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Hong Q, Ding S, Xing C, Mu Z. Advances in tumor immune microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A review of literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37387. [PMID: 38428879 PMCID: PMC10906580 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma is seen as principal malignancy of head and neck. Tumor immune microenvironment plays a vital role in the occurrence, development and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The effect of immunotherapy, in particular, is closely related to tumor immune microenvironment. This review searched for high-quality literature included within PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using the keywords "head and neck cancers," "tumor microenvironment" and "immunotherapy," with the view to summarizing the characteristics of HNSCC immune microenvironment and how various subsets of immune cells promote tumorigenesis. At the same time, based on the favorable prospects of immunotherapy having been shown currently, the study is committed to pinpointing the latest progress of HNSCC immunotherapy, which is of great significance in not only further guiding the diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC, but also conducting its prognostic judgement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qichao Hong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China
| | - Shun Ding
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Chengliang Xing
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zhonglin Mu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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Zhou C, Deng H, Fang Y, Wei Z, Shen Y, Qiu S, Ye D, Shen Z, Shen Y. Identification and validation of a novel signature based on T cell marker genes to predict prognosis, immunotherapy response and chemotherapy sensitivity in head and neck squamous carcinoma by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21381. [PMID: 37954266 PMCID: PMC10632748 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21381] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are among the most potent anti-tumor cells that are found in humans. Our study sought to develop a reliable signature incorporating T cell marker genes (TMGs) for predicting the prognosis and therapy responsiveness of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. We downloaded scRNA-seq data from the GSE181919 to identify TMGs. Subsequently, we devised a 12 TMG signature in the TCGA HNSCC cohort by using LASSO analysis. Patients with high-risk scores were shown to experience unfavorable progression-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival, which was validated in the GSE65858 cohort. Additionally, the nomogram integrated risk score and clinical features are more suitable for clinical application. The enrichment analyses of both pathways and functions showed that high- and low-risk patients had functionally related distinctions. Furthermore, analysis of the immunological landscape confirmed that the low-risk patients had a larger percentage of infiltrating immune cells as well as a higher incidence rate of immune-related events. In the meantime, a greater IPS score and expression of immune checkpoint genes suggested significantly favorable responsiveness to immunotherapy in low-risk patients. On the other hand, the high-risk patients had a greater degree of sensitivity to the chemotherapy agents, which included paclitaxel, gemcitabine, docetaxel, and cisplatin. Our finding revealed that this TMG signature independently functioned as a prognostic marker and guided individualized immunotherapy and chemotherapy selection for patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongchang Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongxia Deng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengyu Wei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiming Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shijie Qiu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dong Ye
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhisen Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo NO. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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Gong X, Xiong J, Gong Y, Zhang J, Zhang J, Yang G, Chi H, Tian G. Deciphering the role of HPV-mediated metabolic regulation in shaping the tumor microenvironment and its implications for immunotherapy in HNSCC. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275270. [PMID: 37876923 PMCID: PMC10590915 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), as a complex and variable malignancy, poses a significant threat to human health. Since the intricate association between HPV and HNSCC emerged, its role within the TME has garnered extensive attention. HPV+HNSCC exhibits distinct immunological characteristics within the TME, intricately intertwined with mechanisms of immune evasion. HPV employs multifaceted pathways to intervene in metabolic regulation within the TME, exerting influence over immune cell functionality and neoplastic cell genesis. Furthermore, the heightened immune reactivity exhibited by HPV+HNSCC within the TME augments responses to immune interventions such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, amidst the current limitations of therapeutic approaches, immunotherapy stands as a promising strategy to overcome the conventional confines of treating HNSCC. This article comprehensively outlines the impact of HPV on the inception and progression of HNSCC while discussing the amalgamation of metabolic regulation within the TME and immunotherapeutic strategies. By intervening in the reciprocal interactions between HPV and HNSCC within the TME, the potential to modulate the efficacy of immune-based treatments becomes evident. Concurrently, a synthesis of pertinent biomarker development is summarized. Such endeavors hold paramount significance for personalized therapeutic approaches and the more effective management of HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjin Gong
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Xiong
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jieying Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinhao Zhang
- School of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Hao Chi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Gang Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Molecular Diagnosis of Clinical Diseases, Luzhou, China
- Molecular Diagnosis of Clinical Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
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Yu X, Xu L, Zhou Y, Zhou X, Yang L, Zhou Y. NUP62CL as an Immunological and Prognostic Biomarker of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:3799-3809. [PMID: 37663758 PMCID: PMC10474866 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s426277] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck malignancy with a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. The exploration and understanding of biomarkers will help to further improve the diagnosis and treatment of OSCC. Methods Tumor tissue samples from 319 OSCC patients were retrospectively collected, along with their clinical information. In combination with bioinformatics tools and multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) analyses, we evaluated NUP62CL protein expression and its relationship to tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment (TME), as well as its association with clinical features and prognosis of OSCC. Results We identified high-NUP62CL expression in OSCC tissues, and high-NUP62CL protein expression was associated with large tumor size, advanced clinical stage and poor prognosis. In addition, NUP62CL protein expression was positively associated with the abundance of CD3+CD4+ T cells (P<0.01), CD3+CD8+ T cells (P<0.01), CD56+ NK cells (P<0.05), CD68+CD86+ macrophages (P<0.01) and CD68+CD163+ macrophages (P<0.01), as well as the immune checkpoints, including PD-1 (P<0.001), PD-L1 (P<0.001), and CTLA-4 (P<0.001) protein expression. Conclusion In conclusion, NUP62CL could be an effective prognostic and immunological biomarker for OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Department of Orthodontics and Periodontology, Affiliated Nantong Stomatological Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijun Xu
- Department of Clinical Biobank & Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongqiang Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Nantong Stomatological Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaorong Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Clinical Biobank & Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Orthodontics and Periodontology, Affiliated Nantong Stomatological Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
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Chi H, Yang J, Peng G, Zhang J, Song G, Xie X, Xia Z, Liu J, Tian G. Circadian rhythm-related genes index: A predictor for HNSCC prognosis, immunotherapy efficacy, and chemosensitivity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1091218. [PMID: 36969232 PMCID: PMC10036372 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1091218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common head and neck cancer and is highly aggressive and heterogeneous, leading to variable prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes. Circadian rhythm alterations in tumourigenesis are of equal importance to genetic factors and several biologic clock genes are considered to be prognostic biomarkers for various cancers. The aim of this study was to establish reliable markers based on biologic clock genes, thus providing a new perspective for assessing immunotherapy response and prognosis in patients with HNSCC.MethodsWe used 502 HNSCC samples and 44 normal samples from the TCGA-HNSCC dataset as the training set. 97 samples from GSE41613 were used as an external validation set. Prognostic characteristics of circadian rhythm-related genes (CRRGs) were established by Lasso, random forest and stepwise multifactorial Cox. Multivariate analysis revealed that CRRGs characteristics were independent predictors of HNSCC, with patients in the high-risk group having a worse prognosis than those in the low-risk group. The relevance of CRRGs to the immune microenvironment and immunotherapy was assessed by an integrated algorithm.Results6-CRRGs were considered to be strongly associated with HNSCC prognosis and a good predictor of HNSCC. The riskscore established by the 6-CRRG was found to be an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC in multifactorial analysis, with patients in the low-risk group having a higher overall survival (OS) than the high-risk group. Nomogram prediction maps constructed from clinical characteristics and riskscore had good prognostic power. Patients in the low-risk group had higher levels of immune infiltration and immune checkpoint expression and were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy.Conclusion6-CRRGs play a key predictive role for the prognosis of HNSCC patients and can guide physicians in selecting potential responders to prioritise immunotherapy, which could facilitate further research in precision immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinyan Yang
- School of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Gaoge Peng
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinhao Zhang
- School of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Guobin Song
- School of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xixi Xie
- School of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhijia Xia
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Zhijia Xia, ; Jinhui Liu, ; Gang Tian,
| | - Jinhui Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijia Xia, ; Jinhui Liu, ; Gang Tian,
| | - Gang Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijia Xia, ; Jinhui Liu, ; Gang Tian,
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Damasio MPS, Nascimento CS, Andrade LM, de Oliveira VL, Calzavara-Silva CE. The role of T-cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: From immunity to immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1021609. [PMID: 36338731 PMCID: PMC9632296 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1021609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) encompass a group of complex entities of tumours affecting the aerodigestive upper tract. The main risk factors are strongly related to tobacco and alcohol consumption, but also HPV infection is often associated. Surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are the standard treatments, though the 5-year overall survival is less than 50%. The advances in genomics, molecular medicine, immunology, and nanotechnology have shed a light on tumour biology which helps clinical researchers to obtain more efficacious and less toxic therapies. Head and neck tumours possess different immune escape mechanisms including diminishing the immune response through modulating immune checkpoints, in addition to the recruitment and differentiation of suppressive immune cells. The insights into the HNSCC biology and its strong interaction with the tumour microenvironment highlights the role of immunomodulating agents. Recently, the knowledge of the immunological features of these tumours has paved the way for the discovery of effective biomarkers that allow a better selection of patients with odds of improving overall survival through immunotherapy. Specially biomarkers regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors antibodies, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 in combination with standard therapy or as monotherapy. New immunotherapies to treat head and neck cancer carcinomas, such as CAR T cells and nanoparticles have been the center of attention and in this review, we discuss the necessity of finding targets for the T cell in the cancer cells to generate CAR T cells, but also the relevance of evaluating specificity and safety of those therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Paulo S. Damasio
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Camila Sales Nascimento
- Grupo de pesquisa em Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Rene Rachou, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lidia M. Andrade
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Departamento de Física, Nanobiomedical Research Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vivian L. de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do ABC, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia, LIM19, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Calzavara-Silva
- Grupo de pesquisa em Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Rene Rachou, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Pereira D, Martins D, Mendes F. Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer When, How, and Why? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092151. [PMID: 36140252 PMCID: PMC9495940 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Alcohol and tobacco consumption, besides viral infections, are the main risk factors associated with this cancer. When diagnosed in advanced stages, HNC patients present a higher probability of recurrence or metastasising. The complexity of therapeutic options and post-treatment surveillance is associated with poor prognosis and reduced overall survival (OS). This review aims to explore immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), therapeutic vaccines, and oncolytic viruses) in HNC patients’ treatment, and to explore when, how, and why patients can benefit from it. The monotherapy with ICI or in combination with chemotherapy (QT) shows the most promising results. Compared to standard therapy, ICI are able to increase OS and patients’ quality of life. QT in combination with ICI demonstrates significant response rates and considerable long-term clinical benefits. However, the toxicity associated with this approach is still a hurdle to overcome. In parallel, the therapeutic vaccines directed to the Human Papilloma Virus are also efficient in increasing the antitumour response, inducing cellular and humoral immunity. Although these results demonstrate clinical benefits compared to standard therapy, it is also important to unravel the resistance mechanisms in order to predict the clinical benefit of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pereira
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, UCPCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Martins
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, UCPCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratório de Investigação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde (LabinSaúde), Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernando Mendes
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, UCPCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratório de Investigação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde (LabinSaúde), Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- European Association for Professions in Biomedical Sciences, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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Feng X, Zhang T, Chou J, Liu L, Miller LD, Sullivan CA, Browne JD. Comprehensive gene cluster analysis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma TCGA RNA-seq data defines B cell immunity-related genes as a robust survival predictor. Head Neck 2022; 44:443-452. [PMID: 34841601 PMCID: PMC8766919 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The authors aimed to define novel gene expression signatures that are associated with patients' survival with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS TCGA RNA-seq data were used for gene expression clusters extraction from 499 tumor samples by the "EPIG" method. Tumor samples were then partitioned into lower and higher than median level groups for survival relevant analysis by Kaplan-Meier estimator. RESULTS We found that two gene clusters (_1, _2) are favorably, while two (_3, _4) are unfavorably, associated with patients' survival with HNSCC. Notably, most genes on the top lists of cluster_2 are associated with B cells. A gene expression signature with combined genes from cluster_2 and _4 was further determined to be associated with HNSCC survival rate. CONCLUSION Our work strongly supported a favorable role of B cells in patients' survival with HNSCC and identified a novel coexpressed gene signature as prognostic biomarker for patients' survival with HNSCC estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Feng
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tan Zhang
- Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeff Chou
- Center for Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- Center for Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lance D. Miller
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher A. Sullivan
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - James D. Browne
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Ngamphaiboon N, Chureemas T, Siripoon T, Arsa L, Trachu N, Jiarpinitnun C, Pattaranutaporn P, Sirachainan E, Larbcharoensub N. Characteristics and impact of programmed death-ligand 1 expression, CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and p16 status in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Med Oncol 2019; 36:21. [PMID: 30666437 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-018-1241-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No predictive biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been well established. The impact of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and p16 status in HNSCC is unclear and may vary according to ethnicity. METHODS HNSCC patients treated between 2007 and 2013 were reviewed. Archival tissues were retrieved for PD-L1, CD8+ TILs, and p16 analyses. PD-L1 expression was evaluated by using the validated SP142 assay on the VENTANA platform. CD8+ TILs were defined by using semiquantitative scoring. RESULTS A total of 203 patients were analyzed. PD-L1 expression was observed in 80% of patients and was significantly associated with older age (P < 0.001). A high CD8+ TIL score (≥ 6) was significantly associated with never-smoking (P = 0.020), oral cavity cancer (P < 0.001), and stage M0 at presentation (P = 0.025). The p16 status was positive in 12% of patients. Patients with a high TIL score had a significantly longer OS (P = 0.032). Patients with PD-L1 expression of 1-49% and ≥ 50% were associated with a significantly shorter OS compared with those with PD-L1 < 1% (P = 0.027 and P = 0.011, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that PD-L1 ≥ 50% was significantly associated with a poor OS. (HR 2.98 [95% CI 1.2-7.39]; P = 0.019.) CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of PD-L1 expression was observed in HNSCC using the validated SP142 assay. PD-L1 expression was associated with older age, while highly PD-L1 expression (≥ 50%) was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS in anti-PD1/PD-L1 untreated HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttapong Ngamphaiboon
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Teeranuch Chureemas
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Teerada Siripoon
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Lalida Arsa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Narumol Trachu
- Ramathibodi Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chuleeporn Jiarpinitnun
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Poompis Pattaranutaporn
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ekaphop Sirachainan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Noppadol Larbcharoensub
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Grywalska E, Pasiarski M, Góźdź S, Roliński J. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors for combating T-cell dysfunction in cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:6505-6524. [PMID: 30323625 PMCID: PMC6177399 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s150817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Under normal conditions, the immune system responds effectively to both external and internal threats without damaging healthy tissues. Cells undergoing a neoplastic transformation are one such threat. An efficient activation of T cells is enabled by T-cell receptor (TCR) interactions with antigen-presenting class I and class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), co-stimulatory molecules, and cytokines. After threatening stimuli are removed from the body, the host's immune response ceases, which prevents tissue damage or chronic inflammation. The recognition of foreign antigens is highly selective, which requires multistep regulation to avoid reactions against the antigens of healthy cells. This multistep regulation includes central and peripheral tolerance toward the body's own antigens. Here, we discuss T-cell dysfunction, which leads to poor effector function against foreign antigens, including cancer. We describe selected cellular receptors implicated in T-cell dysfunction and discuss how immune-checkpoint inhibitors can help overcome T-cell dysfunction in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland,
| | - Marcin Pasiarski
- Department of Hematology, Holy Cross Oncology Center of Kielce, Kielce, Poland.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
| | - Stanisław Góźdź
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland.,Department of Oncology, Holy Cross Oncology Center of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Jacek Roliński
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland,
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Therapeutic human papillomavirus vaccines in head and neck cancer: A systematic review of current clinical trials. Vaccine 2018; 36:6594-6605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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12
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Escors D, Gato-Cañas M, Zuazo M, Arasanz H, García-Granda MJ, Vera R, Kochan G. The intracellular signalosome of PD-L1 in cancer cells. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2018; 3:26. [PMID: 30275987 PMCID: PMC6160488 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-018-0022-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1) overexpression in cancer cells accelerates tumor progression. PD-L1 possesses two main pro-oncogenic functions. First, PD-L1 is a strong immunosuppressive molecule that inactivates tumor-specific T cells by binding to the inhibitory receptor PD-1. Second, PD-L1 function relies on the delivery of intrinsic intracellular signals that enhance cancer cell survival, regulate stress responses and confer resistance toward pro-apoptotic stimuli, such as interferons. Here, we review the current knowledge on intracellular signal transduction pathways regulated by PD-L1, describe its associated signalosome and discuss potential combinations of targeted therapies against the signalosome with PD-L1/PD-1 blockade therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Escors
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
- Rayne Institute, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, 5 University Street, WC1E 6JF London, UK
| | - María Gato-Cañas
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - Miren Zuazo
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
- Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - María Jesus García-Granda
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - Ruth Vera
- Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
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13
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Negative roles of B7-H3 and B7-H4 in the microenvironment of cervical cancer. Exp Cell Res 2018; 371:222-230. [PMID: 30099052 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Although persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection exerts a crucial influence on cervical carcinogenesis, other factors are also involved in its development, such as intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer. B7-H3 and B7-H4, which have been reported to be co-regulatory ligands in the B7 family, had been found to be overexpressed in cervical cancer and correlated with adverse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in our previous studies. In this study, we sought to explore the effects of B7-H3 and B7-H4 on the cervical microenvironment. Among several immune cytokines, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 stand out as important immunosuppressive factors. Our studies found that IL-10 expression increased with pathological change levels and significantly correlated with cervical cancer differentiation (P < 0.05). TGF-β1 correlated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) (P < 0.01). Expression of B7-H3 and B7-H4 positively correlated with the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1. After co-culture, we found that overexpression of B7-H3 and B7-H4 in cervical cancer cell lines resulted in activation of the cell cycle and decreased apoptosis of U-937 cells. In addition, the contents of IL-10 and TGF-β1, as well as their protein expression levels, increased in co-culture supernatants in U-937 cells, suggesting regulation by the p-JAK2/STAT3 pathway. The in vivo results demonstrated that with the increasing expression of B7-H3/B7-H4, the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 also increased significantly. Overall, the expression of B7-H3 and B7-H4 favored an immunosuppressive microenvironment by promoting the production of IL-10 and TGF-β1, thereby resulting in progression of cervical carcinogenesis.
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Immuno-oncology in head and neck squamous cell cancers: News from clinical trials, emerging predictive factors and unmet needs. Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 65:78-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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