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Jing F, Zhu L, Bai J, Zhou X, Sun L, Zhang H, Li T. A prognostic model built on amino acid metabolism patterns in HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 163:105975. [PMID: 38626700 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105975] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare amino acid metabolism patterns between HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients and identify key genes for a prognostic model. DESIGN Utilizing the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, we analyzed amino acid metabolism genes, differentiated genes between HPV statuses, and selected key genes via LASSO regression for the prognostic model. The model's gene expression was verified through immunohistochemistry in clinical samples. Functional enrichment and CIBERSORTx analyses explored biological functions, molecular mechanisms, and immune cell correlations. The model's prognostic capability was assessed using nomograms, calibration, and decision curve analysis. RESULTS We identified 1157 key genes associated with amino acid metabolism in HNSCC and HPV status. The prognostic model, featuring genes like IQCN, SLC22A1, SYT12, and TLX3, highlighted functions in development, metabolism, and pathways related to receptors and enzymes. It significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration and outperformed traditional staging in prognosis prediction, despite immunohistochemistry results showing limited clinical identification of HPV-related HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS Distinct amino acid metabolism patterns differentiate HPV-positive from negative HNSCC patients, underscoring the prognostic model's utility in predicting outcomes and guiding therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyang Jing
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China; Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumors of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU034), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Lijing Zhu
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China; Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumors of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU034), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jiaying Bai
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China; Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumors of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU034), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Lisha Sun
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumors of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU034), Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Heyu Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumors of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU034), Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Tiejun Li
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China; Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumors of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU034), Beijing 100081, China.
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Wu C, Ke Y, Wan L, Xie X. Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors differs in various status of carcinoma: a study based on 29 cohorts with 3255 participants. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:79. [PMID: 38554165 PMCID: PMC10981616 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03663-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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-clinical data have revealed that viral infection, such as Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Papilloma virus (HPV), may lead to the development of "hot" or "immune-sensitive" tumors, which may impact the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs). Therefore, This study aimed to investigate the impact of viral status on the efficacy of ICIs. METHODS Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant trials. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) measured by hazard ratio (HR). Stratified analyses were accomplished based on viral types, treatment regimens, and patient locations. RESULTS A total of 3255 participants were recruited, including 252 cases of gastric cancer, 156 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, 1603 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, and 1244 cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Pooled results demonstrated a significant association between viral infection and favorable outcomes in patients receiving ICIs, including improved OS [HR = 0.67, 95%CI (0.57-0.79), P < 0.0001], increased ORR [OR = 1.43, 95%CI (1.14-1.80), P = 0.0018], and a trend toward enhanced PFS [HR = 0.75, 95%CI (0.56-1.00), P = 0.05]. In subgroup analyses, patients treated with ICIs who were exposed to HBV/HCV or HPV infection exhibited an evidently superior OS without heterogeneity, compared to those without infection. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that the presence of viral infection was evidently associated with improved outcomes in cancer patients undergoing ICIs, particularly in cases of HBV/HCV and HPV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Wu
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
- Department of Oncology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Yujun Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Luying Wan
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
- Department of Oncology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Xianhe Xie
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
- Department of Oncology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
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3
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Saulters EL, Kennedy PT, Carter RJ, Alsufyani A, Jones TM, Woolley JF, Dahal LN. Differential Regulation of the STING Pathway in Human Papillomavirus-Positive and -Negative Head and Neck Cancers. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:118-133. [PMID: 38147007 PMCID: PMC10793589 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from the cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck, represent the most common type of head and neck cancers (HNSCC). Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been strongly associated with the development of oropharyngeal cancers, which are cancers that occur in the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. HNSCCs with and without HPV infection have distinct pathology, with HPV-positive patients having higher levels of immune infiltration, activation in the tumor microenvironment and better response to radiation and chemotherapy. It is, however, unclear whether HPV infection in HNSCCs has the potential to activate innate-immune sensing pathways and if these cancers possess intrinsic immunogenicity associated with HPV infection. Here we investigate the innate immune stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and immune responses to STING activation in HNSCCs and uncover fundamental differences in the regulation of this pathway in cell lines versus primary human clinical specimens. We show that while STING is differentially expressed in HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC cell lines, they exhibit a gross functional defect in signaling through this pathway. However, STING activation in immune cell populations generated immune signatures predicted to elicit useful tumoricidal mechanisms. In contrast, IHC analysis of human tissue microarrays revealed enhanced STING expression in HPV-related tumors and high intratumoral expression of STING correlated with increased survival. SIGNIFICANCE STING is an important innate immune sensor of cytosolic DNA, inducing essential antiviral and antitumoral responses. This research shows that STING expression is enhanced in HPV-positive HNSCC patient tissue, with high intratumoral STING expression correlating with increased survival. In addition, STING activation in immune cell populations augmented antitumoral effects against HNSCCs, suggesting patients may benefit from the use of STING agonists in combination with traditional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Saulters
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul T. Kennedy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel J. Carter
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Abdullah Alsufyani
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Terence M. Jones
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John F. Woolley
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lekh N. Dahal
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Ullah MI, Mikhailova MV, Alkhathami AG, Carbajal NC, Zuta MEC, Rasulova I, Najm MAA, Abosoda M, Alsalamy A, Deorari M. Molecular pathways in the development of HPV-induced oropharyngeal cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:351. [PMID: 38098017 PMCID: PMC10722793 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01365-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal cancer, a subset of head and neck cancer, is increasingly recognized as a unique clinical entity primarily influenced by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, particularly HPV-16. This review delves into the viral life cycle of HPV-16 and its interactions with host cells, with a specific focus on the crucial roles played by the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. These oncoproteins drive cellular proliferation by targeting critical tumor suppressor proteins like p53 and Rb, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth and genomic instability. Furthermore, the significance of epigenetic modifications induced by HPV-16 and their implications is important for cancer progression. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the intricate molecular landscape of HPV-induced oropharyngeal cancer, shedding light on the development of targeted therapies and preventive strategies for this emerging global health concern. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ikram Ullah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka-72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maria V Mikhailova
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
| | - Ali G Alkhathami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nestor Cuba Carbajal
- Doctor en Gestión Pública y Gobernabilidad, Docente en La Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú.
| | | | - Irodakhon Rasulova
- School of Humanities, Natural & Social Sciences, New Uzbekistan University, 54 Mustaqillik Ave, 100007, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Department of Public Health, Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute, Bogishamol Street 223, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Mazin A A Najm
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah, Iraq
| | - Munther Abosoda
- College of Pharmacy, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- College of Pharmacy, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- College of Pharmacy, the Islamic University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq
| | - Ali Alsalamy
- College of Pharmacy, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna, 66002, Iraq
| | - Mahamedha Deorari
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
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Gameiro SF, Salnikov MY, Zeng PYF, Barrett JW, Nichols AC, Mymryk JS. HPV16 Intratypic Variants in Head and Neck Cancers: A North American Perspective. Viruses 2023; 15:2411. [PMID: 38140652 PMCID: PMC10747106 DOI: 10.3390/v15122411] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major causative agent for cervical and many head and neck cancers (HNCs). HPVs randomly acquire single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may become established via positive selection. Within an HPV type, viral isolates differing by <2% in the L1 region are termed "variants" and classified based on combinations of SNPs. Studies in cervical cancer demonstrate clear differences between HPV16 intratypic variants in terms of persistence of infection, tumor histology, cancer risk, and death. Much less is known about the frequency of HPV16 variants in HNC, and their effects on clinical outcomes. We combined HPV16 positive (HPV16+) HNC samples from a local Southwestern Ontario, Canada cohort with those from the Cancer Genome Atlas to create a larger North American cohort of 149 cases with clinical data and determined the distribution of intratypic variants and their impact on clinical outcomes. Most isolates were lineage A, sublineage A1, or A2, with roughly half exhibiting the T350G polymorphism in E6. Univariable analysis identified significant differences between 350T and 350G intratypic variants in clinical T, N, and O staging, as well as disease-free survival. Multivariable analysis failed to identify any clinical factor as a statistically significant covariate for disease-free survival differences between 350T and 350G. Significant differences in several measures of B-cell mediated immune response were also observed between 350T and 350G intratypic variants. We suggest that HPV genetic variation may be associated with HNC clinical characteristics and may have prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Gameiro
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (S.F.G.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Mikhail Y. Salnikov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (S.F.G.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Peter Y. F. Zeng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (P.Y.F.Z.); (A.C.N.)
| | - John W. Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
| | - Anthony C. Nichols
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (P.Y.F.Z.); (A.C.N.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
- Department of Oncology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Joe S. Mymryk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (S.F.G.); (M.Y.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (P.Y.F.Z.); (A.C.N.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
- Department of Oncology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
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Wan M, Yang X, He L, Meng H. Elucidating the clonal relationship of esophageal second primary tumors in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Infect Agent Cancer 2023; 18:75. [PMID: 38017473 PMCID: PMC10685475 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-023-00558-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal cancer ranks as the second most prevalent upper airway malignancy, following Lung cancer. Although some progress has been made in managing laryngeal cancer, the 5-year survival rate is disappointing. The gradual increase in the incidence of second primary tumors (SPTs) plays a crucial role in determining survival outcomes during long-term follow-up, and the esophagus was the most common site with a worse prognosis. In clinical practice, the treatment of esophageal second primary tumors (ESPT) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has always been challenging. For patients with synchronous tumors, several treatment modalities, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and potentially curative surgery are necessary but are typically poorly tolerated. Secondary cancer therapy options for metachronous patients are always constrained by index cancer treatment indications. Therefore, understanding the clonal origin of the second primary tumor may be an important issue in the treatment of patients. LSCC cells demonstrate genetic instability because of two distinct aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative and HPV-positive) disease. Various etiologies exhibit distinct oncogenic mechanisms, which subsequently impact the tissue microenvironment. The condition of the tissue microenvironment plays a crucial role in determining the destiny and clonal makeup of mutant cells during the initial stages of tumorigenesis. This review focuses on the genetic advances of LSCC, the current research status of SPT, and the influence of key carcinogenesis of HPV-positive and HPV-negative LSCC on clonal evolution of ESPT cells. The objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis underlying the clonal origins of SPT, thereby offering novel perspectives for future investigations in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixuan Wan
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xinxin Yang
- Precision Medicine Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lin He
- Department of Stomatology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hongxue Meng
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China.
- Precision Medicine Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China.
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7
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Gameiro SF, Flondra KM. Human Papillomavirus-Associated Tumor Extracellular Vesicles in HPV + Tumor Microenvironments. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5668. [PMID: 37685735 PMCID: PMC10488665 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Most infections with human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are self-resolving and asymptomatic. However, some infections can lead to the development of cancer at different mucosal sites, such as the cervix and the head and neck. Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are dichotomized into HPV-positive (HPV+) or HPV-negative (HPV-) based on their respective etiologies. Notably, the tumor microenvironment (TME) of the HPV+ subtype has an immune landscape characterized with increased immune infiltration, higher levels of T cell activation, and higher levels of immunoregulatory stimuli compared to their HPV- counterparts. Both enveloped and nonenveloped viruses hijack the extracellular vesicle (EV) biogenesis pathway to deploy a "trojan horse" strategy with a pseudoviral envelope to enhance infectivity and evade inflammation. EVs derived from HPV-infected tumor cells could allow for the stealth transport of viral cargo to neighboring nonmalignant cellular populations or infiltrating immune cells within the TME. Furthermore, viral cargo or altered cellular cargo from HPV-associated tumor EVs (HPV-TEVs) could alter the functional state or biological responses of the recipient cellular populations, which could shape the distinctive HPV+ TME. This review will cover the impact of EVs released from HPV-infected cells on HPV-induced carcinogenesis, their role in shaping the distinctive HPV+ tumor microenvironment, and current efforts to develop a painless EV-based liquid biopsy for HPV+ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Gameiro
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn M. Flondra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
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Li Y, Wang C, Ma A, Rani AQ, Luo M, Li J, Liu X, Ma Q. Identification of HPV oncogene and host cell differentiation associated cellular heterogeneity in cervical cancer via single-cell transcriptomic analysis. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29060. [PMID: 37638381 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29060] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with around 5%-10% of human cancer, notably nearly 99% of cervical cancer. The mechanisms HPV interacts with stratified epithelium (differentiated layers) during the viral life cycle, and oncogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we used single-cell transcriptome analysis to study viral gene and host cell differentiation-associated heterogeneity of HPV-positive cervical cancer tissue. We examined the HPV16 genes-E1, E6, and E7, and found they expressed differently across nine epithelial clusters. We found that three epithelial clusters had the highest proportion of HPV-positive cells (33.6%, 37.5%, and 32.4%, respectively), while two exhibited the lowest proportions (7.21% and 5.63%, respectively). Notably, the cluster with the most HPV-positive cells deviated significantly from normal epithelial layer markers, exhibiting functional heterogeneity and altered epithelial structuring, indicating that significant molecular heterogeneity existed in cancer tissues and that these cells exhibited unique/different gene signatures compared with normal epithelial cells. These HPV-positive cells, compared to HPV-negative, showed different gene expressions related to the extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, proliferation, and apoptosis. Further, the viral oncogenes E6 and E7 appeared to modify epithelial function via distinct pathways, thus contributing to cervical cancer progression. We investigated the HPV and host transcripts from a novel viewpoint focusing on layer heterogeneity. Our results indicated varied HPV expression across epithelial clusters and epithelial heterogeneity associated with viral oncogenes, contributing biological insights to this critical field of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cankun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Anjun Ma
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Abdul Qawee Rani
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mingjue Luo
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jenny Li
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Departments of Pathology, Urology, and Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Qin Ma
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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9
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Valentini C, Ebert N, Koi L, Pfeifer M, Löck S, Erdmann C, Krause M, Baumann M. Preclinical trial comparing radiotherapy alone versus standard radiochemotherapy in three human papilloma virus (HPV) negative and three HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenograft tumour models. Radiother Oncol 2023; 183:109546. [PMID: 36813172 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109546] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To perform a preclinical trial comparing the efficacy of fractionated radiotherapy versus radiochemotherapy with cisplatin in HPV-positive and negative human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenografts. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three HPV-negative and three HPV-positive HNSCC xenografts in nude mice were randomized to radiotherapy (RT) alone or to radiochemotherapy (RCT) with weekly cisplatin. To evaluate tumour growth time, 20 Gy radiotherapy (±cisplatin) were administered in 10 fractions over 2 weeks. Dose-response curves for local tumour control were generated for RT with 30 fractions over 6 weeks to different dose levels given alone or combined with cisplatin (RCT). RESULTS One of three investigated HPV-negative and two out of three HPV-positive tumour models showed a significant increase in local tumour control after RCT compared to RT alone. Pooled analysis of the HPV-positive tumour models showed a statistically significant and substantial benefit of RCT versus RT alone, with an enhancement ratio of 1.34. Although heterogeneity in response to both RT and RCT was also observed between the different HPV-positive HNSCC, these overall were more RT and RCT sensitive than HPV-negative models. CONCLUSION The impact of adding chemotherapy to fractionated radiotherapy on local control was heterogenous, both in HPV-negative and in HPV-positive tumours, calling for predictive biomarkers. RCT substantially increased local tumour control in the pooled group of all HPV-positive tumours whereas this was not found in HPV-negative tumours. Omission of chemotherapy in HPV-positive HNSCC as part of a treatment de-escalation strategy is not supported by this preclinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Valentini
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany.
| | - Nadja Ebert
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lydia Koi
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany; OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manuel Pfeifer
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Steffen Löck
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany; OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Erdmann
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mechthild Krause
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany; OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, and Helmholtz Association/Helmholtz-jZentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Baumann
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, and Helmholtz Association/Helmholtz-jZentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
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10
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Wang S, Li X, Liu C, Yuan Y, Ma F. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the role of HPV16-positive macrophages in cervical cancer prognosis. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28410. [PMID: 36519591 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28410] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Almost all cases of cervical cancer (CC) can be attributed to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPVs) infections in keratinocytes. However, it is unknown whether HPV invades immune cells such as macrophages and T cells. We analyzed the single-cell transcriptome of the CC and its adjacent tissues and found that HPV16 genes, including E1, E6, and E7, expressed in the macrophages and CD8+ T cells in addition to the malignant cells. HPV16+ macrophages highly expressed the genes that promote cell adhesion and the favorable genes such as WAS, IQCB1, MYO1F, and PDZD11 in CC prognosis. The transcription factor KLF5 potentially accounted for the induction of these protective genes and thus facilitated the infiltration of the immune cells in tumor tissues. Our single-cell transcriptome analysis suggests the potential value of the HPV16+ macrophage in CC prognosis. However, extensive experimental studies investigating the characteristics and functions of the HPV+ immune cells are still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Medical Research, Jiangsu Toneker Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Feng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, China
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11
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Reduced MHC Class I and II Expression in HPV-Negative vs. HPV-Positive Cervical Cancers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233911. [PMID: 36497170 PMCID: PMC9741043 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-associated death in women. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with nearly all CC, it has recently become clear that HPV-negative (HPV-) CC represents a distinct disease phenotype with increased mortality. HPV-positive (HPV+) and HPV- CC demonstrate different molecular pathology, prognosis, and response to treatment. Furthermore, CC caused by HPV α9 types (HPV16-like) often have better outcomes than those caused by HPV α7 types (HPV18-like). This study systematically and comprehensively compared the expression of genes involved in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II presentation within CC caused by HPV α9 types, HPV α7 types, and HPV- CC. We observed increased expression of MHC class I and II classical and non-classical genes in HPV+ CC and overall higher expression of genes involved in their antigen loading and presentation apparatus as well as transcriptional regulation. Increased expression of MHC I-related genes differs from previous studies using cell culture models. These findings identify crucial differences between antigen presentation within the tumor immune microenvironments of HPV+ and HPV- CC, as well as modest differences between HPV α9 and α7 CC. These differences may contribute to the altered patient outcomes and responses to immunotherapy observed between these distinct cancers.
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12
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Zhou Q, Yuan O, Cui H, Hu T, Xiao GG, Wei J, Zhang H, Wu C. Bioinformatic analysis identifies HPV-related tumor microenvironment remodeling prognostic biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1007950. [PMID: 36425786 PMCID: PMC9679011 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1007950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are highly aggressive tumors with rapid progression and poor prognosis. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been identified as one of the most important carcinogens for HNSCC. As an early event in HNSCC, infection with HPV leads to altered immune profiles in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME plays a key role in the progression and transformation of HNSCC. However, the TME in HNSCC is a complex and heterogeneous mix of tumor cells, fibroblasts, different types of infiltrating immune cells, and extracellular matrix. Biomarkers relevant to the TME, and the biological role of these biomarkers, remain poorly understood. To this end, we performed comprehensive analysis of the RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from tumor tissue of 502 patients with HNSCC and healthy tissue of 44 control samples. In total, we identified 4,237 differentially expressed genes, including 2,062 upregulated and 2,175 downregulated genes. Further in-depth bioinformatic analysis suggested 19 HNSCC tumor tissue-specific genes. In the subsequent analysis, we focused on the biomarker candidates shown to be significantly associated with unfavorable patient survival: ITGA5, PLAU, PLAUR, SERPINE1, TGFB1, and VEGFC. We found that the expression of these genes was negatively regulated by DNA methylation. Strikingly, all of these potential biomarkers are profoundly involved in the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway in HNSCCs. In addition, these targets were found to be positively correlated with the immune invasion levels of CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, but negatively correlated with B-cell infiltration and CD8+ T-cell invasion. Notably, our data showed that the expression levels of ITGA5, PLAU, PLAUR, SERPINE1, and TGFB1 were significantly overexpressed in HPV-positive HNSCCs compared to normal controls, indicating the potential role of these biomarkers as transformation and/or malignant progression markers for HNSCCs in patients with HPV infection. Taken together, the results of our study propose ITGA5, PLAU, PLAUR, SERPINE1, and TGFB1 as potential prognostic biomarkers for HNSCCs, which might be involved in the HPV-related TME remodeling of HNSCC. Our findings provide important implications for the development and/or improvement of patient stratification and customized immunotherapies in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimin Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ouyang Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongtu Cui
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Tao Hu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Gary Guishan Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Jiao Wei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglei Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Air Force Medical Centre, People's Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Chengjun Wu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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13
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Gameiro SF, Mymryk JS. Special Issue “Human Papillomavirus Clinical Research: From Infection to Cancer”. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144225. [PMID: 35887988 PMCID: PMC9319198 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Gameiro
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Joe S. Mymryk
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Oncology and Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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