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Fumarola C, La Monica S, Bonelli M, Zoppi S, Alfieri R, Galetti M, Gnetti L, Campanini N, Pozzi G, Cavazzoni A, Mazzaschi G, Silini EM, Buti S, Petronini PG. Immunomodulatory effects of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma models: Impact on following anti-PD-1 treatments. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116397. [PMID: 38944394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116397] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
The approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), introducing several ICI-based combinations as the new standard of care for affected patients. Nonetheless, monotherapy with antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as pazopanib or sunitinib, still represents a first-line treatment option for selected patients belonging to the favorable risk group according to the International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) model. After TKI monotherapy, the main second-line option is represented by ICI monotherapy with the anti-Programmed Death Receptor 1(PD-1) nivolumab. To date, the expected clinical outcomes are similar with pazopanib or sunitinib and there is no clear indication for selecting one TKI over the other. Moreover, their impact on subsequent ICI treatment outcomes is not well defined, yet. Based on these premises, we investigated the immunomodulatory activity of these drugs in vitro and in vivo.Both TKIs induced Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression and soluble PD-L1 release in RCC cells, and hampered T cell activation, reducing cytokine production and the proportion of activated T cells. Nevertheless, in a syngeneic co-culture system with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and tumor cells, incubation with anti-PD-1 antibody following TKIs treatment significantly restored T cell function, potentiating the cytotoxic effects against tumor cells. Pazopanib and sunitinib followed by anti-PD-1 antibody produced a comparable inhibition of tumor growth in a RCC syngeneic mouse model. Our findings suggest that pazopanib and sunitinib, showing similar immunomodulatory effects, may have a comparable impact on the subsequent effectiveness of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fumarola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia La Monica
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Mara Bonelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Silvia Zoppi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Roberta Alfieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Maricla Galetti
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL-Italian Workers' Compensation Authority, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Gnetti
- Pathology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Pozzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavazzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Mazzaschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | - Sebastiano Buti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Pitts SC, Schlom J, Donahue RN. Soluble immune checkpoints: implications for cancer prognosis and response to immune checkpoint therapy and conventional therapies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:155. [PMID: 38822401 PMCID: PMC11141022 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal sampling of tumor tissue from patients with solid cancers, aside from melanoma and a few other cases, is often unfeasible, and thus may not capture the plasticity of interactions between the tumor and immune system under selective pressure of a given therapy. Peripheral blood analyses provide salient information about the human peripheral immunome while offering technical and practical advantages over traditional tumor biopsies, and should be utilized where possible alongside interrogation of the tumor. Some common blood-based biomarkers used to study the immune response include immune cell subsets, circulating tumor DNA, and protein analytes such as cytokines. With the recent explosion of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) as a modality of treatment in multiple cancer types, soluble immune checkpoints have become a relevant area of investigation for peripheral immune-based biomarkers. However, the exact functions of soluble immune checkpoints and their roles in cancer for the most part remain unclear. This review discusses current literature on the production, function, and expression of nine soluble immune checkpoints - sPD-L1, sPD-1, sCTLA4, sCD80, sTIM3, sLAG3, sB7-H3, sBTLA, and sHVEM - in patients with solid tumors, and explores their role as biomarkers of response to ICI as well as to conventional therapies (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery) in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Pitts
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Renee N Donahue
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Bruss C, Albert V, Seitz S, Blaimer S, Kellner K, Pohl F, Ortmann O, Brockhoff G, Wege AK. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy in ER +, HER2 +, and triple-negative -specific breast cancer based humanized tumor mice enhances anti-PD-L1 treatment efficacy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1355130. [PMID: 38742103 PMCID: PMC11089195 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1355130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pre-operative radiation therapy is not currently integrated into the treatment protocols for breast cancer. However, transforming immunological "cold" breast cancers by neoadjuvant irradiation into their "hot" variants is supposed to elicit an endogenous tumor immune defense and, thus, enhance immunotherapy efficiency. We investigated cellular and immunological effects of sub-lethal, neoadjuvant irradiation of ER pos., HER2 pos., and triple-negative breast cancer subtypes in-vitro and in-vivo in humanized tumor mice (HTM). This mouse model is characterized by a human-like immune system and therefore facilitates detailed analysis of the mechanisms and efficiency of neoadjuvant, irradiation-induced "in-situ vaccination", especially in the context of concurrently applied checkpoint therapy. Similar to clinical appearances, we observed a gradually increased immunogenicity from the luminal over the HER2-pos. to the triple negative subtype in HTM indicated by an increasing immune cell infiltration into the tumor tissue. Anti-PD-L1 therapy divided the HER2-pos. and triple negative HTM groups into responder and non-responder, while the luminal HTMs were basically irresponsive. Irradiation alone was effective in the HER2-pos. and luminal subtype-specific HTM and was supportive for overcoming irresponsiveness to single anti-PD-L1 treatment. The treatment success correlated with a significantly increased T cell proportion and PD-1 expression in the spleen. In all subtype-specific HTM combination therapy proved most effective in diminishing tumor growth, enhancing the immune response, and converted non-responder into responder during anti-PD-L1 therapy. In HTM, neoadjuvant irradiation reinforced anti-PD-L1 checkpoint treatment of breast cancer in a subtype -specific manner. According to the "bench to bedside" principle, this study offers a vital foundation for clinical translating the use of neoadjuvant irradiation in the context of checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bruss
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Veruschka Albert
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Seitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Blaimer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Kellner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Pohl
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gero Brockhoff
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja K. Wege
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Regensburg, Germany
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Chen KC, Dhar T, Chen CR, Chen ECY, Peng CC. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase modulates PD-L1 in bladder cancer and enhances immunotherapeutic sensitivity. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167106. [PMID: 38428685 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167106] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with a high mortality rate and poor response to immunotherapy in patients expressing lower programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) levels. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), a rate-limiting enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) from nicotinamide was reported to be overexpressed in various cancers; however, the role of NAMPT in BLCA is obscure. Immunohistochemistry of tissue microarrays, a real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, proliferation assay, NAD+ quantification, transwell-migration assay, and colony-formation assay were performed to measure NAMPT and PD-L1 expression levels in patients and the effect of NAMPT inhibition on T24 cells. Our study revealed that NAMPT expression was upregulated in BLCA patients with different grades and associated with poor T-cell infiltration. Notably, FK866-mediated NAMPT inhibition decreased cell viability by depleting NAD+, and reducing the migration ability and colony-formation ability of T24 cells. Interestingly, NAMPT negatively regulated PD-L1 under an interferon (IFN)-γ-mediated microenvironment. However, exogenous NAMPT activator has no effect on PD-L1. NAD+ supplementation also only increased PD-L1 in the absence of IFN-γ. Conclusively, NAMPT is crucial for BLCA tumorigenic properties, and it regulates expression of the PD-L1 immune checkpoint protein. NAMPT could be considered a target for modulating sensitivity to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Chou Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, Zhong-He District, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; TMU-Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Trayee Dhar
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Rong Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Eugene Chang-Yu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Chi Peng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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Vaddi A, Hulsebus HJ, O’Neill EL, Knight V, Chan ED. A narrative review of the controversy on the risk of mycobacterial infections with immune checkpoint inhibitor use: does Goldilocks have the answer? J Thorac Dis 2024; 16:1601-1624. [PMID: 38505086 PMCID: PMC10944775 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-1395] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized oncologic treatment. Whether ICIs increase susceptibility to or provide protection against mycobacterial infections remains controversial. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the literature on the link between ICI use and mycobacterial infections-tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections-and to critically discuss evidence linking ICIs with mycobacterial infections, the possible confounders, and, if indeed the ICIs predispose to such infections, the potential mechanisms of how this may occur. Methods We conducted a literature search on PubMed for relevant articles published from 2011 to current time [2024] utilizing specific keywords of "immune checkpoint inhibitors", "programmed cell death protein-1", "PD-1", "programmed death-ligand 1", "PD-L1", "cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4", or "CTLA-4" with that of "non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease", "tuberculosis", or "mycobacteria". The bibliographies of identified papers were perused for additional relevant articles. Key Content and Findings Ex vivo studies using human cells indicate that ICIs would be salubrious for the host against mycobacteria. Yet, many case reports associate ICI use with mycobacterial infections, mostly tuberculosis. Potential confounders include immunosuppression from the cancer, concomitant use of immunosuppressive drugs, lung injury and distortion from chemotherapeutics or radiation, and reporting bias. Mice with genetic disruption of the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) gene are paradoxically more susceptible to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). In contrast, mice administered neutralizing antibody to T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3) or knocked out for TIM3 gene have greater capacity to control an M. tuberculosis infection. We posit that hosts with greater baseline immunodeficiency are more likely to derive benefit from ICIs against mycobacterial infections than those with more intact immunity, where ICIs are more likely to be detrimental. Conclusions Studies are needed to test the hypothesis that ICIs may either protect or predispose to mycobacterial infections, depending on the baseline host immune status. Prospective studies are required of patients on ICIs that control for potential confounders as anecdotal case reports are insufficient to provide a causal link. Murine studies with ICIs are also required to corroborate or refute studies of mice with genetic disruption of an immune checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshara Vaddi
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Holly J. Hulsebus
- Complement Laboratory, Advance Diagnostics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Emily L. O’Neill
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vijaya Knight
- Clinical and Translational Allergy and Immunology Laboratory, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Edward D. Chan
- Department of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Konesan J, Wang J, Moore KH, Mansfield KJ, Liu L. Cranberry, but not D-mannose and ibuprofen, prevents against uropathogenic Escherichia coli-induced cell damage and cell death in MDCK cells. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1319785. [PMID: 38098676 PMCID: PMC10719950 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1319785] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The main function of the urinary tract is to form an impermeable barrier against urinary solutes and bacteria. However, this barrier can be compromised by urinary tract infections, most commonly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). This can result in damage to the epithelial barrier, leading to decreased epithelial thickness, loss of tight junctions, loss of epithelial integrity, and apoptosis. Due to the rise in antimicrobial resistance, there is worldwide interest in exploring non-antibiotic agents as alternative therapy. Methods Using the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line, a widely accepted epithelial cell model for the urinary tract, and the UPEC strain UTI89, this paper aimed to investigate the impact of UPEC on cell integrity, permeability, and barrier functions, and determine whether cranberry, D-mannose and ibuprofen could counteract the effects induced by UPEC. Furthermore, the study examined the protective potential of these agents against UPEC-induced increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Results The results demonstrated that UTI89 caused a marked reduction in cell viability and monolayer integrity. Cranberry (3 mg/mL) was protective against these changes. In addition, cranberry exhibited protective effects against UPEC-induced damage to cell barrier integrity, escalation of oxidative stress, and UPEC/TNFα-triggered PD-L1 expression. However, no effect was observed for D-mannose and ibuprofen in alleviating UPEC-induced cell damage and changes in ROS and PD-L1 levels. Conclusion Overall, cranberry, but not D-mannose or ibuprofen, has a protective influence against UPEC associated damage in urinary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenane Konesan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate H. Moore
- St George Hospital, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kylie J. Mansfield
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lu Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Chivu-Economescu M, Herlea V, Dima S, Sorop A, Pechianu C, Procop A, Kitahara S, Necula L, Matei L, Dragu D, Neagu AI, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC, Popescu I, Duda DG. Soluble PD-L1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in resectable gastric cancer patients. Gastric Cancer 2023; 26:934-946. [PMID: 37668884 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we compared programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in primary tissue samples and its soluble form (sPD-L1) concentration in matched preoperative plasma samples from gastric cancer patients to understand the relationship between tissue and plasma PD-L1 expression and to determine its diagnostic and prognostic value. METHODS PD-L1 expression in tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and sPD-L1 concentration in plasma was quantified by ELISA. The levels of the CD274 gene, which encodes for PD-L1 protein, were examined as part of bulk tissue RNA-sequencing analyses. Additionally, we evaluated the association between sPD-L1 levels and various laboratory parameters, disease characteristics, and patient outcomes. RESULTS GC patients had significantly higher levels of sPD-L1 in their plasma (71.69 pg/mL) compared to healthy controls (35.34 pg/mL) (p < 0.0001). Moreover, sPD-L1 levels were significantly correlated with tissue PD-L1 protein, CD274 mRNA expression, larger tumor size, advanced tumor stage, and lymph node metastasis. Elevated sPD-L1 levels (> 103.5 ng/mL) were associated with poor overall survival (HR = 2.16, 95%CI 1.15-4.08, p = 0.017). Furthermore, intratumoral neutrophil and dendritic cell levels were directly correlated with plasma sPD-L1 concentration in the GC patients. CONCLUSIONS sPD-L1 was readily measurable in GC patients, and its level was associated with GC tissue PD-L1 expression, greater inflammatory cell infiltration, disease progression, and survival. Thus, sPD-L1 may be a useful minimally invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Herlea
- Department of Pathology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Dima
- Center of Digestive Diseases and Liver Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
- Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Sorop
- Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Pechianu
- Department of Pathology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Procop
- Department of Pathology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Shuji Kitahara
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Cox-724, 100 Blossom St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Laura Necula
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Dragu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Iulia Neagu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irinel Popescu
- Center of Digestive Diseases and Liver Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
- Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan G Duda
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Cox-724, 100 Blossom St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Mozooni Z, Golestani N, Bahadorizadeh L, Yarmohammadi R, Jabalameli M, Amiri BS. The role of interferon-gamma and its receptors in gastrointestinal cancers. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154636. [PMID: 37390758 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal malignancies are the most prevalent type of cancer around the world. Even though numerous studies have evaluated gastrointestinal malignancies, the actual underlying mechanism is still unknown. These tumors have a poor prognosis and are frequently discovered at an advanced stage. Globally, there is an increase in the incidence and mortality of gastrointestinal malignancies, including those of the stomach, esophagus, colon, liver, and pancreas. Growth factors and cytokines are signaling molecules that are part of the tumor microenvironment and play a significant role in the development and spread of malignancies. IFN-γ induce its effects by activation of intracellular molecular networks. The main pathway involved in IFN-γ signaling is the JAK/STAT pathway, which regulates the transcription of hundreds of genes and mediates various biological responses. IFN-γ receptor is composed of two IFN-γR1 chains and two IFN-γR2 chains. Binding to IFN-γ, causes the intracellular domains of IFN-γR2 to oligomerize and transphosphorylate with IFN-γR1 which activates downstream signaling components: JAK1 and JAK2. These activated JAKs phosphorylate the receptor, creating binding sites for STAT1. STAT1 is then phosphorylated by JAK, resulting in the formation of STAT1 homodimers (gamma activated factors or GAFs) that translocate to the nucleus and regulate gene expression. The balance between positive and negative regulation of this pathway is crucial for immune responses and tumorigenesis. In this paper, we evaluate the dynamic roles of IFN- γ and its receptors in gastrointestinal cancers and present evidence that inhibiting IFN- γ signaling may be an effective treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mozooni
- Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Golestani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leyla Bahadorizadeh
- Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Internal Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reyhaneh Yarmohammadi
- Doctoral Student Carolina University Winston, Salem, NC, USA; Skin and Stem Cell Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Bahareh Shateri Amiri
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Koukourakis IM, Platoni K, Tiniakos D, Kouloulias V, Zygogianni A. Immune Response and Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Patients with Rectal Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: A Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4495-4517. [PMID: 37232754 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050285] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that tumor antigens and molecules expressed and secreted by cancer cells trigger innate and adaptive immune responses. These two types of anti-tumor immunity lead to the infiltration of the tumor's microenvironment by immune cells with either regulatory or cytotoxic properties. Whether this response is associated with tumor eradication after radiotherapy and chemotherapy or regrowth has been a matter of extensive research through the years, mainly focusing on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and monocytes and their subtypes, and the expression of immune checkpoint and other immune-related molecules by both immune and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment. A literature search has been conducted on studies dealing with the immune response in patients with rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, assessing its impact on locoregional control and survival and underlying the potential role of immunotherapy in the treatment of this cancer subtype. Here, we provide an overview of the interactions between local/systemic anti-tumor immunity, cancer-related immune checkpoint, and other immunological pathways and radiotherapy, and how these affect the prognosis of rectal cancer patients. Chemoradiotherapy induces critical immunological changes in the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells that can be exploited for therapeutic interventions in rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M Koukourakis
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Aretaieion University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Platoni
- Medical Physics Unit, 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Aretaieion University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Vassilis Kouloulias
- Radiotherapy Unit, 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Zygogianni
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Aretaieion University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), 11528 Athens, Greece
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Villarroel-Espindola F, Ejsmentewicz T, Gonzalez-Stegmaier R, Jorquera RA, Salinas E. Intersections between innate immune response and gastric cancer development. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2222-2240. [PMID: 37124883 PMCID: PMC10134417 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i15.2222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most commonly diagnosed malignancy. It has a reduced prevalence but has maintained its poor prognosis being the fourth leading cause of deaths related to cancer. The highest mortality rates occur in Asian and Latin American countries, where cases are usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Overall, GC is viewed as the consequence of a multifactorial process, involving the virulence of the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains, as well as some environmental factors, dietary habits, and host intrinsic factors. The tumor microenvironment in GC appears to be chronically inflamed which promotes tumor progression and reduces the therapeutic opportunities. It has been suggested that inflammation assessment needs to be measured qualitatively and quantitatively, considering cell-infiltration types, availability of receptors to detect damage and pathogens, and presence or absence of aggressive H. pylori strains. Gastrointestinal epithelial cells express several Toll-like receptors and determine the first defensive line against pathogens, and have been also described as mediators of tumorigenesis. However, other molecules, such as cytokines related to inflammation and innate immunity, including immune checkpoint molecules, interferon-gamma pathway and NETosis have been associated with an increased risk of GC. Therefore, this review will explore innate immune activation in the context of premalignant lesions of the gastric epithelium and established gastric tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Villarroel-Espindola
- Translational Medicine Unit, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 7500000, Metropolitan region, Chile
| | - Troy Ejsmentewicz
- Translational Medicine Unit, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 7500000, Metropolitan region, Chile
| | - Roxana Gonzalez-Stegmaier
- Translational Medicine Unit, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 7500000, Metropolitan region, Chile
| | - Roddy A Jorquera
- Translational Medicine Unit, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 7500000, Metropolitan region, Chile
| | - Esteban Salinas
- Translational Medicine Unit, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 7500000, Metropolitan region, Chile
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11
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Xanthopoulou ET, Kakouratos C, Nanos C, Gkegka AG, Kalaitzis C, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI. HIF1α-dependent and independent pathways regulate the expression of PD-L1 in prostate cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:151. [PMID: 37067635 PMCID: PMC10110727 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
PD-L1/PD-1 pathway is a major pathway exploited by human cancer types, which is a target for current immunotherapy. We investigated tumor microenvironmental factors involved in PD-L1 induction in prostate cancer (PC). We studied the expression of PD-L1 in a series of 66 PCs, in parallel with the expression of hypoxia- and acidity-related immunohistochemical markers (Hypoxia-inducible factor HIF1α, and lactate dehydrogenase LDHA) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte TIL density. Experiments with three PC cell lines, the 22Rv1, DU145, and PC3 were conducted focusing on the inducibility of PD-L1 by hypoxia, acidity, lymphocyte interactions, and radiation. In tissues, PD-L1 expression by cancer cells was directly related to PD-L1 expression by TILs and macrophages (p < 0.05), and the overexpression of HIF1α and LDH5 (p < 0.05). TIL density was inversely related to ΗΙF1α (p = 0.02). Exposure of PC cell lines to hypoxia strongly induced PD-L1 and protein and mRNA levels, directly controlled by HIF1α function (p < 0.001). Irradiation with 20 Gy had no apparent effect on PD-L1 expression. Culturing PC cell lines with culture medium (CM) from PBMCs strongly induced PD-L1 at protein and mRNA levels, independently from HIF1α, which was also confirmed when cells were incubated with Interferon-γ (p < 0.001). It is concluded that the combination of anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy with hypoxia/HIF-targeting may be important in the treatment of specific subgroups of PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erasmia T Xanthopoulou
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christos Kakouratos
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christos Nanos
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Anastasia G Gkegka
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christos Kalaitzis
- Department of Urology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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12
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Zou Y, Xu Y, Chen X, Zheng L. Advances in the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in gynecological tumors. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109774. [PMID: 37012881 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoints are regulatory molecules that suppress immune effector cells, and are essential for maintaining tolerance, preventing autoimmune reactions, and minimizing tissue damage by controlling the duration and intensity of the immune responses. However, immune checkpoints are frequently upregulated during cancer and dampen the anti-tumor immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been effective against multiple tumors, and have improved patients' survival outcomes. Recent clinical trials have also reported promising therapeutic effects of ICIs in some gynecological cancers. AIM To review the current research and future directions in the treatment of gynecological malignancies, including ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers, using ICIs. CONCLUSION Currently, cervical and ovarian cancers are the only gynecological tumors that are treated by immunotherapeutic approaches. In addition, ICIs, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)- and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells targeting endometrial tumors, especially those originating in the vulva and fallopian tubes, are under development. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of ICIs, especially in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, anti-angiogenesis drugs and poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), needs to be elucidated. Furthermore, novel predictive biomarkers have to be identified in order to increase the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs while reducing adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- YingGang Zou
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Ying Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - XiaoChen Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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Histological Type, Cytotoxic T Cells and Macrophages in the Tumor Microenvironment Affect the PD-L1 Status of Gastric Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030709. [PMID: 36979688 PMCID: PMC10045029 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) therapies include gastrectomy and chemoradiotherapy. The tumor immune microenvironment (TME) has implications for potential immunotherapy. We analyzed the expression of PD-L1, CD8, CTLA-4 and IFN-γ in the tumor and regional lymph node (LN) of patients with GC and compared it with clinical and pathological data. Paraffin blocks were collected from 97 patients undergoing gastrectomy/lymphadenectomy for GC. Double immunohistochemistry was performed for CD8 and PD-L1 and double immunofluorescence for CTLA-4 and IFN-γ. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. PD-L1 expression in tumor cells was associated with intestinal GC type (p = 0.046), the density of macrophages and CD8 + T cells (p < 0.001, both). The median number of CD8+ T cells was higher in PD-L1-positive than in -negative tumors. A cut-off of 28.5 CD8 + T cells in one high-magnification field predicted PD-L1-positive tumors (AUROC 0.797, sensitivity 74.2%, specificity 77.3%). IFN-γ expression in tumor cells was found in 37 GCs and was positively associated with CTLA4+ lymphocytes in the LN (p = 0.027) and CTLA4+/IFN-γ+ in tumors and the LN (all p < 0.001). The median overall survival (OS) was 17 months. In the group of deceased patients, IFN-γ expression in metastases correlated with lower OS (RHO = −0.314, p = 0.008). PD-L1 expression in tumor cells correlated with CD8 + T cells and macrophages in the TME and IFN-γ expression with suppressive CTLA4+/IFNγ+ immune cells in the TME and LN.
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14
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A LysLysLys-tag as trigger in polynorepinephrine epitope imprinting: The case study of soluble PD-L1 detection in serum by optical-based sensing. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 220:114806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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15
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The heterogeneity of PD-L1 protein in gastric cancer: expression and distribution characteristics. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12456. [PMID: 36593830 PMCID: PMC9803848 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12456] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed at different levels in tumour tissues and tumour-infiltrating monocytes (TIMCs). The interpretation of PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer (GC) is more difficult because of its heterogeneity. Methods The PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) by E1L3N assay was performed in GC tissues. The level and distributed characteristics of PD-L1 expression were observed to illustrate its heterogeneity both in the cancer tissues and TIMCs. The relationship between PD-L1 level and necrotic features of tumor cells, the number of TIMCs, the distribution of tertiary lymphoid tissue (TLS) in the stroma, and other clinicopathological factors were analysed. A Cox regression model was used to assess the prognostic value of PD-L1 expression. Results Of the 110 GC samples, not only more cases (51/110 cases) could be detected by combined positive score (CPS) for PD-L1 expression compared the other two, tumour positive score (TPS), and mononuclear immune-cell density score (MIDS), but also there were more cases with the high level of PD-L1 expression by CPS, even if with good consistency among them (P < 0.05). The tumour cells with high expression of PD-L1 was prone to show a diffuse distributing, whereas mottled type in the low level. It was noteworthy that the strongly colored tumor cells tended to exhibit a mossy pattern which were distributed along the border between cancer nests and stroma, and the same pattern happened to occur in the positive mesenchymal cells contacting the tumor border, essentially lymphocytes and macrophages. The substantial necrosis in the tumour and the number of TIMCs was analyzed statistically significant correlated with CPS (P < 0.05), while other clinicopathological factors such as histological type, tumour size, invasion depth, TNM stage were uncorrelated. The number and distribution of TLS in the tumour and para-tumoural stroma indirectly affected PD-L1 in GC by associating with the quantity and pattern of TIMCs. Cox regression analysis revealed that the prognosis was poor when PD-L1 was positive. Conclusion CPS is the best indicator for PD-L1 expression in GC, which tend to be increased expression following a large number of TIMCs and substantial tumour necrosis appeared. Heterogeneity was reflected in the different distributed pattern of PD-L1 expression, especially the mossy-like pantten of the staining tumor cell in the interface between tumour nests and stroma, regardless of the amount and intensity of PD-L1 expression. TLS is valuable for observing microscopic images to influence the quantity and pattern of TIMCs. CPS can be used as an independent prognostic factor for GC.
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16
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Zhang Y, Yang Y, Chen Y, Lin W, Chen X, Liu J, Huang Y, Wang H, Teng L. PD-L1: Biological mechanism, function, and immunotherapy in gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1060497. [PMID: 36505487 PMCID: PMC9729722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1060497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the main causes of cancer incidence rate and mortality worldwide. As the main breakthrough direction, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors makes patients with GC have better prognosis, where PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors in immunotherapy have good anti-tumor immune efficacy. Further understanding of the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 in GC may bring substantial progress to the immunotherapy. In this review, we provide information on the endogenous and exogenous regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 and its biological functions combined with current clinical trials of PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors in GC. The malignant biological phenotypes caused by PD-L1 and the corresponding clinical combined treatment scheme have been reported. Identifying the biomarkers of the potential efficacy of immunotherapy and specifying the clinical immunotherapy scheme in combination with molecular characteristics of patients may maximize clinical benefits and better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lisong Teng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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17
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The RNA-Binding Protein ELAVL1 Regulates Hepatitis B Virus Replication and Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147878. [PMID: 35887229 PMCID: PMC9316910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous RNA immunoprecipitation followed by proteomic approaches successfully demonstrated that Embryonic Lethal, Abnormal Vision, Drosophila-Like 1 (ELAVL1) interacts with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived RNAs. Although ELAVL family proteins stabilize AU-rich element (ARE)-containing mRNAs, their role in HBV transcription remains unclear. This study conducted loss-of-function assays of ELAVL1 for inducible HBV-replicating HepAD38 cells and HBx-overexpressed HepG2 cells. In addition, clinicopathological analyses in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surgical samples were also conducted. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA knockdown of ELAVL1 resulted in a decrease in both viral RNA transcription and production of viral proteins, including HBs and HBx, probably due to RNA stabilization by ELAVL1. Cell growth of HepAD38 cells was more significantly impaired in ELAVL1-knockdown than those in the control group, with or without HBV replication, indicating that ELAVL1 is involved in proliferation by factors other than HBV-derived RNAs. Immunohistochemical analyses of 77 paired HCC surgical specimens demonstrated that diffuse ELAVL1 expression was detected more frequently in HCC tissues (61.0%) than in non-tumor tissues (27.3%). In addition, the abundant expression of ELAVL1 tended to affect postoperative recurrence in HBV-related HCC patients. In conclusion, ELAVL1 contributes not only to HBV replication but also to HCC cell growth. It may be a potent therapeutic target for HBV-related HCC treatment.
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18
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Kyawsoewin M, Limraksasin P, Ngaokrajang U, Pavasant P, Osathanon T. Extracellular adenosine triphosphate induces IDO and IFNγ expression of human periodontal ligament cells through P 2 X 7 receptor signaling. J Periodontal Res 2022; 57:742-753. [PMID: 35510301 DOI: 10.1111/jre.12997] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical stimuli induce the release of adenosine triphosphate into the extracellular environment by human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) plays the role in both inflammation and osteogenic differentiation. eATP involves in immunosuppressive action by increasing immunosuppressive molecules IDO and IFNγ expression on immune cells. However, the role of eATP on the immunomodulation of hPDLCs remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of eATP on the IDO and IFNγ expression of hPDLCs and the participation of purinergic P2 receptors in this phenomenon. METHODS hPDLCs were treated with eATP. The mRNA and protein expression of indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) were determined. The role of the purinergic P2 receptor was determined using calcium chelator (EGTA) and PKC inhibitor (PKCi). Chemical inhibitors (KN62 and BBG), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and P2 X7 receptor agonist (BzATP) were used to confirm the involvement of P2 X7 receptors on IDO and IFNγ induction by hPDLCs. RESULTS eATP significantly enhanced mRNA expression of IDO and IFNγ. Moreover, eATP increased kynurenine which is the active metabolite of tryptophan breakdown catalyzed by the IDO enzyme and significantly induced IFNγ protein expression. EGTA and PKCi reduced eATP-induced IDO and IFNγ expressions by hPDLCs, confirming the role of calcium signaling. Chemical P2 X7 inhibitors (KN62 and BBG) and siRNA targeting the P2 X7 receptor significantly inhibited the eATP-induced IDO and IFNγ production. Correspondingly, BzATP markedly increased IDO and IFNγ expression. CONCLUSION eATP induced immunosuppressive function of hPDLCs by promoting IDO and IFNγ production via P2 X7 receptor signaling. eATP may become a promising target for periodontal regeneration by modulating immune response and further triggering tissue healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maythwe Kyawsoewin
- Center of Excellence for Regenerative Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Oral Biological Science, University of Dental Medicine, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Phoonsuk Limraksasin
- Center of Excellence for Regenerative Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Division of Molecular and Regenerative Prosthodontics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
| | - Utapin Ngaokrajang
- Center of Excellence for Regenerative Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prasit Pavasant
- Center of Excellence for Regenerative Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanaphum Osathanon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Dental Stem Cell Biology Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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19
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Naimi A, Mohammed RN, Raji A, Chupradit S, Yumashev AV, Suksatan W, Shalaby MN, Thangavelu L, Kamrava S, Shomali N, Sohrabi AD, Adili A, Noroozi-Aghideh A, Razeghian E. Tumor immunotherapies by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); the pros and cons. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:44. [PMID: 35392976 PMCID: PMC8991803 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00854-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The main breakthrough in tumor immunotherapy was the discovery of immune checkpoint (IC) proteins, which act as a potent suppressor of the immune system by a myriad of mechanisms. After that, scientists focused on the immune checkpoint molecules mainly. Thereby, much effort was spent to progress novel strategies for suppressing these inhibitory axes, resulting in the evolution of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Then, ICIs have become a promising approach and shaped a paradigm shift in tumor immunotherapies. CTLA-4 plays an influential role in attenuation of the induction of naïve and memory T cells by engagement with its responding ligands like B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86). Besides, PD-1 is predominantly implicated in adjusting T cell function in peripheral tissues through its interaction with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2. Given their suppressive effects on anti-tumor immunity, it has firmly been documented that ICIs based therapies can be practical and rational therapeutic approaches to treat cancer patients. Nonetheless, tumor inherent or acquired resistance to ICI and some treatment-related toxicities restrict their application in the clinic. The current review will deliver a comprehensive overview of the ICI application to treat human tumors alone or in combination with other modalities to support more desired outcomes and lower toxicities in cancer patients. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Naimi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Rebar N. Mohammed
- Medical Laboratory Analysis Department, Cihan University Sulaimaniya, Sulaymaniyah, 46001 Kurdistan Region Iraq
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Suleimanyah, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Raji
- College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Department of Pathology, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Supat Chupradit
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | | | - Wanich Suksatan
- Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210 Thailand
| | - Mohammed Nader Shalaby
- Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Sports Health Department, Faculty of Physical Education, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Lakshmi Thangavelu
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Siavash Kamrava
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Armin D. Sohrabi
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Adili
- Department of Oncology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Noroozi-Aghideh
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Razeghian
- Human Genetics Division, Medical Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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20
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Bonam SR, Chauvin C, Mathew MJ, Bayry J. IFN-γ Induces PD-L1 Expression in Primed Human Basophils. Cells 2022; 11:801. [PMID: 35269423 PMCID: PMC8909048 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a key role in maintaining immune tolerance and also in immune evasion of cancers and pathogens. Though the identity of stimuli that induce PD-L1 in various human innate cells and their function are relatively well studied, data on the basophils remain scarce. In this study, we have identified one of the factors, such as IFN-γ, that induces PD-L1 expression in human basophils. Interestingly, we found that basophil priming by IL-3 is indispensable for IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression in human basophils. However, priming by other cytokines including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) was dispensable. Analyses of a published microarray data set on IL-3-treated basophils indicated that IL-3 enhances IFNGR2, one of the chains of the IFNGR heterodimer complex, and CD274, thus providing a mechanistic insight into the role of IL-3 priming in IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression in human basophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France; (S.R.B.); (C.C.)
| | - Camille Chauvin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France; (S.R.B.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France; (S.R.B.); (C.C.)
- Department of Biological Sciences & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad 678623, India
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21
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Vafaei S, Zekiy AO, Khanamir RA, Zaman BA, Ghayourvahdat A, Azimizonuzi H, Zamani M. Combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); a new frontier. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:2. [PMID: 34980128 PMCID: PMC8725311 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02407-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has become a promising therapeutic strategy with encouraging therapeutic outcomes due to their durable anti-tumor effects. Though, tumor inherent or acquired resistance to ICIs accompanied with treatment-related toxicities hamper their clinical utility. Overall, about 60-70% of patients (e.g., melanoma and lung cancer) who received ICIs show no objective response to intervention. The resistance to ICIs mainly caused by alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which in turn, supports angiogenesis and also blocks immune cell antitumor activities, facilitating tumor cells' evasion from host immunosurveillance. Thereby, it has been supposed and also validated that combination therapy with ICIs and other therapeutic means, ranging from chemoradiotherapy to targeted therapies as well as cancer vaccines, can capably compromise tumor resistance to immune checkpoint blocked therapy. Herein, we have focused on the therapeutic benefits of ICIs as a groundbreaking approach in the context of tumor immunotherapy and also deliver an overview concerning the therapeutic influences of the addition of ICIs to other modalities to circumvent tumor resistance to ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Vafaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Angelina O. Zekiy
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ramadhan Ado Khanamir
- Internal Medicine and Surgery Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Burhan Abdullah Zaman
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | | | | | - Majid Zamani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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Bolandi N, Derakhshani A, Hemmat N, Baghbanzadeh A, Asadzadeh Z, Afrashteh Nour M, Brunetti O, Bernardini R, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The Positive and Negative Immunoregulatory Role of B7 Family: Promising Novel Targets in Gastric Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910719. [PMID: 34639059 PMCID: PMC8509619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC), with a heterogeneous nature, is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Over the past few decades, stable reductions in the incidence of GC have been observed. However, due to the poor response to common treatments and late diagnosis, this cancer is still considered one of the lethal cancers. Emerging methods such as immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the landscape of treatment for GC patients. There are presently eleven known members of the B7 family as immune checkpoint molecules: B7-1 (CD80), B7-2 (CD86), B7-H1 (PD-L1, CD274), B7-DC (PDCD1LG2, PD-L2, CD273), B7-H2 (B7RP1, ICOS-L, CD275), B7-H3 (CD276), B7-H4 (B7x, B7S1, Vtcn1), B7-H5 (VISTA, Gi24, DD1α, Dies1 SISP1), B7-H6 (NCR3LG1), B7-H7 (HHLA2), and Ig-like domain-containing receptor 2 (ILDR2). Interaction of the B7 family of immune-regulatory ligands with the corresponding receptors resulted in the induction and inhibition of T cell responses by sending co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signals, respectively. Manipulation of the signals provided by the B7 family has significant potential in the management of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Bolandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran; (N.B.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.B.); (Z.A.); (M.A.N.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 571478334, Iran
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran; (N.B.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.B.); (Z.A.); (M.A.N.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran; (N.B.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.B.); (Z.A.); (M.A.N.)
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran; (N.B.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.B.); (Z.A.); (M.A.N.)
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran; (N.B.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.B.); (Z.A.); (M.A.N.)
| | - Mina Afrashteh Nour
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran; (N.B.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.B.); (Z.A.); (M.A.N.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 571478334, Iran
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit—IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95100 Catania, Italy;
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit—IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +98-413-3371440 (B.B.); Fax: +98-413-3371311 (B.B.)
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran; (N.B.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.B.); (Z.A.); (M.A.N.)
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +98-413-3371440 (B.B.); Fax: +98-413-3371311 (B.B.)
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Khan M, Arooj S, Wang H. Soluble B7-CD28 Family Inhibitory Immune Checkpoint Proteins and Anti-Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:651634. [PMID: 34531847 PMCID: PMC8438243 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.651634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-inhibitory B7-CD28 family member proteins negatively regulate T cell responses and are extensively involved in tumor immune evasion. Blockade of classical CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4) and PD-1 (programmed cell death protein-1) checkpoint pathways have become the cornerstone of anti-cancer immunotherapy. New inhibitory checkpoint proteins such as B7-H3, B7-H4, and BTLA (B and T lymphocyte attenuator) are being discovered and investigated for their potential in anti-cancer immunotherapy. In addition, soluble forms of these molecules also exist in sera of healthy individuals and elevated levels are found in chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Soluble forms are generated by proteolytic shedding or alternative splicing. Elevated circulating levels of these inhibitory soluble checkpoint molecules in cancer have been correlated with advance stage, metastatic status, and prognosis which underscore their broader involvement in immune regulation. In addition to their potential as biomarker, understanding their mechanism of production, biological activity, and pathological interactions may also pave the way for their clinical use as a therapeutic target. Here we review these aspects of soluble checkpoint molecules and elucidate on their potential for anti-cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sumbal Arooj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Ying H, Zhang X, Duan Y, Lao M, Xu J, Yang H, Liang T, Bai X. Non-cytomembrane PD-L1: An atypical target for cancer. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105741. [PMID: 34174446 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has conventionally been considered as a type I transmembrane protein that can interact with its receptor, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), thus inducing T cell deactivation and immune escape. However, targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis has achieved adequate clinical responses in very few specific malignancies. Recent studies have explored the extracellularly and subcellularly located PD-L1, namely, nuclear PD-L1 (nPD-L1), cytoplasmic PD-L1 (cPD-L1), soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1), and extracellular vesicle PD-L1 (EV PD-L1), which might shed light on the resistance to anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy. In this review, we summarize the four atypical localizations of PD-L1 with a focus on their novel functions, such as gene transcription regulation, therapeutic efficacy prediction, and resistance to various cancer therapies. Additionally, we highlight that non-cytomembrane PD-L1s are of significant cancer diagnostic value and are promising therapeutic targets to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honggang Ying
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengyi Lao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hanshen Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China.
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Ponce de León C, Lorite P, López-Casado MÁ, Barro F, Palomeque T, Torres MI. Significance of PD1 Alternative Splicing in Celiac Disease as a Novel Source for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target. Front Immunol 2021; 12:678400. [PMID: 34220824 PMCID: PMC8242946 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.678400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We have focused on the alteration of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in celiac disease and discussed the roles of the PD1 pathway in regulating the immune response. We explored the idea that the altered mRNA splicing process in key regulatory proteins could represent a novel source to identify diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in celiac disease. Methods We characterized the PD1 mRNA variants' profile in CD patients and in response to gluten peptides' incubation after in vitro experiments. Total RNA from whole blood was isolated, and the coding region of the human PD-1 mRNA was amplified by cDNA PCR. Results PCR amplification of the human PD-1 coding sequence revealed an association between the over-expression of the sPD-1 protein and the PD-1Δex3 transcript in celiac disease. Thus, we have found three novel alternative spliced isoforms, two of which result in a truncated protein and the other isoform with a loss of 14 aa of exon 2 and complete exon 3 (Δ3) which could encode a new soluble form of PD1 (sPD-1). Conclusions Our study provides evidence that dietary gluten can modulate processes required for cell homeostasis through the splicing of pre-mRNAs encoding key regulatory proteins, which represents an adaptive mechanism in response to different nutritional conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Lorite
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Barro
- Department of Plant Genetic Improvement, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Teresa Palomeque
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - María Isabel Torres
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
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Jiang J, Li D, Liu T, Xia L, Guo X, Meng X, Liu F, Wang F, Yang Z, Zhu H. Noninvasive evaluation of PD-L1 expression using Copper 64 labeled peptide WL12 by micro-PET imaging in Chinese hamster ovary cell tumor model. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 40:127901. [PMID: 33705912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As an indicative biomarker for immunotherapy, PD-L1 plays an important role in the clinical decision-making of the immune checkpoint blockade therapy. PET imaging through radiotracer can real-timely, quantitatively, and non-invasively assess the expression of PD-L1 in tumors. Here, we reported a copper-64 radiolabeled NOTA-WL12, 64Cu-NOTA-WL12, and preliminarily evaluated its application in non-invasively detecting the PD-L1 expression.64Cu-NOTA-WL12 was produced with high radiochemical yield (>90%), radiochemical purity (>98%), and specific activity (20 MBq/nmol). 64Cu-NOTA-WL12 showed high in vitro stability and high binding affinity to the PD-L1 (KD ≈ 3.012 nM). The micro-positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (micro-PET/CT) imaging indicated that 64Cu-NOTA-WL12 was specifically accumulated in the tumor with PD-L1 expression. All results demonstrated that 64Cu-NOTA-WL12 holds great potential for noninvasive evaluation of PD-L1 expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinquan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Teli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Xiaoyi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Xiangxi Meng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Futao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
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27
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Yuan W, Deng D, Li H, Hu X, Shang X, Hou X, Jiang H, He H. IFNγ/PD-L1 Signaling Improves the Responsiveness of Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Colorectal Cancer: An in vitro Study. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:3051-3062. [PMID: 33994797 PMCID: PMC8114827 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s294136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) can be upregulated in cancer cells via interferon gamma (IFNγ) in the tumor microenvironment. IFNγ/PD-L1 signaling is associated with the response to immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma patients. Our previous investigation indicated that the microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) cell line might exhibit selective hyperresponsiveness to IFNγ treatment, which contributes to increased PD-L1 expression and may be a mechanism of response to anti-PD-1 therapy in colorectal cancer. Methods The present study evaluated the expression of PD-L1 in a set of MSI and microsatellite stability (MSS) cell lines with IFNγ treatment. The differential signaling molecules associated with signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) contributing to hyperresponsiveness to IFNγ exposure were also investigated. Furthermore, we established a coculture assay containing CT26 cells with higher expression of PD-L1 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. Changes in cancer cell viability as well as apoptosis status in response to anti-PD-1 therapy were demonstrated. We further observed changes in the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes after PD-1 immunotherapy in the coculture assay. Finally, the average extent of inflammation and adaptive immunity factors in the assay was also investigated. Results This in vitro study revealed that the MSI cell line might exhibit hyperresponsiveness to IFNγ exposure, and IFNγ induced upregulation of PD-L1 mainly through increased STAT1 and decreased STAT3 signaling. IFNγ/PD-L1 signaling participated in the response to anti-PD-1 therapy mainly through the CTL profile. Discussion Our findings reinforce previous knowledge of the fact that the response to immune checkpoint blockade occurs mainly in patients with a preexisting intratumoral IFNγ/PD-L1 signal, thus suggesting potential therapeutic strategies to enhance responsiveness to PD-1 blockade immunotherapy in most patients with colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Deyao Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinghui Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqin Shang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Hou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchao Jiang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchun He
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
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Epstein-Barr Virus LMP1 Induces Soluble PD-L1 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030603. [PMID: 33804064 PMCID: PMC7998736 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030603] [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: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancy. The principal oncogene of EBV, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), induces the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is an immunosuppressive transmembrane protein and a promising therapeutic target for various malignancies. Recent studies have revealed an association between the level of soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) and disease progression. However, the role of sPD-L1 in NPC or its relevance to LMP1 has not been elucidated. This study aimed to examine whether LMP1 induces sPD-L1 in vitro and analyze the clinical relevance of LMP1, PD-L1, and sPD-L1 in NPC patients. Analysis of nasopharyngeal cell lines revealed that LMP1 induces both cellular PD-L1 and sPD-L1. Analysis of biopsy specimens from 32 NPC patients revealed that LMP1 expression was significantly correlated with PD-L1 expression. Finally, the serum sPD-L1 level in NPC patients was higher than that in the controls. Moreover, the sPD-L1 level in the advanced stage was higher than that in the early stage. However, LMP1 expression, PD-L1 expression, and sPD-L1 levels were not associated with prognosis. These results suggest that LMP1 induces both sPD-L1 and PD-L1, which are associated with NPC progression.
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Li JW, Wei P, Guo Y, Shi D, Yu BH, Su YF, Li XQ, Zhou XY. Clinical significance of circulating exosomal PD-L1 and soluble PD-L1 in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:4498-4512. [PMID: 33415014 PMCID: PMC7783765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomal PD-L1 (exoPD-L1) is reported to be associated with immunosuppression in various cancers. However, its clinical value in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL) has not been defined yet. We retrospectively evaluated the prognostic value of pretreatment circulating soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) and exosomal PD-L1 (exoPD-L1) in ENKTL patients treated with VIPD-containing chemotherapy. A total of 107 ENKTL patients, including 101 early stage and 6 advanced stage patients were enrolled in our study. ExoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 in the blood were measured by single molecule array (Simoa) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Compared with the healthy individuals (n=16), the patients with ENKTL (n=107) exhibited significantly elevated exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 levels in the blood. High pretreatment plasma exoPD-L1 concentration was associated with higher SUVmax level and recurrence rate. Similarly, high sPD-L1 group was also associated with some adverse clinical parameters, including advanced stage, elevated LDH levels, B symptoms, high IPI score and PINK score. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rates were 65.2% and 85.7% for the whole cohort, respectively. Patients with a low pretreatment exoPD-L1 level (simoa signal < 1.2) had 5-year OS and PFS rates of 88.1% and 86.1%, respectively, compared with 56.0%. (P=0.012) and 35.7% (P=0.007) in patients with high exoPD-L1 level (simoa signal > 1.2). The 5-year OS and PFS rates for patients with low sPD-L1 group (< 219 pg/mL) was significantly higher than high sPD-L1 group (≥ 219 pg/mL) (OS, 91.3% vs. 55.5%, P < 0.001; PFS, 68.9% vs. 34.6%, P=0.003). However, no correlation was found between circulating exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 levels. This is the first study to measure plasma exoPD-L1 level on the Quanterix Simoa platform. Our results proved that circulating exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 levels were significantly elevated in ENKTL and might be potential biomarkers for predicting the survival outcomes of ENKTL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Wei Li
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Ye Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Di Shi
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Bao-Hua Yu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Fan Su
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Qiu Li
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
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