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Machraoui S, Errafii K, Oujamaa I, Belghali MY, Hakmaoui A, Lamjadli S, Eddehbi FE, Brahim I, Haida Y, Admou B. Frequency of the Main Human Leukocyte Antigen A, B, DR, and DQ Loci Known to Be Associated with the Clearance or Persistence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in a Healthy Population from the Southern Region of Morocco: A Preliminary Study. Diseases 2024; 12:106. [PMID: 38785761 PMCID: PMC11120154 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050106] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection represents a significant global health challenge, with its natural course largely influenced by the host's immune response. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules, particularly HLA class I and II, play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response against HCV. The polymorphism of HLA molecules contributes to the variability in immune response, affecting the outcomes of HCV infection. This study aims to investigate the frequency of HLA A, B, DR, and DQ alleles known to be associated with HCV clearance or persistence in a healthy Moroccan population. Conducted at the University Hospital Center Mohammed VI, Marrakech, this study spanned from 2015 to 2022 and included 703 healthy Moroccan individuals. HLA class I and II typing was performed using complement-dependent cytotoxicity and polymerase chain reaction-based methodologies. The results revealed the distinct patterns of HLA-A, B, DRB1, and DQB1 alleles in the Moroccan population. Notably, alleles linked to favorable HCV outcomes, such as HLA-DQB1*0301, DQB1*0501, and DRB1*1101, were more prevalent. Conversely, alleles associated with increased HCV susceptibility and persistence, such as HLA-DQB1*02 and DRB1*03, were also prominent. Gender-specific variations in allele frequencies were observed, providing insights into genetic influences on HCV infection outcomes. The findings align with global trends in HLA allele associations with HCV infection outcomes. The study emphasizes the role of host genetics in HCV infection, highlighting the need for further research in the Moroccan community, including HCV-infected individuals. The prevalence of certain HLA alleles, both protective and susceptibility-linked, underscores the potential for a national HLA data bank in Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Machraoui
- Laboratory of Immunology and HLA, Center of Clinical Research, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech 40080, Morocco; (I.O.); (A.H.); (S.L.); (F.E.E.); (I.B.); (Y.H.); (B.A.)
- Biosciences Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40080, Morocco
- African Genome Center, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Ben Guerir 43151, Morocco;
| | - Khaoula Errafii
- African Genome Center, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Ben Guerir 43151, Morocco;
| | - Ider Oujamaa
- Laboratory of Immunology and HLA, Center of Clinical Research, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech 40080, Morocco; (I.O.); (A.H.); (S.L.); (F.E.E.); (I.B.); (Y.H.); (B.A.)
| | - Moulay Yassine Belghali
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30003, Morocco;
| | - Abdelmalek Hakmaoui
- Laboratory of Immunology and HLA, Center of Clinical Research, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech 40080, Morocco; (I.O.); (A.H.); (S.L.); (F.E.E.); (I.B.); (Y.H.); (B.A.)
| | - Saad Lamjadli
- Laboratory of Immunology and HLA, Center of Clinical Research, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech 40080, Morocco; (I.O.); (A.H.); (S.L.); (F.E.E.); (I.B.); (Y.H.); (B.A.)
| | - Fatima Ezzohra Eddehbi
- Laboratory of Immunology and HLA, Center of Clinical Research, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech 40080, Morocco; (I.O.); (A.H.); (S.L.); (F.E.E.); (I.B.); (Y.H.); (B.A.)
| | - Ikram Brahim
- Laboratory of Immunology and HLA, Center of Clinical Research, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech 40080, Morocco; (I.O.); (A.H.); (S.L.); (F.E.E.); (I.B.); (Y.H.); (B.A.)
| | - Yasmine Haida
- Laboratory of Immunology and HLA, Center of Clinical Research, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech 40080, Morocco; (I.O.); (A.H.); (S.L.); (F.E.E.); (I.B.); (Y.H.); (B.A.)
| | - Brahim Admou
- Laboratory of Immunology and HLA, Center of Clinical Research, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech 40080, Morocco; (I.O.); (A.H.); (S.L.); (F.E.E.); (I.B.); (Y.H.); (B.A.)
- Biosciences Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40080, Morocco
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Liu R, Yu X, Cao X, Wang X, Liang Y, Qi W, Ye Y, Zao X. Downregulation of ST6GAL2 Correlates to Liver Inflammation and Predicts Adverse Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:565-580. [PMID: 38318244 PMCID: PMC10843983 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s437291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose ST6 Beta-Galactoside Alpha-2,6-Sialyltransferase 2 (ST6GAL2), a member of the sialic acid transferase family, is differentially expressed in diverse cancers. However, it remains poorly understood in tumorigenesis and impacts on immune cell infiltration (ICI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods Herein, the expression, diagnosis, prognosis, functional enrichment, genetic alterations, immune characteristics, and targeted drugs of ST6GAL2 in HCC were researched by conducting bioinformatics analysis, in vivo, and in vitro experiments. Results ST6GAL2 was remarkably decreased in HCC compared to non-tumor tissues, portending a poor prognosis associated with high DNA methylation levels. Functional enrichment and GSVA analyses revealed that ST6GAL2 might function through the extracellular matrix, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, and tumor inflammation signature. We found that ST6GAL2 expression was proportional to ICI, immunostimulator, and immune subtypes. ST6GAL2 expression first increased and then decreased during the progression of liver inflammation to HCC. The dysfunctional experiment indicated that ST6GAL2 might exert immunosuppressive effects during HCC progression through regulating ICI. Several broad-spectrum anticancer drugs were obtained by drug sensitivity prediction analysis of ST6GAL2. Conclusion In conclusion, ST6GAL2 was a reliable prognostic biomarker strongly associated with ICI, and could be a potential immunotherapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijia Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xudong Yu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Cao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuyun Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yijun Liang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenying Qi
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong’an Ye
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Zao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
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Crouchet E, Baumert TF. Unraveling the role of the liver myeloid compartment during hepatitis C virus cure. J Hepatol 2024; 80:184-187. [PMID: 37088307 PMCID: PMC7615597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Crouchet
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France; Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France.
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Shu F, Shi Y, Shan X, Zha W, Fan R, Xue W. SIAH2-Mediated Degradation of ACSL4 Inhibits the Anti-Tumor Activity of CD8+ T Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2024; 34:1-13. [PMID: 38842200 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukaryotgeneexpr.2024051981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
SIAH2 function as an oncogene in various cancer. However, the roles of SIAH2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the roles of SIAH2 in HCC. Immunohistochemistry was used determine SIAH2 and ACSL4 expression in clinical samples. RT-qPCR was used to determine mRNA expression. Western blot assay was applied for determining protein expression. Ubiquitination assay was conducted for determining ubiquitination of ACSL4. Xenograft experiment was applied for determining tumor growth. Flow cytometry was applied to determine the functions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. SIAH2 expression was overexpressed in HCC tumors. High levels of SIAH2 predicted poor outcomes. However, SIAH2 knockdown promoted the proliferation of CD8+ T cells as well as promoted the ferroptosis of tumor cells, inhibiting tumor growth in HCC. ACSL4 is required for CD8+ T cell-mediated ferroptosis of HCC cells. However, SIAH2 induced ubiquitination of ACSL4 and inhibited its expression. SIAH2 specific inhibitor menadione promoted the immune checkpoint blockade. Taken together, SIAH2-mediated inactivation of CD8+ T cells inhibits the ferroptosis of HCC via mediating ubiquitination of ACSL4. Therefore, targeting SIAH2 may be a promising strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzheng Shu
- Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, 226007, Jiangsu, China; Department of General Surgery, Dafeng People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuhua Shi
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, No. 75, Juchang Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangxiang Shan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166, Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenzhang Zha
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166, Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rengen Fan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166, Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
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Elkoshi Z. The Eradication of Carcinogenic Viruses in Established Solid Cancers. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:6227-6239. [PMID: 38145011 PMCID: PMC10749098 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s430315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenic viruses (oncoviruses) can initiate cancer, but their impact on established cancer varies. Some of these viruses prolong survival while others shorten it. This study classifies oncoviruses into two categories: viruses which induce a strong CD8+T cell reaction in non-cancerous tissues, and viruses which induce a weak CD8+ T cell reaction in non-cancerous tissues. The classification proves useful in predicting the effect of oncoviruses on the prognosis of solid cancers. Therefore, while eliminating carcinogenic viruses in healthy individuals (for example by immunization) may be important for cancer prevention, this study suggests that only viruses which induce a weak CD8+ T cell reaction should be eradicated in established solid tumors. The model correctly predicts the effect of oncoviruses on survival for six out of seven known oncoviruses, indicating that immune modulation by oncoviruses has a prominent effect on prognosis. It seems that CD8+ T cell response to oncoviruses observed in infected benign tissues is retained in infected tumors. Clinical significance: the effect of oncoviruses on solid cancer prognosis can be predicted with confidence based on immunological responses when clinical data are unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeev Elkoshi
- Research and Development Department, Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Haifa, Israel
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Milosevic I, Todorovic N, Filipovic A, Simic J, Markovic M, Stevanovic O, Malinic J, Katanic N, Mitrovic N, Nikolic N. HCV and HCC Tango-Deciphering the Intricate Dance of Disease: A Review Article. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16048. [PMID: 38003240 PMCID: PMC10671156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216048] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for around one-third of all HCC cases. Prolonged inflammation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), maintained through a variety of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, is one of the aspects of carcinogenesis, followed by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Immune response dysfunction including the innate and adaptive immunity also plays a role in the development, as well as in the recurrence of HCC after treatment. Some of the tumor suppressor genes inhibited by the HCV proteins are p53, p73, and retinoblastoma 1. Mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and the oncogene catenin beta 1 are two more important carcinogenic signaling pathways in HCC associated with HCV. Furthermore, in HCV-related HCC, numerous tumor suppressor and seven oncogenic genes are dysregulated by epigenetic changes. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is considered as a lasting "epigenetic memory", suggesting that HCV-induced changes persist and are associated with liver carcinogenesis even after cure. Epigenetic changes and immune response dysfunction are recognized targets for potential therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Milosevic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Nevena Todorovic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Ana Filipovic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Jelena Simic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Marko Markovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Olja Stevanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Jovan Malinic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Natasa Katanic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Situated in Kosovska Mitrovica, 28000 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Nikola Mitrovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Natasa Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
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Ibrahim IH, Ali OSM, El-Sahar AA, Elrefaei M, El-Sheikh N. Telomerase Expression Related with Poor Immune Response to HCV Core Antigen in Egyptian HCV Patients' PBMCs. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:1008-1016. [PMID: 37975051 PMCID: PMC10643511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver. Aim This study aimed to assess serum human telomerase enzyme (hTERT) levels and their relation to the progression of liver disease. Also, it aimed to assess the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein on memory T-cells in HCV patients with or without HCC and the correlation between memory cell phenotype and the progression of the disease in the same patients. Methods HTERT level in serum was assessed through relative quantitative RT-PCR. Flow cytometric analysis was used to assess T-cell responsiveness (as IFN- γ secretion) before and after stimulation with HCV core protein and the memory CD8+ cell phenotype using several differentiation markers. Results HTERT was found to be increased in a stepwise manner upon comparing its level in controls, chronic hepatitis patients, cirrhotic patients, and HCC patients. T-cells showed a similar manner of stepwise decrease in response (decreased IFN- γ secretion) in HCC patients compared to HCV patients without HCC and controls. Also, late differentiated memory cells (CD8+, CD27-, CD28-, CD45RA+, and CCR7-) were depleted in HCC patients compared to HCV patients without HCC. Conclusion These results suggest a negative correlation between hTERT and IFN- γ secretion by T-cells in HCV patients and that this relationship, along with the depletion of late differentiated memory cells, could help the progression of liver disease to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman H. Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Ola Sayed M. Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Adel A. El-Sahar
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elrefaei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Nabila El-Sheikh
- Molecular Immunology Unit for Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Egypt
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Peng Y, Li X, Kang K, Zhou Y. AP4M1 as a prognostic biomarker associated with cell proliferation, migration and immune regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:235. [PMID: 37821948 PMCID: PMC10568912 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AP4M1 is a protein-coding gene that plays a crucial role in transporter activity, recognition, and hereditary-associated diseases, but it's largely unknown in cancers. METHODS The expression level of AP4M1 in cancers was investigated by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and the correlation between AP4M1 and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. Univariate and multifactorial COX regression analyses were performed to clarify the prognostic value of AP4M1 in HCC. The correlation between AP4M1 and immune cell infiltration was analyzed using single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). Besides, we verified the biological function of AP4M1 by applying Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation, and transwell assays. RESULTS The expression of AP4M1 was significantly elevated in HCC and was correlated with patients' pathological grades, AFP, and BMI. Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that patients with AP4M1 overexpression had worse overall survival. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses showed that AP4M1 was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of HCC. In addition, we observed that AP4M1 positively correlated with most immune checkpoint suppressor genes in HCC. Moreover, in vitro experiments further confirmed that AP4M1 could promote the proliferation and invasion of HCC. CONCLUSIONS AP4M1 is highly expressed and associated with poor prognosis in HCC. AP4M1 is closely related to cancer-immune regulation and could be a novel target for HCC, and guiding new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhao Peng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xuanxuan Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Kuo Kang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yangying Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Cogliati B, Yashaswini CN, Wang S, Sia D, Friedman SL. Friend or foe? The elusive role of hepatic stellate cells in liver cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:647-661. [PMID: 37550577 PMCID: PMC10671228 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a substantial risk factor for the development and progression of liver cancer, which includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Studies utilizing cell fate mapping and single-cell transcriptomics techniques have identified quiescent perisinusoidal hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) as the primary source of activated collagen-producing HSCs and liver cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in HCC and liver metastasis, complemented in iCCA by contributions from portal fibroblasts. At the same time, integrative computational analysis of single-cell, single-nucleus and spatial RNA sequencing data have revealed marked heterogeneity among HSCs and CAFs, with distinct subpopulations displaying unique gene expression signatures and functions. Some of these subpopulations have divergent roles in promoting or inhibiting liver fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. In this Review, we discuss the dual roles of HSC subpopulations in liver fibrogenesis and their contribution to liver cancer promotion, progression and metastasis. We review the transcriptomic and functional similarities between HSC and CAF subpopulations, highlighting the pathways that either promote or prevent fibrosis and cancer, and the immunological landscape from which these pathways emerge. Insights from ongoing studies will yield novel strategies for developing biomarkers, assessing prognosis and generating new therapies for both HCC and iCCA prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Cogliati
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Sia
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Chiu Y, Ni C, Huang Y. Deconvolution of bulk gene expression profiles reveals the association between immune cell polarization and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15736-15760. [PMID: 37366298 PMCID: PMC10417088 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6197] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have utilized computational methods, including cell composition deconvolution (CCD), to correlate immune cell polarizations with the survival of cancer patients, including those with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, currently available cell deconvolution estimated (CDE) tools do not cover the wide range of immune cell changes that are known to influence tumor progression. RESULTS A new CCD tool, HCCImm, was designed to estimate the abundance of tumor cells and 16 immune cell types in the bulk gene expression profiles of HCC samples. HCCImm was validated using real datasets derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and HCC tissue samples, demonstrating that HCCImm outperforms other CCD tools. We used HCCImm to analyze the bulk RNA-seq datasets of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) samples. We found that the proportions of memory CD8+ T cells and Tregs were negatively associated with patient overall survival (OS). Furthermore, the proportion of naïve CD8+ T cells was positively associated with patient OS. In addition, the TCGA-LIHC samples with a high tumor mutational burden had a significantly high abundance of nonmacrophage leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS HCCImm was equipped with a new set of reference gene expression profiles that allowed for a more robust analysis of HCC patient expression data. The source code is provided at https://github.com/holiday01/HCCImm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen‐Jung Chiu
- Institute of Biomedical InformaticsNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringMing Chuan UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Chung‐En Ni
- Institute of Biomedical InformaticsNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yen‐Hua Huang
- Institute of Biomedical InformaticsNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Center for Systems and Synthetic BiologyNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
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11
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Zhang J, Liu L, Wang Z, Hou M, Dong Z, Yu J, Sun R, Cui G. Ubiquitin-proteasome system-based signature to predict the prognosis and drug sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1172908. [PMID: 37180696 PMCID: PMC10166894 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1172908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is implicated in cancer occurrence and progression. Targeting UPS is emerging as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of UPS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been entirely elucidated. Methods: Differentially expressed UPS genes (DEUPS) were screened from LIHC-TCGA datasets. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and stepwise multivariate regression analysis were conducted to establish a UPS-based prognostic risk model. The robustness of the risk model was further validated in HCCDB18, GSE14520, and GSE76427 cohorts. Subsequently, immune features, clinicopathologic characteristics, enrichment pathways, and anti-tumor drug sensitivity of the model were further evaluated. Moreover, a nomogram was established to improve the predictive ability of the risk model. Results: Seven UPS-based signatures (ATG10, FBXL7, IPP, MEX3A, SOCS2, TRIM54, and PSMD9) were developed for the prognostic risk model. Individuals with HCC with high-risk scores presented a more dismal prognosis than those with low-risk scores. Moreover, larger tumor size, advanced TNM stage, and tumor grade were observed in the high-risk group. Additionally, cell cycle, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and DNA repair pathways were intimately linked to the risk score. In addition, obvious immune cell infiltration and sensitive drug response were identified in low-risk patients. Furthermore, both nomogram and risk score showed a significant prognosis-predictive ability. Conclusion: Overall, we established a novel UPS-based prognostic risk model in HCC. Our results will facilitate a deep understanding of the functional role of UPS-based signature in HCC and provide a reliable prediction of clinical outcomes and anti-tumor drug responses for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liwen Liu
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zenghan Wang
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingyang Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zihui Dong
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ranran Sun
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangying Cui
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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12
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Rivoltini L, Bhoori S, Camisaschi C, Bergamaschi L, Lalli L, Frati P, Citterio D, Castelli C, Mazzaferro V. Y 90-radioembolisation in hepatocellular carcinoma induces immune responses calling for early treatment with multiple checkpoint blockers. Gut 2023; 72:406-407. [PMID: 35508369 PMCID: PMC9872224 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-326869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Licia Rivoltini
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Sherrie Bhoori
- HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Camisaschi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy .,Biomarkers Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technical Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Bergamaschi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Lalli
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Citterio
- HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Castelli
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy .,Department of Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
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13
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Lu X, Song B, Weng W, Su B, Wu H, Cheung AKL, Zhang T, Gao Y. Characteristics of CD8 + Stem Cell-Like Memory T Cell Subset in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Viral Immunol 2023; 36:25-32. [PMID: 36346310 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2022.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction of memory CD8+ T cell cannot be reverted by successful clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy, increasing the risk of reinfection with HCV. Stem cell-like memory T cells (Tscm) with superior properties of long-lasting, self-renewing, and multipotency contribute to the maintenance of immune function. We investigated the impact of HCV infection on CD8+ Tscm, and their possible role in disease progression, by using DAA-naive HCV-infected and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-coinfected cohorts. The distribution of memory CD8+ T cell subsets and the level of T cell immune activation were determined by flow cytometry. Associations between CD8+ Tscm and other memory T cell subsets, HCV viral load, as well as the level of T cell immune activation were analyzed. We observed that the proportion of CD8+ Tscm increased in both HCV and HIV/HCV individuals. The proportion of CD8+ Tscm had positive and negative correlation with CD8+ Tcm (central memory T cells) and CD8+ Tem (effector memory T cell), respectively, representing the contribution of CD8+ Tscm in T cell homeostasis. In addition, higher frequency of CD8+ Tscm indicated lower HCV viral load and less T cell immune activation in HCV infection, which suggested that CD8+ Tscm is likely associated with effective control of HCV replication for protective immunity. Considering the characteristics of Tscm, our current findings provide implications for Tscm-based vaccine design and immunotherapy development to achieve HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Sino-French Joint Laboratory for Research on Humoral Immune Response to HIV Infection, Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Song
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Dermatology, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjia Weng
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Su
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Sino-French Joint Laboratory for Research on Humoral Immune Response to HIV Infection, Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Sino-French Joint Laboratory for Research on Humoral Immune Response to HIV Infection, Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Allen Ka Loon Cheung
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Sino-French Joint Laboratory for Research on Humoral Immune Response to HIV Infection, Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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14
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The Landscape of Early Growth Response Family Members 1-4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Their Biological Roles and Diagnostic Utility. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:3144742. [PMID: 36046377 PMCID: PMC9424002 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3144742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is one of the most frequent types of cancer seen all over the world, is steadily growing from year to year. EGR genes are members of the early growth response (EGR) gene family. It has been shown that EGR genes play an increasingly essential role in the development of tumors and the progression of numerous malignancies. However, the possible diagnostic and prognostic roles of EGR genes in HCC have only been examined in a limited number of studies. Expression and methylation data on EGR family members were obtained from TCGA datasets. The prognostic values of EGR members were studied. Additionally, the correlations of EGR members with immune cells were assessed through the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). In this study, we found that the expression of EGR1, EGR2, EGR3, and EGR4 was distinctly decreased in HCC specimens compared with nontumor specimens. ROC assays confirmed that they have a strong ability in screening HCC specimens from nontumor specimens. According to the findings of Pearson's correlation, EGR1, EGR2, EGR3, and EGR4 were found to have a negative association with the methylation level. Survival study revealed that EGR1, EGR2, and EGR3 were associated with the clinical outcome of HCC patients. Immune cell enrichment analysis demonstrated that the expressions of all EGR members were positively related to the levels of most types of immune cells, such as macrophages, NK cells, B cells, T cells, eosinophils, and CD8 T cells. Overall, the current work demonstrated the expression mode and prognostic value of EGR members in HCC in a comprehensive manner, offering insights for further research of the EGR family as possible clinical biomarkers in HCC.
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15
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Virus-Induced Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Progress and Future Challenges. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010208. [PMID: 35011949 PMCID: PMC8745496 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis is a key risk factor for liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [...].
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16
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Zhu J, Fang P, Wang C, Gu M, Pan B, Guo W, Yang X, Wang B. The immunomodulatory activity of lenvatinib prompts the survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2021; 10:7977-7987. [PMID: 34605616 PMCID: PMC8607247 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lenvatinib is a novel multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Although its main function is to suppress VEGFR and FGFR pathway, its immunomodulatory activity in HCC is not elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory capability of lenvatinib in HCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Totally 47 patients with HCC were enrolled in this study, and the immune cells and serum cytokine profiles before initiation of treatment and after 1 and 3 months were measured. The immune checkpoint receptors on the immune cells were also evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival estimate and log rank tests were used to assess the prognostic value. RESULT The frequency of T helper (Th) cells and T regulatory (Treg) cells reduced after lenvatinib treatment, while cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) cells increased significantly. The cytokine profiles showed IL-2, IL-5, IFN-γ increased; other cytokines including IL-6, IL-10, TNF- α and TNF- β decreased with lenvatinib therapy. Furthermore, the PD-1 and TIM-3 expressed on CTL had greatly decreased; the expression of TIM-3 and CTLA-4 was reduced on Treg cells as well. Besides, the new index CTL/Treg ratio was created, and low ratio was associated with the unfavorable outcome of HCC patients. CONCLUSION Our results confirmed that lenvatinib is capable of improving patients' immune status, saving the effector cells from exhaustion status and inhibiting the number and function of immunosuppressive cells. The novel index CTL/Treg ratio qualifies as a predictor for the outcome of patients with lenvatinib therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiqi Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meixiu Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baishen Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wusong Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinrong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beili Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
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17
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Wu Z, He L, Yang L, Fang X, Peng L. Potential Role of NEU1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Study Based on Comprehensive Bioinformatical Analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:651525. [PMID: 34513919 PMCID: PMC8427823 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.651525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aberrant expression of NEU1 has been identified in many malignancies. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of NEU1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully elucidated. Methods: In our study, multiple databases, including ONCOMINE, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter, MethSurv, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and Metascape, etc., were utilized to investigate the expression, prognostic value, and function of NEU1 in HCC. Results: ONCOMINE, GEO, and TCGA analyses revealed that NEU1 was more highly expressed in HCC compared to normal tissues. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of NEU1 were increased in liver cancer cell lines and HCC tissues, respectively. Moreover, a trend toward increased NEU1 expression with advanced stage or grade was found. Furthermore, higher mRNA expression of NEU1 was found to be remarkably correlated with worse survival in HCC patients, and multivariate Cox analysis indicated that high mRNA expression of NEU1 was an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis of HCC patients. Also, 21 methylated CpGs were found to be significantly related to HCC prognosis. Besides, functional enrichment analyses indicated that high NEU1 expression group had lower levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and T helper cells, etc. than the low NEU1 expression group, and NEU1 may regulate a variety of tumor-related proteins and pathways, including lysosome, spliceosome, mTOR signaling pathway and so on. Conclusion: High expression level of NEU1 was positively correlated with unfavorable prognosis of HCC patients, which may be related to the regulation of cancer-associated pathways and the inhibition of immune function by NEU1. Thus, NEU1 could be used as a potential prognostic biomarker and target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhulin Wu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lina Yang
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Science and Education, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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18
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Woller N, Engelskircher SA, Wirth T, Wedemeyer H. Prospects and Challenges for T Cell-Based Therapies of HCC. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071651. [PMID: 34209393 PMCID: PMC8304292 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of therapeutic options for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has recently been expanded by immunotherapeutic regimens. T cell-based therapies, especially in combination with other treatments have achieved far better outcomes compared to conventional treatments alone. However, there is an emerging body of evidence that eliciting T cell responses in immunotherapeutic approaches is insufficient for favorable outcomes. Immune responses in HCC are frequently attenuated in the tumor microenvironment (TME) or may even support tumor progress. Hence, therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell therapies appear to necessitate additional modification of the TME to unlock their full potential. In this review, we focus on immunotherapeutic strategies, underlying molecular mechanisms of CD8 T cell immunity, and causes of treatment failure in HCC of viral and non-viral origin. Furthermore, we provide an overview of TME features in underlying etiologies of HCC patients that mediate therapy resistance to checkpoint inhibition and discuss strategies from the literature concerning current approaches to these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Woller
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophie Anna Engelskircher
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Wirth
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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19
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Umemura T, Joshita S, Saito H, Wakabayashi SI, Kobayashi H, Yamashita Y, Sugiura A, Yamazaki T, Ota M. Investigation of the Effect of KIR-HLA Pairs on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis C Virus Cirrhotic Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133267. [PMID: 34209910 PMCID: PMC8267716 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer (NK) cells normally respond to tumor cells and virally infected cells by killing them via the innate immune system. However, the functional impairment of NK cells has been observed in hepatocellular carcinoma. The NK-cell phenotype is partially mediated through the binding of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands. This study evaluated the involvement of KIR–HLA pairs in hepatocellular carcinoma development in 211 patients with hepatitis C virus-associated cirrhosis. HLA-Bw4 and the KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4 pair were significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma onset during a median follow-up of 6.6 years, which suggested that functional interactions between KIR and HLA or HLA-Bw4 may influence the risk of cancer development. Abstract Natural killer cells are partially mediated through the binding of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands. This investigation examined the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in relation to KIR–HLA pairs in patients with compensated hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated cirrhosis. A total of 211 Japanese compensated HCV cirrhotic cases were retrospectively enrolled. After KIR, HLA-A, HLA-Bw, and HLA-C typing, associations between HLA, KIR, and KIR–HLA combinations and HCC development were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model with the stepwise method. During a median follow-up period of 6.6 years, 69.7% of patients exhibited HCC. The proportions of HLA-Bw4 and the KIR3DL1 + HLA-Bw4 pair were significantly higher in patients with HCC than in those without (78.9% vs. 64.1%; odds ratio (OR)—2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI)—1.10–4.01; p = 0.023 and 76.2% vs. 60.9%, odds ratio—2.05, p = 0.024, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed the factors of male gender (hazard ratio (HR)—1.56, 95% CI—1.12–2.17; p = 0.009), α-fetoprotein > 5.6 ng/mL (HR—1.56, 95% CI—1.10–2.10; p = 0.011), and KIR3DL1 + HLA-Bw4 (HR—1.69, 95% CI—1.15–2.48; p = 0.007) as independent risk factors for developing HCC. Furthermore, the cumulative incidence of HCC was significantly higher in patients with KIR3DL1 + HLA-Bw4 than in those without (log-rank test; p = 0.013). The above findings suggest KIR3DL1 + HLA-Bw4, in addition to HLA-Bw4, as a novel KIR–HLA pair possibly associated with HCC development in HCV cirrhosis. HCV-associated cirrhotic patients with the risk factors of male gender, α-fetoprotein > 5.6 ng/mL, and KIR3DL1 + HLA-Bw4 may require careful surveillance for HCC onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan; (S.J.); (H.S.); (S.-i.W.); (H.K.); (Y.Y.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (M.O.)
- Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Life Innovation, Shinshu University, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-263-37-2634; Fax: +81-263-32-9412
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan; (S.J.); (H.S.); (S.-i.W.); (H.K.); (Y.Y.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (M.O.)
| | - Hiromi Saito
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan; (S.J.); (H.S.); (S.-i.W.); (H.K.); (Y.Y.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (M.O.)
| | - Shun-ichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan; (S.J.); (H.S.); (S.-i.W.); (H.K.); (Y.Y.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (M.O.)
| | - Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan; (S.J.); (H.S.); (S.-i.W.); (H.K.); (Y.Y.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (M.O.)
| | - Yuki Yamashita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan; (S.J.); (H.S.); (S.-i.W.); (H.K.); (Y.Y.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (M.O.)
| | - Ayumi Sugiura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan; (S.J.); (H.S.); (S.-i.W.); (H.K.); (Y.Y.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (M.O.)
| | - Tomoo Yamazaki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan; (S.J.); (H.S.); (S.-i.W.); (H.K.); (Y.Y.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (M.O.)
| | - Masao Ota
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan; (S.J.); (H.S.); (S.-i.W.); (H.K.); (Y.Y.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (M.O.)
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