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Liu Y, Wang L, Li Y, Zhong C, Wang X, Wang X, Xia Z, Liao J, Huang C, Mao C, Feng Y, Luo C, Mai W, Song H, Li H, Bao L, Chen D, Sheng Y, Zhang H, Wei X, Chen J, Yi W. HVEM in acute lymphocytic leukemia facilitates tumour immune escape by inhibiting CD8 + T cell function. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00959-1. [PMID: 38809326 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00959-1] [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] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Leukaemia remains a major contributor to global mortality, representing a significant health risk for a substantial number of cancer patients. Despite notable advancements in the field, existing treatments frequently exhibit limited efficacy or recurrence. Here, we explored the potential of abolishing HVEM (herpes virus entry mediator, TNFRSF14) expression in tumours as an effective approach to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and prevent its recurrence. METHODS The clinical correlations between HVEM and leukaemia were revealed by public data analysis. HVEM knockout (KO) murine T cell lymphoblastic leukaemia cell line EL4 were generated using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and syngeneic subcutaneous tumour models were established to investigate the in vivo function of HVEM. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), RNA-seq and flow cytometry were used to analyse the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and tumour draining lymph nodes (dLNs). Immune functions were investigated by depletion of immune subsets in vivo and T cell functional assays in vitro. The HVEM mutant EL4 cell lines were constructed to investigate the functional domain responsible for immune escape. RESULTS According to public databases, HVEM is highly expressed in patients with ALL and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is negatively correlated with patient prognosis. Genetic deletion of HVEM in EL4 cells markedly inhibited tumour progression and prolonged the survival of tumour-bearing mice. Our experiments proved that HVEM exerted its immunosuppressive effect by inhibiting antitumour function of CD8+ T cell through CRD1 domain both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, we identified a combination therapy capable of completely eradicating ALL tumours, which induces immune memory toward tumour protection. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the potential mechanisms by which HVEM facilitates ALL progression, and highlights HVEM as a promising target for clinical applications in relapsed ALL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yiyi Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijin Xia
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Liao
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunliu Huang
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Chengzhou Mao
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongyi Feng
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congzhou Luo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhao Mai
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongrui Song
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Disease-Model Animals, Laboratory Animal Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Bao
- Yichun Central Blood Station, Yichun, China
| | - Danchun Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Sheng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolei Wei
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Disease-Model Animals, Laboratory Animal Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wei Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Hu X. The role of the BTLA-HVEM complex in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Breast Cancer 2024; 31:358-370. [PMID: 38483699 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-024-01557-7] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is widely recognized as a prevalent contributor to cancer mortality and ranks as the second most prevalent form of cancer among women across the globe. Hence, the development of innovative therapeutic strategies is imperative to effectively manage BC. The B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA)-Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) complex has garnered significant scientific interest as a crucial regulator in various immune contexts. The interaction between BTLA-HVEM ligand on the surface of T cells results in reduced cellular activation, cytokine synthesis, and proliferation. The BTLA-HVEM complex has been investigated in various cancers, yet its specific mechanisms in BC remain indeterminate. In this study, we aim to examine the function of BTLA-HVEM and provide a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence in relation to BC. The obstruction or augmentation of these pathways may potentially enhance the efficacy of BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Hu
- College of Health Industry, Changchun University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Changchun, 130000, China.
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3
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Basingab FS, Alzahrani RA, Alrofaidi AA, Barefah AS, Hammad RM, Alahdal HM, Alrahimi JS, Zaher KA, Algiraigri AH, El-Daly MM, Alkarim SA, Aldahlawi AM. Herpesvirus Entry Mediator as an Immune Checkpoint Target and a Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Myeloid and Lymphoid Leukemia. Biomolecules 2024; 14:523. [PMID: 38785930 PMCID: PMC11117912 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050523] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) is a molecular switch that can modulate immune responses against cancer. The significance of HVEM as an immune checkpoint target and a potential prognostic biomarker in malignancies is still controversial. This study aims to determine whether HVEM is an immune checkpoint target with inhibitory effects on anti-tumor CD4+ T cell responses in vitro and whether HVEM gene expression is dysregulated in patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). HVEM gene expression in tumor cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from ALL patients and healthy controls was measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Tumor cells were left untreated (control) or were treated with an HVEM blocker before co-culturing with CD4+ T cells in vitro in a carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-dependent proliferation assay. HVEM expression was upregulated in the chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line (K562) (FC = 376.3, p = 0.086) compared with normal embryonic kidney cells (Hek293). CD4+ T cell proliferation was significantly increased in the HVEM blocker-treated K562 cells (p = 0.0033). Significant HVEM differences were detected in ALL PBMCs compared with the controls, and these were associated with newly diagnosed ALL (p = 0.0011) and relapsed/refractory (p = 0.0051) B cell ALL (p = 0.0039) patients. A significant differentiation between malignant ALL and the controls was observed in a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with AUC = 0.78 ± 0.092 (p = 0.014). These results indicate that HVEM is an inhibitory molecule that may serve as a target for immunotherapy and a potential ALL biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemah S. Basingab
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem A. Alzahrani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha A. Alrofaidi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S. Barefah
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawan M. Hammad
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadil M. Alahdal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Princes Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jehan S. Alrahimi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kawther A. Zaher
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali H. Algiraigri
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai M. El-Daly
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A. Alkarim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic Stem Cells Research Unit and Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cells Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alia M. Aldahlawi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
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Liu X, Yu J, Li Y, Shi H, Jiao X, Liu X, Guo D, Li Z, Tian Y, Dai F, Niu Z, Zhou Y. Deciphering the tumor immune microenvironment of imatinib-resistance in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors at single-cell resolution. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:190. [PMID: 38443340 PMCID: PMC10914684 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06571-3] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneous nature of tumors presents a considerable obstacle in addressing imatinib resistance in advanced cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). To address this issue, we conducted single-cell RNA-sequencing in primary tumors as well as peritoneal and liver metastases from patients diagnosed with locally advanced or advanced GIST. Single-cell transcriptomic signatures of tumor microenvironment (TME) were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence staining were used to further validate it. This analysis revealed unique tumor evolutionary patterns, transcriptome features, dynamic cell-state changes, and different metabolic reprogramming. The findings indicate that in imatinib-resistant TME, tumor cells with activated immune and cytokine-mediated immune responses interacted with a higher proportion of Treg cells via the TIGIT-NECTIN2 axis. Future immunotherapeutic strategies targeting Treg may provide new directions for the treatment of imatinib-resistant patients. In addition, IDO1+ dendritic cells (DC) were highly enriched in imatinib-resistant TME, interacting with various myeloid cells via the BTLA-TNFRSF14 axis, while the interaction was not significant in imatinib-sensitive TME. Our study highlights the transcriptional heterogeneity and distinct immunosuppressive microenvironment of advanced GIST, which provides novel therapeutic strategies and innovative immunotherapeutic agents for imatinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Yu
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Hailei Shi
- Pathology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xuelong Jiao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zequn Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yulong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fan Dai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhaojian Niu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Yanbing Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16# Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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5
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Barshidi A, Ardeshiri K, Ebrahimi F, Alian F, Shekarchi AA, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The role of exhausted natural killer cells in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of leukemia. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:59. [PMID: 38254135 PMCID: PMC10802000 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01428-2] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune responses to cancer cells involve both innate and acquired immune cells. In the meantime, the most attention has been drawn to the adaptive immune cells, especially T cells, while, it is now well known that the innate immune cells, especially natural killer (NK) cells, play a vital role in defending against malignancies. While the immune cells are trying to eliminate malignant cells, cancer cells try to prevent the function of these cells and suppress immune responses. The suppression of NK cells in various cancers can lead to the induction of an exhausted phenotype in NK cells, which will impair their function. Recent studies have shown that the occurrence of this phenotype in various types of leukemic malignancies can affect the prognosis of the disease, and targeting these cells may be considered a new immunotherapy method in the treatment of leukemia. Therefore, a detailed study of exhausted NK cells in leukemic diseases can help both to understand the mechanisms of leukemia progression and to design new treatment methods by creating a deeper understanding of these cells. Here, we will comprehensively review the immunobiology of exhausted NK cells and their role in various leukemic malignancies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asal Barshidi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Keivan Ardeshiri
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Ebrahimi
- Nanoparticle Process Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Alian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Shekarchi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Andrzejczak A, Karabon L. BTLA biology in cancer: from bench discoveries to clinical potentials. Biomark Res 2024; 12:8. [PMID: 38233898 PMCID: PMC10795259 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00556-2] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints play a critical role in maintaining the delicate balance of immune activation in order to prevent potential harm caused by excessive activation, autoimmunity, or tissue damage. B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is one of crucial checkpoint, regulating stimulatory and inhibitory signals in immune responses. Its interaction with the herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) plays an essential role in negatively regulating immune responses, thereby preserving immune homeostasis. In cancer, abnormal cells evade immune surveillance by exploiting checkpoints like BTLA. Upregulated BTLA expression is linked to impaired anti-tumor immunity and unfavorable disease outcomes. In preclinical studies, BTLA-targeted therapies have shown improved treatment outcomes and enhanced antitumor immunity. This review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of BTLA's biology, its role in various cancers, and its potential as a prognostic factor. Additionally, it explores the latest research on BTLA blockade in cancer immunotherapy, offering hope for more effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Andrzejczak
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Karabon
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
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7
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Meng X, Xu H, Liang Y, Liang M, Song W, Zhou B, Shi J, Du M, Gao Y. Enhanced CT-based radiomics model to predict natural killer cell infiltration and clinical prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1334886. [PMID: 38283362 PMCID: PMC10811188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1334886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for tumor prognosis; however, their role in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. The current detection methods for NSCLC are inefficient and costly. Therefore, radiomics represent a promising alternative. Methods We analyzed the radiogenomics datasets to extract clinical, radiological, and transcriptome data. The effect of NK cells on the prognosis of NSCLC was assessed. Tumors were delineated using a 3D Slicer, and features were extracted using pyradiomics. A radiomics model was developed and validated using five-fold cross-validation. A nomogram model was constructed using the selected clinical variables and a radiomic score (RS). The CIBERSORTx database and gene set enrichment analysis were used to explore the correlations of NK cell infiltration and molecular mechanisms. Results Higher infiltration of NK cells was correlated with better overall survival (OS) (P = 0.002). The radiomic model showed an area under the curve of 0.731, with 0.726 post-validation. The RS differed significantly between high and low infiltration of NK cells (P < 0.01). The nomogram, using RS and clinical variables, effectively predicted 3-year OS. NK cell infiltration was correlated with the ICOS and BTLA genes (P < 0.001) and macrophage M0/M2 levels. The key pathways included TNF-α signaling via NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusions Our radiomic model accurately predicted NK cell infiltration in NSCLC. Combined with clinical characteristics, it can predict the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the gene expression and pathways underlying NK cell infiltration in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhi Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haijun Xu
- Department of Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yicheng Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Weijian Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Boxuan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minjun Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yushun Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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8
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Li L, Li A, Jin H, Li M, Jia Q. Inhibitory receptors and checkpoints on NK cells: Implications for cancer immunotherapy. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155003. [PMID: 38042093 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
With the success of immunosuppressive checkpoint in tumor therapy, the corresponding adverse response and drug resistance defects have been exposed. T cells and NK cells are the body's immune system of the two substantial main forces. in recent years, study of T cell checkpoints appeared a certain block, such as PD-1 the effect not benign, on the distribution of NK cell surface excitatory and inhibitory receptors under normal conditions to maintain steady, could be targeted in the tumor treatment blockade have therapeutic effect. This paper reviews the function of NK cells and the effects of corresponding receptors in various types of tumors, providing a direction for the selection of appropriate gate control sites for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Cardiology, 2nd Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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9
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Taghiloo S, Asgarian-Omran H. Current Approaches of Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1408-1438. [PMID: 37561383 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01129-5] [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] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Increasing understanding of the complex interaction between leukemic and immune cells, which is responsible for tumor progression and immune evasion, has paved the way for the development of novel immunotherapy approaches in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). One of the well-known immune escape mechanisms of tumor cells is the up-regulation of immune checkpoint molecules. In recent years, targeting immune checkpoint receptors is the most clinically effective immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In this regard, various immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) drugs are currently been investigating for their potential effects on improving anti-tumor immune response and clinical efficacy in the hematological malignancies; however, their effectiveness in patients with CLL has shown less remarkable success, and ongoing research is focused on identifying strategies to enhance the efficacy of ICB in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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10
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Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Granda-Díaz R, Martínez-Pérez A, Aguilar-García C, Rodrigo JP, García-Pedrero JM, Gonzalez S. Beyond the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 era: promising role of the BTLA/HVEM axis as a future target for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:142. [PMID: 37649037 PMCID: PMC10466776 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01845-4] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent introduction of monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints to harness antitumor immunity has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape. The therapeutic success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based therapies mainly relies on PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade. However, the limited overall responses and lack of reliable predictive biomarkers of patient´s response are major pitfalls limiting immunotherapy success. Hence, this reflects the compelling need of unveiling novel targets for immunotherapy that allow to expand the spectrum of ICB-based strategies to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy and benefit for cancer patients. This review thoroughly dissects current molecular and functional knowledge of BTLA/HVEM axis and the future perspectives to become a target for cancer immunotherapy. BTLA/HVEM dysregulation is commonly found and linked to poor prognosis in solid and hematological malignancies. Moreover, circulating BTLA has been revealed as a blood-based predictive biomarker of immunotherapy response in various cancers. On this basis, BTLA/HVEM axis emerges as a novel promising target for cancer immunotherapy. This prompted rapid development and clinical testing of the anti-BTLA blocking antibody Tifcemalimab/icatolimab as the first BTLA-targeted therapy in various ongoing phase I clinical trials with encouraging results on preliminary efficacy and safety profile as monotherapy and combined with other anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the intricate signaling network constituted by BTLA/HVEM/CD160/LIGHT involved in immune response regulation, tumor development and tumor microenvironment could limit therapeutic success. Therefore, in-depth functional characterization in different cancer settings is highly recommended for adequate design and implementation of BTLA-targeted therapies to guarantee the best clinical outcomes to benefit cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rocío Granda-Díaz
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Martínez-Pérez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Candelaria Aguilar-García
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan P Rodrigo
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana M García-Pedrero
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
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11
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Kamali AN, Bautista JM, Eisenhut M, Hamedifar H. Immune checkpoints and cancer immunotherapies: insights into newly potential receptors and ligands. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2023; 11:25151355231192043. [PMID: 37662491 PMCID: PMC10469281 DOI: 10.1177/25151355231192043] [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: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint markers and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been increasingly identified and developed as potential immunotherapeutic targets in various human cancers. Despite valuable efforts to discover novel immune checkpoints and their ligands, the precise roles of their therapeutic functions, as well as the broad identification of their counterpart receptors, remain to be addressed. In this context, it has been suggested that various putative checkpoint receptors can be induced upon activation. In the tumor microenvironment, T cells, as crucial immune response against malignant diseases as well as other immune central effector cells, such as natural killer cells, are regulated via co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory signals from immune or tumor cells. Studies have shown that exposure of T cells to tumor antigens upregulates the expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptors, leading to T-cell dysfunction or exhaustion. Although targeting immune checkpoint regulators has shown relative clinical efficacy in some tumor types, most trials in the field of cancer immunotherapies have revealed unsatisfactory results due to de novo or adaptive resistance in cancer patients. To overcome these obstacles, combinational therapies with newly discovered inhibitory molecules or combined blockage of several checkpoints provide a rationale for further research. Moreover, precise identification of their receptors counterparts at crucial checkpoints is likely to promise effective therapies. In this review, we examine the prospects for the application of newly emerging checkpoints, such as T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3, lymphocyte activation gene-3, T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), new B7 family proteins, and B- and T-cell lymphocyte attenuator, in association with immunotherapy of malignancies. In addition, their clinical and biological significance is discussed, including their expression in various human cancers, along with their roles in T-cell-mediated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali N. Kamali
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Simin Dasht Industrial Area, Karaj, Iran
- CinnaGen Research and Production Co., Alborz 3165933155, Iran
| | - José M. Bautista
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Eisenhut
- Department of Pediatrics, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Luton, UK
| | - Haleh Hamedifar
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- CinnaGen Research and Production Co., Alborz, Iran
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12
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Rubina A, Patel M, Nightingale K, Potts M, Fielding CA, Kollnberger S, Lau B, Ladell K, Miners KL, Nichols J, Nobre L, Roberts D, Trinca TM, Twohig JP, Vlahava VM, Davison AJ, Price DA, Tomasec P, Wilkinson GWG, Weekes MP, Stanton RJ, Wang ECY. ADAM17 targeting by human cytomegalovirus remodels the cell surface proteome to simultaneously regulate multiple immune pathways. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303155120. [PMID: 37561786 PMCID: PMC10438378 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303155120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major human pathogen whose life-long persistence is enabled by its remarkable capacity to systematically subvert host immune defenses. In exploring the finding that HCMV infection up-regulates tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), a ligand for the pro-inflammatory antiviral cytokine TNFα, we found that the underlying mechanism was due to targeting of the protease, A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17). ADAM17 is the prototype 'sheddase', a family of proteases that cleaves other membrane-bound proteins to release biologically active ectodomains into the supernatant. HCMV impaired ADAM17 surface expression through the action of two virally-encoded proteins in its UL/b' region, UL148 and UL148D. Proteomic plasma membrane profiling of cells infected with an HCMV double-deletion mutant for UL148 and UL148D with restored ADAM17 expression, combined with ADAM17 functional blockade, showed that HCMV stabilized the surface expression of 114 proteins (P < 0.05) in an ADAM17-dependent fashion. These included reported substrates of ADAM17 with established immunological functions such as TNFR2 and jagged1, but also numerous unreported host and viral targets, such as nectin1, UL8, and UL144. Regulation of TNFα-induced cytokine responses and NK inhibition during HCMV infection were dependent on this impairment of ADAM17. We therefore identify a viral immunoregulatory mechanism in which targeting a single sheddase enables broad regulation of multiple critical surface receptors, revealing a paradigm for viral-encoded immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzelika Rubina
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Mihil Patel
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Nightingale
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Potts
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0XY, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Ceri A. Fielding
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Kollnberger
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Betty Lau
- Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Ladell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly L. Miners
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna Nichols
- Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Nobre
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Dawn Roberts
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Terrence M. Trinca
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Jason P. Twohig
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Virginia-Maria Vlahava
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Davison
- Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Price
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Tomasec
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin W. G. Wilkinson
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Weekes
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0XY, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Stanton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Eddie C. Y. Wang
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, CardiffCF14 4XN, United Kingdom
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13
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Lu C, Zhang X, Schardey J, Wirth U, Heinrich K, Massiminio L, Cavestro GM, Neumann J, Bazhin AV, Werner J, Kühn F. Molecular characteristics of microsatellite stable early-onset colorectal cancer as predictors of prognosis and immunotherapeutic response. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:63. [PMID: 37393364 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00414-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC, in patients younger than 50) is increasing worldwide. The specific gene signatures in EO-CRC patients are largely unknown. Since EO-CRC with microsatellite instability is frequently associated with Lynch syndrome, we aimed to comprehensively characterize the tumor microenvironment (TME) and gene expression profiles of EO-CRC with microsatellite stable (MSS-EO-CRC). Here, we demonstrated that MSS-EO-CRC has a similar pattern of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, immunotherapeutic responses, consensus molecular subtypes, and prognosis as late-onset CRC with MSS (MSS-LO-CRC). 133 differential expressed genes were identified as unique gene signatures of MSS-EO-CRC. Moreover, we established a risk score, which was positively associated with PD-L1 expression and could reflect both the level of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and the prognosis of MSS-EO-CRC patients. Application of this score on the anti-PD-L1 treatment cohort demonstrated that the low-risk score group has significant therapeutic advantages and clinical benefits. In addition, candidate driver genes were identified in the different-sidedness of MSS-EO-CRC patients. Altogether, MSS-EO-CRC exhibits distinct molecular profiles that differ from MSS-LO-CRC even though they have a similar TME characterization and survival pattern. Our risk score appears to be robust enough to predict prognosis and immunotherapeutic response and therefore could help to optimize the treatment of MSS-EO-CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Lu
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention (Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for CANCER & Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Josefine Schardey
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wirth
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Heinrich
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Luca Massiminio
- Experimental Gastroenterology Laboratory, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Martina Cavestro
- Experimental Gastroenterology Laboratory, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Jens Neumann
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Kühn
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.
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14
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Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Martínez-Pérez A, Gonzalez-Rodriguez AP, Payer ÁR, González-García E, Aguilar-García C, González-Rodríguez S, López-Soto A, García-Torre A, Gonzalez S. BTLA dysregulation correlates with poor outcome and diminished T cell-mediated antitumor responses in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023:10.1007/s00262-023-03435-1. [PMID: 37041226 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progressively develop marked immunosuppression, dampening innate and adaptive-driven antitumor responses. However, the underlying mechanisms promoting immune exhaustion are largely unknown. Herein, we provide new insights into the role of BTLA/HVEM axis promoting defects in T cell-mediated responses against leukemic cells. Increased expression of BTLA, an inhibitory immune checkpoint, was detected on the surface of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes in patients with CLL. Moreover, high levels of BTLA on CD4 + T cells correlated with diminished time to treatment. Signaling through BTLA activation led to decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ production ex vivo, whereas BTLA/HVEM binding disruption enhanced IFN-γ + CD8 + T lymphocytes. Accordingly, BTLA blockade in combination with bispecific anti-CD3/anti-CD19 antibody promoted CD8 + T cell-mediated anti-leukemic responses. Finally, treatment with an anti-BLTA blocking monoclonal antibody alone or in combination with ibrutinib-induced leukemic cell depletion in vitro. Altogether, our data reveal that BTLA dysregulation has a prognostic role and is limiting T cell-driven antitumor responses, thus providing new insights about immune exhaustion in patients with CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandra Martínez-Pérez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana P Gonzalez-Rodriguez
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ángel R Payer
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Esther González-García
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital de Cabueñes, 33203, Gijón, Spain
| | - Candelaria Aguilar-García
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sara González-Rodríguez
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, PharmacologyOviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-Soto
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandra García-Torre
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain.
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15
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Dumolard L, Aspord C, Marche PN, Macek Jilkova Z. Immune checkpoints on T and NK cells in the context of HBV infection: Landscape, pathophysiology and therapeutic exploitation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148111. [PMID: 37056774 PMCID: PMC10086248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148111] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the interplay between the virus and the host immune system is crucial in determining the pathogenesis of the disease. Patients who fail to mount a sufficient and sustained anti-viral immune response develop chronic hepatitis B (CHB). T cells and natural killer (NK) cells play decisive role in viral clearance, but they are defective in chronic HBV infection. The activation of immune cells is tightly controlled by a combination of activating and inhibitory receptors, called immune checkpoints (ICs), allowing the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Chronic exposure to viral antigens and the subsequent dysregulation of ICs actively contribute to the exhaustion of effector cells and viral persistence. The present review aims to summarize the function of various ICs and their expression in T lymphocytes and NK cells in the course of HBV infection as well as the use of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting ICs in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Dumolard
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Aspord
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- R&D Laboratory, Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrice N. Marche
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- *Correspondence: Zuzana Macek Jilkova,
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16
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Andrzejczak A, Partyka A, Wiśniewski A, Porębska I, Pawełczyk K, Ptaszkowski K, Kuśnierczyk P, Jasek M, Karabon L. The association of BTLA gene polymorphisms with non-small lung cancer risk in smokers and never-smokers. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1006639. [PMID: 36741370 PMCID: PMC9893504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1006639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lung cancer is the predominant cause of death among cancer patients and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type. Cigarette smoking is the prevailing risk factor for NSCLC, nevertheless, this cancer is also diagnosed in never-smokers. B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) belongs to immunological checkpoints which are key regulatory molecules of the immune response. A growing body of evidence highlights the important role of BTLA in cancer. In our previous studies, we showed a significant association between BTLA gene variants and susceptibility to chronic lymphoblastic leukemia and renal cell carcinoma in the Polish population. The present study aimed to analyze the impact of BTLA polymorphic variants on the susceptibility to NSCLC and NSCLC patients' overall survival (OS). Methods Using TaqMan probes we genotyped seven BTLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs2705511, rs1982809, rs9288952, rs9288953, rs1844089, rs11921669 and rs2633582 with the use of ViiA 7 Real-Time PCR System. Results We found that rs1982809 within BTLA is associated with NSCLC risk, where carriers of rs1982809G allele (AG+GG genotypes) were more frequent in patients compared to controls. In subgroup analyses, we also noticed that rs1982809G carriers are significantly overrepresented in never-smokers, but not in smokers compared to controls. Additionally, the global distribution of the haplotypes differed between the never-smokers and smokers, where haplotypes A G G C A, C G A C G, and C G A T G were more frequent in never-smoking patients. Furthermore, the presence rs1982809G (AG+GG genotypes) allele as well as the presence of rs9288953T allele (CT+TT genotypes) increased NSCLC risk in females' patients. After stratification by histological type, we noticed that rs1982809G and rs2705511C carriers were more frequent among adenocarcinoma patients. Moreover, rs1982809G and rs2705511C correlated with the more advanced stages of NSCLC (stage II and III), but not with stage IV. Furthermore, we showed that rs2705511 and rs1982809 significantly modified OS, while rs9288952 tend to be associated with patients' survival. Conclusion Our results indicate that BTLA polymorphic variants may be considered low penetrating risk factors for NSCLC especially in never-smokers, and in females, and are associated with OS of NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Andrzejczak
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland,*Correspondence: Anna Andrzejczak, ; Lidia Karabon,
| | - Anna Partyka
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Wiśniewski
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Irena Porębska
- Department of Pulmonology and Lung Oncology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Konrad Pawełczyk
- Departament of Thoracic Surgery, Lower Silesian Centre of Oncology, Pulmonology and Haematology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kuba Ptaszkowski
- Department of Clinical Biomechanics and Physiotherapy in Motor System Disorders, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Piotr Kuśnierczyk
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Jasek
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Lidia Karabon
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland,*Correspondence: Anna Andrzejczak, ; Lidia Karabon,
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17
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Martinez-Perez A, Aguilar-Garcia C, Gonzalez S. The Emerging Role of NK Cells in Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14236005. [PMID: 36497486 PMCID: PMC9736655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14236005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic immune cells that play a fundamental role in anti-tumor immunity, particularly in hematological cancers, disseminated cancers, and metastasis [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Martinez-Perez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Candelaria Aguilar-Garcia
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence:
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18
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Yano M, Byrd JC, Muthusamy N. Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Functional Impairment and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235787. [PMID: 36497266 PMCID: PMC9739887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches have advanced rapidly in recent years. While the greatest therapeutic advances so far have been achieved with T cell therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T, recent advances in NK cell therapy have highlighted the therapeutic potential of these cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent form of leukemia in Western countries, is a very immunosuppressive disease but still shows significant potential as a target of immunotherapy, including NK-based therapies. In addition to their antileukemia potential, NK cells are important immune effectors in the response to infections, which represent a major clinical concern for CLL patients. Here, we review the interactions between NK cells and CLL, describing functional changes and mechanisms of CLL-induced NK suppression, interactions with current therapeutic options, and the potential for therapeutic benefit using NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Yano
- Medical Science Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
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19
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Therapeutic targets and biomarkers of tumor immunotherapy: response versus non-response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:331. [PMID: 36123348 PMCID: PMC9485144 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers are highly complex diseases that are characterized by not only the overgrowth of malignant cells but also an altered immune response. The inhibition and reprogramming of the immune system play critical roles in tumor initiation and progression. Immunotherapy aims to reactivate antitumor immune cells and overcome the immune escape mechanisms of tumors. Represented by immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell transfer, tumor immunotherapy has seen tremendous success in the clinic, with the capability to induce long-term regression of some tumors that are refractory to all other treatments. Among them, immune checkpoint blocking therapy, represented by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (nivolumab) and CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab), has shown encouraging therapeutic effects in the treatment of various malignant tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. In addition, with the advent of CAR-T, CAR-M and other novel immunotherapy methods, immunotherapy has entered a new era. At present, evidence indicates that the combination of multiple immunotherapy methods may be one way to improve the therapeutic effect. However, the overall clinical response rate of tumor immunotherapy still needs improvement, which warrants the development of novel therapeutic designs as well as the discovery of biomarkers that can guide the prescription of these agents. Learning from the past success and failure of both clinical and basic research is critical for the rational design of studies in the future. In this article, we describe the efforts to manipulate the immune system against cancer and discuss different targets and cell types that can be exploited to promote the antitumor immune response.
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20
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Kuzevanova A, Apanovich N, Mansorunov D, Korotaeva A, Karpukhin A. The Features of Checkpoint Receptor—Ligand Interaction in Cancer and the Therapeutic Effectiveness of Their Inhibition. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092081. [PMID: 36140182 PMCID: PMC9495440 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, certain problems have been identified in cancer immunotherapy using the inhibition of immune checkpoints (ICs). Despite the excellent effect of cancer therapy in some cases when blocking the PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) ligand and the immune cell receptors PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) and CTLA4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) with antibodies, the proportion of patients responding to such therapy is still far from desirable. This situation has stimulated the exploration of additional receptors and ligands as targets for immunotherapy. In our article, based on the analysis of the available data, the TIM-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3), LAG-3 (lymphocyte-activation gene 3), TIGIT (T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domains), VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation), and BTLA (B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator) receptors and their ligands are comprehensively considered. Data on the relationship between receptor expression and the clinical characteristics of tumors are presented and are analyzed together with the results of preclinical and clinical studies on the therapeutic efficacy of their blocking. Such a comprehensive analysis makes it possible to assess the prospects of receptors of this series as targets for anticancer therapy. The expression of the LAG-3 receptor shows the most unambiguous relationship with the clinical characteristics of cancer. Its inhibition is the most effective of the analyzed series in terms of the antitumor response. The expression of TIGIT and BTLA correlates well with clinical characteristics and demonstrates antitumor efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies, which indicates their high promise as targets for anticancer therapy. At the same time, the relationship of VISTA and TIM-3 expression with the clinical characteristics of the tumor is contradictory, and the results on the antitumor effectiveness of their inhibition are inconsistent.
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21
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Jacquelot N, Ghaedi M, Warner K, Chung DC, Crome SQ, Ohashi PS. Immune Checkpoints and Innate Lymphoid Cells-New Avenues for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5967. [PMID: 34885076 PMCID: PMC8657134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (IC) are broadly characterized as inhibitory pathways that tightly regulate the activation of the immune system. These molecular "brakes" are centrally involved in the maintenance of immune self-tolerance and represent a key mechanism in avoiding autoimmunity and tissue destruction. Antibody-based therapies target these inhibitory molecules on T cells to improve their cytotoxic function, with unprecedented clinical efficacies for a number of malignancies. Many of these ICs are also expressed on innate lymphoid cells (ILC), drawing interest from the field to understand their function, impact for anti-tumor immunity and potential for immunotherapy. In this review, we highlight ILC specificities at different tissue sites and their migration potential upon inflammatory challenge. We further summarize the current understanding of IC molecules on ILC and discuss potential strategies for ILC modulation as part of a greater anti-cancer armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Jacquelot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Maryam Ghaedi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Kathrin Warner
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Douglas C. Chung
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Sarah Q. Crome
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
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22
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Karabon L, Andrzejczak A, Ciszak L, Tomkiewicz A, Szteblich A, Bojarska-Junak A, Roliński J, Wołowiec D, Wróbel T, Kosmaczewska A. BTLA Expression in CLL: Epigenetic Regulation and Impact on CLL B Cell Proliferation and Ability to IL-4 Production. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113009. [PMID: 34831232 PMCID: PMC8616199 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, while chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cases showed higher levels of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) mRNA compared to controls, lower BTLA protein expression was observed in cases compared to controls. Hence we hypothesize that micro RNA (miR) 155-5p regulates BTLA expression in CLL. In line with earlier data, expression of BTLA mRNA and miR-155-5p is elevated in CLL (p = 0.034 and p = 0.0006, respectively) as well as in MEC-1 cell line (p = 0.009 and 0.016, respectively). Inhibition of miR-155-5p partially restored BTLA protein expression in CLL patients (p = 0.01) and in MEC-1 cell lines (p = 0.058). Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the significance of BTLA deficiency in CLL cells on proliferation and IL-4 production of B cells. We found that secretion of IL-4 is not dependent on BTLA expression, since fractions of BTLA positive and BTLA negative B cells expressing intracellular IL-4 were similar in CLL patients and controls. We demonstrated that in controls the fraction of proliferating cells is lower in BTLA positive than in BTLA negative B cells (p = 0.059), which was not observed in CLL. However, the frequency of BTLA positive Ki67+ B cells in CLL was higher compared to corresponding cells from controls (p = 0.055) while there were no differences between the examined groups regarding frequency of BTLA negative Ki67+ B cells. Our studies suggest that miR-155-5p is involved in BTLA deficiency, affecting proliferation of CLL B cells, which may be one of the mechanisms responsible for CLL pathogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Base Sequence
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Humans
- Interleukin-4/biosynthesis
- Ki-67 Antigen/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Male
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Karabon
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigl 12 Str., 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.A.); (A.T.)
- Department and Clinic of Urology and Oncologic Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Andrzejczak
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigl 12 Str., 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.A.); (A.T.)
| | - Lidia Ciszak
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigl 12 Str., 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (L.C.); (A.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Anna Tomkiewicz
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigl 12 Str., 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.A.); (A.T.)
| | - Aleksandra Szteblich
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigl 12 Str., 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (L.C.); (A.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Agnieszka Bojarska-Junak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (A.B.-J.); (J.R.)
| | - Jacek Roliński
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (A.B.-J.); (J.R.)
| | - Dariusz Wołowiec
- Department and Clinic of Hematology, Blood Neoplasms, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University, Wybrzeże Ludwika Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.W.); (T.W.)
| | - Tomasz Wróbel
- Department and Clinic of Hematology, Blood Neoplasms, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University, Wybrzeże Ludwika Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.W.); (T.W.)
| | - Agata Kosmaczewska
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigl 12 Str., 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (L.C.); (A.S.); (A.K.)
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23
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TIMP1 and TIMP2 Downregulate TGFβ Induced Decidual-like Phenotype in Natural Killer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194955. [PMID: 34638439 PMCID: PMC8507839 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer patients are characterized by NK cells with altered surface markers, such as CD56 brightness, CD9, CD49a (pro-angiogenic) and PD-1, and TIM-3 (exhaustion), that favor immune escape. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is a major tumor-derived cytokine that favors cancer growth and supports pro-angiogenic activities in NK cells by inducing pro-angiogenic molecules. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 play a crucial role in extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation, wound healing, pregnancy and cancer, and there is increasing evidence that they are immune-modulatory. We found that recombinant TIMP-1 and -2 can partially contrast the induction of pro-tumor/pro-angiogenic decidual-like polarization of NK cells by TGFβ. Abstract Natural Killer (NK) cells have been found to be anergic, exhausted and pro-angiogenic in cancers. NK cell from healthy donors, exposed to TGFβ, acquire the CD56brightCD9+CD49a+ decidual-like-phenotype, together with decreased levels of NKG2D activation marker, increased levels of TIM-3 exhaustion marker, similar to cancer-associated NK cells. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) exert dual roles in cancer. The role of TIMPs in modulating immune cells is a very novel concept, and the present is the first report studying their ability to contrast TGFβ action on NK cells. Here, we investigated the effects of TIMP1 and TIMP2 recombinant proteins in hindering decidual-like markers in NK cells, generated by polarizing cytolytic NK cells with TGFβ. The effects of TIMP1 or TIMP2 on NK cell surface antigens were determined by multicolor flow cytometry. We found that TIMP1 and TIMP2 were effective in interfering with TGFβ induced NK cell polarization towards a decidual-like-phenotype. TIMP1 and TIMP2 counteracted the effect of TGFβ in increasing the percentage of CD56bright, CD16−, CD9+ and CD49a+, and restoring normal levels for TIMP 1 and 2 also inhibited decrease levels of the activation marker NKG2D induced by TGFβ and decreased the TGFβ upregulated exhaustion marker TIM-3. NK cell degranulation capabilities against K562 cells were also decreased by TGFβ and not by TIMP1 or TIMP2. TIMP1 treatment could partially restore degranulation marker CD107a expression. Treatment with recombinant TIMP-1 or TIMP-2 showed a trend, although not statistically significant, to decrease CD49a+ and TIM-3+ expression and increase NKG2D in peripheral blood NK cells exposed to conditioned media from colon cancer cell lines. Our results suggest a potential role of TIMPs in controlling the tumor-associated cytokine TGFβ-induced NK cell polarization. Given the heterogeneity of released factors within the TME, it is clear that TGFβ stimulation represents a model to prove TIMP’s new properties, but it cannot be envisaged as a soloist NK cell polarizing agent. Therefore, further studies from the scientific community will help defining TIMPs immunomodulatory activities of NK cells in cancer, and their possible future diagnostic–therapeutic roles.
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Demerlé C, Gorvel L, Olive D. BTLA-HVEM Couple in Health and Diseases: Insights for Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:682007. [PMID: 34532285 PMCID: PMC8438526 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.682007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Immunotherapies (IT) have been rapidly approved for lung cancer treatment after the spectacular results in melanoma. Responses to the currently used checkpoint inhibitors are strikingly good especially in metastatic diseases. However, durable responses are observed in only 25% of cases. Consequently, there is an urgent need for new immunotherapy targets. Among the multiple checkpoints involved in the tumor immune escape, the BTLA-HVEM couple appears to be a promising target. BTLA (B- and T- Lymphocyte Attenuator) is a co-inhibitory receptor mainly expressed by B and T cells, repressing the activation signal transduction. BTLA shares similarities with other immune checkpoints such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 which are the targets of the currently used immunotherapies. Furthermore, BTLA expression points out terminally exhausted and dysfunctional lymphocytes, and correlates with lung cancer progression. The ligand of BTLA is HVEM (Herpes Virus Entry Mediator) which belongs to the TNF receptor family. Often described as a molecular switch, HVEM is constitutively expressed by many cells, including cells from tumor and healthy tissues. In addition, HVEM seems to be involved in tumor immuno-evasion, especially in lung tumors lacking PD-L1 expression. Here, we propose to review the role of BTLA-HVEM in immuno-escape in order to highlight its potential for designing new immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemence Demerlé
- Cancer Research Center in Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Aix Marseille University (AMU), Paoli Calmette Institute (IPC), Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Gorvel
- Cancer Research Center in Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Aix Marseille University (AMU), Paoli Calmette Institute (IPC), Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Cancer Research Center in Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Aix Marseille University (AMU), Paoli Calmette Institute (IPC), Marseille, France
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25
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Buckle I, Guillerey C. Inhibitory Receptors and Immune Checkpoints Regulating Natural Killer Cell Responses to Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174263. [PMID: 34503073 PMCID: PMC8428224 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent years marked the discovery and increased understanding of the role immune checkpoints play in immunity against cancer. This has revolutionized cancer treatment, saving the lives of many patients. For numerous years the spotlight of success has been directed towards T cells; however, it is now appreciated that other cells play vital roles in this protection. In this review we focused on cytotoxic lymphocytes Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are known to be well equipped in the fight against cancer. We explored the role of well-described and newly emerging inhibitory receptors, including immune checkpoints in regulating NK cell activity against cancer. The knowledge summarized in this review should guide the development of immunotherapies targeting inhibitory receptors with the aim of restoring NK cell responses in cancer patients. Abstract The discovery of immune checkpoints provided a breakthrough for cancer therapy. Immune checkpoints are inhibitory receptors that are up-regulated on chronically stimulated lymphocytes and have been shown to hinder immune responses to cancer. Monoclonal antibodies against the checkpoint molecules PD-1 and CTLA-4 have shown early clinical success against melanoma and are now approved to treat various cancers. Since then, the list of potential candidates for immune checkpoint blockade has dramatically increased. The current paradigm stipulates that immune checkpoint blockade therapy unleashes pre-existing T cell responses. However, there is accumulating evidence that some of these immune checkpoint molecules are also expressed on Natural Killer (NK) cells. In this review, we summarize our latest knowledge about targetable NK cell inhibitory receptors. We discuss the HLA-binding receptors KIRS and NKG2A, receptors binding to nectin and nectin-like molecules including TIGIT, CD96, and CD112R, and immune checkpoints commonly associated with T cells such as PD-1, TIM-3, and LAG-3. We also discuss newly discovered pathways such as IL-1R8 and often overlooked receptors such as CD161 and Siglecs. We detail how these inhibitory receptors might regulate NK cell responses to cancer, and, where relevant, we discuss their implications for therapeutic intervention.
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