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Greier MDC, Runge A, Dudas J, Hartl R, Santer M, Dejaco D, Steinbichler TB, Federspiel J, Seifarth C, Konschake M, Sprung S, Sopper S, Randhawa A, Mayr M, Hofauer BG, Riechelmann H. Cytotoxic response of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes of head and neck cancer slice cultures under mitochondrial dysfunction. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1364577. [PMID: 38515569 PMCID: PMC10954813 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1364577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are highly heterogeneous tumors. In the harsh tumor microenvironment (TME), metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial dysfunction may lead to immunosuppressive phenotypes. Aerobic glycolysis is needed for the activation of cytotoxic T-cells and the absence of glucose may hamper the full effector functions of cytotoxic T-cells. To test the effect of mitochondrial dysfunction on cytotoxic T cell function, slice cultures (SC) of HNSCC cancer were cultivated under different metabolic conditions. Methods Tumor samples from 21 patients with HNSCC were collected, from which, SC were established and cultivated under six different conditions. These conditions included high glucose, T cell stimulation, and temporarily induced mitochondrial dysfunction (MitoDys) using FCCP and oligomycin A with or without additional T cell stimulation, high glucose and finally, a control medium. Over three days of cultivation, sequential T cell stimulation and MitoDys treatments were performed. Supernatant was collected, and SC were fixed and embedded. Granzyme B was measured in the supernatant and in the SC via immunohistochemistry (IHC). Staining of PD1, CD8/Ki67, and cleaved-caspase-3 (CC3) were performed in SC. Results Hematoxylin eosin stains showed that overall SC quality remained stable over 3 days of cultivation. T cell stimulation, both alone and combined with MitoDys, led to significantly increased granzyme levels in SC and in supernatant. Apoptosis following T cell stimulation was observed in tumor and stroma. Mitochondrial dysfunction alone increased apoptosis in tumor cell aggregates. High glucose concentration alone had no impact on T cell activity and apoptosis. Apoptosis rates were significantly lower under conditions with high glucose and MitoDys (p=0.03). Conclusion Stimulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in SC was feasible, which led to increased apoptosis in tumor cells. Induced mitochondrial dysfunction did not play a significant role in the activation and function of TILs in SC of HNSCC. Moreover, high glucose concentration did not promote cytotoxic T cell activity in HNSCC SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria do Carmo Greier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annette Runge
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jozsef Dudas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roland Hartl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Santer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Daniel Dejaco
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Julia Federspiel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christof Seifarth
- Institute for Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marko Konschake
- Institute for Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Susanne Sprung
- INNPATH GmbH, Institute for Pathology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sieghart Sopper
- Clinic for Internal Medicine V, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Avneet Randhawa
- Department of Otolaryngology, Rutgers University Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | | | - Benedikt Gabriel Hofauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Riechelmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Guo Z, Zhao Y, Xu M, Zhao L, Wang X. Natural killer cell-based signature: Prognostic analysis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3671. [PMID: 38384136 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3671] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is a challenging cancer with significant clinical implications. Natural killer (NK) cells have emerged as important players in tumor immunosurveillance, yet their role and potential as prognostic biomarkers in HNSC remain unclear. METHODS Quantitative analysis using multiple algorithms identified FCRL1, KIR3DL2 and ZNF541 as molecules significantly associated with local NK cell infiltration and patient survival. A prognostic model based on these molecules demonstrated robust predictive performance. RESULTS Analysis of high- and low-risk patient groups revealed distinct differences in the tumor microenvironment, indicating an inhibitory immune microenvironment in high-risk patients. Notably, low-risk patients exhibited potential sensitivity to immunotherapy and showed favorable responses to specific drugs such as axitinib, methotrexate, rapamycin and vorinostat. NK cells, important effectors of the innate immune response, were found to play a crucial role in HNSC immunity. The present study provides valuable insights into the correlation between FCRL1, KIR3DL2, ZNF541 and NK cell infiltration, paving the way for future investigations into their roles in HNSC. Activation of NOTCH signaling, MYC targets, DNA repair, E2F targets, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, G2M checkpoint and mitotic spindle pathways in high-risk patients suggests their involvement in disease progression and poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS The present study reveals the significance of NK cells in HNSC and their potential as prognostic biomarkers. The CFKZ score offers a promising approach for predicting patient outcomes and guiding personalized treatment decisions in HNSC. These findings contribute to our understanding of HNSC immunobiology and hold implications for precision medicine in HNSC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhao Guo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxia Zhao
- Department of Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Federspiel J, Greier MDC, Ladányi A, Dudas J. p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibition of Mesenchymal Transdifferentiated Tumor Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3301. [PMID: 38137525 PMCID: PMC10741606 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
High mortality in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is due to recurrence, metastasis, and radiochemotherapy (RCT) resistance. These phenomena are related to the tumor cell subpopulation undergoing partial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (pEMT). Repeated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta-1) treatment via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway induces pEMT in SCC-25 HNSCC cells, and activates and stabilizes the pro-EMT transcription factor Slug. We investigated the growth inhibitory, cisplatin-sensitizing, and pro-apoptotic effects of p38 MAPK inhibition in cisplatin-resistant (SCC-25) and -sensitive (UPCI-SCC090) HNSCC cell lines, using two specific p38 MAPK inhibitors, SB202190 and ralimetinib. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay; cell cycle distribution and cell death were evaluated by flow cytometry; p38 MAPK phosphorylation, Slug protein stabilization, and p38 MAPK downstream targets were investigated by Western blot. p-p38 inhibitors achieved sustained phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182) and inhibition of its function, which resulted in decreased phosphorylation (Thr69/71) of the downstream target pATF2 in pEMT cells. Subsequently, the p-p38 inhibition resulted in reduced Slug protein levels. In accordance, p-p38 inhibition led to sensitization of pEMT cells to cisplatin-induced cell death; moreover, p-p38 inhibitor treatment cycles significantly decreased the viability of cisplatin-surviving cells. In conclusion, clinically relevant p38 inhibitors might be effective for RCT-resistant pEMT cells in HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Federspiel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria and University Hospital of Tyrol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.F.); (M.d.C.G.)
| | - Maria do Carmo Greier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria and University Hospital of Tyrol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.F.); (M.d.C.G.)
| | - Andrea Ladányi
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Jozsef Dudas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria and University Hospital of Tyrol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.F.); (M.d.C.G.)
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Shi E, Wu Z, Karaoglan BS, Schwenk-Zieger S, Kranz G, Abdul Razak N, Reichel CA, Canis M, Baumeister P, Zeidler R, Gires O. 5'-Ectonucleotidase CD73/NT5E supports EGFR-mediated invasion of HPV-negative head and neck carcinoma cells. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:72. [PMID: 37620936 PMCID: PMC10463398 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00968-6] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of malignant cells is a driving force of disease progression in human papillomavirus-negative (HPV-negative) head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Sustained hyper-activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induces an invasion-promoting subtype of EMT (EGFR-EMT) characterized by a gene signature ("'EGFR-EMT_Signature'") comprising 5´-ectonucleotidase CD73. Generally, CD73 promotes immune evasion via adenosine (ADO) formation and associates with EMT and metastases. However, CD73 regulation through EGFR signaling remains under-explored and targeting options are amiss. METHODS CD73 functions in EGFR-mediated tumor cell dissemination were addressed in 2D and 3D cellular models of migration and invasion. The novel antagonizing antibody 22E6 and therapeutic antibody Cetuximab served as inhibitors of CD73 and EGFR, respectively, in combinatorial treatment. Specificity for CD73 and its role as effector or regulator of EGFR-EMT were assessed upon CD73 knock-down and over-expression. CD73 correlation to tumor budding was studied in an in-house primary HNSCC cohort. Expression correlations, and prognostic and predictive values were analyzed using machine learning-based algorithms and Kaplan-Meier survival curves in single cell and bulk RNA sequencing datasets. RESULTS CD73/NT5E is induced by the EGF/EGFR-EMT-axis and blocked by Cetuximab and MEK inhibitor. Inhibition of CD73 with the novel antagonizing antibody 22E6 specifically repressed EGFR-dependent migration and invasion of HNSCC cells in 2D. Cetuximab and 22E6 alone reduced local invasion in a 3D-model. Interestingly, combining inefficient low-dose concentrations of Cetuximab and 22E6 revealed highly potent in invasion inhibition, substantially reducing the functional IC50 of Cetuximab regarding local invasion. A role for CD73 as an effector of EGFR-EMT in local invasion was further supported by knock-down and over-expression experiments in vitro and by high expression in malignant cells budding from primary tumors. CD73 expression correlated with EGFR pathway activity, EMT, and partial EMT (p-EMT) in malignant single HNSCC cells and in large patient cohorts. Contrary to published data, CD73 was not a prognostic marker of overall survival (OS) in the TCGA-HNSCC cohort when patients were stratified for HPV-status. However, CD73 prognosticated OS of oral cavity carcinomas. Furthermore, CD73 expression levels correlated with response to Cetuximab in HPV-negative advanced, metastasized HNSCC patients. CONCLUSIONS In sum, CD73 is an effector of EGF/EGFR-mediated local invasion and a potential therapeutic target and candidate predictive marker for advanced HPV-negative HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enxian Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Zhengquan Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Birnur Sinem Karaoglan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Schwenk-Zieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nilofer Abdul Razak
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph A Reichel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhard Zeidler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Structural Biology, Research Unit Therapeutic Antibodies, Helmholtz Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 21, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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