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Zhang Y, He S, Yu L, Shi C, Zhang Y, Tang S. Prognostic significance of HLA-G in patients with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1024. [PMID: 37875821 PMCID: PMC10594707 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11522-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] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) has been reported to be aberrantly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, its prognostic value remains controversial. Hence, our meta-analysis aims to assess the prognostic value of HLA-G in CRC patients based on published literature and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on relevant studies retrieved from four electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were recorded to be applied as effective values. Fixed-effects models or random-effects models were applied on the basis of the value of heterogeneity (I 2). Publication bias was analyzed by Begg's and Egger's tests. In addition, the results were validated by using TCGA datasets. RESULTS Thirteen studies comprising 3896 patients were incorporated into this meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that HLA-G expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) in both the univariate analysis (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.14-1.83, P = 0.002) and the multivariate analysis (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.23-1.95, P < 0.001). Nevertheless, the expression of HLA-G is not related to age, sex, tumor type, tumor differentiation, TNM stage, or distant metastasis but lymph node metastasis. Notably, the prognosis of colorectal cancer was not consistent with the analysis result from TCGA data. CONCLUSION HLA-G expression was significantly related to poor OS in CRC according to the results of our meta-analysis. However, we found that the prognostic significance was inconsistent with our results according to the TCGA data in CRC. Hence, more research is still needed to further illustrate the prognostic role of HLA-G in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China.
| | - Siying He
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Lisha Yu
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Chao Shi
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Yanyue Zhang
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Shiyue Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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2
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Seliger B, Jasinski-Bergner S, Massa C, Mueller A, Biehl K, Yang B, Bachmann M, Jonigk D, Eichhorn P, Hartmann A, Wickenhauser C, Bauer M. Induction of pulmonary HLA-G expression by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:582. [PMID: 36334153 PMCID: PMC9637071 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04592-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G exerts immune-suppressive properties modulating both NK and T cell responses. While it is physiologically expressed at the maternal-fetal interface and in immune-privileged organs, HLA-G expression is found in tumors and in virus-infected cells. So far, there exists little information about the role of HLA-G and its interplay with immune cells in biopsies, surgical specimen or autopsy tissues of lung, kidney and/or heart muscle from SARS-CoV-2-infected patients compared to control tissues. Heterogeneous, but higher HLA-G protein expression levels were detected in lung alveolar epithelial cells of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients compared to lung epithelial cells from influenza-infected patients, but not in other organs or lung epithelia from non-viral-infected patients, which was not accompanied by high levels of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen and spike protein, but inversely correlated to the HLA-G-specific miRNA expression. High HLA-G expression levels not only in SARS-CoV-2-, but also in influenza-infected lung tissues were associated with a high frequency of tissue-infiltrating immune cells, but low numbers of CD8+ cells and an altered expression of hyperactivation and exhaustion markers in the lung epithelia combined with changes in the spatial distribution of macrophages and T cells. Thus, our data provide evidence for an involvement of HLA-G and HLA-G-specific miRNAs in immune escape and as suitable therapeutic targets for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute of Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", 14770, Brandenburg, Germany.
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Mueller
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Katharina Biehl
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Bachmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany
| | - Danny Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School (BREATH), 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Philip Eichhorn
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander University, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander University, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcus Bauer
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
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3
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Tronik-Le Roux D, Daouya M, Jacquier A, Schenowitz C, Desgrandchamps F, Rouas-Freiss N, Carosella ED. The HLA-G immune checkpoint: a new immuno-stimulatory role for the α1-domain-deleted isoform. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:310. [PMID: 35596891 PMCID: PMC11072982 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04359-2] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of cancer cells, in part maintained via the expression of multiple isoforms, introduces significant challenges in designing effective therapeutic approaches. In this regard, isoforms of the immune checkpoint HLA-G have been found in most of the tumors analyzed, such as ccRCC, the most common human renal malignancy. In particular, HLA-G∆α1, which is the only HLA-G isoform described that lacks the α1 extracellular domain, has been newly identified in ccRCC and now here in trophoblasts. Using a cellular model expressing HLA-G∆α1, we have uncovered its specific and overlapping functional roles, relative to the main HLA-G isoform, i.e., the full-length HLA-G1. We found that HLA-G∆α1 has several particular features: (i) although possessing the α3 domain, it does not associate with β2-microglobulin; (ii) it may not present peptides to T cells due to absence of the peptide-binding groove; and (iii) it exerts immune-stimulatory activity towards peripheral blood NK and T cells, while all known isoforms of HLA-G are immune-inhibitory checkpoint molecules. Such immune-stimulatory properties of HLA-G∆α1 on the cytotoxic function of peripheral blood NK cells are individual dependent and are not exerted through the interaction with the known HLA-G receptor, ILT2. Importantly, we are faced here with a potential antitumor effect of an HLA-G isoform, opposed to the pro-tumor properties described for all other HLA-G isoforms, which should be taken into account in future therapeutic designs aimed at blocking this immune checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tronik-Le Roux
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France.
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Marina Daouya
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alix Jacquier
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Schenowitz
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - François Desgrandchamps
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
- Service d'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouas-Freiss
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Edgardo D Carosella
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
- IRSL, UMRS 976, HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
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4
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Zheng G, Jia L, Yang AG. Roles of HLA-G/KIR2DL4 in Breast Cancer Immune Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:791975. [PMID: 35185887 PMCID: PMC8850630 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.791975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a nonclassical MHC Class I molecule, which was initially reported as a mediator of immune tolerance when expressed in extravillous trophoblast cells at the maternal-fetal interface. HLA-G is the only known ligand of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 2DL4 (KIR2DL4), an atypical family molecule that is widely expressed on the surface of NK cells. Unlike other KIR receptors, KIR2DL4 contains both an arginine–tyrosine activation motif in its transmembrane region and an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) in its cytoplasmic tail, suggesting that KIR2DL4 may function as an activating or inhibitory receptor. The immunosuppressive microenvironment exemplified by a rewired cytokine network and upregulated immune checkpoint proteins is a hallmark of advanced and therapy-refractory tumors. Accumulating evidence has shown that HLA-G is an immune checkpoint molecule with specific relevance in cancer immune escape, although the role of HLA-G/KIR2DL4 in antitumor immunity is still uncharacterized. Our previous study had shown that HLA-G was a pivotal mediator of breast cancer resistance to trastuzumab, and blockade of the HLA-G/KIR2DL4 interaction can resensitize breast cancer to trastuzumab treatment. In this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the role of HLA-G/KIR2DL4 in the immune microenvironment of breast cancer. A better understanding of HLA-G is beneficial to identifying novel biomarker(s) for breast cancer, which is important for precision diagnosis and prognostic assessment. In addition, it is also necessary to unravel the mechanisms underlying HLA-G/KIR2DL4 regulation of the immune microenvironment in breast cancer, hopefully providing a rationale for combined HLA-G and immune checkpoints targeting for the effective treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lintao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - An-Gang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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5
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Ad'hiah AH, Al-Bayatee NT. HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Iraqi patients. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:521-527. [PMID: 35305830 PMCID: PMC8920981 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecules are proposed to influence susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A case-control study was conducted on 209 patients with COVID-19 and198 controls to assess soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels and HLA-G 14-bp insertion [Ins]/deletion [Del] polymorphism. Results revealed that median levels of sHLA-G were significantly higher in serum of COVID-19 patients than in controls (17.92 [interquartile range: 14.86–21.15] vs. 13.42 [9.95–17.38] ng/mL; probability <0.001). sHLA-G levels showed no significant differences between patients with moderate, severe or critical disease. Del allele was significantly associated with the risk of COVID-19 (odds ratio = 1.89; 95% confidence interval = 1.44–2.48; corrected probability = 0.001), while a higher risk was associated with Del/Del genotype (odds ratio = 2.39; 95% confidence interval = 1.25–4.58; corrected probability = 0.048). Allele and genotype frequencies of HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism stratified by gender or disease severity showed no significant differences in each stratum. Further, there was no significant impact of genotypes on sHLA-G levels. In conclusion, sHLA-G levels were up-regulated in COVID-19 patients regardless of disease severity. Further, it is suggested that HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism is associated with COVID-19 risk.
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6
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Schmiedel D, Mandelboim O, Seliger B. Role of HLA-G in Viral Infections. Front Immunol 2022; 13:826074. [PMID: 35237271 PMCID: PMC8882596 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.826074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule, which has distinct features to classical HLA-A, -B, -C antigens, such as a low polymorphism, different splice variants, highly restricted, tightly regulated expression and immune modulatory properties. HLA-G expression in tumor cells and virus-infected cells, as well as the release of soluble HLA-G leads to escape from host immune surveillance. Increased knowledge of the link between HLA-G expression, viral infection and disease progression is urgently required, which highlights the possible use of HLA-G as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for viral infections, but also as therapeutic target. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the expression, regulation, function and impact of HLA-G in the context of different viral infections including virus-associated cancers. The characterization of HLA-G-driven immune escape mechanisms involved in the interactions between host cells and viruses might result in the design of novel immunotherapeutic strategies targeting HLA-G and/or its interaction with its receptors on immune effector cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dominik Schmiedel
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, The BioMedical Research Institute Israel Canada of the Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Barbara Seliger,
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7
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Bennedsen ALB, Cai L, Hasselager RP, Özcan AA, Mohamed KB, Eriksen JO, Eiholm S, Bzorek M, Fiehn AMK, Hviid TVF, Gögenur I. An exploration of immunohistochemistry-based prognostic markers in patients undergoing curative resections for colon cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:62. [PMID: 35027037 PMCID: PMC8759288 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The immune system recognizes and destroys cancer cells. However, cancer cells develop mechanisms to avoid detection by expressing cell surface proteins. Specific tumour cell surface proteins (e.g. HLA-G, PD-L1, CDX2) either alone or in combination with the relative presence of immune cells (CD3 and CD8 positive T-cells) in the tumour tissue may describe the cancer cells’ ability to escape eradication by the immune system. The aim was to investigate the prognostic value of immunohistochemical markers in patients with colon cancer. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including patients diagnosed with pT3 and pT4 colon cancers. Immunohistochemical staining with HLA-G, PD-L1, CDX2, CD3, and CD8 was performed on tissue samples with representation of the invasive margin. PD-L1 expression in tumour cells and immune cells was reported conjointly. The expression of CD3 and CD8 was reported as a merged score based on the expression of both markers in the invasive margin and the tumour centre. Subsequently, a combined marker score was established based on all of the markers. Each marker added one point to the score when unfavourable immunohistochemical features was present, and the score was categorized as low, intermediate or high depending on the number of unfavourable stains. Hazard ratios for recurrence, disease-free survival and mortality were calculated. Results We included 188 patients undergoing colon cancer resections in 2011–2012. The median follow-up was 41.7 months, during which 41 (21.8%) patients had recurrence and 74 (39.4%) died. In multivariable regression analysis positive HLA-G expression (HR = 3.37, 95%CI [1.64–6.93]) was associated with higher recurrence rates, while a preserved CDX2 expression (HR = 0.23, 95%CI [0.06–0.85]) was associated with a lower risk of recurrence. An intermediate or high combined marker score was associated with increased recurrence rates (HR = 20.53, 95%CI [2.68–157.32] and HR = 7.56, 95%CI [1.06–54.16], respectively). Neither high expression of PD-L1 nor high CD3-CD8 score was significantly associated with recurrence rates. Patients with a high CD3-CD8 score had a significantly longer DFS and OS. Conclusions In tumour cells, expression of HLA-G and loss of CDX2 expression were associated with cancer recurrence. In addition, a combination of certain tumour tissue biomarkers was associated with colorectal cancer recurrence. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09169-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Louise Bjørn Bennedsen
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.
| | - Luyi Cai
- Cardiology department, Hospital Sønderjylland, Kresten Philipsens Vej 15, 6200, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Rune Petring Hasselager
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark
| | - Aysun Avci Özcan
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark
| | - Khadra Bashir Mohamed
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark
| | - Jens Ole Eriksen
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Susanne Eiholm
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Michael Bzorek
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Kanstrup Fiehn
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ismail Gögenur
- Center For Surgical Science (CSS), Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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HLA-G as a prognostic marker in stage II/III colorectal cancer: not quite there yet. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:535-543. [PMID: 35902421 PMCID: PMC9726768 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02141-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Identifying innovative molecules involved in the tumor immune escape process could help refine the survival stratification of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. HLA-G, a non-classical HLA molecule, physiologically involved in tolerogenic mechanisms, has recently emerged as a relevant prognostic marker in other tumor types, but ambiguous data are reported in the CRC setting. This study aims to evaluate the HLA-G expression and prognostic potential in a series of stage II/III CRCs. HLA-G expression was evaluated in 100 pT3 CRC cases by means of immunohistochemistry using the 4H84 and MEM-G/2 monoclonal antibodies. We observed heterogeneous expression of HLA-G showing different ranges: 4H84 expression ranged from > 1 to 40%-median 7%; MEM-G/2 expression ranged from 20 to 90%-median 50%. HLA-G positivity (any intensity > 1%) varied according to the antibody employed, identifying: 8 4H84 positive, 34 MEM-G/2 positive, 6 double-positive and 52 negative cases. Correlation with clinico-pathologic data showed a significant association with a poor tumor differentiation in stage III right-sided CRC subgroup (p = 0.043), while no other pathologic variable was significantly associated. Survival analysis revealed a reduced disease-free survival rate (HR 4.304613; p = 0.031) in the subgroup of CRC-related death cases, while no correlations were observed considering the whole series and the overall survival. In conclusion, HLA-G is a promising CRC prognostic marker however much work is still required regarding technical aspects and evaluation of expression.
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9
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A Critical Assessment of the Association between HLA-G Expression by Carcinomas and Clinical Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158265. [PMID: 34361031 PMCID: PMC8347921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) conveys immunological tolerance at the maternal-foetal interface. HLA-G expression by tumour cells may also play such a role, resulting in tumour immune evasion, making HLA-G a potential target for immunotherapies. The aim of this review was to determine to what extent it is justified that HLA-G expression is considered as a target for immune checkpoint inhibiting therapy by critically assessing the association between HLA-G expression by carcinomas and clinical outcome of patients. The used HLA-G-detecting mAb, HLA-G quantification methods and statistically significant HLA-G-associated clinicopathological parameters are discussed. Tumour HLA-G expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in breast, esophageal, gastric and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Tumour HLA-G expression was not associated with clinical outcome in ovarian and oral carcinoma patients. Cervical, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic carcinoma patients presented discrepant and therefore inconclusive results regarding the association between tumour HLA-G expression and clinical outcome. These disparities might partly be the result of differences in the methodological approach to quantify HLA-G expression between studies. Therefore, implementation of universal methodological procedures is strongly advised. Overall, HLA-G expression did not univocally result in poor clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. This implies that tumour HLA-G expression is not necessarily part of an inhibited tumour-immune response and tumour progression. Consequently, it remains elusive whether HLA-G expression by carcinomas functions as an immune checkpoint molecule affecting a tumour-immune response. It may also reflect derailed control of gene expression in tumours, with no real functional consequences.
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10
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Lin A, Yan WH. HLA-G/ILTs Targeted Solid Cancer Immunotherapy: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698677. [PMID: 34276691 PMCID: PMC8278316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising immunotherapy for cancers. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a neoantigen, its biological functions and clinical relevance have been extensively investigated in malignancies, and early clinical trials with “anti-HLA-G strategy” are being launched for advance solid cancer immunotherapy. The mechanism of HLA-G as a new ICI is that HLA-G can bind immune cell bearing inhibitory receptors, the immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-2 and ILT-4. HLA-G/ILT-2/-4 (HLA-G/ILTs) signaling can drive comprehensive immune suppression, promote tumor growth and disease progression. Though clinical benefits could be expected with application of HLA-G antibodies to blockade the HLA-G/ILTs signaling in solid cancer immunotherapy, major challenges with the diversity of HLA-G isoforms, HLA-G/ILTs binding specificity, intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity of HLA-G, lack of isoform-specific antibodies and validated assay protocols, which could dramatically affect the clinical efficacy. Clinical benefits of HLA-G-targeted solid cancer immunotherapy may be fluctuated or even premature unless major challenges are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China.,Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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11
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Persson G, Stæhr CS, Klok FS, Lebech M, Hviid TVF. Evidence for a shift in placental HLA-G allelic dominance and the HLA-G isoform profile during a healthy pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:846-858. [PMID: 34159362 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a non-classical class Ib major expressed by placental trophoblast cells plays a central role in establishing tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus and in placentation. HLA-G exists in different soluble or membrane-bound isoforms. Pre-eclampsia, a major cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality, has been linked to insufficient placentation and an altered immune response in pregnancy, including altered HLA-G expression. The 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region of the gene and the isoform profile may affect HLA-G expression. The aim of the current pilot study was to characterize the expression patterns of HLAG mRNA, protein and isoform profile in uncomplicated term pregnancies and in cases of pre-eclampsia. Maternal sHLA-G mRNA and protein levels was slightly reduced in pre-eclampsia. No difference was found for placental blood, and no correlation between peripheral and placental sHLA-G levels was found. We observed no association between neither fetal nor maternal HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion genotypes and pre-eclampsia, nor a significant difference in isoform profiles. However, in HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion heterozygous placental samples, we observed abundant HLA-G1 14 bp insertion allele expression in the term placentae, which is contrary to previous findings in first trimester trophoblast. Increased HLA-G1 14 bp insertion allele expression in the placenta was associated with reduced levels of placental sHLA-G and an altered isoform profile with increased relative levels of HLA-G1 and -G5 and reduced levels of HLA-G3. The results indicate that an allelic shift in heterozygous individuals could represent a novel regulatory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gry Persson
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Seefeldt Stæhr
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Freja Syrach Klok
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Lebech
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Peng Y, Xiao J, Li W, Li S, Xie B, He J, Liu C. Prognostic and Clinicopathological Value of Human Leukocyte Antigen G in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:642902. [PMID: 34055611 PMCID: PMC8149900 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.642902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic value of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) expression in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remains controversial. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to summarize available evidence from case-control or cohort studies that evaluated this association. METHODS The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies written in English published up to April 1, 2021, and with no initial date. Furthermore, the Google Scholar and Google databases were also searched manually for gray literature. The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020213411). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for end points using fixed- and random-effects statistical models to account for heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot, Begg's and Egger's tests, and the "trim and fill" method. RESULTS A total of 30 eligible articles with 5737 unique patients, including 12 studies on colorectal cancer (CRC), 6 on gastric cancer (GC), 5 on esophageal cancer (ESCC), 5 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and 2 on pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC), were retrieved. Both univariate (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.48 ~ 2.72) and multivariate (HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 2.03 ~ 3.55) analyses revealed that HLA-G expression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (OS), regardless of the cancer type or antibody used. Subgroup analysis stratified by antibody showed that the 4H84 (I2 = 45.8%, P = 0.101) antibodies could be trustworthy and reliable for detecting HLA-G expression in GI cancers. In addition, HLA-G expression was found to be correlated with adverse clinicopathological parameters such as clinical stage, nodal status, metastasis, and histological grade but not tumor status. CONCLUSION Elevated HLA-G expression indicates a poor prognosis for GI cancer patients, and screening for this marker could allow for the early diagnosis and treatment of GI cancers to improve survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjia Peng
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyun Li
- Department of Statistics, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuna Li
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binbin Xie
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Zhang X, Lin A, Han QY, Zhang JG, Chen QY, Ye YH, Zhou WJ, Xu HH, Gan J, Yan WH. Intratumor Heterogeneity of HLA-G Expression in Cancer Lesions. Front Immunol 2020; 11:565759. [PMID: 33329527 PMCID: PMC7717930 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.565759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling pathway between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G and immune inhibitory receptors immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-2/4 has been acknowledged as one of immune checkpoints, and as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Like other immune checkpoints, inter- and even intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G could render a rather complexity for HLA-G-target immunotherapy. However, little information for intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G is available. In this study, HLA-G expression in a serial section of colorectal cancer (CRC) lesions from three CRC patients (each sample with serial section of 50 slides, 10 randomized slides for each antibody), three different locations within a same sample (five CRC), and three case-matched blocks that each includes 36 esophageal cancer samples, were evaluated with immunohistochemistry using anti-HLA-G antibodies (mAbs 4H84, MEM-G/1 and MEM-G/2 probing for all denatured HLA-G isoforms, 5A6G7, and 2A12 probing for denatured HLA-G5 and HLA-G6 isoforms). Our results revealed that, in addition to the frequently observed inter-tumor heterogeneity, intratumor heterogeneous expression of HLA-G is common in different areas within a tumor in CRC and esophageal cancer samples included in this study. Moreover, percentage of HLA-G expression probed with different anti-HLA-G antibodies also varies dramatically within a tumor. Given HLA-G has been considered as an important immune checkpoint, intratumor heterogeneity of HLA-G expression, and different specificity of anti-HLA-G antibodies being used among studies, interpretation and clinical significance of HLA-G expression in cancers should be with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Han
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Jian-Gang Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Qiong-Yuan Chen
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Yao-Han Ye
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Biological Resource Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Jun Gan
- Medical Research Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, TaiZhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), LinHai, China
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14
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Arnaiz-Villena A, Juarez I, Suarez-Trujillo F, López-Nares A, Vaquero C, Palacio-Gruber J, Martin-Villa JM. HLA-G: Function, polymorphisms and pathology. Int J Immunogenet 2020; 48:172-192. [PMID: 33001562 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HLA-G immune modulatory genes and molecules are presently being studied by a widespread number of research groups. In the present study, we do not aim to be exhaustive since the number of manuscripts published every year is overwhelming. Instead, our aim is pointing out facts about HLA-G function, polymorphism and pathology that have been confirmed by several different researchers, together with exposing aspects that may have been overlooked or not sufficiently remarked in this productive field of study. On the other hand, we question whether performing mainly studies on HLA-G and disease associations is going to give a clear answer in the future, since 40 years of study of classical HLA molecules association with disease has still given no definite answer on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Arnaiz-Villena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Juarez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Suarez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-Nares
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Vaquero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Palacio-Gruber
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M Martin-Villa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Xu HH, Yan WH, Lin A. The Role of HLA-G in Human Papillomavirus Infections and Cervical Carcinogenesis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1349. [PMID: 32670296 PMCID: PMC7330167 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a non-classical HLA-class I molecule, has a low polymorphism frequency, restricted tissue distribution and immunoinhibitory property. HLA-G expression in tumor cells and cells chronically infected with virus may enable them to escape from host immune surveillance. It is well-known that the HLA-G molecule is a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target that is relevant in various types of cancers, but its role in cervical cancer has not been fully explored. In this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the immunologic role of the HLA-G molecule in the context of HPV infections and the process of cervical cancer carcinogenesis. A better understanding of the potential impact of HLA-G on the clinical course of persistent HPV infections, cervical epithelial cell transformation, tumor growth, recurrence and metastasis is needed to identify a novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for cervical cancer, which is critical for cervical cancer risk screening. In addition, it is also necessary to identify HLA-G-driven immune mechanisms involved in the interactions between host and virus to explore novel immunotherapy strategies that target HLA-G/immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT) immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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Persson G, Bork JBS, Isgaard C, Larsen TG, Bordoy AM, Bengtsson MS, Hviid TVF. Cytokine stimulation of the choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3 leads to alterations in the HLA-G expression profile. Cell Immunol 2020; 352:104110. [PMID: 32387976 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The checkpoint molecule human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G has restricted tissue expression, and plays a role in the establishment of maternal tolerance to the semi-allogenic fetus during pregnancy by expression on the trophoblast cells in the placenta. HLA-G exists in at least seven well-described mRNA isoforms, of which four are membrane-bound and three soluble. Regulation of the tissue expression of HLA-G and its isoforms is relatively unknown. Therefore, it is important to understand the regulation of HLA-G, and the HLA-G+ choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3 is a widely used cellular model. We hypothesized that cytokines present in the microenvironment can regulate the HLA-G expression profile. In the present study, we systematically stimulated JEG-3 cells with various concentrations of IL-2, IL-4 IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17A, TGF-β1, TNF-α and IFN-γ1b. The results suggest that IFN-γ plays a role in maintenance of HLA-G expression, while IL-10 might be involved in regulation of the isoform profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gry Persson
- Center for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Consortium ZUH, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Birgit Siig Bork
- Center for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Consortium ZUH, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Isgaard
- Center for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Consortium ZUH, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tine Graakjær Larsen
- Center for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Consortium ZUH, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Maria Bordoy
- Center for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Consortium ZUH, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Meghan Sand Bengtsson
- Center for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Consortium ZUH, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert Faurschou Hviid
- Center for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Consortium ZUH, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Detection of serum soluble HLA-G levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A pilot study. Hum Immunol 2020; 81:156-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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A role for both HLA-F and HLA-G in reproduction and during pregnancy? Hum Immunol 2019; 81:127-133. [PMID: 31558330 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The human major histocompatibility complex includes a group of non-classical HLA class I genes, HLA-E, -F and -G. While nearly all focus since the discovery of these class Ib molecules have been on basic biochemistry and molecular biology of HLA-G and HLA-E, as well as their expression patterns, functions in immune modulation and during pregnancy, and also possible implications in a range of diseases, in infertility and pregnancy complications, HLA-F has nearly been ignored. However, recent discoveries show that HLA-F can be expressed as both open conformers binding to a number of KIRs on primarily NK cells, as well as peptide-bound HLA-F binding to ILT2 and ILT4. Furthermore, a number of reports indicate a possible involvement of HLA-F in viral infections, in cancer immunology, and in fertility and reproduction, which may initiate more interest in this rather unknown HLA class I molecule. In this short review, we focus on recent discoveries that indicate a functional role for HLA-F in reproduction and during pregnancy, and the role of HLA-F in relation to HLA-G.
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19
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Lin A, Yan W. Intercellular transfer of HLA-G: its potential in cancer immunology. Clin Transl Immunology 2019; 8:e1077. [PMID: 31489189 PMCID: PMC6716982 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular protein transfer between cancer cells and immune cells is a very common phenomenon that can affect different stages of host antitumor immune responses. HLA‐G, a non‐classical HLA class I antigen, has been observed to be widely expressed in various malignancies, and its immune‐suppressive functions have been well recognised. HLA‐G expression in cancer cells can directly mediate immune tolerance by interacting with inhibitory receptors such as ILT2 and ILT4 expressed on immune cells. Moreover, a network of multiple directional intercellular transfers of HLA‐G among cancer cells and immune cells through trogocytosis, exosomes and tunnelling nanotubes provides malignant cells with an alternative ploy for antigen sharing and induces more complex heterogeneity, to modulate immune responses, ultimately leading to immune evasion, therapy resistance, disease progression and poor clinical outcome. Herein, we discuss the relative aspects of the intercellular transfer of HLA‐G between tumor cells and immune cells and its potential use in tumor immunology research and translational cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource CenterTaizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceWenzhou Medical UniversityLinhaiZhejiangChina
| | - Wei‐Hua Yan
- Medical Research CenterTaizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceWenzhou Medical UniversityLinhaiZhejiangChina
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20
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Würfel FM, Winterhalter C, Trenkwalder P, Wirtz RM, Würfel W. European Patent in Immunoncology: From Immunological Principles of Implantation to Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081830. [PMID: 31013867 PMCID: PMC6514949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The granted European patent EP 2 561 890 describes a procedure for an immunological treatment of cancer. It is based on the principles of the HLA-supported communication of implantation and pregnancy. These principles ensure that the embryo is not rejected by the mother. In pregnancy, the placenta, more specifically the trophoblast, creates an “interface” between the embryo/fetus and the maternal immune system. Trophoblasts do not express the “original” HLA identification of the embryo/fetus (HLA-A to -DQ), but instead show the non-classical HLA groups E, F, and G. During interaction with specific receptors of NK cells (e.g., killer-immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR)) and lymphocytes (lymphocyte-immunoglobulin-like receptors (LIL-R)), the non-classical HLA groups inhibit these immunocompetent cells outside pregnancy. However, tumors are known to be able to express these non-classical HLA groups and thus make use of an immuno-communication as in pregnancies. If this occurs, the prognosis usually worsens. This patent describes, in a first step, the profiling of the non-classical HLA groups in primary tumor tissue as well as metastases and recurrent tumors. The second step comprises tailored antibody therapies, which is the subject of this patent. In this review, we analyze the underlying mechanisms and describe the currently known differences between HLA-supported communication of implantation and that of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M Würfel
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, D-50935 Cologne, Werthmannstrasse 1c, 50935 Cologne, Germany.
| | | | | | - Ralph M Wirtz
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, D-50935 Cologne, Werthmannstrasse 1c, 50935 Cologne, Germany.
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