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Looi CK, Foong LC, Chung FFL, Khoo ASB, Loo EM, Leong CO, Mai CW. Targeting the crosstalk of epigenetic modifications and immune evasion in nasopharyngeal cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2501-2526. [PMID: 37755585 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09830-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct type of head and neck cancer that is highly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV acts as an epigenetic driver in NPC tumorigenesis, reprogramming the viral and host epigenomes to regulate viral latent gene expression, and creating an environment conducive to the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in pre-clinical studies has been shown promise in eradicating tumours and overcoming immune resistance in some solid tumours. However, its efficacy in NPC remains inclusive due to the complex nature of this cancer. In this review, we provide an updated understanding of the roles of epigenetic factors in regulating EBV latent gene expression and promoting NPC progression. We also explore the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion in NPC. Particularly, we discuss the potential roles of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in reversing immune suppression and augmenting antitumour immunity. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of combining epigenetic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor to reverse immune resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Epigenetic drugs have the potential to modulate both epigenetic mediators and immune factors involved in NPC. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the diverse range of epigenetic modifications in NPC. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion during NPC progression is crucial for the development of more effective treatments for this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-King Looi
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lian-Chee Foong
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Pennsylvania, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Ee-Mun Loo
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development, and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Chan LL, Toh HC, Jaikwang K, Loo EM, Wong JH, Liew YK, Ong KH, Ooi SS. Report of rare genotypes of Acanthamoeba from soil source of the Payeh Maga Highland forest, North-eastern Sarawak, Malaysia. Acta Trop 2022; 229:106372. [PMID: 35182491 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic Acanthamoeba species are the causative agents of Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Members of this amoeba genus are ubiquitous in the environments. In Malaysia, most environmental studies performed to date have targeted the detection and characterisation of Acanthamoeba sp. in different water sources, dust and soil samples collected near human habitats. However, no local study has yet to examine these amoebae in a forest, an isolated terrestrial environment, where human activity is relatively scarce. Further, there are also limited studies to investigate the same globally. The current study reported the isolation, morphological and genotypic characterisations of eleven Acanthamoeba sp. isolated from soils of the Payeh Maga Highland forest, Sarawak, Malaysia. Morphological analysis revealed that nine isolates belonged to Group II, whereas two isolates belonged to Group III as defined by the criteria of Pussard and Pons. The phylogenetic analysis based on complete 18S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates belonged to the rare T1 (six isolates), T6 (two isolates) and T13 (three isolates) genotypes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the detection of T6 Acanthamoeba sp. in this country. Overall, the current findings have enriched the knowledge pertaining to the occurrence, morphological and genotypic characteristics of Acanthamoeba sp. in an isolated terrestrial environment of Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Chan
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
| | - Hiu-Ching Toh
- Biomedical Science, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
| | - Kantiya Jaikwang
- Biomedical Science, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
| | - Ee-Mun Loo
- Biomedical Science, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
| | - Jia-Haw Wong
- Biomedical Science, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
| | - Yun-Khoon Liew
- Life Science, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
| | - Kian-Huat Ong
- Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus, Jalan Nyabau, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak Malaysia
| | - Soo-Shen Ooi
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
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