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Muijlwijk T, Nijenhuis DNLM, Ganzevles SH, Ekhlas F, Ballesteros-Merino C, Peferoen LAN, Bloemena E, Fox BA, Poell JB, Leemans CR, Brakenhoff RH, van de Ven R. Immune cell topography of head and neck cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009550. [PMID: 39053947 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 50% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) recur after treatment with curative intent. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are treatment options for recurrent/metastatic HNSCC; however, less than 20% of patients respond. To increase this response rate, it is fundamental to increase our understanding of the spatial tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). METHODS In total, 53 HNSCC specimens were included. Using a seven-color multiplex immunohistochemistry panel we identified tumor cells, CD163+macrophages, B cells, CD8+T cells, CD4+T helper cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in treatment-naive surgical resection specimens (n=29) and biopsies (n=18). To further characterize tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells, we stained surgical resection specimens (n=12) with a five-color tumor-resident panel including CD103, Ki67, CD8 and pan-cytokeratin. Secretome analysis was performed on matched tumor suspensions (n=11) to measure protein levels. RESULTS Based on CD8+T cell infiltrates, we identified four different immunotypes: fully infiltrated, stroma-restricted, immune-excluded, and immune-desert. We found higher cytokine levels in fully infiltrated tumors compared with other immunotypes. While the highest immune infiltrates were observed in the invasive margin for all immune cells, CD163+macrophages and Tregs had the highest tendency to infiltrate the tumor center. Within the tumor center, especially B cells stayed at the tumor stroma, whereas CD163+macrophages, followed by T cells, were more often localized within tumor fields. Also, B cells were found further away from other cells and often formed aggregates while T cells and CD163+macrophages tended to be more closely located to each other. Across resection specimens from various anatomical sites within the head and neck, oral cavity tumors exhibited the highest densities of Tregs. Moreover, the distance from B cells and T cells to tumor cells was shortest in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), suggesting more interaction between lymphocytes and tumor cells. Also, the fraction of T cells within 10 µm of CD163+macrophages was lowest in OCSCC, indicating fewer myeloid/T-cell suppressive interactions in OCSCC. CONCLUSIONS We comprehensively described the TIME of HNSCC using a unique data set of resection specimens. We discovered that the composition, as well as the relative localization of immune cells in the TIME, differed in distinct anatomical sites of the head and neck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Muijlwijk
- Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis N L M Nijenhuis
- Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja H Ganzevles
- Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fatima Ekhlas
- Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen Ballesteros-Merino
- Molecular and Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Providence Cancer Institute, Robert W. Franz Research Center at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Laura A N Peferoen
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC - Locatie VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Maxillofacial Surgery/ Oral Pathology, Academic Center for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Bloemena
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC - Locatie VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Maxillofacial Surgery/ Oral Pathology, Academic Center for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernard A Fox
- Molecular and Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Providence Cancer Institute, Robert W. Franz Research Center at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jos B Poell
- Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C René Leemans
- Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud H Brakenhoff
- Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rieneke van de Ven
- Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Gavrielatou N, Fortis E, Spathis A, Anastasiou M, Economopoulou P, Foukas GRP, Lelegiannis IM, Rusakiewicz S, Vathiotis I, Aung TN, Tissot S, Kastrinou A, Kotsantis I, Vagia EM, Panayiotides I, Rimm DL, Coukos G, Homicsko K, Foukas P, Psyrri A. B-cell infiltration is associated with survival outcomes following programmed cell death protein 1 inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Ann Oncol 2024; 35:340-350. [PMID: 38159908 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) axis blockade has become the mainstay in the treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the only approved biomarker for patient selection; however, response rate is limited even among high expressors. Our primary objective was to investigate the association of immune cell-related biomarkers in the tumor and tumor microenvironment with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors' outcomes in patients with R/M HNSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS NCT03652142 was a prospective study in nivolumab-treated platinum-refractory R/M HNSCC, aiming to evaluate biomarkers of response to treatment. Tumor biopsies and blood samples were collected from 60 patients at baseline, post-treatment, and at progression. Immune cells in the tumor and stromal compartments were quantified by immunofluorescence using a five-protein panel (CD3, CD8, CD20, FoxP3, cytokeratin). Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), PD-L1 expression, and peripheral blood immune cell composition were also evaluated for associations with outcome. Our findings were validated by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) messenger RNA in situ expression data from the same patients, for B-cell- and TLS-associated genes. RESULTS High pre-treatment density of stromal B cells was associated with prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.011). This result was validated by GSEA, as stromal enrichment with B-cell-associated genes showed association with response to nivolumab. PD-L1 positivity combined with high B-cell counts in stroma defined a subgroup with significantly longer PFS and overall survival (P = 0.013 and P = 0.0028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Increased B cells in pre-treatment HNSCC biopsy samples correlate with prolonged benefit from PD-1-based immunotherapy and could further enhance the predictive value of PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gavrielatou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - E Fortis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Spathis
- Department of Pathology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - M Anastasiou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - P Economopoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G R P Foukas
- Department of Pathology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I M Lelegiannis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Rusakiewicz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - I Vathiotis
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - T N Aung
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - S Tissot
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Kastrinou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Kotsantis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E M Vagia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Panayiotides
- Department of Pathology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - D L Rimm
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - G Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - K Homicsko
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - P Foukas
- Department of Pathology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Psyrri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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3
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Guo X, Xu L, Nie L, Zhang C, Liu Y, Zhao R, Cao J, Tian L, Liu M. B cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: current opinion and novel therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:41. [PMID: 38245714 PMCID: PMC10799521 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03218-3] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common malignant tumour. Despite advancements in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which have improved the prognosis of most patients, a subset of patients with poor prognoses still exist due to loss of surgical opportunities, postoperative recurrence, and metastasis, among other reasons. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a complex organization composed of tumour, stromal, and endothelial cells. Communication and interaction between tumours and immune cells within the TME are increasingly being recognized as pivotal in inhibiting or promoting tumour development. Previous studies on T cells in the TME of HNSCC have yielded novel therapeutic possibilities. However, the function of B cells, another adaptive immune cell type, in the TME of HNSCC patients has yet to be determined. Recent studies have revealed various distinct subtypes of B cells and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in the TME of HNSCC patients, which are believed to impact the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, this paper focuses on B cells in the TME to explore potential directions for future immunotherapy for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Guo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Licheng Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Luan Nie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yaohui Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linli Tian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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4
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Peng C, Xu Y, Wu J, Wu D, Zhou L, Xia X. TME-Related Biomimetic Strategies Against Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:109-135. [PMID: 38192633 PMCID: PMC10773252 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s441135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in various stages of tumor generation, metastasis, and evasion of immune monitoring and treatment. TME targeted therapy is based on TME components, related pathways or active molecules as therapeutic targets. Therefore, TME targeted therapy based on environmental differences between TME and normal cells has been widely studied. Biomimetic nanocarriers with low clearance, low immunogenicity, and high targeting have enormous potential in tumor treatment. This review introduces the composition and characteristics of TME, including cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), tumor blood vessels, non-tumor cells, and the latest research progress of biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) based on TME. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges of clinical transformation of biomimetic nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yilin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Donghai Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinhua Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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5
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Veneroni MV, Festa BM, Costantino A, Spriano G, Mercante G, De Virgilio A, Di Tommaso L. Prognostic Impact of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Its Predictive Role in Salivary Gland Cancer. Head Neck Pathol 2023; 17:515-527. [PMID: 36723850 PMCID: PMC10293532 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, many studies have investigated the role of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in carcinogenesis, highlighting its relation to both tumor regression and progression. In particular, the "inflammatory system", made of innate and adaptive immune cells, interacts with cancer cells and their surrounding stroma. In this setting, the aim of this review is to summarize the current literature regarding the TIME of major salivary gland carcinomas (MSGCs), with particular attention on the characteristics and prognostic role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the mechanisms that lead to TILs exhaustion and the important additional immune infiltrating factors that help SGC progression or remission. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed concerning published articles on the role of TIME in MSGCs. RESULTS In this work we summarize the advancing knowledge on TIME in SGCs by demonstrating the key prognostic and/or predictive value of specific immune features. CONCLUSION From the analysis of the current 'status of the art' it clearly emerges a need for precise, unambiguous phenotyping of immune cell populations, as well as a more thorough understanding of the frequencies and interactions of multiple immune cell types inside the TIME and their spatial localization (intratumoral vs. stromal).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Veneroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Festa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Andrea Costantino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spriano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mercante
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Armando De Virgilio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy.
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy.
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
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6
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Saba NF, Pamulapati S, Patel B, Mody M, Strojan P, Takes R, Mäkitie AA, Cohen O, Pace-Asciak P, Vermorken JB, Bradford C, Forastiere A, Teng Y, Wieland A, Ferlito A. Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Treating HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071959. [PMID: 37046621 PMCID: PMC10092986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most common malignancy, with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) accounting for a majority of cases in the western world. While HNC accounts for only 5% of all cancers in the United States, the incidence of a subset of OPSCC caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasing rapidly. The treatment for OPSCC is multifaceted, with a recently emerging focus on immunotherapeutic approaches. With the increased incidence of HPV-related OPSCC and the approval of immunotherapy in the management of recurrent and metastatic HNC, there has been rising interest in exploring the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of HPV-related OPSCC specifically. The immune microenvironment in HPV-related disease is distinct from that in HPV-negative OPSCC, which has prompted further research into various immunotherapeutics. This review focuses on HPV-related OPSCC, its immune characteristics, and current challenges and future opportunities for immunotherapeutic applications in this virus-driven cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil F. Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Bhamini Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
| | - Mayur Mody
- Hematology and Oncology Program, AdventHealth Medical Group, Calhoun, GA 30701, USA
| | - Primož Strojan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Takes
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Antti A. Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Research Program in Systems Oncology, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Oded Cohen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Soroka Medical Center, Be’er Sheva 84-101, Israel
| | - Pia Pace-Asciak
- Department of Otolarynology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jan B. Vermorken
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carol Bradford
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Arlene Forastiere
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Andreas Wieland
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, 35100 Padua, Italy
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7
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Lu L, Ma W, Johnson CH, Khan SA, Irwin ML, Pusztai L. In silico designed mRNA vaccines targeting CA-125 neoantigen in breast and ovarian cancer. Vaccine 2023; 41:2073-2083. [PMID: 36813666 PMCID: PMC10064809 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Somatic mutation-derived neoantigens are associated with patient survival in breast and ovarian cancer. These neoantigens are targets for cancer, as shown by the implementation of neoepitope peptides as cancer vaccines. The success of cost-effective multi-epitope mRNA vaccines against SARS-Cov-2 in the pandemic established a model for reverse vaccinology. In this study, we aimed to develop an in silico pipeline designing an mRNA vaccine of the CA-125 neoantigen against breast and ovarian cancer, respectively. Using immuno-bioinformatics tools, we predicted cytotoxic CD8+ T cell epitopes based on somatic mutation-driven neoantigens of CA-125 in breast or ovarian cancer, constructed a self-adjuvant mRNA vaccine with CD40L and MHC-I -targeting domain to enhance cross-presentation of neoepitopes by dendritic cells. With an in silico ImmSim algorithm, we estimated the immune responses post-immunization, showing IFN-γ and CD8+ T cell response. The strategy described in this study may be scaled up and implemented to design precision multi-epitope mRNA vaccines by targeting multiple neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center and Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Caroline H Johnson
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sajid A Khan
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Melinda L Irwin
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Lajos Pusztai
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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8
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Chen Z, John J, Wang JH. Why responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors are heterogeneous in head and neck cancers: Contributions from tumor-intrinsic and host-intrinsic factors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:995434. [PMID: 36330485 PMCID: PMC9623029 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.995434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment including in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs); however, only a fraction of HNSCC patients respond to ICI, whereas the majority fail to do so. The mechanisms underlying such variable responses remain incompletely understood. A better understanding of such mechanisms may broaden the spectrum of responding patients and enhance the rate of ICI response. HNSCCs exhibit a high level of genetic heterogeneity, manifested as mutations or amplifications of oncogenes (e.g., PIK3CA) and mutations of tumor suppressor genes (e.g., TP53). The immune tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCCs also varies significantly in composition and in relative abundance of distinct immune subsets such as CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which represents a high degree of immunological heterogeneity. Here, we briefly discuss how heterogeneous ICI responses may be attributed to tumor-intrinsic factors, including genetic, transcriptional, and functional variations in tumor cells, and host-intrinsic factors, including cellular composition of the TME (e.g., CD8 TILs and TAMs), and host-intrinsic differences in the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of CD8 TILs. We also discuss the potential impact of these factors on designing strategies for personalized immunotherapy of HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangguo Chen
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jessy John
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jing H. Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jing H. Wang,
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9
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Jumaniyazova E, Lokhonina A, Dzhalilova D, Kosyreva A, Fatkhudinov T. Immune Cells in Head-and-Neck Tumor Microenvironments. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091521. [PMID: 36143308 PMCID: PMC9506052 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head-and-neck cancers constitute a heterogeneous group of aggressive tumors with high incidence and low survival rates, collectively being the sixth most prevalent cancer type globally. About 90% of head-and-neck cancers are classified as squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The innate and adaptive immune systems, indispensable for anti-cancer immune surveillance, largely define the rates of HNSCC emergence and progression. HNSCC microenvironments harbor multiple cell types that infiltrate the tumors and interact both with tumor cells and among themselves. Gradually, tumor cells learn to manipulate the immune system, either by adapting their own immunogenicity or through the release of immunosuppressive molecules. These interactions continuously evolve and shape the tumor microenvironment, both structurally and functionally, facilitating angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis. Our understanding of this evolution is directly related to success in the development of advanced therapies. This review focuses on the key mechanisms that rule HNSCC infiltration, featuring particular immune cell types and their roles in the pathogenesis. A close focus on the tumor-immunity interactions will help identify new immunotherapeutic targets in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enar Jumaniyazova
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-9254258360
| | - Anastasiya Lokhonina
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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