Association of HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 Polymorphisms with HPV 16 E6 Variants among Young Cervical Cancer Patients in China

Genome, HLA and polygenic risk score analyses for prevalent and persistent cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infections

Genetic variants that underlie susceptibility to cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infections are largely unknown. We conducted discovery genome-wide association studies (GWAS), replication, meta-analysis and colocalization, generated polygenic risk scores (PRS) and examined the association of classical HLA alleles and cervical hrHPV infections in a cohort of over 10,000 women. We identified genome-wide significant variants for prevalent hrHPV around LDB2 and for persistent hrHPV near TPTE2, SMAD2, and CDH12, which code for proteins that are significantly expressed in the human endocervix. Genetic variants associated with persistent hrHPV are in genes enriched for the antigen processing and presentation gene set. HLA-DRB1*13:02, HLA-DQB1*05:02 and HLA-DRB1*03:01 were associated with increased risk, and HLA-DRB1*15:03 was associated with decreased risk of persistent hrHPV. The analyses of peptide binding predictions showed that HLA-DRB1 alleles that were positively associated with persistent hrHPV showed weaker binding with peptides derived from hrHPV proteins and vice versa. The PRS for persistent hrHPV with the best model fit, had a P-value threshold (PT) of 0.001 and a p-value of 0.06 (-log10(0.06) = 1.22). The findings of this study expand our understanding of genetic risk factors for hrHPV infection and persistence and highlight the roles of MHC class II molecules in hrHPV infection.

Biological and clinical implications of early-onset cancers: A unique subtype

In recent years, the incidence of cancers is continuously increasing in young adults. Early-onset cancer (EOC) is usually defined as patients with cancers under the age of 50, and may represent a unique subgroup due to its special disease features. Overall, EOCs often initiate at a young age, present as a better physical performance but high degree of malignancy. EOCs also share common epidemiological and hereditary risk factors. In this review, we discuss several representative EOCs which were well studied previously. By revealing their clinical and molecular similarities and differences, we consider the group of EOCs as a unique subtype compared to ordinary cancers. In consideration of EOC as a rising threat to human health, more researches on molecular mechanisms, and large-scale, prospective clinical trials should be carried out to further translate into improved outcomes.

Reduced MHC Class I and II Expression in HPV-Negative vs. HPV-Positive Cervical Cancers

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-associated death in women. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with nearly all CC, it has recently become clear that HPV-negative (HPV-) CC represents a distinct disease phenotype with increased mortality. HPV-positive (HPV+) and HPV- CC demonstrate different molecular pathology, prognosis, and response to treatment. Furthermore, CC caused by HPV α9 types (HPV16-like) often have better outcomes than those caused by HPV α7 types (HPV18-like). This study systematically and comprehensively compared the expression of genes involved in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II presentation within CC caused by HPV α9 types, HPV α7 types, and HPV- CC. We observed increased expression of MHC class I and II classical and non-classical genes in HPV+ CC and overall higher expression of genes involved in their antigen loading and presentation apparatus as well as transcriptional regulation. Increased expression of MHC I-related genes differs from previous studies using cell culture models. These findings identify crucial differences between antigen presentation within the tumor immune microenvironments of HPV+ and HPV- CC, as well as modest differences between HPV α9 and α7 CC. These differences may contribute to the altered patient outcomes and responses to immunotherapy observed between these distinct cancers.

Identification of human leukocyte antigen in precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions from Ecuadorian women

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women. Worldwide, it is a public health problem with around 604,127 women diagnosed per year and 341,831 deaths. Cervical cancer and persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are highly associated. However, other factors are also involved, such as viral load, HPV variants, sexual behavior, and genetic factors. The host immune response against HPV has been widely studied and it has shown associations with development of cervical cancer. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are related to the persistence of HPV infection and progression to cervical cancer because of their role in controlling T-cell mediated immune response to clear the infection. In Ecuador, there is scarce information about HLA and HPV infection with high-risk genotypes in the population. This study aimed to identify host-specific HLA alleles in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II and III, and cancer infected with HPV-16, 58, and 52. In this study, we included 51 samples previously identified as positive for HPV-16, 58, and 52 from 12 Ecuadorian provinces. As a result, we found that HLA-A*02, HLA-B*35, HLA-C*04, HLA-DRB1*04, and HLA-DQB1*03 alleles were the most frequent, these alleles have been associated with cervical cancer in previous studies; nevertheless, we did not find a statistically significant association between HLA alleles, HPV genotype, and histopathological lesion. This is a baseline study to uncover possible relationships between HLA and HPV to elucidate why this virus can develop a persistent infection in some women leading to the development of cervical cancer.

HPVMD-C: a disease-based mutation database of human papillomavirus in China

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause condyloma acuminatum and cervical cancer. Some mutations of these viruses are closely related to the persistent infection of cervical cancer and are ideal cancer vaccine targets. Several databases have been developed to collect HPV sequences, but no HPV mutation database has been published. This paper reports a Chinese HPV mutation database (HPVMD-C), which contains 149 HPV genotypes, 468 HPV mutations, 3409 protein sequences, 4727 domains and 236 epitopes. We analyzed the mutation distribution among HPV genotypes, domains and epitopes. We designed a visualization tool to display these mutations, domains and epitopes and provided more detailed information about the disease, region and related literature. We also proposed an HPV genotype prediction tool, which can predict HPV carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic risk genotypes. We expect that HPVMD-C will complement the existing database and provide valuable resources for HPV vaccine research and cervical cancer treatment. HPVMD-C is freely available at Database URL: http://bioinfo.zstu.edu.cn/hpv.

Genetic variability of the HPV16 early genes and LCR. Present and future perspectives

Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) infection is the aetiologic factor for the development of cervical dysplasia and is regarded as highly carcinogen, because it is implicated in more than 50% of cervical cancer cases, worldwide. The tumourigenic potential of HPV16 has triggered the extensive sequence analysis of viral genome in order to identify nucleotide variations and amino acid substitutions that influence viral oncogenicity and subsequently the initiation and progression of cervical cancer. Nowadays, specific mutations of HPV16 DNA have been associated with an increased risk of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) development, including E6: Q14H, H78Y, L83V, Ε7: N29S, S63F, E2: H35Q, P219S, T310K, E5: I65V, whereas highly conserved regions of viral DNA have been extensively characterised. In addition, numerous novel HPV16 mutations are observed among the studied populations from various geographic regions, hence advocating that different HPV16 strains seem to emerge with different tumourigenic capacities. The present review focuses on the variability of the early genes and the long control region, emphasising on the association of specific mutations with the development of severe dysplasia. Finally, it evaluates whether specific regions of HPV16 DNA are able to serve as valuable biomarkers for cervical cancer risk.

Physiopathology and effectiveness of therapeutic vaccines against human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-known sexually transmitted disorder globally. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the 3rd most common cancer that causes cervical carcinoma, and globally it accounts for 275,000 deaths every year. The load of HPV-associated abrasions can be lessened through vaccination. At present, three forms of prophylactic vaccines, Cervarix, Gadrasil, and Gardasil 9, are commercially accessible but all these prophylactic vaccines have not the ability to manage and control developed abrasions or infections. Therefore, a considerable amount of the population is not secured from HPV infectivity. Consequently, the development of therapeutic HPV vaccines is a crucial requirement of this era, for the treatment of persisting infections, and to stop the progression of HPV-associated cancers. Therapeutic vaccines are a developing trial approach. Because of the constitutive expression of E6 and E7 early genes in cancerous and pre-cancerous tissues, and their involvement in disturbance of the cell cycle, these are best targets for this therapeutic vaccine treatment. For the synthesis and development of therapeutic vaccines, various approaches have been examined comprising cell-based vaccines, peptide/protein-based vaccines, nucleic acid-based vaccines, and live-vector vaccines all proceeding towards clinical trials. This review emphasizes the development, progress, current status, and future perspective of several vaccines for the cure of HPV-related abrasions and cancers. This review also provides an insight to assess the effectiveness, safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of therapeutic vaccines in the cure of patients infected with HPV-associated cervical cancer.

Expression of HLA class I and class II genes in patients with multiple skin warts

Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which are genetic markers that have critical roles in the immune response against pathogens, vary greatly among individuals. The aim of the study is to investigate the frequency of HLA class I (HLA-A, HLA-B and HLAC) and class II (HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DQA1) genes in patients with multiple skin warts and to elucidate the role of these genes in the genetic susceptibility to skin warts. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 100 patients with multiple skin warts and 300 healthy individuals (controls). HLA typing was performed after DNA isolation from the blood samples. The HLA-A*02 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.12; p = 0.0019), HLA-DQA1*03:01 (OR: 0.45; p = 0.0017) and DQA1*05:01 (OR: 0.17; p < 0.0001) genes were significantly more prevalent in the patients than in the healthy individuals and were thus identified as risk genes. The HLA-DQA1*01:01 (OR: 0.17; p < 0.0001), HLA-DQA1*01:02 (OR: 0.17; p < 0.0001), HLA-DQA1*01:03 (OR: 0.11; p < 0.0001), HLA-DQA1*02:01 (OR:027; p<0.0001) and HLA-DQA1*05:05 (OR:0.16; p<0.0001) genes were classified as protective genes because of their low frequencies in the patients. The limitation of the study is that Human papillomavirus typing could not be performed while investigating the relationship between skin warts and HLA class I and class II genes. Our data suggest the role of HLA genes in the development of skin warts. However, other components of the major histocompatibility complex system and acquired factors of the immune system could also be involved and should be further investigated.

Fine Mapping of the Major Histocompatibility Complex Region and Association of the HLA-B*52:01 Allele With Cervical Cancer in Japanese Women

IMPORTANCE

Understanding the genetic contribution of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region to the risk of cervical cancer (CC) will help understand how immune responses to infection with human papillomaviruses are associated with CC.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the HLA-B*52:01 allele is associated with CC in Japanese women.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a multicenter genetic association study. Genotype and phenotype data were obtained from BioBank Japan Project. Additional patients with CC were enrolled from the Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute. An MHC fine-mapping study was conducted on CC risk in the Japanese population by applying a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) imputation method to the large-scale CC genome-wide association study data of using the Japanese population-specific HLA reference panel. Participants included 540 women in BioBank Japan Project with CC or 39 829 women without gynecologic diseases, malignant neoplasms, and MHC-related diseases as controls. An additional 168 patients with CC were recruited from Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute. Histopathological subtypes and clinical stages were not considered. Participants with low genotype call rate, closely related participants, and outliers in the principal component analysis were excluded. Data analysis was performed from August 2018 to January 2020.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Loci within the MHC region associated with CC risk, and the direction and size of association.

RESULTS

A total of 704 CC cases and 39 556 controls were analyzed. All participants were Japanese women with a median (range) age of 67 (18 to 100) years. One of the class I HLA alleles of HLA-B*52:01 was significantly associated with CC risk (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.38-1.86; P = 7.4 × 10-10). Allele frequency spectra of HLA-B*52:01 are heterogeneous among worldwide populations with high frequency in Japanese populations (0.109 in controls), suggesting its population-specific risk associated with CC. The conditional analysis suggested that HLA-B*52:01 could explain most of the MHC risk associated with CC because no other HLA alleles remained significant after conditioning on the HLA-B*52:01. The HLA amino acid residue-based analysis suggested that HLA-B p.Tyr171His located in the peptide-binding groove was associated with the most significant CC risk (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.30-1.66; P = 1.2 × 10-9).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results of this study contribute to understanding of the genetic background of CC. The results suggest that immune responses mediated by class I HLA molecules are associated with susceptibility to CC.

HLA Class II alleles and association with HPV Infection prevalence in high-risk HPV-positive Han women in southern China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of different human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes and their association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles in China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 16,168 married Chinese women in Maoming City of Guangdong province were tested for high-risk HPV infection. High-resolution typing of HLA-DRB1/DQB1 alleles was also performed on samples found to be infected with HPV.

RESULTS

All in all, HPV-52, -58, -16, -18, and -53 were the five most common subtypes of HPV, with an incidence of high-risk HPV infection of 7.14%. Among women at high-risk of HPV infection, -DRB1*0403 (3.12% vs. 1.67%, odds ratio [OR] 1.894), -DQB1*0602 (3.74% vs. 1.82%, OR 2.094), and -DQB1*0609 (2.02% vs. 0.91%, OR 2.249) frequencies were higher than in controls. In contrast, -DQB1*0402 (0.31% vs. 1.29%, OR 0.239) in women with high-risk HPV infection exhibited a significantly decreased frequency compared to the controls.

CONCLUSION

Our results strongly support previous findings from other populations that -DRB1*0403 and -DQB1*0602 may be risk factors for HPV infection and subsequent development of cervical cancer. Moreover, unlike the European population, -DQB1*0402 may protect rather than render Maoming women susceptible to HPV infection.

Genetic polymorphisms of proteasome subunit genes of the MHC-I antigen-presenting system are associated with cervical cancer in a Chinese Han population

Proteasome subunit beta types 8 and 9 (PSMB8, PSMB9) play critical roles in the human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA I)-presenting system. Studies have suggested that polymorphisms in the PSMB8 and PSMB9 genes may influence the immune functions of PSMB8 and PSMB9, and thus be associated with various human cancers. We investigated associations involving single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2071543 in PSMB8, rs1351383, rs17587 and rs2127675 in PSMB9 and risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer in a Chinese Han population. A total of 543 patients with CIN, 1008 patients with cervical cancer, and 1120 healthy individuals were enrolled. Agena MassArray was used for SNP genotyping of PSMB8 and PSMB9. Associations involving these SNPs and risk of CIN and cervical cancer were analysed. Our results showed that the PSMB8 T/T and T/G genotypes of rs2071543 may be associated with a higher risk of CIN (P = 0.011, OR = 1.35,95% CI: 1.07-1.70) and cervical cancer (P = 0.006, OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08-1.59). For rs17587, the A allele (P = 0.001, OR = 1.303, 95% CI: 1.115-1.522), and the A/A and A/G genotypes (P = 0.001, OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.13-1.63) may be risk factors for cervical cancer. These results indicated that PSMB8 rs2071543 might influence susceptibility to CIN and cervical cancer, and PSMB9 rs17587 might influence cervical cancer susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

Enhancement of specific T-lymphocyte responses by monocyte-derived dendritic cells pulsed with E2 protein of human papillomavirus 16 and human p16INK4A

Introduction

Prophylactic vaccines are already available for prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, we still await development of therapeutic vaccines with high efficiency for stimulating specific T lymphocytes to clear HPV infection.

Objective

This study investigates the potential for subunits of human p16INK4a protein and E2 protein of HPV16 to stimulate dendritic cells and enhance the specific response of T lymphocytes against HPV-infected cells.

Methodology

Immunogenic epitopes of HPV16 E2 and p16INK4a proteins were predicted through the common HLA class I and II alleles present in the Thai population. Then, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDCs) were pulsed with HPV16 E2 and/or p16INK4a protein s and their maturity assessed. MDCs pulsed with either or both of these proteins at optimal concentrations were used for activation of autologous T lymphocytes and IFN-γ production was measured for specific response function.

Results

HPV16 E2 and p16INK4a proteins contain various immunogenic epitopes which can be presented by antigen-presenting cells via both HLA class I and II molecules. The stimulation of MDCs with either HPV16 E2 or p16INK4a proteins increased percentages and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD83⁺ MDCs in a dose-dependent manner. An optimum concentration of 250 ng/mL and 150 ng/mL of HPV16 E2 and p16INK4a proteins, respectively, stimulated MDCs via the MAPK pathway (confirmed by use of MAPK inhibitors). T lymphocytes could be activated by MDCs pulsed with these proteins, leading to high percentages of both CD4⁺ IFN-γ⁺ T lymphocytes and CD8⁺ IFN-γ⁺ T lymphocytes. The production of IFN-γ was higher in co-cultures containing MDCs pulsed with HPV16 E2 protein than those pulsed with p16INK4a. Interestingly, MDCs pulsed with a combination of HPV16 E2 and p16INK4a significantly increased IFN-γ production of T lymphocytes. The IFN-γ production was inhibited by both HLA class I and II blockade, particularly in co-cultures with MDCs pulsed with a combination of HPV16 E2 and p16INK4a.

Conclusions

This suggests that MDCs pulsed with both proteins enhances specific response of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes. This study might provide a strategy for further in vivo study of stimulation of T lymphocytes for therapy of HPV-associated cancer.

Bioinformatics analysis of HPV-68 E6 and E7 oncoproteins for designing a therapeutic epitope vaccine against HPV infection

The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, which mainly results from the infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) is significantly increasing in Xinjiang. According to the previous research, the incidence of HPV-68 in cervical cancer patients in Xinjiang is significantly higher than in other parts of China. HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins play a crucial role in cervical cancer, and can be used as ideal targets for therapeutic vaccines. Therefore, we analyzed and identified the possible T-cell and B-cell dominant epitopes and various aspects of HPV-68 E6 and E7 oncoproteins, including the physicochemical properties, secondary and tertiary structures using a bioinformatic approach, which provided a basis for designing an effective HPV infection therapeutic vaccine. The results showed that E6 oncoproteins was an unstable and hydrophilic protein, while E7 oncoproteins was unstable and hydrophilic protein. The secondary structure of the E6 oncoproteins consisted of 45.57% alpha helixes, 14.56% extended strands, 4.43% beta turns and 35.44% random coils. The secondary structure of E7 oncoproteins consisted of 35.45% alpha helixes, 17.27% extended strands, 0.91% beta turns and 46.36% random coils. Moreover, our results identified 5 dominant T-cell epitopes and 6 dominant B-cell epitopes in the E6 oncoproteins structure and 5 dominant T-cell epitopes and 3 dominant B-cell epitopes in E7 oncoproteins. In conclusion, this study provides comprehensive biological information about the HPV-68 E6 and E7 oncoproteins, which will lay a theoretical foundation for multi-epitope vaccines against HPV infection.

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Class II -DRB1 and -DQB1 Alleles and the Association with Cervical Cancer in HIV/HPV Co-Infected Women in South Africa

Background: A subset of women who are co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV), progress rapidly to invasive cervical cancer regardless of antiretroviral therapy (ART) or immune status. We posit that HIV/HPV co-infection along with specific host HLA II -DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles play a major role in cervical cancer development.

Methodology: We conducted a hospital-based genetic susceptibility case-control study in Cape Town, South Africa. We recruited 256 women of the same race, from which a total of 624 HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 class II genotypes were studied. We characterized HLA II candidate genes using PCR based, Luminex intermediate resolution genotyping and confirmed significant associated genotypes at four-digit resolution by high resolution gel typing. We analyzed 160 alleles from cancer, 64 alleles from pre-cancer and 400 alleles from healthy control women. Whole blood was used for HIV antibody test and HLA II typing. Cervical tumor tissue biopsies were used for HPV genotyping. Tests were statistically significant if p<0.05.

Results: Women who were co-infected with HIV/HPV had advanced cervical disease compared to women who were HIV negative. HLA class II -DQB1*03:01 and -DQB1*06:02 alleles were associated with cervical cancer in HIV/HPV co-infected women (p=0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively) while HLA class II -DRB1*13:01 and -DQB1*03:19 were rare or absent in women with cervical disease when compared to the control population (p=0.012 and 0.011, respectively).

Conclusion: We describe associations between HLA class II genotypes with cervical cancer, or likely protection from cervical cancer disease in HIV/HPV co-infected South African women. Identifying mechanisms that give rise to this likely protective HLA association will provide insight into development of immune-based prevention measures.

From HPV Infection to Lesion Progression: The Role of HLA Alleles and Host Immunity

Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been associated with increased risk for cervical precancerous lesions and cancer. The host's genetic variability is known to play a role in the development of cervical cancer. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are highly polymorphic and have shown to be important risk determinants of HPV infection persistence and disease progression. HLA class I and II cell surface molecules regulate the host's immune system by presenting HPV-derived peptides to T-cells. The activation of T-cell response may vary depending on the HLA allele polymorphism. The engagement of the T-cell receptor with the HPV peptide-HLA complex to create an active costimulatory signal is essential for the activation of the T-cell response. Functional peptide presentation by both HLA class I and II molecules is needed to activate efficient helper and effector T-cell responses in HPV infection recognition and clearance. Some of these HLA risk alleles could also be used as preventive tools in the detection of HPV-induced cervical lesions and cancer. These HLA alleles, together with HPV vaccines, could potentially offer possible solutions for reducing HPV-induced cervical cancer as well as other HPV-related cancers.

Association between HLA-DP Gene Polymorphisms and Cervical Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Objective. We aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the associations between human leukocyte antigens DP (HLA-DP) gene polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk by meta-analysis. Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases were systematically searched to identify studies investigating the relationship between HLA-DP gene polymorphisms and cervical cancer. The associations between them were evaluated by pooled OR and 95% CI. Results. A total of 11 studies including 5008 cases and 9322 controls with 11 HLA-DP alleles were included in the current meta-analysis. Results. The results showed that HLA-DPB1⁎03:01 was significantly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer (OR=1.252, 95%CI: 1.116-1.403, Pz=0.001), while HLA-DPB1⁎04:02 and HLA-DP rs3117027 G allele were significantly associated with a decreased risk of cervical cancer (OR=0.744, 95%CI: 0.652-0.848, Pz=0.001; OR=0.790, 95%CI: 0.745-0.837, Pz=0.001), and HLA-DP rs9277535 G allele was significantly associated with a decreased risk of cervical cancer in Asia (OR=0.802, 95%CI: 0.753-0.855, Pz=0.001). Subgroup analyses based on race system showed that HLA-DPB1⁎13:01 was significantly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in Asia (OR=1.834, 95%CI: 1.107-3.039, Pz=0.019). No significant association was established for the HLA-DP following alleles: DPB1⁎02:01, DPB1⁎02:02, DPB1⁎04:01, DPB1⁎05:01, rs4282438, and rs3077. Conclusion. HLA-DP gene polymorphisms (HLA-DPB1⁎03:01, DPB1⁎04:02, DPB1⁎13:01, rs9277535, and rs3117027) were significantly associated with cervical cancer.

Frequency distribution of HLA alleles and haplotypes in Uyghur women with advanced squamous cell cervical cancer and relation to HPV status and clinical outcome

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and haplotypes in Uyghur women with advanced squamous cell cervical cancer (SCC).

METHODS

A total of 131 Uyghur patients with advanced SCC (IIb-IVa) and 91 healthy subjects from Xinjiang province were genotyped for HLA-I and II genes using Polymerase Chain Reaction Sequence Based Typing. The different frequencies of HLA alleles and haplotypes between patients and controls were compared and the correlations were analyzed between HLA distribution and HPV status and prognosis.

RESULTS

(1) The frequencies of B*51:01, DRB1*07:01, DQB1*02:01, A*01:01-C*06:02, A*01:01-DRB1*07:01, C*06:02-DQB1*02:01, DRB1*07:01-DQB1*02:01 and C*06:02-DRB1*07:01-DQB1*02:01 in cancer group were higher than control group whereas the frequencies of B*44:02, B*58:01, C*05:01, DRB1*04:01, DRB1*12:01, DRB1*13:01, DQB1*02:02, DQB1*05:02, DRB1*03:01-DQB1*02:02 and DRB1*04:01-DQB1*03:02 in cancer group were lower than control group (P < 0.05). (2) The frequencies of A*01:01-C*06:02, A*01:01-DRB1*07:01, C*06:02-DQB1*02:01, DRB1*07:01-DQB1*02:01 and C*06:02-DRB1*07:01-DQB1*02:01 in HPV positive group were lower than HPV negative group, differences of which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). (3) B*44:02 and B*58:01 were associated with reduced disease-specific survival (DSS) (P = 0.010 and 0.007). (4) Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models revealed that age, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, tumor differentiation and allele B*58:01 as independent predictors for DSS while FIGO stage and tumor differentiation as independent factors for DFS.

CONCLUSIONS

In the development and progression of advanced SCC among Uyghur population, the HLA alleles and its haplotypes play an important role. B*58:01 allele may act as an independent predictor for DSS.