IL-1/IL-1R Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer

Low expression of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist correlates with poor prognosis via promoting proliferation and migration and inhibiting apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers are biochemical indicators that can identify changes in the structure or function of systems, organs, or cells and can be used to monitor a wide range of biological processes, including cancer. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) is an important inflammatory suppressor gene and tumor biomarker. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of IL1RA, its probable carcinogenic activity, and its diagnostic targets in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

RESULTS

We discovered that IL1RA was expressed at a low level in OSCC tumor tissues compared to normal epithelial tissues and that the expression declined gradually from epithelial hyperplasia through dysplasia to carcinoma in situ and invasive OSCC. Low IL1RA expression was associated not only with poor survival but also with various clinicopathological markers such as increased infiltration, recurrence, and fatalities. Following cellular phenotyping investigations in OSCC cells overexpressing IL1RA, we discovered that recovering IL1RA expression decreased OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and increased apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our investigation highlighted the possible involvement of low-expression IL1RA in OSCC cells in promoting invasive as well as metastatic and inhibiting apoptosis, as well as the efficacy of IL1RA-focused monitoring in the early detection and treatment of OSCC.

Salivary Biomarkers for Oral Cancer Detection: An Exploratory Systematic Review

Different efforts have been made to find better and less invasive methods for the diagnosis and prediction of oral cancer, such as the study of saliva as a source of biomarkers. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review about salivary molecules that have been assessed as possible biomarkers for the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A search was conducted using EBSCO, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Web of Science. The research question was as follows: which molecules present in saliva have utility to be used as biomarkers for the early detection of oral cancer? Sixty-two studies were included. Over 100 molecules were assessed. Most of the markers were oriented towards the early diagnosis of OSCC and were classified based on their ability for detecting OSCC and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), OSCC outcome prediction, and the prediction of the malignant transformation of OPMDs. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 IL-8, LDH, and MMP-9 were the most studied, with almost all studies reporting high sensitivity and specificity values. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 IL-8, LDH, and MMP-9 are the most promising salivary biomarkers. However, more studies with larger cohorts are needed before translating the use of these biomarkers to clinical settings.

Immune Escape Strategies in Head and Neck Cancer: Evade, Resist, Inhibit, Recruit

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) arise from the mucosal lining of the aerodigestive tract and are often associated with alcohol use, tobacco use, and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Over 600,000 new cases of HNC are diagnosed each year, making it the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Historically, treatments have included surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and while these treatments are still the backbone of current therapy, several immunotherapies have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in HNC. The role of the immune system in tumorigenesis and cancer progression has been explored since the early 20th century, eventually coalescing into the current three-phase model of cancer immunoediting. During each of the three phases-elimination, equilibrium, and escape-cancer cells develop and utilize multiple strategies to either reach or remain in the final phase, escape, at which point the tumor is able to grow and metastasize with little to no detrimental interference from the immune system. In this review, we summarize the many strategies used by HNC to escape the immune system, which include ways to evade immune detection, resist immune cell attacks, inhibit immune cell functions, and recruit pro-tumor immune cells.

Tumor infiltrating neutrophil microabscess in OSCC: A poorly understood histopathologic prognosticator

OBJECTIVE

Role of neutrophils in shaping the tumor microenvironment is well known in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, neutrophil microabscess (NM) formation within the tumor islands is distinctive phenomenon and has never been investigated in the literature. This pilot observational study identifies the incidence of NM in OSCC and its clinicopathologic correlation as a platform for the future studies.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective study was carried out on archival specimens of 121 cases of surgically excised OSCC specimens for identification of NM formations within the tumor islands using compound microscope. Mean NM density was calculated based on the quantification done at five randomly selected hotspots.

RESULTS

Out of total 121 cases of OSCC, thirteen (10.74%) cases showed a frank evidence of NM within tumor islands. The hotspot analysis showed that the NM density ranges from 2 to 7 with mean of 3.76 ± 1.39 per high power field. NM density was higher in moderately differentiated OSCC (3.76 ± 1.93) than well differentiated (3.76 ± 1.93) however the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.165). Similarly, higher NM density was reported in advanced T stage, lymph node involvement, advanced TNM stage and lymphovascular invasion, however, the results were statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence of NM formation in the tumor islands of OSCC, however their exact role as a prognosticator needs further exploration with large sample size and follow-up data.

Aging and oral squamous cell carcinoma development: the role of cellular senescence

The gradual accumulation and inadequate renewal of senescent cells over time drive organismal aging. Senescent cells undergo altered gene expression and release inflammatory mediators collectively termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which significantly contributes to a spectrum of age-related disorders, including cancer. In the context of carcinogenesis, the SASP produced by senescent cells has been implicated in the promotion of epithelial cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common form of oral cancer. Senescent cells within the tumor microenvironment release factors that amplify the growth and invasiveness of neighboring cancer cells. Senotherapeutics, including senolytics and senomorphics, emerge as promising modalities to target senescent cells and their associated inflammatory factors, thereby opening novel avenues for augmenting the efficacy of cancer treatments. Here, we review the general aspects of cellular senescence, focusing on the relation between senescence-related inflammation with cancer development. We also analyze the available evidence linking cellular senescence with OSCC, highlighting possible clinical applications.

IL-1RA promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma malignancy through mitochondrial metabolism-mediated EGFR/JNK/SOX2 pathway

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), a member of the IL-1 family, has diverse roles in cancer development. However, the role of IL-1RA in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), in particular the underlying mechanisms, remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

Tumor tissues from OSCC patients were assessed for protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Patient survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Impact of differential IL-1RA expression on cultured OSCC cell lines was assessed in vitro by clonogenic survival, tumorsphere formation, soft agar colony formation, and transwell cell migration and invasion assays. Oxygen consumption rate was measured by Seahorse analyzer or multi-mode plate reader. PCR array was applied to screen human cancer stem cell-related genes, proteome array for phosphorylation status of kinases, and Western blot for protein expression in cultured cells. In vivo tumor growth was investigated by orthotopic xenograft in mice, and protein expression in xenograft tumors assessed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Clinical analysis revealed that elevated IL-1RA expression in OSCC tumor tissues was associated with increased tumor size and cancer stage, and reduced survival in the patient group receiving adjuvant radiotherapy compared to the patient group without adjuvant radiotherapy. In vitro data supported these observations, showing that overexpression of IL-1RA increased OSCC cell growth, migration/invasion abilities, and resistance to ionizing radiation, whereas knockdown of IL-1RA had largely the opposite effects. Additionally, we identified that EGFR/JNK activation and SOX2 expression were modulated by differential IL-1RA expression downstream of mitochondrial metabolism, with application of mitochondrial complex inhibitors suppressing these pathways. Furthermore, in vivo data revealed that treatment with cisplatin or metformin-a mitochondrial complex inhibitor and conventional therapy for type 2 diabetes-reduced IL-1RA-associated xenograft tumor growth as well as EGFR/JNK activation and SOX2 expression. This inhibitory effect was further augmented by combination treatment with cisplatin and metformin.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study suggests that IL-1RA promoted OSCC malignancy through mitochondrial metabolism-mediated EGFR/JNK activation and SOX2 expression. Inhibition of this mitochondrial metabolic pathway may present a potential therapeutic strategy in OSCC.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Biomarkers in Postoperative Pain Modulation in Surgically Treated Patients with Laryngeal Cancer-Pilot Study

(1) Background: Surgical treatment of laryngeal carcinoma includes different types of laryngectomies with neck dissection. Surgical tissue damage triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory molecules. This increases reactive oxygen species production and decreases antioxidant defense mechanisms, leading to postoperative oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, MDA; glutathione peroxidase, GPX; superoxide dismutase, SOD) and inflammation (interleukin 1, IL-1; interleukin-6, IL-6; C-reactive protein, CRP) parameters and postoperative pain management in patients surgically treated with laryngeal cancer. (2) Methods: This prospective study included 28 patients with surgically treated laryngeal cancer. Blood samples were taken for the analysis of oxidative stress and inflammation parameters before the operative treatment and after the operative treatment (1st postoperative day and 7th postoperative day). The concentrations of MDA, SOD, GPX, IL-1, IL-6, and CRP in the serum were determined by coated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. (3) Results and conclusion: There was a correlation between oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers and postoperative pain modulation in surgically treated patients with laryngeal cancer. Age, more extensive surgery, CRP values, and use of tramadol were predictors for oxidative stress parameters.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist: a promising cytokine against human squamous cell carcinomas

Inflammation, especially chronic inflammation, is closely linked to tumor development. As essential chronic inflammatory cytokines, the interleukin family plays a key role in inflammatory infections and malignancies. The interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL1RA), as a naturally occurring receptor antagonist, is the first discovered and can compete with IL-1 in binding to the receptor. Recent studies have revealed the association of the polymorphisms in IL1RA with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), cervical squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and bronchus squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we reviewed the antitumor potential of IL1RA as an IL-1-targeted inhibitor.

Tumor associated macrophage in HPV+ tumors: Between immunosuppression and inflammation

Over the past few decades, with the rise of immunotherapies, tumor infiltrating immune cells were increasingly investigated. Indeed, they may represent biomarkers for patient outcome prediction, they may bear immune checkpoint markers that can be targeted by therapeutic antibodies and mechanistic studies may reveal how to tweak their activation profile so that we can re-direct them towards tumor cells. Macrophages possess a central place in tissue homeostasis for tissue remodeling and cleaning, transformed cell elimination, phagocytosis and regulation of inflammation via cytokine production. All these functions allow the discovery of approaches to target Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs) using immunotherapies. Indeed, TAMs express known immune checkpoint markers such as PD-L1, CD40, Sirp-α and markers such as CD163, CD204, TREM2, TREM1 associated with prognosis. In the context of therapies TAM may participate to antibody dependent cell phagocytosis (ADCP) thanks to FCγ-Receptors. Here, we will review the recent literature on TAMs in the specific context of HPV⁺ tumors. Indeed, HPV infection of mucosal tissue may lead to head and neck, cervical, penile, anal and vaginal cancers. HPV⁺ tumors exhibit a higher immune cell infiltrate, which relies on inflammation, immunosuppression and anti-viral response. In this context, and considering the many functions on macrophages, we will show the versatility of TAMs in a tumor microenvironment with viral infection features.

The Assessment of Serum Cytokines in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: An Observational Prospective Controlled Study

Background: The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex interweb of cells and mediators balancing carcinogenesis, inflammation, and the immune response. However, cytokines are not only secreted within the TME but also released by a variety of other cells that do not comprise the TME; therefore, a thorough assessment of humoral changes in OSCC should include the measurement of serum cytokines. Methods: We assessed the role of various serum cytokines in the evolution of OSCC, before and after treatment, versus a control group. We measured the serum concentrations of MIP-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α. Results: Significantly higher values (p < 0.01) were noted for IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in the OSCC group before treatment (n = 13) compared with the control group (n = 14), and the increased concentrations persisted after treatment (n = 11). Furthermore, the variations in the values of MIP-1α, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α are correlated both before and after treatment (p < 0.01). In the pretherapeutic group, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations also correlate with IL-1β and IL-10 serum levels (p < 0.01), while in the posttherapeutic group, IL-4 varies with MIP-1α and TNF-α (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In OSCC patients, serum cytokine levels are significantly higher compared with control, but they are not significantly altered by treatment, therefore implying that they are also influenced by systemic factors. The interactions between all involved cytokines and the various pathways they regulate warrant further studies to clarify their definitive roles.

IL1 Pathway in HPV-Negative HNSCC Cells Is an Indicator of Radioresistance After Photon and Carbon Ion Irradiation Without Functional Involvement

Background

Treatment of locally advanced HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with photon radiation is the standard of care but shows only moderate success. Alterations in response toward DNA DSB repair, apoptosis, and senescence are underlying determinants of radioresistance in the tumor cells. Recently, senescence and the associated secretory phenotype (SASP) came into the focus of research and raised the need to identify the tumor-promoting molecular mechanisms of the SASP. The aim of this project was to unravel more of this process and to understand the impact of the IL1 pathway, which plays a major role in SASP. The studies were performed for photon and ¹²C-ion irradiation, which strongly vary in their effect on radioresistance.

Materials and Methods

A panel of five HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines was treated with photon and ¹²C-ion irradiation and examined for clonogenic survival, DNA DSB repair, and senescence. SASP and IL1 gene expressions were determined by RNA sequencing and activation of the IL1 pathway by ELISA. A functional impact of IL1A and IL1B was examined by specific siRNA knockdown.

Results

Cell killing and residual DSBs were higher after ¹²C-ion than after photon irradiation. ¹²C-ion induced more senescence with a significant correlation with cell survival. The impact on radioresistance appears to be less than after photon irradiation. The expression of SASP-related genes and the IL1 pathway are strongly induced by both types of irradiation and correlate with radioresistance and senescence, especially IL1A and IL1B which exhibit excellent associations. Surprisingly, knockdown of IL1A and IL1B revealed that the IL1 pathway is functionally not involved in radioresistance, DSB repair, or induction of senescence.

Conclusions

IL1A and IL1B are excellent indicators of cellular radioresistance and senescence in HNSCC cells without functional involvement in these processes. Clearly more research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms of senescence and SASP and its impact on radioresistance.

Interleukin-1α: Novel functions in cell senescence and antiviral response

The interleukin-1 proteins are a hub of innate inflammatory signaling that activates diverse aspects of adaptive immunity. Until recently, the IL-1α isoform was relatively incompletely understood compared with IL-1β. This review briefly summarizes novel and surprising aspects of IL-1α biology. IL-1α localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, cell membrane or extracellular space in various contexts, with corresponding distinct functions. In particular, we focus on multiple pathways by which IL-1α promotes the senescent cell phenotype, unexpectedly involving signaling molecules including mTOR, GATA4, mitochondrial cardiolipin and caspases-4/5. Finally, I review a novel pathway by which IL-1α promotes antiviral immunity.