1
|
Yang R, Han Y, Yi W, Long Q. Autoantibodies as biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1035402. [PMID: 36451832 PMCID: PMC9701846 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1035402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and is a substantial public health problem. Screening for breast cancer mainly relies on mammography, which leads to false positives and missed diagnoses and is especially non-sensitive for patients with small tumors and dense breasts. The prognosis of breast cancer is mainly classified by tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging, but this method does not consider the molecular characteristics of the tumor. As the product of the immune response to tumor-associated antigens, autoantibodies can be detected in peripheral blood and can be used as noninvasive, presymptomatic, and low-cost biomarkers. Therefore, autoantibodies can provide a possible supplementary method for breast cancer screening and prognosis classification. This article introduces the methods used to detect peripheral blood autoantibodies and the research progress in the screening and prognosis of breast cancer made in recent years to provide a potential direction for the examination and treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qian Long
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Monroy-Iglesias MJ, Crescioli S, Beckmann K, Le N, Karagiannis SN, Van Hemelrijck M, Santaolalla A. Antibodies as biomarkers for cancer risk: a systematic review. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 209:46-63. [PMID: 35380164 PMCID: PMC9307228 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has linked the humoral immune response with the development of various cancers. Therefore, there is growing interest in investigating the predictive value of antibodies to assess overall and tissue site-specific cancer risk. Given the large amount of antibody types and the broad scope of the search (i.e. cancer risk), the primary aim of this systematic review was to present an overview of the most researched antibodies (i.e. immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes (IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE), tumour and self-antigen-reactive antibodies, infection-related antibodies) in relation to overall and site-specific cancer risk. We identified various antibody types that have been associated with the risk of cancer. While no significant associations were found for IgM serum levels, studies found an inconsistent association among IgE, IgA, and IgG serum levels in relation to cancer risk. When evaluating antibodies against infectious agents, most studies reported a positive link with specific cancers known to be associated with the specific agent recognized by serum antibodies (i.e. helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer, hepatitis B virus and hepatocellular carcinoma, and human papillomavirus and cervical cancer). Several reports identified autoantibodies, as single biomarkers (e.g. anti-p53, anti-MUC1, and anti-CA125) but especially in panels of multiple autoantibodies, to have potential as diagnostic biomarkers for specific cancer types. Overall, there is emerging evidence associating certain antibodies to cancer risk, especially immunoglobulin isotypes, tumour-associated antigen-specific, and self-reactive antibodies. Further experimental studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of specific antibodies as markers for the early diagnosis of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kerri Beckmann
- Higher Degree by Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health Research Group, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SE, Australia
| | - Nga Le
- Higher Degree by Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sophia N Karagiannis
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Mieke Van Hemelrijck
- Translational Oncology and Urology Research (TOUR), Centre for Cancer, Society, and Public Health, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Aida Santaolalla
- Correspondence: Aida Santaolalla, Translational Oncology and Urology Research (TOUR), Centre for Cancer, Society, and Public Health, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yi H, Li Y, Tan Y, Fu S, Tang F, Deng X. Immune Checkpoint Inhibition for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Current Landscape and Future Perspectives. Front Oncol 2021; 11:648139. [PMID: 34094935 PMCID: PMC8170306 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.648139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the lack of clinically significant levels of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Owing to the aggressive nature and the emergence of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, patients with TNBC have a worse prognosis than other subtypes of breast cancer. Currently, immunotherapy using checkpoint blockade has been shown to produce unprecedented rates of long-lasting responses in patients with a variety of cancers. Although breast tumors, in general, are not highly immunogenic, TNBC has a higher level of lymphocyte infiltration, suggesting that TNBC patients may be more responsive to immunotherapy. The identification/characterization of immune checkpoint molecules, i.e., programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), represents a major advancement in the field of cancer immunotherapy. These molecules function to suppress signals downstream of T cell receptor (TCR) activation, leading to elimination of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and suppression of anti-tumor immunity. For TNBC, which has not seen substantial advances in clinical management for decades, immune checkpoint inhibition offers the opportunity of durable response and potential long-term benefit. In clinical investigations, immune checkpoint inhibition has yielded promising results in patients with early-stage as well as advanced TNBC. This review summarizes the recent development of immune checkpoint inhibition in TNBC, focusing on humanized antibodies targeting the PD1/PDL1 and the CTLA4 pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Yi
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Changsha, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shujun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Faqing Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Changsha, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiyun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rauf F, Anderson KS, LaBaer J. Autoantibodies in Early Detection of Breast Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020; 29:2475-2485. [PMID: 32994341 PMCID: PMC7710604 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-20-0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In spite of the progress made in treatment and early diagnosis, breast cancer remains a major public health issue worldwide. Although modern image-based screening modalities have significantly improved early diagnosis, around 15% to 20% of breast cancers still go undetected. In underdeveloped countries, lack of resources and cost concerns prevent implementing mammography for routine screening. Noninvasive, low-cost, blood-based markers for early breast cancer diagnosis would be an invaluable alternative that would complement mammography screening. Tumor-specific autoantibodies are excellent biosensors that could be exploited to monitor disease-specific changes years before disease onset. Although clinically informative autoantibody markers for early breast cancer screening have yet to emerge, progress has been made in the development of tools to discover and validate promising autoantibody signatures. This review focuses on the current progress toward the development of autoantibody-based early screening markers for breast cancer.See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, "NCI Early Detection Research Network: Making Cancer Detection Possible."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Femina Rauf
- Virginia G. Piper Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Karen S Anderson
- Virginia G. Piper Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Joshua LaBaer
- Virginia G. Piper Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xia J, Shi J, Wang P, Song C, Wang K, Zhang J, Ye H. Tumour-Associated Autoantibodies as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Scand J Immunol 2016; 83:393-408. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.12430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Xia
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
| | - J. Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
| | - P. Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
| | - C. Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
| | - K. Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
| | - J. Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
- Henan Province Academy of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
| | - H. Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology; College of Public Health; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fremd C, Stefanovic S, Beckhove P, Pritsch M, Lim H, Wallwiener M, Heil J, Golatta M, Rom J, Sohn C, Schneeweiss A, Schuetz F, Domschke C. Mucin 1-specific B cell immune responses and their impact on overall survival in breast cancer patients. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1057387. [PMID: 26942066 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1057387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the diverse functions of B cells, responses to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) have been thought to be the main source of B cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Polymorphic epithelial mucin (MUC1) is considered one of the most specific TAA in patients with breast cancer. The present study aims to dissect the level and subclasses of naturally occurring anti-MUC1 antibodies in regard to tumor biologic parameters, clinical characteristics and overall survival. In 288 primary, non-metastatic breast cancer patients, pretreatment serum levels of anti-MUC1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and its subclasses G1-4 as well as immunoglobulin M (IgM) were analyzed via ELISA. With respect to overall survival (Kaplan-Meier analysis), tumor biologic parameters as hormone receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2), Ki-67 expression and tumor grading have been correlated as well as clinical characteristics as nodal involvement, tumor stage and patients' age at the time of diagnosis. Median follow-up time was 148 mo (IQR: 73.1-158.5 mo). A significant increase in IgG antibody titers was correlated highly significantly with an improved overall survival of patients. In multivariate analysis, total IgG proved to be an independent prognostic marker for overall survival (p = 0.002). IgG subclass analysis did not reveal any correlation of IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 levels with overall survival, while increased immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) values, although statistically not significant, tended to correlate with prolonged patient survival. MUC1-specific IgM antibodies were shown not to be predictive of overall survival. Altogether, humoral immune responses appear to play a crucial part in the tumor immunity of breast cancer patients. The present data confirms the positive impact of tumor-specific IgG on prolonged overall survival in breast cancer patients. MUC1-antibody testing might be a useful tool to identify high-risk patients who may need adjuvant therapy and potentially might benefit from MUC1-directed immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Fremd
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Stefanovic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Beckhove
- Division of Translational Immunology; Tumor Immunology Program; German Cancer Research Center ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Pritsch
- Division of Translational Immunology; Tumor Immunology Program; German Cancer Research Center ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hendry Lim
- Division of Translational Immunology; Tumor Immunology Program; German Cancer Research Center ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Wallwiener
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joerg Heil
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Golatta
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Rom
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christof Sohn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schneeweiss
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Schuetz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Domschke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital ; Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kieber-Emmons T, Saha S, Pashov A, Monzavi-Karbassi B, Murali R. Carbohydrate-mimetic peptides for pan anti-tumor responses. Front Immunol 2014; 5:308. [PMID: 25071769 PMCID: PMC4075079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mimicry is fundamental to biology and transcends to many disciplines ranging from immune pathology to drug design. Structural characterization of molecular partners has provided insight into the origins and relative importance of complementarity in mimicry. Chemical complementarity is easy to understand; amino acid sequence similarity between peptides, for example, can lead to cross-reactivity triggering similar reactivity from their cognate receptors. However, conformational complementarity is difficult to decipher. Molecular mimicry of carbohydrates by peptides is often considered one of those. Extensive studies of innate and adaptive immune responses suggests the existence of carbohydrate mimicry, but the structural basis for this mimicry yields confounding details; peptides mimicking carbohydrates in some cases fail to exhibit both chemical and conformational mimicry. Deconvolution of these two types of complementarity in mimicry and its relationship to biological function can nevertheless lead to new therapeutics. Here, we discuss our experience examining the immunological aspects and implications of carbohydrate-peptide mimicry. Emphasis is placed on the rationale, the lessons learned from the methodologies to identify mimics, a perspective on the limitations of structural analysis, the biological consequences of mimicking tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens, and the notion of reverse engineering to develop carbohydrate-mimetic peptides in vaccine design strategies to induce responses to glycan antigens expressed on cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kieber-Emmons
- Department of Pathology and Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Somdutta Saha
- Department of Pathology and Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Anastas Pashov
- Stephan Angelov Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Behjatolah Monzavi-Karbassi
- Department of Pathology and Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Ramachandran Murali
- Research Division of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Monzavi-Karbassi B, Pashov A, Kieber-Emmons T. Tumor-Associated Glycans and Immune Surveillance. Vaccines (Basel) 2013; 1:174-203. [PMID: 26343966 PMCID: PMC4515579 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines1020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in cell surface glycosylation are a hallmark of the transition from normal to inflamed and neoplastic tissue. Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) challenge our understanding of immune tolerance, while functioning as immune targets that bridge innate immune surveillance and adaptive antitumor immunity in clinical applications. T-cells, being a part of the adaptive immune response, are the most popular component of the immune system considered for targeting tumor cells. However, for TACAs, T-cells take a back seat to antibodies and natural killer cells as first-line innate defense mechanisms. Here, we briefly highlight the rationale associated with the relative importance of the immune surveillance machinery that might be applicable for developing therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behjatolah Monzavi-Karbassi
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Anastas Pashov
- Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, BAS, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Thomas Kieber-Emmons
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zagouri F, Chrysikos DT, Sergentanis TN, Giannakopoulou G, Zografos CG, Papadimitriou CA, Zografos GC. Prophylactic Mastectomy: An Appraisal. Am Surg 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481307900233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The main indication of prophylactic mastectomy pertains to BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers. Prophylactic mastectomy includes the simple method and the subcutaneous method. Both methods can be followed by breast plastic reconstruction either at the same time or later. This review examines key issues regarding prophylactic mastectomy: the selection of patients, its effectiveness, its limitations, convergence/divergence in existing guidelines, and future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flora Zagouri
- From the Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis T. Chrysikos
- From the Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros N. Sergentanis
- From the Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Giannakopoulou
- From the Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantine G. Zografos
- From the Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos A. Papadimitriou
- From the Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George C. Zografos
- From the Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
|
11
|
Luborsky JL, Yu Y, Edassery SL, Jaffar J, Yip YY, Liu P, Hellstrom KE, Hellstrom I. Autoantibodies to mesothelin in infertility. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011; 20:1970-8. [PMID: 21846819 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-11-0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to extensive epidemiologic data, infertility is associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. Previous studies showed that both women with infertility and those with ovarian cancer have autoantibodies to ovarian antigens. The objective was to determine if women with infertility have antibodies to mesothelin, a well-characterized ovarian cancer antigen. METHODS Sera were obtained from women with infertility (n = 109), ovarian cancer (n = 28), benign ovarian tumors or cysts (n = 24), and from healthy women (n = 152). Infertility included those with a risk for ovarian cancer; endometriosis (n = 23), ovulatory dysfunction (n = 17), premature ovarian failure (POF; n = 25) and unexplained infertility (n = 44). Sera were assayed for mesothelin antibodies and for circulating mesothelin antigen by immunoassay and compared with assay control sera (n = 16) to determine a positive result. RESULTS Mesothelin antibodies were significantly more frequent in women with prematurely reduced ovarian function including ovulatory dysfunction (59%), ovarian failure (44%) and unexplained infertility (25%) compared with controls. In contrast, women with endometriosis, who also have a high risk for ovarian cancer, did not have mesothelin antibodies. Serum levels of mesothelin were rarely elevated in women with infertility but were high in most patients with ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPACT We show for the first time that antibodies to mesothelin, a well-characterized ovarian cancer antigen, occur in some women with epidemiologic risk for ovarian cancer. The results suggest it may be possible to identify which women with infertility have ovarian cancer risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith L Luborsky
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
von Mensdorff-Pouilly S, Moreno M, Verheijen RHM. Natural and Induced Humoral Responses to MUC1. Cancers (Basel) 2011; 3:3073-103. [PMID: 24212946 PMCID: PMC3759187 DOI: 10.3390/cancers3033073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MUC1 is a membrane-tethered mucin expressed on the ductal cell surface of glandular epithelial cells. Loss of polarization, overexpression and aberrant glycosylation of MUC1 in mucosal inflammation and in adenocarcinomas induces humoral immune responses to the mucin. MUC1 IgG responses have been associated with a benefit in survival in patients with breast, lung, pancreatic, ovarian and gastric carcinomas. Antibodies bound to the mucin may curb tumor progression by restoring cell-cell interactions altered by tumor-associated MUC1, thus preventing metastatic dissemination, as well as counteracting the immune suppression exerted by the molecule. Furthermore, anti-MUC1 antibodies are capable of effecting tumor cell killing by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Although cytotoxic T cells are indispensable to achieve anti-tumor responses in advanced disease, abs to tumor-associated antigens are ideally suited to address minimal residual disease and may be sufficient to exert adequate immune surveillance in an adjuvant setting, destroying tumor cells as they arise or maintaining occult disease in an equilibrium state. Initial evaluation of MUC1 peptide/glycopeptide mono and polyvalent vaccines has shown them to be immunogenic and safe; anti-tumor responses are scarce. Progress in carbohydrate synthesis has yielded a number of sophisticated substrates that include MUC1 glycopeptide epitopes that are at present in preclinical testing. Adjuvant vaccination with MUC1 glycopeptide polyvalent vaccines that induce strong humoral responses may prevent recurrence of disease in patients with early stage carcinomas. Furthermore, prophylactic immunotherapy targeting MUC1 may be a strategy to strengthen immune surveillance and prevent disease in subjects at hereditary high risk of breast, ovarian and colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia von Mensdorff-Pouilly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +3170-325-9603; Fax: +3120-444-3114
| | - Maria Moreno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
| | - René H. M. Verheijen
- Department of Woman & Baby, Division of Surgical & Oncological Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht 3508 GA, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Autoantibodies to aberrantly glycosylated MUC1 in early stage breast cancer are associated with a better prognosis. Breast Cancer Res 2011; 13:R25. [PMID: 21385452 PMCID: PMC3219186 DOI: 10.1186/bcr2841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Detection of serum biomarkers for early diagnosis of breast cancer remains an important goal. Changes in the structure of O-linked glycans occur in all breast cancers resulting in the expression of glycoproteins that are antigenically distinct. Indeed, the serum assay widely used for monitoring disease progression in breast cancer (CA15.3), detects a glycoprotein (MUC1), but elevated levels of the antigen cannot be detected in early stage patients. However, since the immune system acts to amplify the antigenic signal, antibodies can be detected in sera long before the antigen. We have exploited the change in O-glycosylation to measure autoantibody responses to cancer-associated glycoforms of MUC1 in sera from early stage breast cancer patients. Methods We used a microarray platform of 60mer MUC1 glycopeptides, to confirm the presence of autoantibodies to cancer associated glycoforms of MUC1 in a proportion of early breast cancer patients (54/198). Five positive sera were selected for detailed definition of the reactive epitopes using on chip glycosylation technology and a panel of glycopeptides based on a single MUC1 tandem repeat carrying specific glycans at specific sites. Based on these results, larger amounts of an extended repertoire of defined MUC1 glycopeptides were synthesised, printed on microarrays, and screened with sera from a large cohort of breast cancer patients (n = 395), patients with benign breast disease (n = 108) and healthy controls (n = 99). All sera were collected in the 1970s and 1980s and complete clinical follow-up of breast cancer patients is available. Results The presence and level of autoantibodies was significantly higher in the sera from cancer patients compared with the controls, and a highly significant correlation with age was observed. High levels of a subset of autoantibodies to the core3MUC1 (GlcNAcβ1-3GalNAc-MUC1) and STnMUC1 (NeuAcα2,6GalNAc-MUC1) glycoforms were significantly associated with reduced incidence and increased time to metastasis. Conclusions Autoantibodies to specific cancer associated glycoforms of MUC1 are found more frequently and at higher levels in early stage breast cancer patients than in women with benign breast disease or healthy women. Association of strong antibody response with reduced rate and delay in metastases suggests that autoantibodies can affect disease progression.
Collapse
|
14
|
Prognostic and diagnostic value of spontaneous tumor-related antibodies. Clin Dev Immunol 2010; 2010:721531. [PMID: 21234352 PMCID: PMC3017959 DOI: 10.1155/2010/721531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for earlier diagnosis of malignancies and more stringent monitoring of relapses after antitumor therapy. In addition, new prognostic markers are needed for risk stratification and design of individualized cancer therapies. New diagnostic and prognostic parameters should overcome the impairments of current standards in a cost-effective manner. Serological approaches measuring spontaneous antibody responses against tumor-associated antigens could be of use as diagnostic and prognostic markers and could also be employed to evaluate response to therapy in cancer patients. Autoantibodies have been suggested to be of frequent and specific occurrence in patients with malignancies and to correlate with clinical parameters. Screening the relevant literature on this topic, we suggest that the analysis of single antibody specificities is unlikely to provide sufficient diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. The combined analysis of autoantibodies targeting different antigens, however, may reach high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, screening cancer patients for autoantibodies might identify subgroups with high relapse risk and a worse prognosis. Larger prospective trials should be initiated to identify sets of tumor-associated autoantibodies suited for the use in diagnostic algorithms for cancer detection and followup.
Collapse
|
15
|
Pinheiro SP, Hankinson SE, Tworoger SS, Rosner BA, McKolanis JR, Finn OJ, Cramer DW. Anti-MUC1 antibodies and ovarian cancer risk: prospective data from the Nurses' Health Studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010; 19:1595-601. [PMID: 20501761 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-10-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The surface epithelial glycoprotein MUC1 becomes overexpressed and hypoglycosylated in adenocarcinomas; similar changes occur during nonmalignant inflammatory events. Antibodies developed against tumor-like MUC1 in response to such events could be one way through which ovarian cancer risk factors operate. METHODS We evaluated the association between anti-MUC1 antibodies and risk of ovarian cancer in a prospective nested case-control study in the Nurses' Health Studies. We used an ELISA to measure plasma anti-MUC1 antibodies in 117 ovarian cancer cases collected at least 3 years before diagnosis and 339 matched controls. RESULTS In controls, younger women (P-trend = 0.03), those with a tubal ligation (P = 0.03), and those with fewer ovulatory cycles (P-trend = 0.04) had higher antibody levels. In cases, women with late-stage disease (P = 0.04) and those whose specimen was >11 years remote from diagnosis (P = 0.01) had higher antibody levels. Overall, increasing anti-MUC1 antibody levels were associated with a nonsignificant trend for lower risk for ovarian cancer, but there was highly significant heterogeneity by age (P-heterogeneity = 0.005). In women <64 years, the antibody level in quartiles 2 to 4 versus quartile 1 were associated with reduced risk (relative risk = 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.93; P-trend = 0.03), whereas in women > or = 64 years, the corresponding relative risk was 2.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.73-6.04); P-trend = 0.05). CONCLUSION Anti-MUC1 antibodies evaluated several years before diagnosis may be associated with lower risk of subsequent ovarian cancer in women <64 years old at assessment. IMPACT Key elements of an "immune model" to explain ovarian cancer risk factors are confirmed and should be evaluated in larger prospective studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone P Pinheiro
- Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lu H, Goodell V, Disis ML. Humoral immunity directed against tumor-associated antigens as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cancer. J Proteome Res 2008; 7:1388-94. [PMID: 18311901 DOI: 10.1021/pr700818f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, it has been demonstrated that cancer is immunogenic, and multiple tumor antigens have been identified in cancer patients. It is now possible to potentially harness the immune response elicited by cancer growth as a potential diagnostic tool. Humoral immunity, or the development of autoantibodies against tumor-associated proteins, may be used as a marker for cancer exposure. Unlike circulating proteins that are shed by bulky tumors, serum autoantibodies are detectable even when antigen expression is minimal. This paper will review the methods used for tumor antigen discovery and overview what is known about autoantibodies targeting common cancer antigens with a focus on breast cancer. Data will be presented modeling the use of tumor antigen associated autoantibodies as a breast cancer diagnostic. The endogenous humoral immune response present in cancer patients may allow the identification of individuals exposed to the malignant transformation of somatic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Lu
- Tumor Vaccine Group, Center for Translational Medicine in Women's Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tjalsma H, Schaeps RMJ, Swinkels DW. Immunoproteomics: From biomarker discovery to diagnostic applications. Proteomics Clin Appl 2008; 2:167-80. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.200780012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|