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Medda A, Compagnoni M, Spini G, Citro S, Croci O, Campaner S, Tagliabue M, Ansarin M, Chiocca S. c-MYC-dependent transcriptional inhibition of autophagy is implicated in cisplatin sensitivity in HPV-positive head and neck cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:719. [PMID: 37925449 PMCID: PMC10625625 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06248-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is important for the removal, degradation and recycling of damaged organelles, proteins, and lipids through the degradative action of lysosomes. In addition to its catabolic function, autophagy is important in cancer and viral-mediated tumorigenesis, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV) positive cancers. HPV infection is a major risk factor in a subset of head and neck cancer (HNC), for which no targeted therapies are currently available. Herein, we assessed autophagy function in HPV-positive HNC. We showed that HPV-positive HNC cells presented a transcriptional and functional impairment of the autophagic process compared to HPV-negative cells, which were reactivated by knocking down HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins, the drivers of cellular transformation. We found that the oncoprotein c-MYC was stabilized and triggered in HPV-positive cell lines. This resulted in the reduced binding of the MiT/TFE transcription factors to their autophagy targets due to c-MYC competition. Thus, the knock-down of c-MYC induced the upregulation of autophagic and lysosomal genes in HPV-positive HNC cells, as well as the increase of autophagic markers at the protein level. Moreover, HPV oncoprotein E7 upregulated the expression of the phosphatase inhibitor CIP2A, accounting for c-MYC upregulation and stability in HPV+ HNC cells. CIP2A mRNA expression negatively correlated with autophagy gene expression in tumor tissues from HNC patients, showing, for the first time, its implication in a transcriptional autophagic context. Both CIP2A and c-MYC knock-down, as well as pharmacological downregulation of c-MYC, resulted in increased resistance to cisplatin treatment. Our results not only show a novel way by which HPV oncoproteins manipulate the host machinery but also provide more insights into the role of autophagy in chemoresistance, with possible implications for targeted HPV-positive HNC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Medda
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Micaela Compagnoni
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Spini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Citro
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Ottavio Croci
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT, CGS@SEMM (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia at European School of Molecular Medicine), Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Campaner
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT, CGS@SEMM (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia at European School of Molecular Medicine), Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Tagliabue
- Division of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mohssen Ansarin
- Division of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Chiocca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
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Liu Q, Huang J, Yan W, Liu Z, Liu S, Fang W. FGFR families: biological functions and therapeutic interventions in tumors. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e367. [PMID: 37750089 PMCID: PMC10518040 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.367] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There are five fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), namely, FGFR1-FGFR5. When FGFR binds to its ligand, namely, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), it dimerizes and autophosphorylates, thereby activating several key downstream pathways that play an important role in normal physiology, such as the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, phospholipase C gamma/diacylglycerol/protein kinase c, and signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. Furthermore, as an oncogene, FGFR genetic alterations were found in 7.1% of tumors, and these alterations include gene amplification, gene mutations, gene fusions or rearrangements. Therefore, FGFR amplification, mutations, rearrangements, or fusions are considered as potential biomarkers of FGFR therapeutic response for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, it is worth noting that with increased use, resistance to TKIs inevitably develops, such as the well-known gatekeeper mutations. Thus, overcoming the development of drug resistance becomes a serious problem. This review mainly outlines the FGFR family functions, related pathways, and therapeutic agents in tumors with the aim of obtaining better outcomes for cancer patients with FGFR changes. The information provided in this review may provide additional therapeutic ideas for tumor patients with FGFR abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Jiyu Huang
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Weiwei Yan
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Zhen Liu
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and DegradationBasic School of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Breast SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangGuizhouChina
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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Wang Q, Xiong F, Wu G, Wang D, Liu W, Chen J, Qi Y, Wang B, Chen Y. SMAD Proteins in TGF-β Signalling Pathway in Cancer: Regulatory Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2769. [PMID: 37685308 PMCID: PMC10487229 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Suppressor of mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD) family proteins are central to one of the most versatile cytokine signalling pathways in metazoan biology, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. The TGF-β pathway is widely known for its dual role in cancer progression as both an inhibitor of tumour cell growth and an inducer of tumour metastasis. This is mainly mediated through SMAD proteins and their cofactors or regulators. SMAD proteins act as transcription factors, regulating the transcription of a wide range of genes, and their rich post-translational modifications are influenced by a variety of regulators and cofactors. The complex role, mechanisms, and important functions of SMAD proteins in tumours are the hot topics in current oncology research. In this paper, we summarize the recent progress on the effects and mechanisms of SMAD proteins on tumour development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and provide clues for subsequent research on SMAD proteins in tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Guanhua Wu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Wenzheng Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Junsheng Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Yongqiang Qi
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China;
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
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Gastric cancer derived mesenchymal stem cells promoted DNA repair and cisplatin resistance through up-regulating PD-L1/Rad51 in gastric cancer. Cell Signal 2023; 106:110639. [PMID: 36842523 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance in advanced gastric cancer (GC) patients has largely limited the effectiveness of therapy, resulting in disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Gastric cancer derived mesenchymal stem cells (GCMSC) are widely believed to promote GC invasion, metastasis and immune escape via up-regulating programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). However, the mechanism by which PD-L1 mediated by GCMSC might regulate the chemoresistance is unknown in GC. Herein, higher half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) and less apoptotic rate were observed in GCMSC conditioned medium (GCMSC-CM) treated GC cells exposed to cisplatin (DDP), along with high expression of multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1) and DNA repair related genes such as Rad51. The knockdown of PD-L1 reversed the increase of Rad51 mediated by GCMSC-CM, resulting in the increased sensitivity of GC cells to DDP. In addition, inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) regulated the expression of PD-L1 and Rad51, revealing the important role of HSP90 in GCMSC-CM mediated DDP resistance. Consistent with the observations in vitro, analysis of patient samples and xenograft models further confirmed that reduction of PD-L1 or HSP90 weakened DDP tolerance mediated by GCMSC-CM, along with decrease of Rad51 and MDR1. In conclusion, we demonstrated that GCMSC-CM enhanced DDP resistance in GC cells through regulating PD-L1-Rad51. It is the first to report this particular mechanism of DDP resistance induced by GCMSC in GC, suggesting a potential therapeutic targets for DDP resistant GC cells.
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Song J, Wu J, Ding J, Liang Y, Chen C, Liu Y. The effect of SMAD4 on the prognosis and immune response in hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1139203. [PMID: 37035326 PMCID: PMC10076535 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1139203] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives In malignant tumors, elevated infiltration of intratumoral CD8+ cytotoxic T cells predicts a beneficial prognosis, whereas high levels of CD15+ neutrophils in peritumor tissues indicate poor prognosis. It is unclear how SMAD4, which promotes favorable clinical outcomes and antitumor immunoregulation, along with CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD15+ neutrophils exert an influence on hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC). Materials and methods Specimens were collected from 97 patients with HPC. Immunohistological analyses of SMAD4, CD8+ cytotoxic T cell and CD15+ neutrophil expression were performed. SMAD4 nuclear intensity was measured, meanwhile, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD15+ neutrophils were counted under a microscope. The prognostic role of SMAD4 was determined using the log-rank test and univariate and multivariate analyses. The relationship among SMAD4, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and CD15+ neutrophils was estimated by Mann-Whitney U test. Results High levels of SMAD4 were associated with favorable overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in HPC. Multivariate analysis suggested that SMAD4 is an independent predictor of OS and DFS. A high density of intratumoral CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and low accumulation of CD15+ neutrophils in the peritumor area were associated with longer OS and DFS. Furthermore, SMAD4 was linked to the levels of intratumoral CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and peritumoral CD15+ neutrophils. Patients with high SMAD4/high intratumoral CD8+ cytotoxic T cells or high SMAD4/low peritumoral CD15+ neutrophils showed the best prognosis. Conclusion SMAD4, CD8+ cytotoxic T cell level, and CD15+ neutrophil level have prognostic value in HPC. SMAD4 is a promising prognostic marker reflecting immune response in HPC.
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Liu J, Jin J, Liang T, Feng XH. To Ub or not to Ub: a regulatory question in TGF-β signaling. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:1059-1072. [PMID: 35810076 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily controls a wide spectrum of biological processes in metazoans, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, cell-fate determination, and embryonic development. Deregulation of TGF-β-Smad signaling contributes to developmental anomalies and a variety of disorders and diseases such as tumorigenesis, fibrotic disorders, and immune diseases. In cancer, TGF-β has dual effects through its antiproliferative and prometastatic actions. At the cellular level, TGF-β functions mainly through the canonical Smad-dependent pathway in a cell type-specific and context-dependent manner. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that ubiquitination plays a vital role in regulating TGF-β-Smad signaling. We summarize current progress on ubiquitination (Ub) and the ubiquitin ligases that regulate TGF-β-Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinquan Liu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jianping Jin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.
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Sabatini ME, Compagnoni M, Maffini F, Miccolo C, Pagni F, Lombardi M, Brambilla V, Lepanto D, Tagliabue M, Ansarin M, Citro S, Chiocca S. The UBC9/SUMO pathway affects E-cadherin cleavage in HPV-positive head and neck cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:940449. [PMID: 36032664 PMCID: PMC9411811 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.940449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional loss of E-cadherin is frequent during tumor progression and occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including proteolytic cleavage. E-cadherin downregulation leads to the conversion of a more malignant phenotype promoting Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The UBC9/SUMO pathway has been also shown to be involved in the regulation of EMT in different cancers. Here we found an increased expression of UBC9 in the progression of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) and uncovered a role for UBC9/SUMO in hampering the HPV-mediated E-cadherin cleavage in HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Sabatini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
| | - Micaela Compagnoni
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
| | - Fausto Maffini
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Miccolo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mariano Lombardi
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Brambilla
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Daniela Lepanto
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Tagliabue
- Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mohssen Ansarin
- Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Citro
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Citro, ; Susanna Chiocca,
| | - Susanna Chiocca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Citro, ; Susanna Chiocca,
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Gene Expression of the D-Series Resolvin Pathway Predicts Activation of Anti-Tumor Immunity and Clinical Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126473. [PMID: 35742918 PMCID: PMC9223893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In human medicine, the progression from early neoplasia development to either complete resolution of tumorigenesis and associated inflammation or chronicity and fatal outcomes remain difficult to predict. Resolution of inflammation is an active process that stimulates the termination of the inflammatory response and promotes return to homeostasis, while failure in resolution contributes to the development of a number of diseases. To understand how resolution pathways contribute to tumorigenesis, we defined and employed a cumulative score based on the expression level of genes involved in synthesis, signaling, and metabolism of the D-series resolvin (RvD). This score was used for comparative analyses of clinical, cellular, and molecular features of tumors, based on RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets collected within The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program. Our results indicate that higher RvD scores are associated with better clinical outcome of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), and with molecular and cellular signatures indicative of enhanced anti-tumor immunity and better response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), also in human papilloma virus (HPV) negative HNSC subtypes. Thus, higher activity of the RvD pathway identifies patients with improved resolution and a more efficient immune reaction against cancer.
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