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Otterlei Fjørtoft M, Huse K, Rye IH. The Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Breast Cancer Progression. Acta Oncol 2024; 63:359-367. [PMID: 38779867 DOI: 10.2340/1651-226x.2024.33008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment significantly influences breast cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Various immune cell populations, including T cells, B cells, NK cells, and myeloid cells exhibit diverse functions in different breast cancer subtypes, contributing to both anti-tumor and pro-tumor activities. PURPOSE This review provides an overview of the predominant immune cell populations in breast cancer subtypes, elucidating their suppressive and prognostic effects. We aim to outline the role of the immune microenvironment from normal breast tissue to invasive cancer and distant metastasis. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the involvement of immune cells throughout breast cancer progression. RESULTS In breast cancer, tumors exhibit increased immune cell infiltration compared to normal tissue. Variations exist across subtypes, with higher levels observed in triple-negative and HER2+ tumors are linked to better survival. In contrast, ER+ tumors display lower immune infiltration, associated with poorer outcomes. Furthermore, metastatic sites commonly exhibit a more immunosuppressive microenvironment. CONCLUSION Understanding the complex interaction between tumor and immune cells during breast cancer progression is essential for future research and the development of immune-based strategies. This comprehensive understanding may pave the way for more effective treatment approaches and improved patients outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Otterlei Fjørtoft
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Division of Cancer Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kanutte Huse
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Division of Cancer Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inga Hansine Rye
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Division of Cancer Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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2
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Xu L, Saunders K, Huang SP, Knutsdottir H, Martinez-Algarin K, Terrazas I, Chen K, McArthur HM, Maués J, Hodgdon C, Reddy SM, Roussos Torres ET, Xu L, Chan IS. A comprehensive single-cell breast tumor atlas defines epithelial and immune heterogeneity and interactions predicting anti-PD-1 therapy response. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101511. [PMID: 38614094 PMCID: PMC11148512 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
We present an integrated single-cell RNA sequencing atlas of the primary breast tumor microenvironment (TME) containing 236,363 cells from 119 biopsy samples across eight datasets. In this study, we leverage this resource for multiple analyses of immune and cancer epithelial cell heterogeneity. We define natural killer (NK) cell heterogeneity through six subsets in the breast TME. Because NK cell heterogeneity correlates with epithelial cell heterogeneity, we characterize epithelial cells at the level of single-gene expression, molecular subtype, and 10 categories reflecting intratumoral transcriptional heterogeneity. We develop InteractPrint, which considers how cancer epithelial cell heterogeneity influences cancer-immune interactions. We use T cell InteractPrint to predict response to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in two breast cancer clinical trials testing neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy. T cell InteractPrint was predictive of response in both trials versus PD-L1 (AUC = 0.82, 0.83 vs. 0.50, 0.72). This resource enables additional high-resolution investigations of the breast TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Saunders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Shao-Po Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hildur Knutsdottir
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth Martinez-Algarin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Isabella Terrazas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Heather M McArthur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Sangeetha M Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Evanthia T Roussos Torres
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Isaac S Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Liu Y, Li M, Fang Z, Gao S, Cheng W, Duan Y, Wang X, Feng J, Yu T, Zhang J, Wang T, Hu A, Zhang H, Rong Z, Shakila SS, Shang Y, Kong F, Liu J, Li Y, Ma F. Overexpressing S100A9 ameliorates NK cell dysfunction in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:117. [PMID: 38713229 PMCID: PMC11076447 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03699-1] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor (ER) positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative breast cancer (ER+/HER2-BC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are two distinct breast cancer molecular subtypes, especially in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The TIME of TNBC is considered to be more inflammatory than that of ER+/HER2-BC. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role of tumor eradication in TME. However, studies focusing on the different cell states of NK cells in breast cancer subtypes are still inadequate. METHODS In this study, single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk mRNA sequencing data from ER+/HER2-BC and TNBC were analyzed. Key regulator of NK cell suppression in ER+/HER2-BC, S100A9, was quantified by qPCR and ELISA in MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The prognosis predictability of S100A9 and NK activation markers was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analyses using TCGA-BRAC data. The phenotype changes of NK cells in ER+/HER2-BC after overexpressing S100A9 in cancer cells were evaluated by the production levels of IFN-gamma, perforin and granzyme B and cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS By analyzing scRNA-seq data, we found that multiple genes involved in cellular stress response were upregulated in ER+/HER2-BC compared with TNBC. Moreover, TLR regulation pathway was significantly enriched using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from comparing the transcriptome data of ER+/HER2-BC and TNBC cancer cells, and NK cell infiltration high/low groups. Among the DEGs, S100A9 was identified as a key regulator. Patients with higher expression levels of S100A9 and NK cell activation markers had better overall survival. Furthermore, we proved that overexpression of S100A9 in ER+/HER2-cells could improve cocultured NK cell function. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the study we presented demonstrated that NK cells in ER+/HER2-BC were hypofunctional, and S100A9 was an important regulator of NK cell function in ER+BC. Our work contributes to elucidate the regulatory networks between cancer cells and NK cells and may provide theoretical basis for novel drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Mingcui Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Zhengbo Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Weilun Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yunqiang Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xuelian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jianyuan Feng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Tianshui Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jiarui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Anbang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Zhiyuan Rong
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Suborna S Shakila
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yuhang Shang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Fanjing Kong
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jiangwei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
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Zhang F, Qi C, Yao Z, Xu H, Zhou G, Li C, Xia H. Identification and validation of a novel necroptosis-related molecular signature to evaluate prognosis and immune features in breast cancer. Apoptosis 2023; 28:1628-1645. [PMID: 37787960 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01887-5] [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] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Necroptosis has been shown to play an important role in the development of tumors. However, the characteristics of the necroptosis-related subtypes and the associated immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast cancer (BRCA) remain unclear. In this study, we identified three clusters related to necroptosis using the expression patterns of necroptosis-relevant genes (NRGs), and found that these three clusters had different clinicopathological features, prognosis and immune cell infiltration in the TME. Cluster 2 was characterized by less infiltration of immune cells in the TME and was associated with a worse prognosis. Then, a necroptosis risk score (NRS) composed of 14 NRGs was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) Cox regression method. Based on NRS, all BRCA patients in the TCGA datasets were classified into a low-risk group and a high-risk group. Patients in the low-risk group were characterized by longer overall survival (OS), lower mutation burden, and higher infiltration level of immune cells in the TME. Moreover, the NRS was significantly associated with chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. Finally, the knockdown of VDAC1 reduced the proliferation and migration of BRCA cells, and promoted cell death induced by necroptosis inducer. This study identified a novel necroptosis-related subtype of BRCA, and a comprehensive analysis of NRGs in BRCA revealed its potential roles in prognosis, clinicopathological features, TME, chemotherapy, tumor proliferation, and tumor necroptosis. These results may improve our understanding of NRGs in BRCA and provide a reference for developing individualized therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission & Jiangsu Antibody Drug Engineering Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chenxue Qi
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Zhipeng Yao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Haojun Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission & Jiangsu Antibody Drug Engineering Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Guoren Zhou
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Congzhu Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
| | - Hongping Xia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission & Jiangsu Antibody Drug Engineering Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
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5
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Zhao X, Lin M, Huang X. Current status and future perspective of natural killer cell therapy for cancer. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:305-320. [PMID: 38235405 PMCID: PMC10790210 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells possess innate abilities to effectively eliminate cancer cells. However, because of difficulties of proliferation and easy to be induced dysfunction in the setting of cancer post NK cell therapy, the curative effect of NK cell infusion has been constrained and not been widely applicable in clinical practice. The rapid development of biotechnology has promoted the development of NK cell therapy for cancer treatment. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current status and future prospects of NK cell therapy for cancer, focusing on the biological characteristics of NK cells, as well as strategies to enhance their targeting capabilities and overcome tumor immune suppression within the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Minghao Lin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
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6
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Zheng Y, Li S, Tang H, Meng X, Zheng Q. Molecular mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1153990. [PMID: 37426654 PMCID: PMC10327275 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1153990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy has profoundly changed the treatment model for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). But the heterogeneity of this disease resulted in significant differences in immunotherapy efficacy, and only some patients are able to benefit from this therapeutic modality. With the recent explosion in studies on the mechanism of cancer immunotherapy drug resistance, this article will focus on the processes of the immune response; summarize the immune evasion mechanisms in TNBC into three categories: loss of tumor-specific antigen, antigen presentation deficiency, and failure to initiate an immune response; together with the aberrant activation of a series of immune-critical signaling pathways, we will discuss how these activities jointly shape the immunosuppressive landscape within the tumor microenvironment. This review will attempt to elucidate the molecular mechanism of drug resistance in TNBC, identify potential targets that may assist in reversing drug resistance, and lay a foundation for research on identifying biomarkers for predicting immune efficacy and selection of breast cancer populations that may benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zheng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shujin Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongchao Tang
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuli Meng
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinghui Zheng
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Lin Z, Ma J, Ma Y, Li Q, Kang H, Zhang M, Chen B, Xia R. Prognostic impact of peripheral natural killer cells in primary central nervous system lymphoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1191033. [PMID: 37426647 PMCID: PMC10326164 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1191033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of circulating NK cells in PCNSL. Materials and methods Patients diagnosed with PCNSL who were treated at our institution between December 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively screened. Patient variables including age, sex, Karnofsky performance status, diagnostic methods, location of lesions, lactate dehydrogenase, cerebrospinal fluids (CSF), and vitreous fluids involvement or not were documented. NK cell count and NK cell proportion (NK cell count/lymphocyte count) in the peripheral blood were evaluated by flow cytometry. Some patients underwent two consecutive NK cell tests before and three weeks after chemotherapy (before the next chemotherapy). The fold change in NK cell proportion and NK cell counts were calculated. CD56-positive NK cells in tumor tissue were assessed by immunohistochemistry. NK cell cytotoxicity assay was performed using flow cytometry. Results A total of 161 patients with PCNSL were included in this study. The median NK cell count of all NK cell tests was 197.73/μL (range 13.11-1889.90 cells/μL). The median proportion of NK cells was 14.11% (range 1.68-45.15%) for all. Responders had a higher median NK cell count (p<0.0001) and NK cell proportion (p<0.0001) than non-responders. Furthermore, Responders had a higher median fold change in NK cell proportion than non-responders (p=0.019) or patients in complete remission/partial remission (p<0.0001). A higher median fold change in NK cell count was observed in responders than in non-responders (p=0.0224) or patients in complete remission/partial remission (p=0.0002). For newly diagnosed PCNSL, patients with a high NK cell count (>165 cells/μL) appeared to have a longer median overall survival than those with a low NK cell count (p=0.0054). A high fold change in the proportion of NK cells (>0.1957; p=0.0367) or NK cell count (>0.1045; p=0.0356) was associated with longer progression-free survival. Circulating NK cells from newly-diagnosed PCNSL demonstrated an impaired cytotoxicity capacity compared to those from patients with PCNSL in complete remission or healthy donors. Conclusion Our study indicated that circulating NK cells had some impact on the outcome of PCNSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguang Lin
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Ma
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Kang
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxue Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bobin Chen
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Xia
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Shibel PEE, Abd Elmaogod EA. Immunohistochemical expression of CD155 in invasive female breast carcinoma and its correlation with tumor infiltrating natural killer cells. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-023-00370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
CD155 is an immune checkpoint protein that interacts with ligands on natural killer cells to regulate the tumor associated immunity. CD155 overexpression has been detected in many human cancer types. CD155 and its pathways are promising tumor immunotherapy targets. We aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of CD155 in invasive breast carcinomas and to correlate such expression with the pathological parameters of the tumors and also with natural killer - tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (NK-TILs) density in breast carcinomas tissue as highlighted by CD56 immunostaining. This study included 78 cases of breast carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against CD155 which was detected on the tumor cells and CD56 as a marker for stromal NK cells.
Results
CD155 expression by the tumor cells was detected in 30.8% of the cases and correlated significantly with advanced prognostic stage, Estrogen receptor (ER) and Progesterone receptor (PR) negativity, high Ki-67 index and Human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) enriched molecular subtype. High stromal TILs CD56 expression was detected in 28.2% of the cases and correlated significantly with high histologic grade, PR negativity, HER2 neu over-expression, high Ki-67 index, high stromal TILs and more aggressive molecular subtypes; triple negative breast cancer, HER2 enriched and Luminal B-HER2 positive. Finally, statistically significant direct correlation was detected between Tumor cells CD155 expression and high TILs CD56 expression.
Conclusions
Our results support tumor cell CD155 expression and TILs CD56 expression in breast cancers that are high grade, TILs rich and hormone receptors negative, highlighting those cases as possible candidates for CD155 targeted therapy.
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Alterations in Natural Killer Cells in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030994. [PMID: 36765951 PMCID: PMC9913252 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, our group introduced Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA) as an independent prognostic predictor for a poorer outcome in colon cancer patients, which is probably based on immunologic alterations combined with a direct tumor-adipocyte interaction: the two together reflecting a distinct tumor biology. Considering it is already known that peripheral immune cells are altered in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, this study aims to investigate the changes in lymphocyte subsets in SARIFA-positive cases and correlate these changes with the local immune response. METHODS Flow cytometry was performed to analyze B, T, and natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood (PB) of 45 CRC patients. Consecutively, lymphocytes in PB, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and CD56+ and CD57+ lymphocytes at the invasion front and the tumor center were compared between patients with SARIFA-positive and SARIFA-negative CRCs. RESULTS Whereas no differences could be observed regarding most PB lymphocyte populations as well as TILs, NK cells were dramatically reduced in the PB of SARIFA-positive cases. Moreover, CD56 and CD57 immunohistochemistry suggested SARIFA-status-dependent changes regarding NK cells and NK-like lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSION This study proves that our newly introduced biomarker, SARIFA, comes along with distinct immunologic alterations, especially regarding NK cells.
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10
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Lu C, Liu Y, Ali NM, Zhang B, Cui X. The role of innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and research progress in anti-tumor therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1039260. [PMID: 36741415 PMCID: PMC9893925 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1039260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mainly include macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and bone marrow derived suppressor cells. They play an anti-tumor or pro-tumor role by secreting various cytokines, chemokines and other factors, and determine the occurrence and development of tumors. Comprehending the role of innate immune cells in tumorigenesis and progression can help improve therapeutic approaches targeting innate immune cells in the TME, increasing the likelihood of favorable prognosis. In this review, we discussed the cell biology of innate immune cells, their role in tumorigenesis and development, and the current status of innate immune cell-based immunotherapy, in order to provide an overview for future research lines and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China,Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Nasra Mohamoud Ali
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China,*Correspondence: Xiaonan Cui, ; Bin Zhang,
| | - Xiaonan Cui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China,*Correspondence: Xiaonan Cui, ; Bin Zhang,
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11
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Seliger B, Koehl U. Underlying mechanisms of evasion from NK cells as rational for improvement of NK cell-based immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:910595. [PMID: 36045670 PMCID: PMC9422402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the family of innate immune cells with the capacity to recognize and kill tumor cells. Different phenotypes and functional properties of NK cells have been described in tumor patients, which could be shaped by the tumor microenvironment. The discovery of HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors controlling NK cell activity paved the way to the fundamental concept of modulating immune responses that are regulated by an array of inhibitory receptors, and emphasized the importance to explore the potential of NK cells in cancer therapy. Although a whole range of NK cell-based approaches are currently being developed, there are still major challenges that need to be overcome for improved efficacy of these therapies. These include escape of tumor cells from NK cell recognition due to their expression of inhibitory molecules, immune suppressive signals of NK cells, reduced NK cell infiltration of tumors, an immune suppressive micromilieu and limited in vivo persistence of NK cells. Therefore, this review provides an overview about the NK cell biology, alterations of NK cell activities, changes in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment contributing to immune escape or immune surveillance by NK cells and their underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the current status and novel aspects of NK cell-based therapeutic strategies including their genetic engineering and their combination with conventional treatment options to overcome tumor-mediated evasion strategies and improve therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Barbara Seliger,
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Gong Y, Chen W, Chen X, He Y, Jiang H, Zhang X, Pan L, Ni B, Yang F, Xu Y, Zhang Q, Zhou L, Cheng Y. An Injectable Epigenetic Autophagic Modulatory Hydrogel for Boosting Umbilical Cord Blood NK Cell Therapy Prevents Postsurgical Relapse of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201271. [PMID: 35712750 PMCID: PMC9376812 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits resistance to conventional treatments due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), causing postsurgical relapse and a dismal prognosis. Umbilical cord blood natural killer (UCB-NK) cell-based immunotherapy represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, its therapeutic efficacy is greatly restrained by downregulation of the NK cell activation ligand MHC class I-related chain A/B (MICA/B) and autophagy-mediated degradation of NK cell-derived granzyme B (GZMB) in CSCs. Herein, it is demonstrated that suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) epigenetically downregulates let-7e-5p and miR-615-3p to increase MICA/B expression and that 3-methyl adenine (3MA) inhibits autophagy-mediated GZMB degradation, thereby sensitizing breast CSCs to UCB-NK cells. Then, an injectable hydrogel is designed to codeliver SAHA and 3MA to enhance UCB-NK cell infusion efficacy in TNBC. The hydrogel precursors can be smoothly injected into the tumor resection bed and form a stable gel in situ, allowing for a pH-sensitive sustained release of SAHA and 3MA. Moreover, UCB-NK cell infusion in combination with the hydrogel efficiently controls postsurgical relapse of TNBC. In addition, the hydrogel exhibits good hemostasis and wound-healing functions. Therefore, the work provides proof of concept that an injectable epigenetic autophagic modulatory hydrogel augments UCB-NK cell therapy to combat postsurgical relapse of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Gong
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- Biotherapy Centre & Cell‐Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research CentreThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Xiuxing Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationDepartment of Medical OncologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Yizhan He
- Biotherapy Centre & Cell‐Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research CentreThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Breast & Thyroid SurgeryThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Xijian Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Lijie Pan
- Biotherapy Centre & Cell‐Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research CentreThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Beibei Ni
- Biotherapy Centre & Cell‐Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research CentreThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Fan Yang
- Biotherapy Centre & Cell‐Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research CentreThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Yan Xu
- Biotherapy Centre & Cell‐Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research CentreThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Biotherapy Centre & Cell‐Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research CentreThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Spine Disease Prevention and TreatmentDepartment of Spine SurgeryThe Third Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Yusheng Cheng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
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13
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Wu H, Wang H, Chen Y. Pan-cancer analysis of tumor mutation burden sensitive tumors reveals tumor-specific subtypes and hub genes related to immune infiltration. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04139-2. [PMID: 35780251 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04139-2] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High tumor mutation burden (TMB) failed to serve as a favorable prognostic biomarker for immunotherapy across all tumors. This study aimed to explore TMB-sensitive tumors on a pan-cancer level and construct their immune infiltration phenotypes in TMB-high groups. METHODS Pan-cancer patients were separated into TMB-high and TMB-low groups based on the median TMB values per tumor. TMB-related genes were identified using differently expressed genes (DEGs) and differently mutated genes (DMGs) between the above two TMB groups. CIBERSORT algorithm was used to estimate the abundance of 22 tumor immune infiltrating cells (TIICs). Consensus clustering analysis was applied to predict molecular subtypes. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlations between hub genes and TIICs and immunomodulator genes. RESULTS Nine TMB-sensitive tumors were identified by high-frequency of TMB-related genes. A total of 126 tumor-specific hub genes (1 in BLCA, 19 in BRCA, 4 in COAD, 4 in HNSC, 25 in LUAD, 2 in LUSC, 27 in SKCM, 37 in STAD, and 7 UCEC) were identified. In five out of nine TMB-sensitive tumors, the molecular subtypes based on hub gene expression were characterized by TMB values, prognostic values and tumor-specific TIICs levels. In TMB-high groups, hub genes associated immune infiltration phenotypes were constructed with key TIICs and immunomodulators spanning TMB-sensitive tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our tumor-specific analysis revealed hub genes associated immune infiltration features may serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers of immunotherapy, providing the potential underlying mechanism of immune infiltration in TMB-high groups across TMB-sensitive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, China.,Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hanchu Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, China.
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Ran GH, Lin YQ, Tian L, Zhang T, Yan DM, Yu JH, Deng YC. Natural killer cell homing and trafficking in tissues and tumors: from biology to application. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:205. [PMID: 35768424 PMCID: PMC9243142 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a subgroup of innate lymphoid cells, act as the first line of defense against cancer. Although some evidence shows that NK cells can develop in secondary lymphoid tissues, NK cells develop mainly in the bone marrow (BM) and egress into the blood circulation when they mature. They then migrate to and settle down in peripheral tissues, though some special subsets home back into the BM or secondary lymphoid organs. Owing to its success in allogeneic adoptive transfer for cancer treatment and its "off-the-shelf" potential, NK cell-based immunotherapy is attracting increasing attention in the treatment of various cancers. However, insufficient infiltration of adoptively transferred NK cells limits clinical utility, especially for solid tumors. Expansion of NK cells or engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells ex vivo prior to adoptive transfer by using various cytokines alters the profiles of chemokine receptors, which affects the infiltration of transferred NK cells into tumor tissue. Several factors control NK cell trafficking and homing, including cell-intrinsic factors (e.g., transcriptional factors), cell-extrinsic factors (e.g., integrins, selectins, chemokines and their corresponding receptors, signals induced by cytokines, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), etc.), and the cellular microenvironment. Here, we summarize the profiles and mechanisms of NK cell homing and trafficking at steady state and during tumor development, aiming to improve NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang He Ran
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Qing Lin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Dong Mei Yan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Jian Hua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - You Cai Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
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15
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Li H, Wang J, Li Z, Dababneh M, Wang F, Zhao P, Smith GH, Teodoro G, Li M, Kong J, Li X. Deep Learning-Based Pathology Image Analysis Enhances Magee Feature Correlation With Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:886763. [PMID: 35775006 PMCID: PMC9239530 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.886763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oncotype DX Recurrence Score (RS) has been widely used to predict chemotherapy benefits in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Studies showed that the features used in Magee equations correlate with RS. We aimed to examine whether deep learning (DL)-based histology image analyses can enhance such correlations. Methods We retrieved 382 cases with RS diagnosed between 2011 and 2015 from the Emory University and the Ohio State University. All patients received surgery. DL models were developed to detect nuclei of tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and segment tumor cell nuclei in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained histopathology whole slide images (WSIs). Based on the DL-based analysis, we derived image features from WSIs, such as tumor cell number, TIL number variance, and nuclear grades. The entire patient cohorts were divided into one training set (125 cases) and two validation sets (82 and 175 cases) based on the data sources and WSI resolutions. The training set was used to train the linear regression models to predict RS. For prediction performance comparison, we used independent variables from Magee features alone or the combination of WSI-derived image and Magee features. Results The Pearson's correlation coefficients between the actual RS and predicted RS by DL-based analysis were 0.7058 (p-value = 1.32 × 10-13) and 0.5041 (p-value = 1.15 × 10-12) for the validation sets 1 and 2, respectively. The adjusted R 2 values using Magee features alone are 0.3442 and 0.2167 in the two validation sets, respectively. In contrast, the adjusted R 2 values were enhanced to 0.4431 and 0.2182 when WSI-derived imaging features were jointly used with Magee features. Conclusion Our results suggest that DL-based digital pathological features can enhance Magee feature correlation with RS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiao Li
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Melad Dababneh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Geoffrey H. Smith
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - George Teodoro
- Department of Computer Science, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Meijie Li
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jun Kong
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Xiaoxian Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Kok VC, Wang CCN, Liao SH, Chen DL. Cross-Platform in-silico Analyses Exploring Tumor Immune Microenvironment with Prognostic Value in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER: TARGETS AND THERAPY 2022. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/bctt.s359346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Kok VC, Wang CCN, Liao SH, Chen DL. Cross-Platform in-silico Analyses Exploring Tumor Immune Microenvironment with Prognostic Value in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS) 2022; 14:85-99. [PMID: 35437353 PMCID: PMC9013259 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s359346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Only a proportion of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is immunotherapy-responsive. We hypothesized that the tumor microenvironment (TME) influences the outcomes of TNBC and investigated the relevant signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immune score (IS) and stromal score (SS) were calculated using the ESTIMATE and correlated with the overall survival (OS) in TNBC. RNA-seq data from 115 TNBC samples and 112 normal adjacent tissues were retrieved. Validations in the methylation levels in 10 TNBC and five non-TNBC cell lines were obtained. Cox model overall survival (OS) validated the derived transcription factor (TF) genes in cBioPortal breast cancer patients. RESULTS SS-low predicts a higher OS compared with SS-high patients (P = 0.0081 IS-high/SS-low patients had better OS (P = 0.045) than IS-low/SS-high patients. More macrophages were polarized to the M2 state in patients with IS-low/SS-high patients (P < 0.001). Moreover, CIBERSORTx showed more CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells in IS-high/SS-low patients (p = 0.0286) and more resting NK cells in the IS-low/SS-high TME (P = 0.0108). KEGG pathway analysis revealed that overexpressed genes were enriched in the IL-17 and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways. The lncRNA DRAIC, a tumor suppressor, was consistently deactivated in the 10 TNBC cell lines. On the cBioPortal platform, we validated that 13% of ER-negative, HER2-unamplified BC harbored IL17RA deep deletion and 25% harbored TRAF3IP2 amplification. On cBioPortal datasets, the nine altered TF genes derived from the X2K analysis showed significantly worse relapse-free survival in 2377 patients and OS in 4819 invasive BC patients than in the unaltered cohort. CONCLUSION Of note, the results of this integrated in silico study can only be generalized to approximately 17% of patients with TNBC, in which infiltrating stromal cells and immune cells play a determinant prognostic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor C Kok
- Division of Medical Oncology, Kuang Tien General Hospital Cancer Center, Taichung, 43303, Taiwan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan
- Correspondence: Victor C Kok; Charles CN Wang, Email ;
| | - Charles C N Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan
- Center for Artificial Intelligence and Precision Medicine Research, Asia University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Han Liao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan
| | - De-Lun Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan
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Triki H, Declerck K, Charfi S, Ben Kridis W, Chaabane K, Ben Halima S, Sellami T, Rebai A, Berghe WV, Cherif B. Immune checkpoint CD155 promoter methylation profiling reveals cancer-associated behaviors within breast neoplasia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1139-1155. [PMID: 34608548 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD155 immune checkpoint has recently emerged as a compelling immunotherapeutic target. Epigenetic DNA methylation changes are recognized as key molecular mechanisms in cancer development. Hence, the identification of methylation markers that are sensitive and specific for breast cancer may improve early detection and predict prognosis. We speculate that CD155 promoter methylation can be a valuable epigenetic biomarker, based upon strong indications for its immunoregulatory functions. METHODS Methylation analyses were conducted on 14 CpGs sites in the CD155 promoter region by bisulfite pyrosequencing. To elucidate the related gene expression changes, a transcriptional study using RT-qPCR was performed. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate correlations of CD155 methylation profiles with mRNA expression together with clinical-pathological features, prognosis and immune infiltrate. RESULTS CD155 promoter methylation profile was significantly associated with SBR grade, tumor size, molecular subgroups, HER2 and hormonal receptors expression status. Low CD155 methylation rates correlated with better prognosis in univariate cox proportional hazard analysis and appeared as an independent survival predictor in cox-regression multivariate analysis. Further, methylation changes at CD155 specific CpG sites were consistent with CD155 membranous mRNA isoform expression status. Statistical analyses also showed a significant association with immune Natural Killer cell infiltrate when looking at the CpG7, CpG8, CpG9 and CpG11 sites. CONCLUSION Altogether, our results contribute to a better understanding of the impact of CD155 immune checkpoint modality expression in breast tumors, revealing for the first time that specific CpG sites from CD155 promoter may be a potential biomarker in breast cancer monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Triki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax, University of Sfax, B.P 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ken Declerck
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Integrated Personalizedand Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Slim Charfi
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Wala Ben Kridis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Kais Chaabane
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Hédi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sawssan Ben Halima
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Hédi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Tahya Sellami
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Rebai
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax, University of Sfax, B.P 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Integrated Personalizedand Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Boutheina Cherif
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax, University of Sfax, B.P 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia.
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