to radiotherapy. The combination of immunotherapy with radiotherapy may increase the ability to induce immunogenic death by removing the locks blocking the immune system. RECENT FINDINGS Although the antitumour efficacy of radiotherapy is based primarily on the toxicity of DNA damage, studies have suggested that this efficacy is based not only on this local cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect, but also on the interactions between the tumor and its microenvironment that are altered. Thus, the cytotoxic action of radiotherapy on tumor cells provides T lymphocytes with tumor neoantigens, and releases proinflammatory cytokines that promote the immune response. Cell death inducing this type of immune response is called immunogenic death. Therefore, several phase 3 clinical trials are currently ongoing evaluating the combination of radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in head and neck cancers. SUMMARY Combining immunotherapy and radiotherapy in head and neck cancers is promising. Several phase 3 clinical trials are ongoing that may be practice changing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Biau
- Radiation Oncology Department, Centre Jean Perrin, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Jean Bourhis
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Kim SS, Shen S, Miyauchi S, Sanders PD, Franiak-Pietryga I, Mell L, Gutkind JS, Cohen EEW, Califano JA, Sharabi AB. B Cells Improve Overall Survival in HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Are Activated by Radiation and PD-1 Blockade. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3345-3359. [PMID: 32193227 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the role of B cells on human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated cancer patient outcomes and determine the effects of radiation and PD-1 blockade on B-cell populations. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Tumor RNA-sequencing data from over 800 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and cervical cancer, including a prospective validation cohort, was analyzed to study the impact of B-cell gene expression on overall survival (OS). A novel murine model of HPV+ HNSCC was used to study the effects of PD-1 blockade and radiotherapy on B-cell activation, differentiation, and clonality including analysis by single-cell RNA-sequencing and B-cell receptor (BCR)-sequencing. Human protein microarray was then used to quantify B-cell-mediated IgG and IgM antibodies to over 16,000 proteins in the serum of patients treated on a clinical trial with PD-1 blockade. RESULTS RNA-sequencing identified CD19 and IGJ as novel B-cell prognostic biomarkers for 3-year OS (HR, 0.545; P < 0.001). PD-1 blockade and radiotherapy enhance development of memory B cells, plasma cells, and antigen-specific B cells. BCR-sequencing found that radiotherapy enhances B-cell clonality, decreases CDR3 length, and induces B-cell somatic hypermutation. Single-cell RNA-sequencing identified dramatic increases in B-cell germinal center formation after PD-1 blockade and radiotherapy. Human proteome array revealed enhanced IgG and IgM antibody responses in patients who derived clinical benefit but not those with progressive disease after treatment with PD-1 blockade. CONCLUSIONS These findings establish a key role for B cells in patient outcomes and responses to PD-1 blockade in HPV-associated squamous cell carcinomas and demonstrate the need for additional diagnostics and therapeutics targeting B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangwoo S Kim
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,School of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sarek Shen
- School of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sayuri Miyauchi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - P Dominick Sanders
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ida Franiak-Pietryga
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Loren Mell
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Joseph A Califano
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Andrew B Sharabi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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Gavrielatou N, Doumas S, Economopoulou P, Foukas PG, Psyrri A. Biomarkers for immunotherapy response in head and neck cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 84:101977. [PMID: 32018128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.101977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical data suggest that head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a profoundly immunosuppressive disease, characterized by abnormal secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and dysfunction of immune effector cells. Based on landmark phase III trials, two anti-Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, pembrolizumab and nivolumab have been approved for HNSCC by FDA and EMEA in the recurrent/metastatic setting; in addition, pembrolizumab has recently received FDA and EMEA approval as first line treatment. In clinical practice, only a minority of patients with HNSCC derive benefit from immunotherapy and the need for the discovery of novel biomarkers to optimize treatment strategies is becoming increasingly more relevant. Although currently only PD-L1 is widely used as a predictive biomarker for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in HNSCC, there are many ongoing trials focusing on the identification of new biomarkers. This review will summarize current data on emerging biomarkers for response to immunotherapy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Gavrielatou
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2(nd) Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 1(st) Rimini St, 12462 Haidari, Athens, Greece
| | - Stergios Doumas
- Maxillofacial Unit, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS, UK
| | - Panagiota Economopoulou
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2(nd) Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 1(st) Rimini St, 12462 Haidari, Athens, Greece
| | - Periklis G Foukas
- 2nd Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 1(st) Rimini St, 12462 Haidari, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2(nd) Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 1(st) Rimini St, 12462 Haidari, Athens, Greece.
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Cillo AR, Kürten CHL, Tabib T, Qi Z, Onkar S, Wang T, Liu A, Duvvuri U, Kim S, Soose RJ, Oesterreich S, Chen W, Lafyatis R, Bruno TC, Ferris RL, Vignali DAA. Immune Landscape of Viral- and Carcinogen-Driven Head and Neck Cancer. Immunity 2020; 52:183-199.e9. [PMID: 31924475 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 358] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arises through exposure to environmental carcinogens or malignant transformation by human papillomavirus (HPV). Here, we assessed the transcriptional profiles of 131,224 single cells from peripheral and intra-tumoral immune populations from patients with HPV- and HPV+ HNSCC and healthy donors. Immune cells within tumors of HPV- and HPV+ HNSCC displayed a spectrum of transcriptional signatures, with helper CD4+ T cells and B cells being relatively divergent and CD8+ T cells and CD4+ regulatory T cells being relatively similar. Transcriptional results were contextualized through multispectral immunofluorescence analyses and evaluating putative cell-cell communication based on spatial proximity. These analyses defined a gene expression signature associated with CD4+ T follicular helper cells that is associated with longer progression-free survival in HNSCC patients. The datasets and analytical approaches herein provide a resource for the further study of the impact of immune cells on viral- and carcinogen-induced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Cillo
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Cornelius H L Kürten
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Zengbiao Qi
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Sayali Onkar
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Angen Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ryan J Soose
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Women's Cancer Research Center. Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
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