Biology, evolution, and history of antigen processing and presentation: Immunogenetics special issue 2019

Progress in the development and use of monoclonal antibodies to study the evolution and function of the immune systems in the extant lineages of ungulates

Details on the origin and function of the immune system are beginning to emerge from genomic studies tracing the origin of B and T cells and the major histocompatibility complex. This is being accomplished through identification of DNA sequences of ancestral genes present in the genomes of lineages of vertebrates that have evolved from a common primordial ancestor. Information on the evolution of the composition and function of the immune system is being obtained through development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for the MHC class I and II molecules and differentially expressed on leukocytes differentiation molecules (LDM). The mAbs have provided the tools needed to compare the similarities and differences in the phenotype and function of immune systems that have evolved during speciation. The majority of information currently available on evolution of the composition and function of the immune system is derived from study of the immune systems in humans and mice. As described in the present review, further information is beginning to emerge from comparative studies of the immune systems in the extant lineages of species present in the two orders of ungulates, Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla. Methods have been developed to facilitate comparative research across species on pathogens affecting animal and human health.

Development of a Novel Prognostic Signature Based on Antigen Processing and Presentation in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: Complex antigen processing and presentation processes are involved in the development and progression of breast cancer (BC). A single biomarker is unlikely to adequately reflect the complex interplay between immune cells and cancer; however, there have been few attempts to find a robust antigen processing and presentation-related signature to predict the survival outcome of BC patients with respect to tumor immunology. Therefore, we aimed to develop an accurate gene signature based on immune-related genes for prognosis prediction of BC. Methods: Information on BC patients was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to confirm the gene set related to antigen processing and presentation that contributed to BC. Cox proportional regression, multivariate Cox regression, and stratified analysis were used to identify the prognostic power of the gene signature. Differentially expressed mRNAs between high- and low-risk groups were determined by KEGG analysis. Results: A three-gene signature comprising HSPA5 (heat shock protein family A member 5), PSME2 (proteasome activator subunit 2), and HLA-F (major histocompatibility complex, class I, F) was significantly associated with OS. HSPA5 and PSME2 were protective (hazard ratio (HR) < 1), and HLA-F was risky (HR > 1). Risk score, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and PD-L1 were independent prognostic indicators. KIT and ACACB may have important roles in the mechanism by which the gene signature regulates prognosis of BC. Conclusion: The proposed three-gene signature is a promising biomarker for estimating survival outcomes in BC patients.