Histone Deacetylases (HDACs): Promising Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Thymic Epithelial Tumors

Sulfonamides as anticancer agents: A brief review on sulfonamide derivatives as inhibitors of various proteins overexpressed in cancer

Sulfonamides have gained prominence as versatile agents in cancer therapy, effectively targeting a spectrum of cancer-associated enzymes. This review provides an extensive exploration of their multifaceted roles in cancer biology. Sulfonamides exhibit adaptability by acting as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, disrupting pivotal signaling pathways in cancer progression. Moreover, they disrupt pH regulation mechanisms in cancer cells as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, inhibiting growth, and survival. Sulfonamides also serve as aromatase inhibitors, interfering with estrogen synthesis in hormone-driven cancers. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases presents an opportunity to impede cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Additionally, their emerging role as histone deacetylase inhibitors offers promising prospects in epigenetic-based cancer therapies. These diverse roles underscore sulfonamides as invaluable tools for innovative anti-cancer treatments, warranting further exploration for enhanced clinical applications and patient outcomes.

PD-L1 Expression in Neoplastic and Immune Cells of Thymic Epithelial Tumors: Correlations with Disease Characteristics and HDAC Expression

BACKGROUND

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in neoplastic and immune cells of the tumor microenvironment determines the efficacy of antitumor immunity, while it can be regulated at the epigenetic level by various factors, including HDACs. In this study, we aim to evaluate the expression patterns of PD-L1 in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), while we attempt the first correlation analysis between PD-L1 and histone deacetylases (HDACs) expression.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of PD-L1 in tumor and immune cells of 91 TETs with SP263 and SP142 antibody clones, as well as the expressions of HDCA1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -6.

RESULTS

The PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) was higher, while the immune cell score (IC-score) was lower in the more aggressive TET subtypes and in more advanced Masaoka-Koga stages. A positive correlation between PD-L1 and HDAC-3, -4, and -5 cytoplasmic expression was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher PD-L1 expression in neoplastic cells and lower PD-L1 expression in immune cells of TETs characterizes more aggressive and advanced neoplasms. Correlations between PD-L1 and HDAC expression unravel the impact of epigenetic regulation on the expression of immune checkpoint molecules in TETs, with possible future applications in combined therapeutic targeting.

Non-Mutational Key Features in the Biology of Thymomas

Thymomas (THs) are a unique group of heterogeneous tumors of the thymic epithelium. In particular, the subtypes B2 and B3 tend to be aggressive and metastatic. Radical tumor resection remains the only curative option for localized tumors, while more advanced THs require multimodal treatment. Deep sequencing analyses have failed to identify known oncogenic driver mutations in TH, with the notable exception of the GTF2I mutation, which occurs predominantly in type A and AB THs. However, there are multiple alternative non-mutational mechanisms (e.g., perturbed thymic developmental programs, metabolism, non-coding RNA networks) that control cellular behavior and tumorigenesis through the deregulation of critical molecular pathways. Here, we attempted to show how the results of studies investigating such alternative mechanisms could be integrated into a current model of TH biology. This model could be used to focus ongoing research and therapeutic strategies.

γδ T Cells: A Game Changer in the Future of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis for advanced-stage patients. Recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy have generated significant interest in exploring novel approaches to combat HCC. One such approach involves the unique and versatile subset of T cells known as γδ T cells. γδ T cells represent a distinct subset of T lymphocytes that differ from conventional αβ T cells in terms of antigen recognition and effector functions. They play a crucial role in immunosurveillance against various malignancies, including HCC. Recent studies have demonstrated that γδ T cells can directly recognize and target HCC cells, making them an attractive candidate for immunotherapy. In this article, we aimed to explore the role exerted by γδ T cells in the context of HCC. We investigate strategies designed to maximize the therapeutic effectiveness of these cells and examine the challenges and opportunities inherent in applying these research findings to clinical practice. The potential to bring about a revolutionary shift in HCC immunotherapy by capitalizing on the unique attributes of γδ T cells offers considerable promise for enhancing patient outcomes, warranting further investigation.