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Salisbury NJH, Amonkar S, Vinueza JL, Carter JJ, Roman A, Galloway DA. Polyomavirus ALTOs, but not MTs, downregulate viral early gene expression by activating the NF-κB pathway. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595774. [PMID: 38826197 PMCID: PMC11142227 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Polyomaviruses are small, circular dsDNA viruses that can cause cancer. Alternative splicing of polyomavirus early transcripts generates large and small tumor antigens (LT, ST) that play essential roles in viral replication and tumorigenesis. Some polyomaviruses also express middle tumor antigens (MTs) or A lternate LT O RFs (ALTOs), which are evolutionarily related but have distinct gene structures. MTs are a splice variant of the early transcript whereas ALTOs are overprinted on the second exon of the LT transcript in an alternate reading frame and are translated via an alternative start codon. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), the only human polyomavirus that causes cancer, encodes an ALTO but its role in the viral lifecycle and tumorigenesis has remained elusive. Here, we show MCPyV ALTO acts as a tumor suppressor and is silenced in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Rescuing ALTO in MCC cells induces growth arrest and activates NF-κB signaling. ALTO activates NF-κB by binding SQSTM1 and TRAF2&3 via two N - T erminal A ctivating R egions (NTAR1+2), resembling Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1).. Following activation, NF-κB dimers bind the MCPyV non-coding control region (NCCR) and downregulate early transcription. Beyond MCPyV, NTAR motifs are conserved in other polyomavirus ALTOs, which activate NF-κB signaling, but are lacking in MTs that do not. Furthermore, polyomavirus ALTOs downregulate their respective viral early transcription in an NF-κB and NTAR dependent manner. Our findings suggest that ALTOs evolved to suppress viral replication and promote viral latency and that MCPyV ALTO must be silenced for MCC to develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. H. Salisbury
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109 USA
| | - Supriya Amonkar
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109 USA
| | - Joselyn Landazuri Vinueza
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109 USA
- University of Washington, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Joseph J. Carter
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109 USA
| | - Ann Roman
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109 USA
- University of Washington, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Denise A. Galloway
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109 USA
- University of Washington, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
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2
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Pociupany M, Snoeck R, Dierickx D, Andrei G. Treatment of Epstein-Barr Virus infection in immunocompromised patients. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116270. [PMID: 38734316 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116270] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), is a ubiquitous γ-Herpesvirus that infects over 95% of the human population and can establish a life-long infection without causing any clinical symptoms in healthy individuals by residing in memory B-cells. Primary infection occurs in childhood and is mostly asymptomatic, however in some young adults it can result in infectious mononucleosis (IM). In immunocompromised individuals however, EBV infection has been associated with many different malignancies. Since EBV can infect both epithelial and B-cells and very rarely NK cells and T-cells, it is associated with both epithelial cancers like nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and gastric carcinoma (GC), with lymphomas including Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) or Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) and rarely with NK/T-cell lymphomas. Currently there are no approved antivirals active in PTLD nor in any other malignancy. Moreover, lytic phase disease almost never requires antiviral treatment. Although many novel therapies against EBV have been described, the management and/or prevention of EBV primary infections or reactivations remains difficult. In this review, we discuss EBV infection, therapies targeting EBV in both lytic and latent state with novel therapeutics developed that show anti-EBV activity as well as EBV-associated malignancies both, epithelial and lymphoproliferative malignancies and emerging therapies targeting the EBV-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Pociupany
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daan Dierickx
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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3
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Salnikov MY, MacNeil KM, Mymryk JS. The viral etiology of EBV-associated gastric cancers contributes to their unique pathology, clinical outcomes, treatment responses and immune landscape. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1358511. [PMID: 38596668 PMCID: PMC11002251 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1358511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a pathogen known to cause a number of malignancies, often taking years for them to develop after primary infection. EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is one such malignancy, and is an immunologically, molecularly and pathologically distinct entity from EBV-negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC). In comparison with EBVnGCs, EBVaGCs overexpress a number of immune regulatory genes to help form an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), have improved prognosis, and overall have an "immune-hot" phenotype. This review provides an overview of the histopathology, clinical features and clinical outcomes of EBVaGCs. We also summarize the differences between the TMEs of EBVaGCs and EBVnGCs, which includes significant differences in cell composition and immune infiltration. A list of available EBVaGC and EBVnGC gene expression datasets and computational tools are also provided within this review. Finally, an overview is provided of the various chemo- and immuno-therapeutics available in treating gastric cancers (GCs), with a focus on EBVaGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Y. Salnikov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Katelyn M. MacNeil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Joe S. Mymryk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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4
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Quek ZBR, Ng SH. Hybrid-Capture Target Enrichment in Human Pathogens: Identification, Evolution, Biosurveillance, and Genomic Epidemiology. Pathogens 2024; 13:275. [PMID: 38668230 PMCID: PMC11054155 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040275] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionised the field of pathogen genomics, enabling the direct recovery of pathogen genomes from clinical and environmental samples. However, pathogen nucleic acids are often overwhelmed by those of the host, requiring deep metagenomic sequencing to recover sufficient sequences for downstream analyses (e.g., identification and genome characterisation). To circumvent this, hybrid-capture target enrichment (HC) is able to enrich pathogen nucleic acids across multiple scales of divergences and taxa, depending on the panel used. In this review, we outline the applications of HC in human pathogens-bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses-including identification, genomic epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance genotyping, and evolution. Importantly, we explored the applicability of HC to clinical metagenomics, which ultimately requires more work before it is a reliable and accurate tool for clinical diagnosis. Relatedly, the utility of HC was exemplified by COVID-19, which was used as a case study to illustrate the maturity of HC for recovering pathogen sequences. As we unravel the origins of COVID-19, zoonoses remain more relevant than ever. Therefore, the role of HC in biosurveillance studies is also highlighted in this review, which is critical in preparing us for the next pandemic. We also found that while HC is a popular tool to study viruses, it remains underutilised in parasites and fungi and, to a lesser extent, bacteria. Finally, weevaluated the future of HC with respect to bait design in the eukaryotic groups and the prospect of combining HC with long-read HTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. B. Randolph Quek
- Defence Medical & Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore 117510, Singapore
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5
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Stanton SE, Castle PE, Finn OJ, Sei S, Emens LA. Advances and challenges in cancer immunoprevention and immune interception. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007815. [PMID: 38519057 PMCID: PMC10961508 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007815] [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: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive cancers typically evade immune surveillance through profound local and systemic immunosuppression, preventing their elimination or control. Targeting immune interventions to prevent or intercept premalignant lesions, before significant immune dysregulation has occurred, may be a more successful strategy. The field of cancer immune interception and prevention is nascent, and the scientific community has been slow to embrace this potentially most rational approach to reducing the global burden of cancer. This may change due to recent promising advances in cancer immunoprevention including the use of vaccines for the prevention of viral cancers, the use of cancer-associated antigen vaccines in the setting of precancers, and the development of cancer-preventative vaccines for high-risk individuals who are healthy but carry cancer-associated heritable genetic mutations. Furthermore, there is increasing recognition of the importance of cancer prevention and interception by national cancer organizations. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently released the National Cancer Plan, which includes cancer prevention among the top priorities of the institute. The NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention has been introducing new funding opportunities for scientists with an interest in the field of cancer prevention: The Cancer Prevention-Interception Targeted Agent Discovery Program and The Cancer Immunoprevention Network. Moreover, the Human Tumor Atlas Network is spearheading the development of a precancer atlas to better understand the biology of pre-invasive changes, including the tissue microenvironment and the underlying genetics that drive carcinogenesis. These data will inform the development of novel immunoprevention/immuno-interception strategies. International cancer foundations have also started recognizing immunoprevention and immune interception with the American Association for Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer each implementing programming focused on this area. This review will present recent advances, opportunities, and challenges in the emerging field of cancer immune prevention and immune interception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha E Stanton
- Cancer Immunoprevention Laboratory, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Philip E Castle
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shizuko Sei
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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6
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Al-Talib M, Dimonte S, Humphreys IR. Mucosal T-cell responses to chronic viral infections: Implications for vaccine design. Cell Mol Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41423-024-01140-2. [PMID: 38459243 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucosal surfaces that line the respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts are the major interfaces between the immune system and the environment. Their unique immunological landscape is characterized by the necessity of balancing tolerance to commensal microorganisms and other innocuous exposures against protection from pathogenic threats such as viruses. Numerous pathogenic viruses, including herpesviruses and retroviruses, exploit this environment to establish chronic infection. Effector and regulatory T-cell populations, including effector and resident memory T cells, play instrumental roles in mediating the transition from acute to chronic infection, where a degree of viral replication is tolerated to minimize immunopathology. Persistent antigen exposure during chronic viral infection leads to the evolution and divergence of these responses. In this review, we discuss advances in the understanding of mucosal T-cell immunity during chronic viral infections and how features of T-cell responses develop in different chronic viral infections of the mucosa. We consider how insights into T-cell immunity at mucosal surfaces could inform vaccine strategies: not only to protect hosts from chronic viral infections but also to exploit viruses that can persist within mucosal surfaces as vaccine vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Talib
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute/Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 5 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - Sandra Dimonte
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute/Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Ian R Humphreys
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute/Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
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7
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Sukmana BI, Saleh RO, Najim MA, AL-Ghamdi HS, Achmad H, Al-Hamdani MM, Taher AAY, Alsalamy A, Khaledi M, Javadi K. Oral microbiota and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a review of their relation and carcinogenic mechanisms. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1319777. [PMID: 38375155 PMCID: PMC10876296 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1319777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer worldwide. Emerging research suggests a strong association between OSCC and the oral microbiota, a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. Pathogenic bacteria, in particular Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, have been closely linked to OSCC. Moreover, certain oral fungi, such as Candida albicans, and viruses, like the human papillomavirus, have also been implicated in OSCC. Despite these findings, the precise mechanisms through which the oral microbiota influences OSCC development remain unclear and necessitate further research. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the oral microbiota and its relationship with OSCC and discusses potential carcinogenic pathways that the oral microbiota may activate or modulate are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raed Obaid Saleh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Maarif University College, Al-Anbar, Iraq
| | | | - Hasan S. AL-Ghamdi
- Internal Medicine Department, Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Harun Achmad
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia (Lecture of Pediatric Dentistry), Makassar, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Ali Alsalamy
- College of Technical Engineering, Imam Ja’afar Al‐Sadiq University, Al‐Muthanna, Iraq
| | - Mansoor Khaledi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Kasra Javadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Lalremtluangi R, Dangore-Khasbage S. Non-Habit-Related Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e54594. [PMID: 38523993 PMCID: PMC10959472 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54594] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can have a profound impact on an individual's health and well-being. Its etiology is commonly known to be habit induced, such as tobacco consumption, smoking, or alcohol abuse. Apart from these etiologies, certain factors that lead to OSCC are also present but are less frequently encountered in hospitals and clinics. However, these non-habitual factors, with their pathogenesis, can lead to OSCC, which may be confusing to certain medical practitioners. This article discusses the various non-habitual causes that can lead to OSCC, as well as their pathophysiology, molecular expression, and related indicators and prognostic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalyn Lalremtluangi
- Oral Medicine and Radiology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
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9
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Majewski M, Mertowska P, Mertowski S, Torres K, Grywalska E. How Toll-like Receptor 9 Plays a Key Role in the Development of Gastric Cancer and Is Linked to Epstein-Barr Virus Infection. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5104. [PMID: 37894471 PMCID: PMC10605881 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9) signaling and its involvement with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in gastric cancer (GC) is complex and currently under study. This research intended to understand TLR-9's role in certain T and B lymphocytes and the serum levels of TLR-9 in GC patients versus healthy subjects. The team explored links between these immune markers and various GC traits, such as histological grade, tumor progression stages, cancer types, and survival rates. Additionally, the research sought to find if EBV genetic material influences these immune reactions. Using flow cytometry, TLR-9 levels in different immune cells were analyzed. At the same time, the amount of TLR-9 in the serum was determined. The results showed GC patients had varied TLR-9 levels compared to healthy subjects, with specific cells showing noticeable changes. When grouped by GC attributes, key relationships emerged between TLR-9 amounts, the histological grade, progression stages, and cancer types. A notable finding was the connection between TLR-9 levels and EBV genetic presence, suggesting possible interactions between TLR-9 responses and EBV-related GC processes. Survival data also hinted at TLR-9's potential as a predictor linked to clinical traits. Overall, this research emphasizes TLR-9's complex role in GC's immune responses, pinpointing its interactions with particular cells, clinical features, and EBV. The study unveils a complex web affecting GC and paves the way for new treatment avenues targeting TLR-9 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Majewski
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Microsurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Paulina Mertowska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.)
| | - Sebastian Mertowski
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.)
| | - Kamil Torres
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Microsurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.)
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10
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Low YH, Loh CJL, Peh DYY, Chu AJM, Han S, Toh HC. Pathogenesis and therapeutic implications of EBV-associated epithelial cancers. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1202117. [PMID: 37901329 PMCID: PMC10600384 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1202117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the most common human viruses, has been associated with both lymphoid and epithelial cancers. Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), EBV associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) and lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) are amongst the few common epithelial cancers that EBV has been associated with. The pathogenesis of EBV-associated NPC has been well described, however, the same cannot be said for primary pulmonary LELC (PPLELC) owing to the rarity of the cancer. In this review, we outline the pathogenesis of EBV-associated NPC and EBVaGCs and their recent advances. By drawing on similarities between NPC and PPLELC, we then also postulated the pathogenesis of PPLELC. A deeper understanding about the pathogenesis of EBV enables us to postulate the pathogenesis of other EBV associated cancers such as PPLELC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hua Low
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Daniel Yang Yao Peh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Axel Jun Ming Chu
- Singapore Health Services Internal Medicine Residency Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuting Han
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Lei Y, Cao P, Zheng X, Wei J, Cheng M, Liu M. Perspectives for immunotherapy of EBV-associated GLELC: A relatively "hot" tumor microenvironment. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19838-19849. [PMID: 37732493 PMCID: PMC10587976 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (EBVaGLELC) represents a small number of gastric cancer (GC), and research on tumor microenvironment (TME) and treatment strategy are still lacking. AIMS Here, we aim to elucidate the immune features of this rare disease and further help to develop more effective treatment options. MATERIALS & METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted between 2019 to 2022 in West China Hospital to reveal the immunological characteristics of EBV-positive GLELC. The difference of immune cell subset and tumor vascular structure between gastric denocarcinoma (GAC) and EBVaGLELC will be pointed out. DISCUSSION 13 patients with GELEC and 8 patients with GAC were retrospectively studied. The heterogeneity of the immune cell profile was then confirmed through multiplexed immunofluorescence staining (mIF), which revealed a higher proportion of CD3+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and Treg cells in the EBV-associated GLELC group. Such a distinct TME may provide therapeutic advantages, and patients with this rare subtype of GC could be good candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Angiogenesis in EBV-positive GLELC may be less intense than that in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), a feature that might decrease their susceptibility to antiangiogenic therapy. Furthermore, we reported a 52-year-old male with advanced EBV-positive GLELC who showed a favorable response to the combined therapy with . A repeat evaluation showed sustained partial response (PR), and the progression-free survival (PFS) was more than 34 months until now. CONCLUSION Compared with GAC, EBVaGLELC revealed higher T cell infiltration and less intense of angiogenesis. It displays relatively "hot" TME that may provide the rationality to treat with immunotherapy in EBV-related GLELC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanna Lei
- Department of Gastric Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Peng Cao
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xiufeng Zheng
- Department of Gastric Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Gastric Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Mo Cheng
- Department of Gastric Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Gastric Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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12
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Mertowska P, Mertowski S, Smolak K, Kita G, Guz K, Kita A, Pasiarski M, Smok-Kalwat J, Góźdź S, Grywalska E. Could Immune Checkpoint Disorders and EBV Reactivation Be Connected in the Development of Hematological Malignancies in Immunodeficient Patients? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4786. [PMID: 37835480 PMCID: PMC10572023 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) and secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs) are characterized by compromised immune function, rendering individuals susceptible to infections and potentially influencing cancer development. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a widespread herpesvirus, has been linked to cancer, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. This study aims to compare selected immune parameters, focusing on immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4/CD86, CD200R/CD200), and EBV reactivation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, a representative of SIDs) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID, a representative of PIDs). We performed a correlation analysis involving patients diagnosed with CLL, CVID, and a healthy control group. EBV reactivation was assessed using specific antibody serology and viral load quantification. Peripheral blood morphology, biochemistry, and immunophenotyping were performed, with emphasis on T and B lymphocytes expressing immune checkpoints and their serum concentrations. Our findings revealed elevated EBV reactivation markers in both CLL and CVID patients compared with healthy controls, indicating increased viral activity in immunodeficient individuals. Furthermore, immune checkpoint expression analysis demonstrated significantly altered percentages of T and B lymphocytes expressing PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4/CD86, and CD200R/CD200 in CLL and CVID patients. This suggests a potential interplay between immune checkpoint dysregulation and EBV reactivation in the context of immunodeficiency. In conclusion, our study underscores the intricate relationship between immune dysfunction, EBV reactivation, and immune checkpoint modulation in the context of immunodeficiency-associated cancers. The altered expression of immune checkpoints, along with heightened EBV reactivation, suggests a potential mechanism for immune evasion and tumor progression. These findings provide insights into the complex interactions that contribute to cancer development in immunocompromised individuals, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets for improved management and treatment outcomes. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore potential interventions to mitigate cancer risk in these patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Mertowska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (K.S.); (G.K.); (K.G.); (A.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Sebastian Mertowski
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (K.S.); (G.K.); (K.G.); (A.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Konrad Smolak
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (K.S.); (G.K.); (K.G.); (A.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Gabriela Kita
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (K.S.); (G.K.); (K.G.); (A.K.); (E.G.)
- Student Research Group of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Guz
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (K.S.); (G.K.); (K.G.); (A.K.); (E.G.)
- Student Research Group of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kita
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (K.S.); (G.K.); (K.G.); (A.K.); (E.G.)
- Student Research Group of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Pasiarski
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-317 Kielce, Poland;
- Department of Hematology, Holy Cross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland; (J.S.-K.); (S.G.)
| | - Jolanta Smok-Kalwat
- Department of Hematology, Holy Cross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland; (J.S.-K.); (S.G.)
| | - Stanisław Góźdź
- Department of Hematology, Holy Cross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland; (J.S.-K.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (K.S.); (G.K.); (K.G.); (A.K.); (E.G.)
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13
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Tsai TH, Su PJ, Huang SY, Kuo MC, Lin CT, Wu CC, Luo HL, Chen CH, Chou CC, Liu TT, Huang CC, Tsai KL, Su YL. The prognostic significance of histologic variant on survival outcomes in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:871. [PMID: 37715113 PMCID: PMC10504763 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11398-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the treatment guidelines have been established for pure urothelial carcinoma (pUC), patients with variant type urothelial carcinoma (vUC) face limited effective treatment options. The effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with vUC remains uncertain and necessitates additional research. METHOD We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study to explore the effectiveness of ICI in patients with pUC or vUC in Taiwan. We evaluated the overall response rate (ORR) through univariate logistic regression analysis and examined the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Additionally, we employed univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the data. RESULT A total of 142 patients (116 pUC, 26 vUC) were included in our final analysis. The ORR was marginally higher in patients with pUC compared to those with vUC (34.5% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.26). Among all patients, 12.9% with pUC achieved a complete response (CR) after ICI treatment, while no vUC cases achieved CR (p = 0.05). There were no significant differences in PFS (median 3.6 months vs. 4.1 months, p = 0.34) or OS (median 16.3 months vs. 11.0 months, p = 0.24) when comparing patients with pUC or vUC. In the subgroup analysis, patients with pUC who underwent first-line ICI treatment exhibited significantly improved OS compared to those with vUC (24.6 months vs. 9.1 months, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION The use of ICI as monotherapy is a feasible and effective treatment approach for patients with metastatic vUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Tsai
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, No.123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist, Kaohsiung City, 833, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jung Su
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yu Huang
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, No.123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist, Kaohsiung City, 833, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chun Kuo
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, No.123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist, Kaohsiung City, 833, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Ting Lin
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, No.123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist, Kaohsiung City, 833, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Che Wu
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, No.123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist, Kaohsiung City, 833, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Lun Luo
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsu Chen
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chi Chou
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ting Liu
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Lung Tsai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Li Su
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, No.123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist, Kaohsiung City, 833, Taiwan.
- Genomic & Proteomic Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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14
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Rani AQ, Nurmemet D, Liffick J, Khan A, Mitchell D, Li J, Zhao B, Liu X. Conditional Cell Reprogramming and Air-Liquid Interface Modeling Life Cycle of Oncogenic Viruses (HPV and EBV) in Epithelial Cells and Virus-Associated Human Carcinomas. Viruses 2023; 15:1388. [PMID: 37376685 DOI: 10.3390/v15061388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several oncogenic viruses are associated with approximately 20% of human cancers. Experimental models are crucial for studying the pathogenicity and biological aspects of oncogenic viruses and their potential mechanisms in tumorigenesis. Current cell models have considerable limitations such as: their low yield, genetic and epigenetic modification, and reduction in tumor heterogeneity during long propagation. Cancer cell lines are limited and not appropriate for studying the viral life cycle, for example, natural viral life cycles of HPV and EBV, and their persistence and latency in epithelial cells are poorly understood, since these processes are highly related to epithelial differentiation. Therefore, there is an urgent need of reliable human physiological cell models to study viral life cycle and cancer initiation. Conditional cell reprogramming (CCR) is a rapid and robust cell culture system, where the cells can be established from minimally invasive or noninvasive specimens and their lineage functions preserved during the long-term culture. These CR cells retain their ability to differentiate at air-liquid interface (ALI). Here, we recapitulated the applications of CR and ALI approaches in modeling host-virus interactions and viral-mediated tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Qawee Rani
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dilber Nurmemet
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Joseph Liffick
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anam Khan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Darrion Mitchell
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jenny Li
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bo Zhao
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Departments of Pathology, Urology and Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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15
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Filippini DM, Broseghini E, Carosi F, Molin DD, Riefolo M, Fabbri L, Abeshi A, Fernandez IJ, Ferracin M. A Systematic Review of Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Head and Neck Cancer of Unknown Primary: An Unmet Clinical Need. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13081492. [PMID: 37189593 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081492] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP) is defined as cervical lymph node metastases without a detectable primary tumor. The management of these patients presents a challenge to clinicians since guidelines in the diagnosis and treatment of HNCUP remain controversial. An accurate diagnostic workup is fundamental for the search for the hidden primary tumor to allow the best adequate treatment strategy. The purpose of this systematic review is to present the currently available data about the diagnostic and prognostic molecular biomarkers for HNCUP. Systematic research in an electronic database was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and identified 704 articles, of which 23 studies were selected and included in the analysis. Fourteen studies investigated HNCUP diagnostic biomarkers and focused on the human papilloma virus (HPV) and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) due to the strong associations with oropharyngeal cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer, respectively. HPV status was shown to possess prognostic value, correlating with longer disease-free survival and overall survival. HPV and EBV are the only available HNCUP biomarkers, and they are already used in clinical practice. A better characterization of the molecular profiling and the development of tissue-of-origin classifiers are necessary to improve the diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic management of patients with HNCUP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Maria Filippini
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Broseghini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Carosi
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Dal Molin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mattia Riefolo
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Fabbri
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andi Abeshi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ignacio Javier Fernandez
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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16
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Salnikov MY, Wang E, Christensen E, Prusinkiewicz MA, Shooshtari P, Mymryk JS. The EBV Gastric Cancer Resource (EBV-GCR): A Suite of Tools for Investigating EBV-Associated Human Gastric Carcinogenesis. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040853. [PMID: 37112833 PMCID: PMC10145221 DOI: 10.3390/v15040853] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes lifelong infection in over 90% of the world’s population. EBV infection leads to several types of B cell and epithelial cancers due to the viral reprogramming of host-cell growth and gene expression. EBV is associated with 10% of stomach/gastric adenocarcinomas (EBVaGCs), which have distinct molecular, pathological, and immunological characteristics compared to EBV-negative gastric adenocarcinomas (EBVnGCs). Publicly available datasets, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), contain comprehensive transcriptomic, genomic, and epigenomic data for thousands of primary human cancer samples, including EBVaGCs. Additionally, single-cell RNA-sequencing data are becoming available for EBVaGCs. These resources provide a unique opportunity to explore the role of EBV in human carcinogenesis, as well as differences between EBVaGCs and their EBVnGC counterparts. We have constructed a suite of web-based tools called the EBV Gastric Cancer Resource (EBV-GCR), which utilizes TCGA and single-cell RNA-seq data and can be used for research related to EBVaGCs. These web-based tools allow investigators to gain in-depth biological and clinical insights by exploring the effects of EBV on cellular gene expression, associations with patient outcomes, immune landscape features, and differential gene methylation, featuring both whole-tissue and single-cell analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Y. Salnikov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Eric Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Erik Christensen
- Department of Computer Science, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | | | - Parisa Shooshtari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Joe S. Mymryk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Correspondence:
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17
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Clinical relevance of plasma EBV DNA as a biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in non-endemic areas: A multicenter study in southwestern China. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 541:117244. [PMID: 36746264 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous clinical studies have validated plasma EBV DNA as a reliable biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) screening, tumor load monitoring, and prognosis prediction in endemic regions. However, the clinical relevance of plasma EBV DNA as a biomarker for NPC in non-endemic areas is still unclear. METHOD The pretreatment plasma EBV DNA of 1405 newly diagnosed NPC patients from three major regional hospitals in non-endemic areas were analyzed retrospectively. The medical records of 244 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals were reviewed. EBV DNA was detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Based on the baseline of 400 and 0 copies/mL, the distribution characteristics of the pretreatment EBV DNA load in different clinical stages and geographic regions were analyzed. The diagnostic value of pretreatment plasma EBV DNA for NPC with two baselines was evaluated using the ROC curve. RESULTS NPC patients had a significantly higher pretreatment EBV DNA level than healthy controls (P<0.001). Pretreatment EBV DNA was closely associated with clinical and TNM stages in non-endemic areas, as it was in endemic areas. However, when 400 copies/mL set as the detection baseline, the sensitivity and specificity for NPC diagnosis were 40.8 % and 100 %, respectively (AUC = 0.704, cut off = 200.5 copies/mL). This sensitivity was lower than that reported in endemic regions (41.5 % - 97.1 %). Lower sensitivity may result in false negatives, missing diagnoses during NPC screening. Further investigation revealed that 39.7 % (558/1405) of NPC patients had detectable EBV DNA and S amplification curves. Optimizing the detection limit to 0 copies/mL, the sensitivity could be improved to 80.5 % (AUC = 0.901). CONCLUSIONS In non-endemic areas, the clinical significance of plasma EBV DNA as a biomarker for NPC was restricted due to the low detection limit of 400 copies/mL. More efficient nucleic acid extraction and detection methods are needed to optimize the detection limit and increase the clinical application of plasma EBV DNA for NPC.
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18
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Rzymski P, Szuster-Ciesielska A, Dzieciątkowski T, Gwenzi W, Fal A. mRNA vaccines: The future of prevention of viral infections? J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28572. [PMID: 36762592 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID-19 are the first authorized biological preparations developed using this platform. During the pandemic, their administration has been proven to be a life-saving intervention. Here, we review the main advantages of using mRNA vaccines, identify further technological challenges to be met during the development of the mRNA platform, and provide an update on the clinical progress on leading mRNA vaccine candidates against different viruses that include influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency virus 1, respiratory syncytial virus, Nipah virus, Zika virus, human cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. The prospects and challenges of manufacturing mRNA vaccines in low-income countries are also discussed. The ongoing interest and research in mRNA technology are likely to overcome some existing challenges for this technology (e.g., related to storage conditions and immunogenicity of some components of lipid nanoparticles) and enhance the portfolio of vaccines against diseases for which classical formulations are already authorized. It may also open novel pathways of protection against infections and their consequences for which no safe and efficient immunization methods are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Willis Gwenzi
- Alexander von Humboldt Fellow & Guest Professor, Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Universität Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany.,Alexander von Humboldt Fellow & Guest Professor, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andrzej Fal
- Collegium Medicum, Warsaw Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Public Health, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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19
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Salnikov M, Prusinkiewicz MA, Lin S, Ghasemi F, Cecchini MJ, Mymryk JS. Tumor-Infiltrating T Cells in EBV-Associated Gastric Carcinomas Exhibit High Levels of Multiple Markers of Activation, Effector Gene Expression, and Exhaustion. Viruses 2023; 15:176. [PMID: 36680216 PMCID: PMC9860965 DOI: 10.3390/v15010176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma-herpesvirus associated with 10% of all gastric cancers (GCs) and 1.5% of all human cancers. EBV-associated GCs (EBVaGCs) are pathologically and clinically distinct entities from EBV-negative GCs (EBVnGCs), with EBVaGCs exhibiting differential molecular pathology, treatment response, and patient prognosis. However, the tumor immune landscape of EBVaGC has not been well explored. In this study, a systemic and comprehensive analysis of gene expression and immune landscape features was performed for both EBVaGC and EBVnGC. EBVaGCs exhibited many aspects of a T cell-inflamed phenotype, with greater T and NK cell infiltration, increased expression of immune checkpoint markers (BTLA, CD96, CTLA4, LAG3, PD1, TIGIT, and TIM3), and multiple T cell effector molecules in comparison with EBVnGCs. EBVaGCs also displayed a higher expression of anti-tumor immunity factors (PDL1, CD155, CEACAM1, galectin-9, and IDO1). Six EBV-encoded miRNAs (miR-BARTs 8-3p, 9-5p, 10-3p, 22, 5-5p, and 14-3p) were strongly negatively correlated with the expression of immune checkpoint receptors and multiple markers of anti-tumor immunity. These profound differences in the tumor immune landscape between EBVaGCs and EBVnGCs may help explain some of the observed differences in pathological and clinical outcomes, with an EBV-positive status possibly being a potential biomarker for the application of immunotherapy in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Salnikov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Martin A Prusinkiewicz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Sherman Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Farhad Ghasemi
- Department of General Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Matthew J Cecchini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Joe S Mymryk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
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20
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High-Risk Oncogenic Human Cytomegalovirus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112462. [PMID: 36366560 PMCID: PMC9695668 DOI: 10.3390/v14112462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus that infects between 40% and 95% of the population worldwide, usually without symptoms. The host immune response keeps the virus in a latent stage, although HCMV can reactivate in an inflammatory context, which could result in sequential lytic/latent viral cycles during the lifetime and thereby participate in HCMV genomic diversity in humans. The high level of HCMV intra-host genomic variability could participate in the oncomodulatory role of HCMV where the virus will favor the development and spread of cancerous cells. Recently, an oncogenic role of HCMV has been highlighted in which the virus will directly transform primary cells; such HCMV strains are named high-risk (HR) HCMV strains. In light of these new findings, this review defines the criteria that characterize HR-HCMV strains and their molecular as well as the phenotypic impact on the infected cell and its tumor microenvironment.
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21
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Sarantis P, Trifylli EM, Koustas E, Papavassiliou KA, Karamouzis MV, Papavassiliou AG. Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapeutic Management in Virus-Associated Digestive System Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13612. [PMID: 36362398 PMCID: PMC9655697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer is a multifactorial phenomenon, while it constitutes a major global health problem. Viruses are an important factor that is involved in tumorigenesis and is associated with 12.1% of all cancer cases. Major examples of oncogenic viruses which are closely associated with the digestive system are HBV, HCV, EBV, HPV, JCV, and CMV. EBV, HPV, JCV, and CMV directly cause oncogenesis by expressing oncogenic proteins that are encoded in their genome. In contrast, HBV and HCV are correlated indirectly with carcinogenesis by causing chronic inflammation in the infected organs. In addition, the tumor microenvironment contains various immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, as well as several growth factors, cytokines, and other tumor-secreted molecules that play a key role in tumor growth, progression, and migration, while they are closely interrelated with the virus. The presence of T-regulatory and B-regulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the anti-tumor immune reaction. The tumor immune microenvironments differ in each type of cancer and depend on viral infection. The alterations in the immune microenvironment caused by viruses are also reflected in the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The present review aims at shedding light on the association between viruses and digestive system malignancies, the characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment that develop, and the possible treatments that can be administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Sarantis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Koustas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Michalis V. Karamouzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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22
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Chakravorty S, Afzali B, Kazemian M. EBV-associated diseases: Current therapeutics and emerging technologies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1059133. [PMID: 36389670 PMCID: PMC9647127 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1059133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
EBV is a prevalent virus, infecting >90% of the world's population. This is an oncogenic virus that causes ~200,000 cancer-related deaths annually. It is, in addition, a significant contributor to the burden of autoimmune diseases. Thus, EBV represents a significant public health burden. Upon infection, EBV remains dormant in host cells for long periods of time. However, the presence or episodic reactivation of the virus increases the risk of transforming healthy cells to malignant cells that routinely escape host immune surveillance or of producing pathogenic autoantibodies. Cancers caused by EBV display distinct molecular behaviors compared to those of the same tissue type that are not caused by EBV, presenting opportunities for targeted treatments. Despite some encouraging results from exploration of vaccines, antiviral agents and immune- and cell-based treatments, the efficacy and safety of most therapeutics remain unclear. Here, we provide an up-to-date review focusing on underlying immune and environmental mechanisms, current therapeutics and vaccines, animal models and emerging technologies to study EBV-associated diseases that may help provide insights for the development of novel effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishti Chakravorty
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Behdad Afzali
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Majid Kazemian
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Department of Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN, United States
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