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Salminen A. The role of the immunosuppressive PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint pathway in the aging process and age-related diseases. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:733-750. [PMID: 38600305 PMCID: PMC11106179 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02444-6] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of senescent cells within tissues is a hallmark of the aging process. Senescent cells are also commonly present in many age-related diseases and in the cancer microenvironment. The escape of abnormal cells from immune surveillance indicates that there is some defect in the function of cytotoxic immune cells, e.g., CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Recent studies have revealed that the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein is abundantly increased in senescent cells. An increase in the amount of PD-L1 protein protects senescent cells from clearance by the PD-1 checkpoint receptor in cytotoxic immune cells. In fact, the activation of the PD-1 receptor suppresses the cytotoxic properties of CD8+ T and NK cells, promoting a state of immunosenescence. The inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint pathway acts in cooperation with immunosuppressive cells; for example, activation of PD-1 receptor can enhance the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), and M2 macrophages, whereas the cytokines secreted by immunosuppressive cells stimulate the expression of the immunosuppressive PD-L1 protein. Interestingly, many signaling pathways known to promote cellular senescence and the aging process are crucial stimulators of the expression of PD-L1 protein, e.g., epigenetic regulation, inflammatory mediators, mTOR-related signaling, cGAS-STING pathway, and AhR signaling. It seems that the inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint axis has a crucial role in the accumulation of senescent cells and thus it promotes the aging process in tissues. Thus, the blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint signaling might be a potential anti-aging senolytic therapy. KEY MESSAGES: Senescent cells accumulate within tissues during aging and age-related diseases. Senescent cells are able to escape immune surveillance by cytotoxic immune cells. Expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) markedly increases in senescent cells. Age-related signaling stimulates the expression of PD-L1 protein in senescent cells. Inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint pathway suppresses clearance of senescent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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2
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Han R, Rao X, Zhou H, Lu L. Synergistic Immunoregulation: harnessing CircRNAs and PiRNAs to Amplify PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibition Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4803-4834. [PMID: 38828205 PMCID: PMC11144010 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s461289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The utilization of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors marks a significant advancement in cancer therapy. However, the efficacy of monotherapy is still disappointing in a substantial subset of patients, necessitating the exploration of combinational strategies. Emerging from the promising results of the KEYNOTE-942 trial, RNA-based therapies, particularly circRNAs and piRNAs, have distinguished themselves as innovative sensitizers to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These non-coding RNAs, notable for their stability and specificity, were once underrecognized but are now known for their crucial roles in regulating PD-L1 expression and bolstering anti-cancer immunity. Our manuscript offers a comprehensive analysis of selected circRNAs and piRNAs, elucidating their immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms, thus underscoring their potential as ICIs enhancers. In conjunction with the recent Nobel Prize-awarded advancements in mRNA vaccine technology, our review highlights the transformative implications of these findings for cancer treatment. We also discuss the prospects of circRNAs and piRNAs in future therapeutic applications and research. This study pioneers the synergistic application of circRNAs and piRNAs as novel sensitizers to augment PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition therapy, demonstrating their unique roles in regulating PD-L1 expression and modulating immune responses. Our findings offer a groundbreaking approach for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, opening new avenues for treatment strategies. This abstract aims to encapsulate the essence of our research and the burgeoning role of these non-coding RNAs in enhancing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition therapy, encouraging further investigation into this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiwu Rao
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiling Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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3
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Lin X, Kang K, Chen P, Zeng Z, Li G, Xiong W, Yi M, Xiang B. Regulatory mechanisms of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancers. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:108. [PMID: 38762484 PMCID: PMC11102195 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02023-w] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion contributes to cancer growth and progression. Cancer cells have the ability to activate different immune checkpoint pathways that harbor immunosuppressive functions. The programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligands (PD-Ls) are considered to be the major immune checkpoint molecules. The interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1 negatively regulates adaptive immune response mainly by inhibiting the activity of effector T cells while enhancing the function of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs), largely contributing to the maintenance of immune homeostasis that prevents dysregulated immunity and harmful immune responses. However, cancer cells exploit the PD-1/PD-L1 axis to cause immune escape in cancer development and progression. Blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 by neutralizing antibodies restores T cells activity and enhances anti-tumor immunity, achieving remarkable success in cancer therapy. Therefore, the regulatory mechanisms of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancers have attracted an increasing attention. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the roles of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in human autoimmune diseases and cancers. We summarize all aspects of regulatory mechanisms underlying the expression and activity of PD-1 and PD-L1 in cancers, including genetic, epigenetic, post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms. In addition, we further summarize the progress in clinical research on the antitumor effects of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies alone and in combination with other therapeutic approaches, providing new strategies for finding new tumor markers and developing combined therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Kuan Kang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Pan Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Yi
- Department of Dermotology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Bo Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Yang W, Hong SA, Kim JM, Jeong HB, Nam TK, Choi HH, Kim SM, Park KY, Kim HR. The immunologic phenotype of thrombi is associated with future vascular events after cerebral infarction. J Neurointerv Surg 2024; 16:352-358. [PMID: 37197936 DOI: 10.1136/jnis-2023-020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombi retrieved from patients with acute ischemic stroke may contain prognostic information. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between the immunologic phenotype of thrombi and future vascular events in patients with a stroke. METHODS This study included patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular thrombectomy at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea, between February 2017 and January 2020. Laboratory and histological variables were compared between patients with and without recurrent vascular events (RVEs). Kaplan-Meier analysis followed by the Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify factors related to RVE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of the immunologic score by combining immunohistochemical phenotypes to predict RVE. RESULTS A total of 46 patients were included in the study with 13 RVEs (mean±SD age, 72.8±11.3 years; 26 (56.5%) men). Thrombi with a lower percentage of programmed death ligand-1 expression (HR=11.64; 95% CI 1.60 to 84.82) and a higher number of citrullinated histone H3 positive cells (HR=4.19; 95% CI 0.81 to 21.75) were associated with RVE. The presence of high-mobility group box 1 positive cell was associated with reduced risk of RVE, but the association was lost after adjustment for stroke severity. The immunologic score, which consists of the three immunohistochemical phenotypes, showed good performance in predicting RVE (area under the ROC curve, 0.858; 95% CI 0.758 to 0.958). CONCLUSIONS The immunological phenotype of thrombi could provide prognostic information after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wookjin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon Auck Hong
- Department of Pathology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Min Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae-Bong Jeong
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Taek-Kyun Nam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Ho Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suh Min Kim
- Department of Surgery, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Yeol Park
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Ryoun Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Yousefi A, Sotoodehnejadnematalahi F, Nafissi N, Zeinali S, Azizi M. MicroRNA-561-3p indirectly regulates the PD-L1 expression by targeting ZEB1, HIF1A, and MYC genes in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5845. [PMID: 38462658 PMCID: PMC10925600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56511-6] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women. In breast cancer, microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for both the initiation and development of tumors. It has been suggested that the tumor suppressor microRNA-561-3p (miR-561-3p) is crucial in arresting the growth of cancer cells. Further research is necessary to fully understand the role and molecular mechanism of miR-561 in human BC. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of miR-561-3p on ZEB1, HIF1A, and MYC expression as oncogenes that have the most impact on PD-L1 overexpression and cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle in breast cancer (BC) cell lines. The expression of ZEB1, HIF1A, and MYC genes and miR-561-3p were measured in BC clinical samples and cell lines via qRT-PCR. The luciferase assay, MTT, Annexin-PI staining, and cell cycle experiments were used to assess the effect of miR-561-3p on candidate gene expression, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the effects of miR-561 on PD-L1 suppression in the BC cell line. The luciferase assay showed that miRNA-561-3p targets the 3'-UTRs of ZEB1, HIF1A and MYC genes significantly. In BC tissues, the qRT-PCR results demonstrated that miR-561-3p expression was downregulated and the expression of ZEB1, HIF1A and MYC genes was up-regulated. It was shown that overexpression of miR-561-3p decreased PD-L1 expression and BC cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through downregulation of candidate oncogenes. Furthermore, inhibition of candidate genes by miR-561-3p reduced PD-L1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Our research investigated the impact of miR-561-3p on the expression of ZEB1, HIF1A and MYC in breast cancer cells for the first time. Our findings may help clarify the role of miR-561-3p in PD-L1 regulation and point to this miR as a potential biomarker and novel therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atena Yousefi
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nahid Nafissi
- Breast Surgery Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sirous Zeinali
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69th Pasteur Street, Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azizi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69th Pasteur Street, Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran.
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6
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Kang DY, Park S, Song KS, Bae SW, Lee JS, Jang KJ, Park YM. Anticancer Effects of 6-Gingerol through Downregulating Iron Transport and PD-L1 Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2628. [PMID: 37998363 PMCID: PMC10670414 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222628] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron homeostasis is considered a key factor in human metabolism, and abrogation in the system could create adverse effects, including cancer. Moreover, 6-gingerol is a widely used bioactive phenolic compound with anticancer activity, and studies on its exact mechanisms on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells are still undergoing. This study aimed to find the mechanism of cell death induction by 6-gingerol in NSCLC cells. Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry were used for molecular signaling studies, and invasion and tumorsphere formation assay were also used with comet assay for cellular processes. Our results show that 6-gingerol inhibited cancer cell proliferation and induced DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in NSCLC cells, and cell death induction was found to be the mitochondrial-dependent intrinsic apoptosis pathway. The role of iron homeostasis in the cell death induction of 6-gingerol was also investigated, and iron metabolism played a vital role in the anticancer ability of 6-gingerol by downregulating EGFR/JAK2/STAT5b signaling or upregulating p53 and downregulating PD-L1 expression. Also, 6-gingerol induced miR-34a and miR-200c expression, which may indicate regulation of PD-L1 expression by 6-gingerol. These results suggest that 6-gingerol could be a candidate drug against NSCLC cells and that 6-gingerol could play a vital role in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Young Kang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyeon Park
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Seob Song
- Department of Medical Science, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Won Bae
- Department of Chemistry and Cosmetics, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Sang Lee
- Department of Functional Foods and Biotechnology, College of Medical Sciences, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Jang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong-Min Park
- Department of Integrative Biological Sciences and Industry, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
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Zhang Z, Sun D, Tang H, Ren J, Yin S, Yang K. PER2 binding to HSP90 enhances immune response against oral squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting IKK/NF-κB pathway and PD-L1 expression. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007627. [PMID: 37914384 PMCID: PMC10626827 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007627] [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] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) contributes to the immune escape of tumor cells and is a critical target for antitumor immunotherapy. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating PD-L1 expression remain unclear, hindering the development of effective therapies. Here we investigate the role and molecular mechanism of the core clock gene Period2 (PER2) in regulating PD-L1 expression and its role in the combination therapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting or immunohistochemistry to detect expression of PER2 and PD-L1 in OSCC tissues and cells. Overexpression and knockdown of PER2 detects the function of PER2. Bioinformatics, immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down, CHX chase assay and western blot and strip to detect the mechanism of PER2 regulation for PD-L1. A humanized immune reconstitution subcutaneous xenograft mouse model was established to investigate the combination therapy efficacy. RESULTS In OSCC tissues and cells, PER2 expression was reduced and PD-L1 expression was increased, the expression of PER2 was significantly negatively correlated with PD-L1. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that PER2 inhibited PD-L1 expression and enhanced T-cell-mediated OSCC cell killing by suppressing the IKK/NF-κB pathway. Mechanistically, PER2 binds to heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) through the PAS1 domain and reduces the interaction of HSP90 with inhibitors of kappa B kinase (IKKs), promoting the ubiquitination of IKKα/β and p65 nuclear translocation to inhibit IKK/NF-κB pathway, thereby suppressing PD-L1 expression. In humanized immune reconstitution subcutaneous xenograft mouse model, it was demonstrated that PER2 targeting combined with anti-PD-L1 treatment improved the inhibition of OSCC growth by promoting CD8+ T-cell infiltration into the tumor. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal the role and mechanism of PD-L1 regulation by PER2 and support the potential clinical application of PER2 targeting in combination with anti-PD-L1 in OSCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Deping Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shilin Yin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Chen MK, Xiao ZY, Huang ZP, Xue KY, Xia H, Zhou JW, Liao DY, Liang ZJ, Xie X, Wei QZ, Zhong L, Yang JK, Liu CD, Liu Y, Zhao SC. Glycine Decarboxylase (GLDC) Plays a Crucial Role in Regulating Energy Metabolism, Invasion, Metastasis and Immune Escape for Prostate Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4726-4743. [PMID: 37781511 PMCID: PMC10539704 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycine decarboxylase (GLDC) is one of the core enzymes for glycine metabolism, and its biological roles in prostate cancer (PCa) are unclear. First, we found that GLDC plays a central role in glycolysis in 540 TCGA PCa patients. Subsequently, a metabolomic microarray showed that GLDC enhanced aerobic glycolysis in PCa cells, and GLDC and its enzyme activity enhanced glucose uptake, lactate production and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in PCa cells. Next, we found that GLDC was highly expressed in PCa, was directly regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1-α) and regulated downstream LDHA expression. In addition, GLDC and its enzyme activity showed a strong ability to promote the migration and invasion of PCa both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we found that the GLDC-high group had a higher TP53 mutation frequency, lower CD8+ T-cell infiltration, higher immune checkpoint expression, and higher immune exclusion scores than the GLDC-low group. Finally, the GLDC-based prognostic risk model by applying LASSO Cox regression also showed good predictive power for the clinical characteristics and survival in PCa patients. This evidence indicates that GLDC plays crucial roles in glycolytic metabolism, invasion and metastasis, and immune escape in PCa, and it is a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-kun Chen
- Department of Urology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhuo-Yu Xiao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Medical College of Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512026, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Huang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Kang-Yi Xue
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Hui Xia
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jia-Wei Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - De-Ying Liao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Liang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiao Xie
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qing-Zhu Wei
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Lin Zhong
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jian-Kun Yang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Cun-Dong Liu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150007, China
| | - Shan-Chao Zhao
- Department of Urology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Third Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
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Stella GM, Lettieri S, Piloni D, Ferrarotti I, Perrotta F, Corsico AG, Bortolotto C. Smart Sensors and Microtechnologies in the Precision Medicine Approach against Lung Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1042. [PMID: 37513953 PMCID: PMC10385174 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The therapeutic interventions against lung cancer are currently based on a fully personalized approach to the disease with considerable improvement of patients' outcome. Alongside continuous scientific progresses and research investments, massive technologic efforts, innovative challenges, and consolidated achievements together with research investments are at the bases of the engineering and manufacturing revolution that allows a significant gain in clinical setting. AIM AND METHODS The scope of this review is thus to focus, rather than on the biologic traits, on the analysis of the precision sensors and novel generation materials, as semiconductors, which are below the clinical development of personalized diagnosis and treatment. In this perspective, a careful revision and analysis of the state of the art of the literature and experimental knowledge is presented. RESULTS Novel materials are being used in the development of personalized diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. Among them, semiconductors are used to analyze volatile cancer compounds and allow early disease diagnosis. Moreover, they can be used to generate MEMS which have found an application in advanced imaging techniques as well as in drug delivery devices. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these issues represent critical issues only partially known and generally underestimated by the clinical community. These novel micro-technology-based biosensing devices, based on the use of molecules at atomic concentrations, are crucial for clinical innovation since they have allowed the recent significant advances in cancer biology deciphering as well as in disease detection and therapy. There is an urgent need to create a stronger dialogue between technologists, basic researchers, and clinicians to address all scientific and manufacturing efforts towards a real improvement in patients' outcome. Here, great attention is focused on their application against lung cancer, from their exploitations in translational research to their application in diagnosis and treatment development, to ensure early diagnosis and better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maria Stella
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Lettieri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Piloni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ferrarotti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Perrotta
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80131 Napoli, Italy
- U.O.C. Clinica Pneumologica "L. Vanvitelli", A.O. dei Colli, Ospedale Monaldi, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Angelo Guido Corsico
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic Services and Imaging, Unit of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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10
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Pawłowska A, Rekowska A, Kuryło W, Pańczyszyn A, Kotarski J, Wertel I. Current Understanding on Why Ovarian Cancer Is Resistant to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10859. [PMID: 37446039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) patients, including debulking surgery and first-line chemotherapy, is unsatisfactory because of recurrent episodes in the majority (~70%) of patients with advanced OC. Clinical trials have shown only a modest (10-15%) response of OC individuals to treatment based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The resistance of OC to therapy is caused by various factors, including OC heterogeneity, low density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), non-cellular and cellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME), as well as a network of microRNA regulating immune checkpoint pathways. Moreover, ICIs are the most efficient in tumors that are marked by high microsatellite instability and high tumor mutation burden, which is rare among OC patients. The great challenge in ICI implementation is connected with distinguishing hyper-, pseudo-, and real progression of the disease. The understanding of the immunological, molecular, and genetic mechanisms of OC resistance is crucial to selecting the group of OC individuals in whom personalized treatment would be beneficial. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the selected factors inducing OC resistance and discuss the future directions of ICI-based immunotherapy development for OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pawłowska
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Rekowska
- Students' Scientific Association, Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Weronika Kuryło
- Students' Scientific Association, Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Pańczyszyn
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland
| | - Jan Kotarski
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wertel
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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11
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Melnik BC, Stadler R, Weiskirchen R, Leitzmann C, Schmitz G. Potential Pathogenic Impact of Cow’s Milk Consumption and Bovine Milk-Derived Exosomal MicroRNAs in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076102. [PMID: 37047075 PMCID: PMC10094152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence supports an association between cow’s milk consumption and the risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma worldwide. This narrative review intends to elucidate the potential impact of milk-related agents, predominantly milk-derived exosomes (MDEs) and their microRNAs (miRs) in lymphomagenesis. Upregulation of PI3K-AKT-mTORC1 signaling is a common feature of DLBCL. Increased expression of B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) and suppression of B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (BLIMP1)/PR domain-containing protein 1 (PRDM1) are crucial pathological deviations in DLBCL. Translational evidence indicates that during the breastfeeding period, human MDE miRs support B cell proliferation via epigenetic upregulation of BCL6 (via miR-148a-3p-mediated suppression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and miR-155-5p/miR-29b-5p-mediated suppression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AICDA) and suppression of BLIMP1 (via MDE let-7-5p/miR-125b-5p-targeting of PRDM1). After weaning with the physiological termination of MDE miR signaling, the infant’s BCL6 expression and B cell proliferation declines, whereas BLIMP1-mediated B cell maturation for adequate own antibody production rises. Because human and bovine MDE miRs share identical nucleotide sequences, the consumption of pasteurized cow’s milk in adults with the continued transfer of bioactive bovine MDE miRs may de-differentiate B cells back to the neonatal “proliferation-dominated” B cell phenotype maintaining an increased BLC6/BLIMP1 ratio. Persistent milk-induced epigenetic dysregulation of BCL6 and BLIMP1 expression may thus represent a novel driving mechanism in B cell lymphomagenesis. Bovine MDEs and their miR cargo have to be considered potential pathogens that should be removed from the human food chain.
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12
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Hajibabaei S, Sotoodehnejadnematalahi F, Nafissi N, Zeinali S, Azizi M. Aberrant promoter hypermethylation of miR-335 and miR-145 is involved in breast cancer PD-L1 overexpression. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1003. [PMID: 36653507 PMCID: PMC9849328 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PD-L1 is one of the most important immune checkpoint molecules in breast cancer that plays an important role in suppressing the immune system when confronted with tumor cells and is regulated by various microRNAs. Among them, microRNA-335-3p and microRNA-145-5p, regulated by DNA methylation, have tumor suppressor activities. We studied the role of miR-335 and -145 on PD-L1 suppression in breast cancer. The expression of miR-355 and miR-145 was significantly downregulated in BC tissues and cell lines compared to their controls, and their downregulation was negatively correlated with PD-L1 overexpression. In-silico and luciferase reporter systems confirmed that miR-335 and -145 target PD-L1. In BC tissues and cell lines, cancer-specific methylation was found in CpG-rich areas upstream of miR-335 and-145, and up-regulation of PD-L1 expression was connected with hypermethylation (r = 0.4089, P = 0.0147, and r = 0.3373, P = 0.0475, respectively). The higher levels of miR-355 and -145 in BC cells induced apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle, and reduced proliferation significantly. In summary, we found that miR-335 and -145 are novel tumor suppressors inactivated in BC, and these miRs may serve as potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hajibabaei
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nahid Nafissi
- Breast Surgery Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sirous Zeinali
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69th Pasteur Street, Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azizi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69th Pasteur Street, Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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The Importance of the Immune System and Molecular Cell Signaling Pathways in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021506. [PMID: 36675020 PMCID: PMC9861992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a disease that in recent years has become one of the greatest threats to modern society. Every year there are more and more new cases and the percentage of deaths caused by this type of cancer increases. Despite many studies, scientists are still looking for answers regarding the mechanisms of lung cancer development and progression, with particular emphasis on the role of the immune system. The aim of this literature review was to present the importance of disorders of the immune system and the accompanying changes at the level of cell signaling in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. The collected results showed that in the process of immunopathogenesis of almost all subtypes of lung cancer, changes in the tumor microenvironment, deregulation of immune checkpoints and abnormalities in cell signaling pathways are involved, which contribute to the multistage and multifaceted carcinogenesis of this type of cancer. We, therefore, suggest that in future studies, researchers should focus on a detailed analysis of tumor microenvironmental immune checkpoints, and to validate their validity, perform genetic polymorphism analyses in a wide range of patients and healthy individuals to determine the genetic susceptibility to lung cancer development. In addition, further research related to the analysis of the tumor microenvironment; immune system disorders, with a particular emphasis on immunological checkpoints and genetic differences may contribute to the development of new personalized therapies that improve the prognosis of patients.
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14
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Tang WW, Bauer KM, Barba C, Ekiz HA, O’Connell RM. miR-aculous new avenues for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:929677. [PMID: 36248881 PMCID: PMC9554277 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.929677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising toll of cancer globally necessitates ingenuity in early detection and therapy. In the last decade, the utilization of immune signatures and immune-based therapies has made significant progress in the clinic; however, clinical standards leave many current and future patients without options. Non-coding RNAs, specifically microRNAs, have been explored in pre-clinical contexts with tremendous success. MicroRNAs play indispensable roles in programming the interactions between immune and cancer cells, many of which are current or potential immunotherapy targets. MicroRNAs mechanistically control a network of target genes that can alter immune and cancer cell biology. These insights provide us with opportunities and tools that may complement and improve immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss immune and cancer cell-derived miRNAs that regulate cancer immunity and examine miRNAs as an integral part of cancer diagnosis, classification, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W. Tang
- Divison of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Kaylyn M. Bauer
- Divison of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Cindy Barba
- Divison of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Huseyin Atakan Ekiz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ryan M. O’Connell
- Divison of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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15
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Tumor-Intrinsic PD-L1 Exerts an Oncogenic Function through the Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911031. [PMID: 36232331 PMCID: PMC9569632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) strongly inhibits T cell activation, thereby aiding tumors in escaping the immune response. PD-L1 inhibitors have proven to be effective in the treatment of different types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Yet, the knowledge regarding the biological function of tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 in lung cancer remains obscure. In our study, we set the goal of determining the function of PD-L1 using overexpression and knockdown strategies. PD-L1 silencing resulted in decreased migratory and invasive ability of tumor cells, together with attenuated colony-forming capacity. Ectopic expression of PD-L1 showed the opposite effects, along with increased activities of MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, and the upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin target genes. Additionally, overexpression of PD-L1 was associated with dysregulated cellular and exosomal miRNAs involved in tumor progression and metastasis. In primary lung tumors, immunohistochemistry revealed that both PD1 and PD-L1 were highly expressed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to adenocarcinoma (p = 0.045 and p = 0.036, respectively). In SCC, PD1 expression was significantly associated with tumor grading (p = 0.016). Taken together, our data suggest that PD-L1 may exert an oncogenic function in NSCLC through activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and may act as a potential diagnostic marker for lung SCC.
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16
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Vaxevanis CK, Friedrich M, Tretbar SU, Handke D, Wang Y, Blümke J, Dummer R, Massa C, Seliger B. Identification and characterization of novel CD274 (PD-L1) regulating microRNAs and their functional relevance in melanoma. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e934. [PMID: 35802807 PMCID: PMC9270002 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors directed against programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1/PD1) receptor and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (CD274/PD-L1) have been recently successfully implemented for the treatment of many cancers, but the response rate of tumour patients is still limited due to intrinsic and acquired resistances. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this limited response have still to be defined in detail. The aim of this study is to uncover processes inhibiting PDCD1/CD274 expression thereby enhancing anti-tumour immune responses. The identification and characterization of microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) as well as the coding sequence (CDS) of CD274 will provide the basis for a new drug development. METHODS Human melanoma cell lines and tissue samples were subjected to mRNA and/or protein expression analysis using qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, and/or immunohistochemistry. The data were correlated to clinical parameters. MiRNA trapping by RNA in vitro affinity purification (miTRAP) technology in combination with small RNA sequencing and different bioinformatics tools were employed to identify CD274-regulating miRNAs. RESULTS Screening based on miTRAP in combination with RNAseq identified a large number of novel CD274-regulating candidate miRNAs, from which eight selected miRNAs were functionally validated. Five out of eight miRNAs were able to significantly reduce CD274 surface expression indicating that these miRNAs directly bind to the 3'-UTR or CDS of the CD274 gene. The miRNA-mediated inhibition of CD274 expression was accompanied by an increased T cell recognition. Furthermore, an inverse expression of three CD274-regulating miRNAs and CD274 was demonstrated in melanoma lesions. A CD274 miRNA score was generated, which was associated with disease progression and reduced survival of melanoma patients. CONCLUSIONS These data revealed a novel mechanism that miRNAs targeting the CDS of immune checkpoint genes are functional, have prognostic relevance, and also the potential for the development of novel miRNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sandy Uta Tretbar
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Diana Handke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Yuan Wang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Juliane Blümke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Clinic of Dermatology, Universitäts-Spital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Chen Y, Song W, Gao Y, Dong X, Ji X. Increased PD-L1 Expression in Acquired Cisplatin-Resistant Lung Cancer Cells via Mir-181a. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2022; 257:33-43. [PMID: 35354691 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.2022.j013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University
| | - Xiu Dong
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Xinping Ji
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University
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18
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Bruns IB, Beltman JB. Quantifying the contribution of transcription factor activity, mutations and microRNAs to CD274 expression in cancer patients. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4374. [PMID: 35289334 PMCID: PMC8921511 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08356-0] [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: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis have been remarkably successful in inducing tumor remissions in several human cancers, yet a substantial number of patients do not respond to treatment. Because this may be partially due to the mechanisms giving rise to high PD-L1 expression within a patient, it is highly relevant to fully understand these mechanisms. In this study, we conduct a bioinformatic analysis to quantify the relative importance of transcription factor (TF) activity, microRNAs (miRNAs) and mutations in determining PD-L1 (CD274) expression at mRNA level based on data from the Cancer Genome Atlas. To predict individual CD274 levels based on TF activity, we developed multiple linear regression models by taking the expression of target genes of the TFs known to directly target PD-L1 as independent variables. This analysis showed that IRF1, STAT1, NFKB and BRD4 are the most important regulators of CD274 expression, explaining its mRNA levels in 90–98% of the patients. Because the remaining patients had high CD274 levels independent of these TFs, we next investigated whether mutations associated with increased CD274 mRNA levels, and low levels of miRNAs associated with negative regulation of CD274 expression could cause high CD274 levels in these patients. We found that mutations or miRNAs offered an explanation for high CD274 levels in 81–100% of the underpredicted patients. Thus, CD274 expression is largely explained by TF activity, and the remaining unexplained cases can largely be explained by mutations or low miRNA abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke B Bruns
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B Beltman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Jafarzadeh A, Kumar S, Bodhale N, Jafarzadeh S, Nemati M, Sharifi I, Sarkar A, Saha B. The expression of PD-1 and its ligands increases in Leishmania infection and its blockade reduces the parasite burden. Cytokine 2022; 153:155839. [PMID: 35276636 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The expression of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligands- PD-L1 and PD-L2- on T cells and macrophages', respectively, increases in Leishmania infection. The PD-1/PD-L1 interaction induces T cell anergy, T cell apoptosis and exhaustion, diversion of T cells toward TH2 and T-reg cells but inhibits M1 macrophage activities by suppression of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These changes exacerbate Leishmania infection. As PD-L1-deficient, but not PD-L2-deficient, mice were protected againstL. mexicanainfection, differential roles have been proposed for PD-L1 and PD-L2 in mouse models of leishmaniasis. Blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in various in vitro and Leishmania-infected mouse, hamster and dog models enhanced IFN-γ and NO production, reduced IL-10 and TGF-β generation, promoted T cell proliferation and reduced parasite burden. Therefore, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is being considered as a potential therapeutic strategy to restore protective immunity during leishmaniasis, particularly, in drug-resistant cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Sunil Kumar
- National Centre For Cell Science, Pune 411007, India
| | | | - Sara Jafarzadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Nemati
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Haematology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Arup Sarkar
- Trident Academy of Creative Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre For Cell Science, Pune 411007, India; Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Trident Academy of Creative Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
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Tissue miR-200c-3p and circulating miR-1290 as potential prognostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2295. [PMID: 35145164 PMCID: PMC8831555 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06192-w] [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: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related cancers generally elicit low immune responses. EMT is regulated by several microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancers. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic potential of EMT-related miRNAs as biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor and normal tissue and plasma samples were obtained from 65 patients with pathologically confirmed CRC. In addition, plasma samples were obtained from 30 healthy volunteers. Immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin, ZEB1, PD-1, PD-L1, CD3, CD4, CD8, Foxp3, and CD68 was conducted on tissue samples. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) analysis was performed to evaluate miR-21-5p, 34a-5p, 138-5p, 200a-3p, 200b-5p, 200c-3p, 630, 1246, and 1290 expression in tissue samples and miR-630, 1246, and 1290 expression in plasma samples. miR-21-5p, 34a-5p, 630, 1246, and 1290 expression was higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues (P < 0.05). EMT was significantly associated with reduced tumor-infiltrating T cells. Moreover, miR-21-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-200a-3p, and miR-200c-3p expression was negatively correlated with T cell density (P < 0.05). High tissue levels of miR-200c-3p were associated with poor overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001). CRC patients with the EMT phenotype had poor OS; however, PD-L1 positivity and abundant PD-1 positive immune cells were correlated with better OS (P < 0.05). miR-1246 and miR-1290 levels were significantly higher in the plasma of patients with CRC than in the plasma of healthy controls (P < 0.05). High plasma levels of miR-1290 were correlated with advanced stage and poor OS (P < 0.05). The tissue expression of miR-200c-3p and plasma levels of miR-1290 measured by ddPCR indicate their potential as prognostic biomarkers for CRC.
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21
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Li X, Wang S, Mu W, Barry J, Han A, Carpenter RL, Jiang BH, Peiper SC, Mahoney MG, Aplin AE, Ren H, He J. Reactive oxygen species reprogram macrophages to suppress antitumor immune response through the exosomal miR-155-5p/PD-L1 pathway. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:41. [PMID: 35086548 PMCID: PMC8793215 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02244-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cells have an imbalance in oxidation-reduction (redox) homeostasis. Understanding the precise mechanisms and the impact of the altered redox microenvironment on the immunologic reaction to tumors is limited. Methods We isolated exosomes from ovarian cancer cells through ultracentrifuge and characterized by Western-blots and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. 2D, 3D-coculture tumor model, and 3D live cell imaging were used to study the interactions between tumor cells, macrophages and CD3 T cells in vitro. The role of exosomal miR-155-5p in tumor growth was evaluated in xenograft nude mice models and immune-competent mice models. Flow cytometry and flow sorting were used to determine the expression levels of miR-155-5p and PD-L1 in ascites and splenic macrophages, and the percentages of CD3 T cells subpopulations. Results The elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) greatly downregulated exosomal miR-155-5p expression in tumor cells. Neutralization of ROS with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) increased the levels of miR-155-5p in tumor exosomes that were taken up by macrophages, leading to reduction of macrophage migration and tumor spheroid infiltration. We further found that programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a functional target of miR-155-5p. Co-culture of macrophages pre-treated with NAC-derived tumor exosomes or exosomal miR-155-5p with T-lymphocytes leading to an increased percentage of CD8+ T-lymphocyte and a decreased CD3+ T cell apoptosis through PD-L1 downregulation. Tumor growth in nude mice was delayed by treatment with NAC-derived tumor exosomes. Delivery of tumor exo-miR-155-5p in immune-intact mice suppressed ovarian cancer progression and macrophage infiltration, and activated CD8+ T cell function. It is of note that exo-miR-155-5p inhibited tumor growth more potently than the PD-L1 antibody, suggesting that in addition to PD-L1, other pathways may also be targeted by this approach. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism, ROS-induced down-regulation of miR-155-5p, by which tumors modulate the microenvironment that favors tumor growth. Understanding of the negative impact of ROS on the tumor immune response will improve current therapeutic strategies. Targeting miR-155-5p can be an alternative approach to prevent formation of an immunosuppressive TME through downregulation of PD-L1 and other immunosuppressive factors. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02244-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P. R. China
| | - Shaomin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Wei Mu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jennifer Barry
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Anna Han
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Richard L Carpenter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Bing-Hua Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Stephen C Peiper
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mỹ G Mahoney
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P. R. China.
| | - Jun He
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.
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22
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Xu J, Wei L, Liu H, Lei Y, Zhu Y, Liang C, Sun G. CD274 (PD-L1) Methylation is an Independent Predictor for Bladder Cancer Patients' Survival. Cancer Invest 2022; 40:228-233. [PMID: 35020560 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2022.2028805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to demonstrate the prognostic value of CD274 (PD-L1 promoter gene) methylation in bladder cancer patients. UCSC Xena database was searched for relevant information of PD-L1 (CD274) methylation and PD-L1 mRNA expression in bladder cancer. 407 bladder patients were included in our analyses. Multivariate analysis revealed that PD-L1 methylation was an independent predictor for OS (P = 0.037). Moreover, PD-L1 methylation might be a prognostic biomarker for immunotherapy response. However, PD-L1 methylation and PD-L1 mRNA expression were not statistically associated with chemotherapy response. In conclusion, PD-L1 methylation was an independent prognostic factor for bladder cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Laiming Wei
- School of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Hefei University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yanzhe Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chaozhao Liang
- Department of Urology, the Geriatric Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guoping Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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23
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Liu Q, You B, Meng J, Huang CP, Dong G, Wang R, Chou F, Gao S, Chang C, Yeh S, Xu W. Targeting the androgen receptor to enhance NK cell killing efficacy in bladder cancer by modulating ADAR2/circ_0001005/PD-L1 signaling. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1988-2000. [PMID: 35915245 PMCID: PMC9750871 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00506-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Although androgen receptor (AR) can influence bladder cancer (BCa) initiation and progression, its impact on tumor immune escape remains unclear. Here, we found that targeting AR could enhance natural killer (NK) cell tumor-killing efficacy by decreasing PD-L1 expression. Both antiandrogen treatment and AR knockdown effectively reduced membrane PD-LI expression to facilitate NK cell-mediated BCa cell killing by downregulating circ_0001005. Mechanistically, AR upregulated circRNA circ_0001005 expression via the RNA-editing gene ADAR2. circ_0001005 competitively sponged the miRNA miR-200a-3p to promote PD-L1 expression. A preclinical BCa xenograft mouse model further confirmed this newly identified signaling using the small molecule circ_0001005-shRNA to improve NK cell killing of BCa tumor cells. Collectively, these results suggest that targeting the newly identified ADAR2/circ_0001005/miR-200a-3p/PD-L1 pathway to impact antitumor immunity may suppress progression and boost immunotherapeutic efficacy in BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Radiation Oncology, Urology, and Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China ,grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Departments of Urology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Bosen You
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Radiation Oncology, Urology, and Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China ,grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Departments of Urology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Jialin Meng
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Departments of Urology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Chi-Ping Huang
- grid.411508.90000 0004 0572 9415Department of Urology, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, 404 Taiwan
| | - Guanglu Dong
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Radiation Oncology, Urology, and Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Ronghao Wang
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Departments of Urology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Fuju Chou
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Departments of Urology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Shan Gao
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Radiation Oncology, Urology, and Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Chawnshang Chang
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Departments of Urology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA ,grid.411508.90000 0004 0572 9415Department of Urology, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, 404 Taiwan
| | - Shuyuan Yeh
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Departments of Urology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Wanhai Xu
- grid.410736.70000 0001 2204 9268Department of Urology, The 4th Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
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24
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Akbari H, Taghizadeh-Hesary F, Bahadori M. Mitochondria determine response to anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) immunotherapy: An evidence-based hypothesis. Mitochondrion 2021; 62:151-158. [PMID: 34890822 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is a promising approach in oncology. However, a significant fraction of patients remain unresponsive. Therefore, it is imperative to clarify the relevant predictive factors. A decrease in cellular adenosine triphosphate (c-ATP) level can predispose to cellular dysfunction. ATP is a prerequisite for proper T cell migration and activation. Therefore, a decrease in the c-ATP level impairs T cell function and promotes cancer progression. This article gives an overview of the potential predictive factors of PD-1 blockade. Besides, it highlights the pivotal role of mitochondria in response to anti-PD-1 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Akbari
- Department of Pathology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Traditional Medicine School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Moslem Bahadori
- Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Immune Regulatory Processes of the Tumor Microenvironment under Malignant Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413311. [PMID: 34948104 PMCID: PMC8706102 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical regulator of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Since immune cells represent a large fraction of the TME, they play a key role in mediating pro- and anti-tumor immune responses. Immune escape, which suppresses anti-tumor immunity, enables tumor cells to maintain their proliferation and growth. Numerous mechanisms, which have been intensively studied in recent years, are involved in this process and based on these findings, novel immunotherapies have been successfully developed. Here, we review the composition of the TME and the mechanisms by which immune evasive processes are regulated. In detail, we describe membrane-bound and soluble factors, their regulation, and their impact on immune cell activation in the TME. Furthermore, we give an overview of the tumor/antigen presentation and how it is influenced under malignant conditions. Finally, we summarize novel TME-targeting agents, which are already in clinical trials for different tumor entities.
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26
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Gao L, Chen Y. Autophagy controls programmed death-ligand 1 expression on cancer cells (Review). Biomed Rep 2021; 15:84. [PMID: 34512972 DOI: 10.3892/br.2021.1460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a transmembrane protein mainly located on cancer cells, including renal cell carcinoma, breast, colorectal, gastric and non-small cell lung cancer. PD-L1 binds to the PD-1 receptor expressed on T lymphocytes to inhibit the activation of T lymphocytes, thus allowing tumour cells to escape immune surveillance, leading to tumour growth and the poor prognosis of patients with cancer. Inhibitors targeting the programmed death-1/PD-L1 axis have been widely used in the clinical treatment of a variety of solid tumours in recent years. However, the clinical efficacy of these inhibitors varies. Studies have demonstrated that the effect of the targeted drug is positively associated with the expression of PD-L1 on the tumour membrane. Hence, exploring the mechanism of PD-L1 expression is very important for the treatment of tumours. Autophagy is a physiological process that maintains the stability of the internal environment. Autophagy degrades aging organelles and long-lived proteins and produces nutrients for cell recycling. To the best of our knowledge, the present review is the first to summarize the research that has been conducted on autophagy-regulated PD-L1 expression, which may provide new avenues for tumour immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Gao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,The First Clinical College of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Yongshun Chen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,The First Clinical College of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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27
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Jiang W, Pan S, Chen X, Wang ZW, Zhu X. The role of lncRNAs and circRNAs in the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:116. [PMID: 34496886 PMCID: PMC8424797 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01406-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has recently shown promising antitumor effects in various types of tumors. Among all immune checkpoints, the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway plays an important role in the immune evasion of tumor cells, making it a potent target in antitumor immunity. Accordingly, antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have been developed to attack tumor cells; however, resistance to immune therapy remains to be solved. Hence, identification of the underlying modulators of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is of significant importance to understand the mechanisms of antitumor immunotherapy. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to regulate the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, leading to participation in the immune response and immunotherapy. Therefore, this review focuses on the functions of lncRNAs and circRNAs in regulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. We hope this review will stimulate research to supply more precise and effective cancer immune checkpoint therapies for a large number of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiao Jiang
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027 Zhejiang China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027 Zhejiang China
| | - Xin Chen
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027 Zhejiang China
| | - Zhi-wei Wang
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027 Zhejiang China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027 Zhejiang China
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28
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Li C, Zhang J, Yang X, Hu C, Chu T, Zhong R, Shen Y, Hu F, Pan F, Xu J, Lu J, Zheng X, Zhang H, Nie W, Han B, Zhang X. hsa_circ_0003222 accelerates stemness and progression of non-small cell lung cancer by sponging miR-527. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:807. [PMID: 34433810 PMCID: PMC8387484 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04095-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between circular RNA (circRNA) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) is uncertain. We have investigated the combined influence of CSCs, circRNA (hsa_circ_0003222), and immune checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC progression and therapy resistance. We constructed lung CSCs (LCSCs; PC9 and A549). The effects of hsa_circ_0003222 in vitro were determined by cell counting, colony and sphere formation, and Transwell assays. A tumor xenograft model of metastasis and orthotopic model were built for in vivo analysis. We found that hsa_circ_0003222 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and LCSCs. Higher levels of hsa_circ_0003222 were associated with the stage, metastasis, and survival rate of patients with NSCLC. Reduced levels of hsa_circ_0003222 decreased tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, stemness-like properties, and chemoresistance. The silencing of hsa_circ_0003222 was found to downregulate PHF21B expression and its downstream, β-catenin by relieving the sponging effect of miR-527. Moreover, silencing hsa_circ_0003222 alleviated NSCLC resistance to anti-programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-based therapy in vivo. Our data demonstrate the significant role of hsa_circ_0003222 in NSCLC cell stemness-like properties. The manipulation of circRNAs in combination with anti-PD-L1 therapy may alleviate NSCLC stemness and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhui Li
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Institute of Vascular Anomalies, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200082, China
| | - Xiaohua Yang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tianqing Chu
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Runbo Zhong
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinchen Shen
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianlin Xu
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zheng
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Nie
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Baohui Han
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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29
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Xu YJ, Zhao JM, Gao C, Ni XF, Wang W, Hu WW, Wu CP. Hsa_circ_0136666 activates Treg-mediated immune escape of colorectal cancer via miR-497/PD-L1 pathway. Cell Signal 2021; 86:110095. [PMID: 34320370 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the rankings of cancer mortality and incidence worldwide, colorectal cancer ranks fourth and the third, respectively. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0136666 (hsa_circ_0136666) is reported to participate in the growth of colorectal cancer. However, the mechanism by which hsa_circ_0136666 regulates the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer needs to be further explored. In this study, we report here the role of hsa_circ_0136666 in the aberrant activation of Treg cells and immune evasion of tumor cells, providing a new strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. METHODS Western blotting assay and qRT-PCR assay were used to determine protein and mRNA expression levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the targeted regulatory relationship. RNA immunoprecipitation was used to detect RNA binding. Colony formation assay was utilized to measure the cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell apoptosis. Xenograft model was setup to evaluate tumor growth. RESULTS The results showed that hsa_circ_0136666 and PD-L1 was increased in colorectal cancer cells while miR-497 was decreased in colorectal cancer cells when compared with normal colon epithelial cell line. Hsa_circ_0136666 was demonstrated to directly target miR-497, which also regulated PD-L1 by binding to its 3'UTR. Further mechanistic studies identified that hsa_circ_0136666 controlled cell proliferation and apoptosis via targeting miR-497 and regulating PD-L1 expression. Of note, hsa_circ_0136666 stimulated Treg cells mediated by miR-497/PD-L1 axis and its downstream signal pathway in Treg cells. Finally, hsa_circ_0136666 was found to accelerate the tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that hsa_circ_0136666 promoted the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting miR-497 level in colorectal cancer, thus inducing the activation of Treg cells and leading to the immune escape of tumor, providing a novel mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jie Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Jie-Min Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Cao Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xue-Feng Ni
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Wen-Wei Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Chang-Ping Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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30
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Ibañez-Vega J, Vilchez C, Jimenez K, Guevara C, Burgos PI, Naves R. Cellular and molecular regulation of the programmed death-1/programmed death ligand system and its role in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2021; 123:102702. [PMID: 34311143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligands (PD-Ls) are essential to maintain peripheral immune tolerance and to avoid tissue damage. Consequently, altered gene or protein expression of this system of co-inhibitory molecules has been involved in the development of cancer and autoimmunity. Substantial progress has been achieved in the study of the PD-1/PD-Ls system in terms of regulatory mechanisms and therapy. However, the role of the PD-1/PD-Ls pathway in neuroinflammation has been less explored despite being a potential target of treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent, chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that leads to demyelination and axonal damage in young adults. Recent studies have highlighted the key role of the PD-1/PD-Ls pathway in inducing a neuroprotective response and restraining T cell activation and neurodegeneration in MS. In this review, we outline the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating gene expression, protein synthesis and traffic of PD-1/PD-Ls as well as relevant processes that control PD-1/PD-Ls engagement in the immunological synapse between antigen-presenting cells and T cells. Also, we highlight the most recent findings regarding the role of the PD-1/PD-Ls pathway in MS and its murine model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), including the contribution of PD-1 expressing follicular helper T (TFH) cells in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In addition, we compare and contrast results found in MS and EAE with evidence reported in other autoimmune diseases and their experimental models, and review PD-1/PD-Ls-targeting therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ibañez-Vega
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Vilchez
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Environment, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karin Jimenez
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Environment, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Guevara
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula I Burgos
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile.
| | - Rodrigo Naves
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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31
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Zhong Q, Shou J, Ying J, Ling Y, Yu Y, Shen Z, Zhang Y, Li N, Shi Y, Zhou A. High PD-L1 expression on immune cells, but not on tumor cells, is a favorable prognostic factor in urothelial carcinoma. Future Oncol 2021; 17:2893-2905. [PMID: 34189951 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: To explore the prognostic value of high PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (TC) and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIIC) in urothelial carcinoma (UC). Patients & methods: 162 UC specimens were evaluated for PD-L1 expression on TIIC and TC with the SP263 assay. High PD-L1 expression was defined as ≥25% staining. Results: High PD-L1 expression on TC in UC patients with stage T1-4 disease was associated with poor overall survival. However, high PD-L1 expression on TIIC in UC patients with stage T1-4 disease revealed favorable disease-free and overall survival; more significant differences were observed in patients with stages T2-4. Multivariate analysis revealed that high PD-L1 expression on TIIC was an independent prognostic predictor for better disease-free and overall survival. Conclusion: High PD-L1 expression on TIIC, but not on TC, is a favorable prognostic factor in UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaofeng Zhong
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jianzhong Shou
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yun Ling
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhirong Shen
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Ning Li
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yuankai Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Aiping Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
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PD-L1 regulation revisited: impact on immunotherapeutic strategies. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:868-881. [PMID: 34187739 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A particularly promising cancer treatment is the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against immune checkpoints (i.e., immune checkpoint inhibitors; ICIs). However, many patients experience relapse and severe adverse events. To overcome these negative issues and improve efficiency, current approaches rely on combinatorial treatments, including some modulating the expression of programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoints directly. In this review, we examine the recently discovered pathways involved in PD-L1 expression and highlight the relevant druggable strategies that are being developed to both improve the response rate and avoid the onset of resistance. Altogether, these new strategies will pave the way for effective treatment combinations in future oncology clinical trials.
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Liu K, Huang A, Nie J, Tan J, Xing S, Qu Y, Jiang K. IL-35 Regulates the Function of Immune Cells in Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:683332. [PMID: 34093586 PMCID: PMC8176033 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.683332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) and IL-12p35 that has recently been shown to play diverse and important roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Owing to its immunosuppressive activity and ability to promote tumor growth and progression, IL-35 is widely recognized as a key mediator of TME status. Immune cells are key mediators of diverse tumor-related phenotypes, and immunosuppressive cytokines such as IL-35 can promote tumor growth and metastasis in TME. These influences should be considered together. Since tumor immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockade remains ineffective in many patients due to tumoral resistance, a new target or efficacy enhancing factor is urgently needed. Suppressing IL-35 production and activity has been demonstrated as an effective factor that inhibits tumor cells viability, and further investigation of this cytokine is warranted. However, the mechanistic basis for IL-35-mediated regulation of immune cells in the TME remains to be fully clarified. In the present review, we explore the roles of IL-35 in regulating immune cells within the TME. In addition, we highlight IL-35 as a specific immunological target and discuss its possible relevance in the context of immunotherapy. Lastly, we sought to summarize potential future research directions that may guide the advancement of current understanding regarding the role of this important cytokine as a regulator of oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Murata T. Human Herpesvirus and the Immune Checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway: Disorders and Strategies for Survival. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040778. [PMID: 33917804 PMCID: PMC8068157 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system has evolved as a complex and efficient means of coping with extrinsic materials, such as pathogens and toxins, as well as intrinsic abnormalities, such as cancers. Although rapid and timely activation of the immune system is obviously important, regulated downregulation of the system is almost as significant as activation to prevent runaway immunity, such as allergies and hypercytokinemia. Therefore, the immune checkpoint programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway is beneficial for the host. On the other hand, pathogens have evolved to evade host immunity by taking advantage of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. This review is focused on human herpesviruses, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which cause various types of disorders, and their relationships with the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Understanding such relationships will be useful for developing preventative and therapeutic methods for disorders caused by herpesviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Murata
- Department of Virology and Parasitology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
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Ayoubian H, Heinzelmann J, Hölters S, Khalmurzaev O, Pryalukhin A, Loertzer P, Heinzelbecker J, Lohse S, Geppert C, Loertzer H, Wunderlich H, Bohle RM, Stöckle M, Matveev VB, Hartmann A, Junker K. miRNA Expression Characterizes Histological Subtypes and Metastasis in Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1480. [PMID: 33807023 PMCID: PMC8004785 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although microRNAs are described as promising biomarkers in many tumor types, little is known about their role in PSCC. Thus, we attempted to identify miRNAs involved in tumor development and metastasis in distinct histological subtypes considering the impact of HPV infection. In a first step, microarray analyses were performed on RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor (22), and normal (8) tissue samples. Microarray data were validated for selected miRNAs by qRT-PCR on an enlarged cohort, including 27 tumor and 18 normal tissues. We found 876 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs (p ≤ 0.01) between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumor samples by microarray analysis. Although no significant differences were detected between normal and tumor tissue in the whole cohort, specific expression patterns occurred in distinct histological subtypes, such as HPV-negative usual PSCC (95 differentially expressed miRNAs, p ≤ 0.05) and HPV-positive basaloid/warty subtypes (247 differentially expressed miRNAs, p ≤ 0.05). Selected miRNAs were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, microarray data revealed 118 miRNAs (p ≤ 0.01) that were significantly differentially expressed in metastatic versus non-metastatic usual PSCC. The lower expression levels for miR-137 and miR-328-3p in metastatic usual PSCC were validated by qRT-PCR. The results of this study confirmed that specific miRNAs could serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers in single PSCC subtypes and are associated with HPV-dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiresh Ayoubian
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (H.A.); (J.H.); (S.H.); (O.K.); (P.L.); (J.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Joana Heinzelmann
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (H.A.); (J.H.); (S.H.); (O.K.); (P.L.); (J.H.); (M.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hölters
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (H.A.); (J.H.); (S.H.); (O.K.); (P.L.); (J.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Oybek Khalmurzaev
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (H.A.); (J.H.); (S.H.); (O.K.); (P.L.); (J.H.); (M.S.)
- Department of Urology, Federal State Budgetary Institution “N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 115478 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexey Pryalukhin
- Institute of Pathology, Saarland University Medical Centre, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (A.P.); (R.M.B.)
| | - Philine Loertzer
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (H.A.); (J.H.); (S.H.); (O.K.); (P.L.); (J.H.); (M.S.)
- Westpfalz-Klinikum, Clinic of Urology and Paediatric Urology, 67655 Kaiserslautern, Germany;
| | - Julia Heinzelbecker
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (H.A.); (J.H.); (S.H.); (O.K.); (P.L.); (J.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Stefan Lohse
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
| | - Carol Geppert
- Institute of Pathology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Hagen Loertzer
- Westpfalz-Klinikum, Clinic of Urology and Paediatric Urology, 67655 Kaiserslautern, Germany;
| | - Heiko Wunderlich
- St. Georg Klinikum, Clinic of Urology and Paediatric Urology, 99817 Eisenach, Germany;
| | - Rainer M. Bohle
- Institute of Pathology, Saarland University Medical Centre, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (A.P.); (R.M.B.)
| | - Michael Stöckle
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (H.A.); (J.H.); (S.H.); (O.K.); (P.L.); (J.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Vsevolod Borisovich Matveev
- Department of Urology, Federal State Budgetary Institution “N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 115478 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Kerstin Junker
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (H.A.); (J.H.); (S.H.); (O.K.); (P.L.); (J.H.); (M.S.)
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Qin Z, Hu H, Sun W, Chen L, Jin S, Xu Q, Liu Y, Yu L, Zeng S. miR-224-5p Contained in Urinary Extracellular Vesicles Regulates PD-L1 Expression by Inhibiting Cyclin D1 in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040618. [PMID: 33557163 PMCID: PMC7913995 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The abundant miRNAs in urinary extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent ideal reservoirs for biomarker discovery, especially in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the content and biological functions of microRNAs contained in urinary EVs in RCC remain ambiguous. In this study, urinary EVs were isolated and characterized from RCC patients and healthy volunteers. Differentially expressed microRNAs in urinary EVs were screened by small RNA sequencing. The target gene and biological functions of selected microRNAs were investigated through multifaceted methods. Results indicated that miR-224-5p was significantly upregulated in urinary EVs of RCC patients compared to healthy volunteers. The overexpression of miR-224-5p inhibited RCC cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest. The gene CCND1 encoding cyclin D1 was identified as a direct target of miR-224-5p via prediction and validation. Moreover, the invasive and metastatic abilities of RCC cells were enhanced by miR-224-5p. Interestingly, miR-224-5p also increased the stability of PD-L1 protein by inhibiting CCND1. This effect could be transmitted via EVs and further promoted the resistance of RCC cells to T cell-dependent toxicity. In summary, urinary EVs containing miR-224-5p were identified as a potential biomarker in RCC. Regulation of PD-L1 protein expression by miR-224-5p through suppressing CCND1 elucidates new roles of miR-224-5p in RCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Qin
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.Q.); (H.H.); (W.S.); (L.C.); (S.J.); (Q.X.); (Y.L.)
| | - Haihong Hu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.Q.); (H.H.); (W.S.); (L.C.); (S.J.); (Q.X.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.Q.); (H.H.); (W.S.); (L.C.); (S.J.); (Q.X.); (Y.L.)
| | - Lu Chen
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.Q.); (H.H.); (W.S.); (L.C.); (S.J.); (Q.X.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shengnan Jin
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.Q.); (H.H.); (W.S.); (L.C.); (S.J.); (Q.X.); (Y.L.)
| | - Qingwen Xu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.Q.); (H.H.); (W.S.); (L.C.); (S.J.); (Q.X.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yuxi Liu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.Q.); (H.H.); (W.S.); (L.C.); (S.J.); (Q.X.); (Y.L.)
| | - Lushan Yu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.Q.); (H.H.); (W.S.); (L.C.); (S.J.); (Q.X.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (S.Z.)
| | - Su Zeng
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.Q.); (H.H.); (W.S.); (L.C.); (S.J.); (Q.X.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (S.Z.)
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Rasoolnezhad M, Safaralizadeh R, Hosseinpourfeizi MA, Banan-Khojasteh SM, Baradaran B. MiRNA-138-5p: A strong tumor suppressor targeting PD-L-1 inhibits proliferation and motility of breast cancer cells and induces apoptosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 896:173933. [PMID: 33545160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are important regulators in multiple cellular processes and are closely related to a variety of cancers including breast cancer (BC). Immunotherapy using different methods such as modulating immune check points has been known as an advanced and successful procedure in cancer treatment. Here we investigated the effects of miRNA-138-5p restoring on Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L-1) expression, BC biological behaviors and T-cell exhaustion. Breast cancer specimens and cell lines were provided and qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to measure the expression of miRNA-138-5p, PD-L-1 and other underlying genes. MTT and colony formation assays and scratch test were employed to specify proliferation, cloning and migration in miRNA-138-5p-transfected MDA-MB-231 cells respectively. DAPI staining assay and flow-cytometry were used to investigate apoptosis rate and cell cycle development. Finally, isolated T-cells were co-cultured with transfected BC cells to explore the effect of miRNA-138-5p on T-cell exhaustion. qRT-PCR revealed down-regulation ofmiRNA-138-5p conversely, up-regulation of PD-L-1 in BC tissues and cell lines. Transfection of miRNA-138-5p into MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited PD-L-1 expression. Western blotting, MTT and colony formation assays affirmed the anti-proliferative effect ofmiRNA-138-5p through down-regulating PI3K/AKT pathway. Also, miRNA-138-5p induced apoptosis in BC cells via up-regulating Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 and arresting cell cycle at sub-G1 phase. Moreover, scratch test and western blotting indicated that miRNA-138-5p inhibits cell motility via targeting MMP2, MMP9 and vimentin but up-regulating E-cadherin. Finally, miRNA-138-5p restrains T-cell exhaustion via suppressing PD-L-1 expression in BC cells leading to disrupt PD-L-1/PD-1 interaction and modulate effector cytokines in T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Rasoolnezhad
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Safaralizadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Patil N, Allgayer H, Leupold JH. MicroRNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1277:1-31. [PMID: 33119862 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-50224-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is decisive for the eradication or survival of any tumor mass. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role for metastasis and for providing the metastatic niche. The TME offers special physiological conditions and is composed of, for example, surrounding blood vessels, the extracellular matrix (ECM), diverse signaling molecules, exosomes and several cell types including, but not being limited to, infiltrated immune cells, cancer-associated endothelial cells (CAEs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). These cells can additionally and significantly contribute to tumor and metastasis progression, especially also by acting via their own deregulated micro (mi) RNA expression or activity. Thus, miRNAs are essential players in the crosstalk between cancer cells and the TME. MiRNAs are small non-coding (nc) RNAs that typically inhibit translation and stability of messenger (m) RNAs, thus being able to regulate several cell functions including proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival, invasion, and several steps of the metastatic cascade. The dynamic interplay between miRNAs in different cell types or organelles such as exosomes, ECM macromolecules, and the TME plays critical roles in many aspects of cancer development. This chapter aims to give an overview on the multiple contributions of miRNAs as players within the TME, to summarize the role of miRNAs in the crosstalk between different cell populations found within the TME, and to illustrate how they act on tumorigenesis and the behavior of cells in the TME context. Lastly, the potential clinical utility of miRNAs for cancer therapy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Patil
- Department of Experimental Surgery - Cancer Metastasis, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heike Allgayer
- Department of Experimental Surgery - Cancer Metastasis, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jörg H Leupold
- Department of Experimental Surgery - Cancer Metastasis, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
- Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
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Costa F, Marchica V, Storti P, Malavasi F, Giuliani N. PD-L1/PD-1 Axis in Multiple Myeloma Microenvironment and a Possible Link with CD38-Mediated Immune-Suppression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E164. [PMID: 33418913 PMCID: PMC7825118 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in MM immune-microenvironment has been highlighted by several studies. However, discordant data have been reported on PD-1/PD-L1 distribution within the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment of patients with monoclonal gammopathies. In addition, the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade as a therapeutic strategy to reverse myeloma immune suppression and inhibit myeloma cell survival still remains unknown. Recent data suggest that, among the potential mechanisms behind the lack of responsiveness or resistance to anti-PD-L1/PD-1 antibodies, the CD38 metabolic pathways involving the immune-suppressive factor, adenosine, could play an important role. This review summarizes the available data on PD-1/PD-L1 expression in patients with MM, reporting the main mechanisms of regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 axis. The possible link between the CD38 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways is also reported, highlighting the rationale for the potential use of a combined therapeutic approach with CD38 blocking agents and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in order to improve their anti-tumoral effect in MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Costa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.C.); (V.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Valentina Marchica
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.C.); (V.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Paola Storti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.C.); (V.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Fabio Malavasi
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Nicola Giuliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.C.); (V.M.); (P.S.)
- Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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40
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Kushlinskii NE, Loginov VI, Utkin DO, Filippova EA, Burdennyy AM, Korotkova EA, Pronina IV, Lukina SS, Smirnova AV, Gershtein ES, Braga EA. Novel miRNAs as Potential Regulators of PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint, and Prognostic Value of MIR9-1 and MIR124-2 Methylation in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893320060072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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41
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Kwok H. Meet Our Editorial Board Member. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/138920372201210301112500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H.F. Kwok
- University of Macau Taipa,Macao,China
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Liu Z, Ning F, Cai Y, Sheng H, Zheng R, Yin X, Lu Z, Su L, Chen X, Zeng C, Wang H, Liu L. The EGFR-P38 MAPK axis up-regulates PD-L1 through miR-675-5p and down-regulates HLA-ABC via hexokinase-2 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:62-78. [PMID: 34236149 PMCID: PMC7819566 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has been shown to be a promising strategy against human cancers. A better understanding of the immune regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could help the development of immunotherapy against HCC. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is frequently activated in HCC and plays important roles in tumorigenesis. However, its role in HCC immunity is still largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of EGFR signaling on programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and human leukocyte antigen class-I (HLA-I) expression in HCC cells and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS The expression of phosphorylated EGFR (p-EGFR), PD-L1, and HLA-I (HLA-ABC) in HCC specimens was detected by immunohistochemistry, and their correlations were analyzed. PD-L1 and HLA-ABC expression in EGFR-activated HCC cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry, and T cell-mediated lysis was performed to test the immunosuppressive effects of PD-L1 and HLA-ABC alterations in HCC cells. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of EGFR activation-induced PD-L1 up-regulation and HLA-ABC down-regulation were explored by animal experiments, luciferase reporter assay, and gene gain- and loss-of-function studies. RESULTS p-EGFR was positively correlated with PD-L1 and negatively correlated with HLA-ABC expression in HCCs. EGFR activation by its ligand EGF up-regulated PD-L1 and down-regulated HLA-ABC in HCC cells, which was functionally important and could be abolished by the EGFR inhibitor, gefitinib, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, enhanced P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation down-regulated microRNA-675-5p (miR-675-5p) and up-regulated glycolysis-related enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2); miR-675-5p down-regulation enhanced the stability of PD-L1 mRNA probably via the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of PD-L1 and thereby caused PD-L1 accumulation, and HK2 up-regulation enhanced aerobic glycolysis and mediated a decrease in HLA-ABC. CONCLUSIONS The EGFR-P38 MAPK axis could up-regulate PD-L1 through miR-675-5p and down-regulate HLA-ABC via HK2 in HCC cells. Our study reveals a novel signaling network that may cause immune suppression in HCC and suggests that EGFR signaling can be targeted for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongcai Liu
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Fen Ning
- Laboratory of Uterine Vascular BiologyGuangzhou Institute of PediatricsGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Yanna Cai
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Huiying Sheng
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Ruidan Zheng
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Xi Yin
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Zhikun Lu
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Ling Su
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Xiaodan Chen
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Chunhua Zeng
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
| | - Haifang Wang
- Laboratory Medicine CenterNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Li Liu
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and MetabolismGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510623P. R. China
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MiR-374b increases the CIK expression and mediates biological function changes in cervical cancer cells by targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 143:103265. [PMID: 33360511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of miR-374b in medicating biological function changes in cervical cancer cells by increasing the cytokine-induced killer (CIK) expression. METHODS Venous blood of 62 cervical cancer patients and 58 healthy individuals including Human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and normal human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMC) were tested for expression of miR-374b, PD-1, and PD-L1. sh-PD-1, si-PD-1, NC, miR-374b-inhibitor, and miR-374b-mimics were transfected into HeLa cells, and expression of miR-374b, PD-1, and PD-L1 was determined by a qRT-PCR assay, and the proliferation and apoptosis of the cells were detected using a MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS PD-1 was highly expressed in cervical cancer, while miR-374b is lowly expressed in it, and the area-under-the-curve (AUC) of both PD-1 and miR-374b was larger than 0.8. The dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed relationship between PD-1 and miR-374b. Expression of PD-1 in HeLa cells was significantly down-regulated after transfection of miR-374b-mimics. Compared with the CIK + NC group, the CIK + miR-374b-mimics group and the CIK + siRNA-PD-1 group showed a significant decrease in the relative mRNA expression of PD-1, compared with other group showed significantly lowered activity of HeLa cells, and the two groups showed significantly reduced tumor volume. CONCLUSION MiR-374b increases the CIK expression and mediates biological function changes in cervical cancer cells by targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway, so it is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
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Rrapaj E, Giacometti L, Spina P, Salvo M, Baselli GA, Veggiani C, Rena O, Trisolini E, Boldorini RL. Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is associated with poor prognosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma patients with good performance status. Pathology 2020; 53:462-469. [PMID: 33272690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2020.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is often associated with a poor prognosis and options for the treatment of this disease are few. To date, the important role of the immune microenvironment in modifying the disease natural history is well established. The programmed cell death pathway (PD-1/PD-L1) limits the T lymphocyte activation in peripheral tissues when an inflammatory response occurs, and controls the tumour immune escape. PD-L1 is broadly expressed in several malignant tumours and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Thus, the aim of our study is to investigate the potential role of PD-L1 expression in MPM prognosis. Biopsy samples from 198 patients diagnosed with MPM were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to evaluate PD-L1 protein and gene expression. For PD-L1 protein expression we consider at least 5% membranous staining as positive. Gene expression levels were calculated with ΔΔCt method. Positive expression of PD-L1 by IHC was correlated with worse overall survival (OS; p=0.0225) in MPM patients. PD-L1 positive status was correlated with worse OS in the subgroup of patients with ECOG score <2 (p=0.0004, n=129) and these data were confirmed by multivariate analysis. No significant correlation was found between PD-L1 gene expression and OS. Our results show that PD-L1 evaluated by IHC assay may be a prognostic biomarker for MPM patients with good performance status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eltjona Rrapaj
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Giacometti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Paolo Spina
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy; Cantonal Institute of Pathology, Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Michela Salvo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy; Unit of Pathology, Maggiore Della Carita Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Guido Alessandro Baselli
- Translational Medicine, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Claudia Veggiani
- Unit of Pathology, Maggiore Della Carita Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Ottavio Rena
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, Maggiore Della Carita Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Elena Trisolini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy; Unit of Pathology, Maggiore Della Carita Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Renzo Luciano Boldorini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy; Unit of Pathology, Maggiore Della Carita Hospital, Novara, Italy
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Ahn YH, Ko YH. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of microRNAs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8782. [PMID: 33233641 PMCID: PMC7699705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous suppressors of target mRNAs, are deeply involved in every step of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development, from tumor initiation to progression and metastasis. They play roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, and metastatic colonization, as well as immunosuppression. Due to their versatility, numerous attempts have been made to use miRNAs for clinical applications. miRNAs can be used as cancer subtype classifiers, diagnostic markers, drug-response predictors, prognostic markers, and therapeutic targets in NSCLC. Many challenges remain ahead of their actual clinical application; however, when achieved, the use of miRNAs in the clinic is expected to enable great progress in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with NSCLC.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Pharmacological/analysis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/immunology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lymphatic Metastasis
- MicroRNAs/agonists
- MicroRNAs/antagonists & inhibitors
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/immunology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/diagnosis
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/immunology
- Prognosis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Escape/drug effects
- Tumor Escape/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Ho Ahn
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Yoon Ho Ko
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Fan L, Li L, Huang C, Huang S, Deng J, Xiong J. Increased SNX20 and PD-L1 Levels Can Predict the Clinical Response to PD-1 Inhibitors in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:10075-10085. [PMID: 33116590 PMCID: PMC7555289 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s262909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is widely used for predicting immune checkpoint inhibitors but has a limited effect on predicting clinical response. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value and PD-1 inhibitor therapeutic efficiency of SNX20 in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods We evaluated the mRNA and protein expression levels of SNX20 and PD-L1 and confirmed their predictive role in clinical response to anti-PD-1 therapy in 56 patients with advanced, refractory lung adenocarcinoma treated with PD-1 inhibitors. The expression of SNX family in different cancer types and the relationship between SNX20 and immune cells were evaluated in TCGA. The protein expression levels of SNX20, PD-L1 in 56 lung adenocarcinoma tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results SNX20 mRNA expression has the strongest relationship with CD8a of the sorting nexin (SNX) family in lung adenocarcinoma and is strongly correlated with immune infiltration levels in 30 cancer types, especially in lung adenocarcinoma. A positive correlation between SNX20 and PD-L1 was found based on immunohistochemical data (Pearson’s r=0.3731 and p=0.0466). SNX20 and PD-L1 were also observed to have a significant positive correlation at the mRNA level. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the best expression differentiation score of SNX20 and PD-L1 between responder versus non-responders in patients with lung adenocarcinoma using PD-1 inhibitors is 5. In univariate logistic regression analysis, both SNX20 (odds ratio [OR]=3.778, p=0.019) and PD-L1 (OR=5.727, p=0.004) expression levels are significant predictors of clinical response in the PD-1 inhibitor responder group, and SNX20 (OR=3.575, p=0.038) and PD-L1 (OR=5.484, p=0.007) are also predictors of the response to PD-1 inhibitors in the multivariate analysis. High SNX20/high PD-L1 expression group had longer overall survival than patients with high SNX20/low PD-L1 expression group or low SNX20/high PD-L1 expression group (p=0.013) and patients with low SNX20/low PD-L1 expression group (p=0.01). Conclusion SNX20 expression can be a promising predictor for therapeutic decision-making and treatment response assessment regarding PD-1 inhibitors, and special attention is required for the subgroup of patients with lung adenocarcinoma whose tumors express both high SNX20 and PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linwei Fan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunye Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Xiong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, People's Republic of China
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Regulation of CD47 expression in cancer cells. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100862. [PMID: 32920329 PMCID: PMC7494507 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CD47 is overexpressed in various types of cancers and it can directly bind with SIRPα, which is mainly located on macrophages. The binding of CD47-SIRPα transmits a “don't eat me” signal, which can prevent cancer cells from immune clearance. Targeting the phagocytosis checkpoint of CD47-SIRPα axis has shown remarkable anticancer effect in preclinical and clinical research, which indicates the potential application of CD47-SIRPα blockade for cancer treatment. In this case, the comprehensive description of the regulation of CD47 in different types of cancer cells has significant implications for furthering our understanding of the role of CD47 in cancer. Based on the current reports, we summarized the regulatory factors, i.e., cytokines, oncogenes, microRNAs as well as enzymes, of CD47 expression in cancer cells. Accordingly, we also proposed several points needing further research, hoping to provide useful insights for the future investigation on the regulation of CD47 in cancers. Cytokines, oncogenes, microRNAs and enzymes regulate CD47 expression in cancer. CD47 expression could be regulated at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational modification level. Further studies are required to determine other factors that regulate CD47 expression.
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Katakura S, Kobayashi N, Hashimoto H, Kamimaki C, Tanaka K, Kubo S, Nakashima K, Teranishi S, Manabe S, Watanabe K, Horita N, Hara Y, Yamamoto M, Kudo M, Piao H, Kaneko T. MicroRNA-200b is a potential biomarker of the expression of PD-L1 in patients with lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2020; 11:2975-2982. [PMID: 32893980 PMCID: PMC7529545 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. However, outcomes have gradually improved after the introduction of novel immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Although programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor tissues is a known biomarker for guiding ICI treatment of NSCLC, challenges such as difficulty of liquid biopsy and heterogeneous results during treatment persist. This study evaluated the potential of miR200b as a surrogate biomarker for PD-L1 expression. METHODS We used the human lung cancer cell lines H226, H460, H520, A549, and H1975. miR200b expression in blood and bronchoscopy specimens of NSCLC patients was evaluated using reverse-transcription-quantitative PCR. Using flow cytometry, PD-L1 expression in vitro, as well as in tumor tissues, was evaluated after transfection with a mimic miR200b or siRNA. RESULTS miR200b expression negatively correlated with PD-L1 expression in all cell lines. The induction or knockdown of miR200b also altered PD-L1 expression in vitro. The patient group with a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥ 50% had significantly lower miR200b expression in the bronchoscopy specimens (P = 0.025) and serum-derived exosomes (P = 0.022) than that with PD-L1 tumor proportion score < 50%. CONCLUSIONS miR200b can regulate PD-L1 expression in lung cancer cells, and miR200b expression in clinical specimens negatively correlated with PD-L1 expression. Thus, miR200b may be a useful surrogate biomarker for PD-L1 expression in lung cancer patients. KEY POINTS SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY: High PD-L1 expression was linked to low miR200b expression, whereas low PD-L1 expression was linked to high miR200b expression in human lung cancer patients. Thus, miR200b overexpression or silencing can control PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. What this study adds We demonstrated the potential of miR200b as a surrogate biomarker for PD-L1 expression in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seigo Katakura
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Kobayashi
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hashimoto
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chisato Kamimaki
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Katsushi Tanaka
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Sousuke Kubo
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakashima
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shuhei Teranishi
- Respiratory Disease Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Saki Manabe
- Respiratory Disease Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Keisuke Watanabe
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Horita
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yu Hara
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masaki Yamamoto
- Respiratory Disease Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Makoto Kudo
- Respiratory Disease Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hongmei Piao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Takeshi Kaneko
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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He Y, Wang X. Identification of molecular features correlating with tumor immunity in gastric cancer by multi-omics data analysis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1050. [PMID: 33145269 PMCID: PMC7575957 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Although immunotherapy has achieved success in treating various refractory malignancies including gastric cancers (GCs) with DNA mismatch repair deficiency, only a subset of cancer patients are responsive to immunotherapy. Therefore, the identification of useful biomarkers or interventional targets for improving cancer immunotherapy response is urgently needed. Methods We investigated the associations between various molecular features and immune signatures using three multi-omics GC datasets. These molecular features included genes, microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), proteins, and pathways, and the immune signatures included CD8+ T cell infiltration, immune cytolytic activity (ICA), and PD-L1 expression. Moreover, we investigated the association between gene mutations and survival prognosis in a gastrointestinal (GI) cancer cohort receiving immunotherapy and two GC cohorts not receiving such a therapy. Results The mutations of some important oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes were appreciably associated with immune signatures in GC, including PIK3CA, MTOR, RNF213, TP53, ARID1A, PTEN, ATM, and CDH1. Moreover, a number of genes exhibited a significant expression correlation with immune signatures in GC, including CXCL9, CXCL13, CXCR6, CCL5, GUCY2C, MAP3K9, NEK3, PAK6, STK35, and WNK2. We identified several proteins whose expression had a significant positive correlation with immune signatures in GC. These proteins included caspase-7, PI3K-p85, PREX1, Lck, Bcl-2, and transglutaminase. In contrast, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) had a significant inverse expression correlation with immune signatures in GC, suggesting that inhibiting ACC could enhance antitumor immunity in GC. Furthermore, we identified numerous miRNAs and lncRNAs with a significant expression correlation with GC immunity, including hsa-miR-150, 155, 142, 342, 146, 101, 511, 29, AC022706.1, LINC01871, and AC006033.2. We also identified numerous cancer-associated pathways whose activity was associated with GC immunity, including mTOR, PI3K-AKT, MAPK, HIF-1, and VEGF signaling pathways. Interestingly, we found seven genes (ARID1A, BCOR, MTOR, CREBBP, SPEN, NOTCH4, and TET1) whose mutations were associated with better OS in GI cancer patients receiving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy but were not associated with OS in GC patients without immunotherapy. Conclusions The molecular features significantly associated with GC immunity could be useful biomarkers for stratifying GC patients responsive to immunotherapy or intervention targets for promoting antitumor immunity and immunotherapy response in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin He
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Cancer Genomics Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaosheng Wang
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Cancer Genomics Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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50
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MicroRNAs and Their Targetomes in Tumor-Immune Communication. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082025. [PMID: 32722019 PMCID: PMC7465095 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer is a complex and dynamically regulated multiple-step process that involves many changes in gene expression. Over the last decade, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short regulatory non-coding RNAs, have emerged as key molecular effectors and regulators of tumorigenesis. While aberrant expression of miRNAs or dysregulated miRNA-mediated gene regulation in tumor cells have been shown to be capable of directly promoting or inhibiting tumorigenesis, considering the well-reported role of the immune system in cancer, tumor-derived miRNAs could also impact tumor growth through regulating anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we discuss howmiRNAs can function as central mediators that influence the crosstalk between cancer and the immune system. Moreover, we also review the current progress in the development of novel experimental approaches for miRNA target identification that will facilitate our understanding of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in not only human malignancies, but also in other genetic disorders.
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