Antigen presentation of the Oct4 and Sox2 peptides by CD154-activated B lymphocytes enhances the killing effect of cytotoxic T lymphocytes on tumor stem-like cells derived from cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells

Machine learning-identified stemness features and constructed stemness-related subtype with prognosis, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy responses for non-small cell lung cancer patients

AIM

This study aimed to explore a novel subtype classification method based on the stemness characteristics of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Based on the Cancer Genome Atlas database to calculate the stemness index (mRNAsi) of NSCLC patients, an unsupervised consensus clustering method was used to classify patients into two subtypes and analyze the survival differences, somatic mutational load, copy number variation, and immune characteristics differences between them. Subsequently, four machine learning methods were used to construct and validate a stemness subtype classification model, and cell function experiments were performed to verify the effect of the signature gene ARTN on NSCLC.

RESULTS

Patients with Stemness Subtype I had better PFS and a higher somatic mutational burden and copy number alteration than patients with Stemness Subtype II. In addition, the two stemness subtypes have different patterns of tumor immune microenvironment. The immune score and stromal score and overall score of Stemness Subtype II were higher than those of Stemness Subtype I, suggesting a relatively small benefit to immune checkpoints. Four machine learning methods constructed and validated classification model for stemness subtypes and obtained multiple logistic regression equations for 22 characteristic genes. The results of cell function experiments showed that ARTN can promote the proliferation, invasion, and migration of NSCLC and is closely related to cancer stem cell properties.

CONCLUSION

This new classification method based on stemness characteristics can effectively distinguish patients' characteristics and thus provide possible directions for the selection and optimization of clinical treatment plans.

Oncofetal proteins and cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered as a small population of cells with stem-like properties within the tumor bulk, and are largely responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and therapy resistance. CSCs share critical features with embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The pluripotent transcription factors (TFs) and developmental signaling pathways of ESCs are invariably hijacked by CSCs termed ‘oncofetal drivers’ in many cancers, which are rarely detectable in adult tissues. The unique expression pattern makes oncofetal proteins ideal therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Therefore, elucidation of oncofetal drivers in cancers is critical for the development of effective CSCs-directed therapy. In this review, we summarize the common pluripotent TFs such as OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, MYC, SALL4, and FOXM1, as well as the development signaling including Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog (Hh), Hippo, Notch, and TGF-β pathways of ESCs and CSCs. We also describe the newly identified oncofetal proteins that drive the self-renewal, plasticity, and therapy-resistance of CSCs. Finally, we explore how the clinical implementation of targeting oncofetal drivers, including small-molecule inhibitors, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) can facilitate the development of CSCs-directed therapy.

OCT4 and SOX2 Specific Cytotoxic T Cells Exhibit Not Only Good Efficiency but Also Synergize PD-1 Inhibitor (Nivolumab) in Treating Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells and Drug-Resistant Breast Cancer Mice

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of OCT4&SOX2 specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) plus programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor (nivolumab) on treating breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) in vitro and drug-resistance breast cancer (DRBC) mice in vivo.

Methods

In total, 160 breast cancer patients were enrolled following the immunofluorescence assay to detect tumor OCT4 and SOX2 expressions. CD154-activated B cells were co-cultured with CD8⁺ T cells (from breast cancer patients) in the presence of OCT4&SOX2 peptides, CMV pp65 peptides (negative control), and no peptides (normal control). MCF7-BCSCs were constructed by drug-resistance experiment and sphere-formation assay, then DRBC mice were constructed by planting MCF7-BCSCs. Subsequently, different doses of OCT4&SOX2 CTLs and PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) were used to treat MCF7-BCSCs and DRBC mice.

Results

OCT4 and SOX2 correlated with poor differentiation, more advanced stage, and worse prognosis in breast cancer patients. In vitro, OCT4&SOX2 CTLs with effector-target ratio (ETR) 5:1, 10:1 and 20:1 presented with increased cytotoxic activity compared to CMV pp65 CTLs with ETR 20:1 (negative control) and Control CTLs with ETR 20:1 (normal control) on killing MCF7-BCSCs. Besides, PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) improved the cytotoxic activity of OCT4&SOX2 CTLs against MCF7-BCSCs in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, OCT4&SOX2 CTLs plus PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) decreased tumor volume and tumor weight while increased tumor apoptosis rate compared to OCT4&SOX2 CTLs alone, PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) alone, and control.

Conclusion

OCT4&SOX2 CTLs exhibit good efficiency and synergize PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) in treating BCSCs and DRBC.

Accelerated co-cultured dendritic cell (acDC) loaded with autologous apoptotic bodies might be a promising approach for antigen delivery

Antigens derived from engulfed apoptotic bodies that are presented by dendritic cells can amplify Ag-specific T-cells. Accelerated co-cultured DC (acDC) strategy keeps lymphocytes in contact with differentiating DCs. Therefore, Ag-specific T-cell activation can occur during DC maturation. Our aim was to prepare DCs by acDC method and check the subsequent engulfment of the apoptotic body by acDC. We have proposed that this method could be feasible if we transfect the apoptotic bodies with the antigen. DCs were prepared using acDC method and their maturation markers were confirmed by flow cytometry. Ultraviolet was used for inducing apoptosis in the PBMCs and induction of apoptosis checked by propidium iodide and 7-aminoactinomycin D staining. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used for checking the uptake of apoptotic bodies by the DCs. The alloreactivity against apoptotic bodies was examined by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. Results showed that 40.4% of DCs could efficiently engulf the apoptotic bodies. The results indicated that acDC method is capable to isolate a high yield of DCs, and these cells could properly engulf the apoptotic bodies, more works should be performed to use this method for Ag discovery through delivering the Ag by apoptotic bodies into the DCs.

Identification of a Prognosis-Related Risk Signature for Bladder Cancer to Predict Survival and Immune Landscapes

Background

Bladder cancer is the tenth most common cancer worldwide. Valuable biomarkers in the field of diagnostic bladder cancer are urgently required.

Method

Here, the gene expression matrix and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), GSE13507, GSE32894, and Mariathasan et al. Five prognostic genes were identified by the univariate, robust, and multivariate Cox's regression and were used to develop a prognosis-related model. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and receiver operating characteristics were used to evaluate the model's effectiveness. The potential biological functions of the selected genes were analyzed using CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms. Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) and PRISM datasets were used to identify drugs with high sensitivity. Subsequently, using the bladder cancer (BLCA) cell lines, the role of TNFRSF14 was determined by Western blotting, cell proliferation assay, and 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine assay.

Results

GSDMB, CLEC2D, APOL2, TNFRSF14, and GBP2 were selected as prognostic genes in bladder cancer patients. The model's irreplaceable reliability was validated by the training and validation cohorts. CD8+ T cells were highly infiltrated in the high-TNFRSF14-expression group, and M2 macrophages were the opposite. Higher expression of TNFRSF14 was associated with higher expression levels of LCK, interferon, MHC-I, and MHC-II, while risk score was the opposite. Many compounds with higher sensitivity for treating bladder cancer patients in the low-TNFRSF14-expression group were identified, with obatoclax being a potential drug most likely to treat patients in the low-TNFRSF14-expression group. Finally, the proliferation of BLCA cell lines was increased in the TNFRSF14-reduced group, and the differential expression was identified. TNFRSF14 plays a role in bladder cancer progression through the Wnt/β-catenin-dependent pathway. TNFRSF14 is a potential protective biomarker involved in cell proliferation in BLCA.

Conclusion

We conducted a study to establish a 5-gene score model, providing reliable prediction for the outcome of bladder cancer patients and therapeutic drugs to individualize therapy. Our findings provide a signature that might help determine the optimal treatment for individual patients with bladder cancer.

PHF20 inhibition promotes apoptosis and cisplatin chemosensitivity via the OCT4‑p‑STAT3‑MCL1 signaling pathway in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Cisplatin is a widely used platinum‑based chemotherapeutic agent for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). However, resistance to cisplatin limits its use for the treatment of HSCC, and the underlying molecular mechanism requires further investigation. The present study performed functional assays to determine whether the expression of plant homeodomain finger protein 20 (PHF20) may be involved in the apoptosis and cisplatin resistance of HSCC. The expression levels of PHF20 were higher in cisplatin‑resistant HSCC cells compared with those in cisplatin‑sensitive cells. The inhibition of PHF20 suppressed cell viability but did not affect the migratory and invasive abilities of HSCC cells compared with those of negative control‑transfected cells. Furthermore, PHF20 inhibition reduced cell viability by enhancing apoptosis compared with those in the control cells in vitro. Notably, the inhibition of PHF20 sensitized HSCC cells to cisplatin, thus increasing apoptosis via the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)‑myeloid cell leukemia‑1 (MCL1) pathway. Octamer‑binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) overexpression restored phosphorylated STAT3‑MCL1‑mediated apoptosis induced by PHF20 inhibition. In vivo experiments confirmed that PHF20 silencing induced tumor growth and increased apoptosis in HSCC cells compared with those in the control cells. Thus, PHF20 inhibition may promote apoptosis and improve cisplatin chemosensitivity via the OCT4‑p‑STAT3‑MCL1 signaling pathway in HSCC.

The Prognostic Value of Sex-Determining Region Y-Box 2 and CD8+ Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) is a transcriptional factor that drives embryonic stem cells to neuroendocrine cells in lung development and is highly expressed in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, the prognostic role of SOX2 and its relationship with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has not been determined in SCLC. Herein, we assessed the expression of SOX2 and CD8+ TILs to obtain insights into the prognostic role of SOX2 and CD8+ TILs in limited-stage (LS)-SCLC.

METHODS

A total of 75 patients with LS-SCLC was enrolled. The SOX2 expression and CD8+ TILs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

High SOX2 and CD8+ TIL levels were identified in 52 (69.3%) and 40 (53.3%) patients, respectively. High SOX2 expression was correlated with increased density of CD8+ TILs (p = 0.041). Unlike SOX2, high CD8+ TIL numbers were associated with significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS; 13.9 vs. 8.0 months, p = 0.014). Patients with both high SOX2 expression and CD8+ TIL numbers (n = 29, 38.7%) had significantly longer PFS and overall survival (OS) compared to those from the other groups (median PFS 19.3 vs. 8.4 months; p = 0.002 and median OS 35.7 vs. 17.4 months; p = 0.004, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the combination of high SOX2 expression and CD8+ TIL levels was an independent good prognostic factor for OS (HR = 0.471, 95% CI, 0.250-0.887, p = 0.02) and PFS (HR = 0.447, 95% CI, 0.250-0.801, p = 0.007) in SCLC.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of the combination of SOX2 and CD8+ TIL levels may be of a prognostic value in LS-SCLC.

Whole Transcriptome Analysis of Chicken Bursa Reveals Candidate Gene That Enhances the Host's Immune Response to Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a major hazard to the chicken industry, but the host’s immune response to coccidiosis remains unclear. Here, we performed Eimeria coccidia challenge in 28-day-old ROSS 308 broilers and selected the bursa from the three most severely affected individuals and three healthy individuals for RNA sequencing. We obtained 347 DEGs from RNA-seq and found that 7 upregulated DEGs were enriched in Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway. As the DEGs with the highest expression abundance in these 7 genes, TNFRSF6B was speculated to participate in the process of host’s immune response to coccidiosis. It is showed that TNFRSF6B can polarize macrophages to M1 subtype and promote inflammatory cytokines expression. In addition, the expression of TNFRSF6B suppressed HD11 cells apoptosis by downregulating Fas signal pathway. Besides, TNFRSF6B-mediated macrophages immunity activation can be reversed by apoptosis. Overall, our study indicates that TNFRSF6B upregulated in BAE, is capable of aggravating the inflammatory response by inhibiting macrophages apoptosis via downregulating Fas signal pathway, which may participate in host’s immune response to coccidiosis.

OCT4&SOX2-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes plus programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor presented with synergistic effect on killing lung cancer stem-like cells in vitro and treating drug-resistant lung cancer mice in vivo

This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 and sex determining region Y-box 2 (OCT4&SOX2)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor on killing lung cancer stem-like cells (LCSCs) and their efficacy in treating drug-resistant lung cancer (DRLC) mice. OCT4&SOX2-specific CTLs and PD-1 inhibitor with differed doses were applied to treat PC9 cells and PC9 LCSCs. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and flow cytometry (FCM) assay with carboxyfluorescein diacetate/succinimidyl ester staining target cells before treatment and propidium iodide (PI) staining dead cells after treatment were conducted to detect the cytotoxic activity. DRLC mice were constructed by injection of PC9 LCSCs suspension and Matrigel into left lung of SD mice. DRLC mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65 CTLs group, OCT4&SOX2 CTLs group, PD-1 inhibitor group, and OCT4&SOX2 CTLs + PD-1 inhibitor group. In vitro, both CCK8 assay and FCM assay disclosed that OCT4&SOX2-specific CTLs plus PD-1 inhibitor presented with elevated cytotoxic activity on PC9 cells and PC9 LCSCs. In vivo, tumor volume and tumor weight were decreased, while tumor necrosis and tumor apoptosis were increased in OCT4&SOX2 CTLs group than CMV pp65 CTLs group and control group, and in OCT4&SOX2 CTLs + PD-1 inhibitor group than OCT4&SOX2 CTLs group and PD-1 inhibitor group. In addition, CD8 expression was increased while OCT4&SOX2 expressions were decreased in OCT4&SOX2 CTLs + PD-1 inhibitor group than OCT4&SOX2 CTLs group and PD-1 inhibitor group. In conclusion, OCT4&SOX2-specific CTLs and PD-1 inhibitor presented with the synergistic effect on killing LCSCs in vitro and treating DRLC mice in vivo.