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Raghvendra M Srivastava,
Steve C Lee,
Pedro A Andrade Filho,
Christopher A Lord,
Hyun-Bae Jie,
Carter Davidson,
Andrés López-Albaitero,
Sandra P Gibson,
William E Gooding, Soldano Ferrone,
Robert L Ferris
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: Tumor antigen (TA)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) block oncogenic signaling and induce Fcγreceptor (FcγR)-mediated cytotoxicity. However, the role of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and FcγR in initiating innate and adaptive immune responses in mAb-treated human cancer patients is still emerging. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: FcγRIIIa codon 158 polymorphism was correlated with survival in 107 cetuximab-treated head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Flow cytometry was performed to quantify EGFR-specific T cells in cetuximab-treated HNC patients. The effect of cetuximab on NK cell, dendritic cell (DC), and T cell activation was measured using IFN-γ release assays and flow cytometry. RESULTS: FcRγIIIa polymorphism did not predict clinical outcome in cetuximab-treated HNC patients, however elevated circulating EGFR853-861-specific CD8+ T cells were found in cetuximab-treated HNC patients (p<0.005). Cetuximab promoted EGFR-specific cellular immunity through the interaction of EGFR+ tumor cells and FcγRIIIa on NK cells, but not on the polymorphism per se. Cetuximab-activated NK cells induced IFN-γ dependent expression of DC maturation markers, antigen presentation machinery (APM) components such as TAP-1/2, and Th1 chemokines through NKG2D/MICA binding. Cetuximab initiated adaptive immune responses via NK-cell induced DC maturation, which enhanced cross-presentation to CTL specific for EGFR as well as another TA, MAGE-3. CONCLUSIONS: Cetuximab-activated NK cells promote DC maturation and CD8+ T cell priming, leading to TA spreading and Th1 cytokine release through 'NK-DC cross-talk.' FcγRIIIa polymorphism did not predict clinical response to cetuximab, but was necessary for NK-DC interaction and mAb induced cross-presentation. EGFR-specific T cells in cetuximab treated HNC patients may contribute to clinical response.
Clinical Cancer Research 02/2013; · 7.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: Glioblastoma (GBM) demonstrate down-regulated expression of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Class I, thereby escaping from cytotoxic T cells and limiting the efficacy of immunotherapy. LOH of HLA Class I (6p21) and/or Beta-2 microglobulin (B2m) (15q21) regions represent irreversible down-regulation. In this study, we examined the prevalence of these LOH events and their relations with overall survival in GBM. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In a cross-sectional analysis on 60 adult GBM patients, DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens were evaluated for ten microsatellite regions of HLA Class I, B2m, HLA Class II, HLA Class III, and 6q by PCR as well as immunohistochemical evaluation of HLA Class I expression and CD8+ T cell infiltration. RESULTS: LOH in HLA Class I, B2m, HLA Class II, HLA Class III, and 6q regions were present in 41.4%, 18.2%, 9.4%, 77.8%, and 36.0% of informative cases, respectively. LOH of HLA Class I was associated with shorter overall survival (HR = 4.89, p = 0.0078). HLA Class I was down-regulated in 22 to 43% of cases based on immunohistochemistry. Cases that displayed negative staining were significantly younger. HLA Class I expression correlated with intratumoral CD8+ T cell infiltration. CONCLUSION: LOH in the HLA Class I region is frequent in adult GBMs. The association of shorter survival with LOH in this region suggest a crucial role for these genes in immunosurveillance.
Clinical Cancer Research 02/2013; · 7.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen processing machinery (APM) component downregulation permits escape of malignant cells from recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and correlates with poor prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Activated STAT1 (pSTAT1) is necessary for APM component expression in HNC cells. We investigated whether an overexpressed phosphatase was responsible for basal suppression of pSTAT1 and subsequent APM component-mediated immune escape in HNC cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR of paired HNC tumors was performed for the phosphatases src homology domain-containing phosphatase (SHP)-1 and SHP2. Depletion of phosphatase activity in HNC and STAT1-/- tumor cells was achieved by siRNA knockdown. HLA class I restricted, tumor antigen specific CTL were used in IFN-gamma ELISPOT assays against HNC cells. Chemokine secretion was measured after SHP2 depletion in HNC cells. RESULTS: SHP2 but not SHP1 was significantly upregulated in HNC tissues. In HNC cells, SHP2 depletion significantly upregulated expression of pSTAT1 and HLA class I APM components. Overexpression of SHP2 in nonmalignant keratinocytes inhibited IFN-gamma-mediated STAT1 phosphorylation and SHP2 depletion in STAT1-/- tumor cells did not significantly induce IFN-gamma-mediated APM component expression, verifying STAT1 dependence of SHP2 activity. SHP2 depletion induced recognition of HNC cells by HLA class I restricted CTL and secretion of inflammatory, T cell attracting chemokines, RANTES and IP10. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest for the first time an important role for SHP2 in APM-mediated escape of HNC cells from CTL recognition. Targeting SHP2 could enhance T cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
Clinical Cancer Research 01/2013; · 7.74 Impact Factor
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Clinical Cancer Research 12/2012; · 7.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The immunotherapy of cancer has made significant strides in the past few years due to improved understanding of the underlying principles of tumor biology and immunology. These principles have been critical in the development of immunotherapy in the laboratory and in the implementation of immunotherapy in the clinic. This improved understanding of immunotherapy, enhanced by increased insights into the mechanism of tumor immune response and its evasion by tumors, now permits manipulation of this interaction and elucidates the therapeutic role of immunity in cancer. Also important, this improved understanding of immunotherapy and the mechanisms underlying immunity in cancer has fueled an expanding array of new therapeutic agents for a variety of cancers. Pegylated interferon-α2b as an adjuvant therapy and ipilimumab as therapy for advanced disease, both of which were approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for melanoma in March 2011, are 2 prime examples of how an increased understanding of the principles of tumor biology and immunology have been translated successfully from the laboratory to the clinical setting. Principles that guide the development and application of immunotherapy include antibodies, cytokines, vaccines, and cellular therapies. The identification and further elucidation of the role of immunotherapy in different tumor types, and the development of strategies for combining immunotherapy with cytotoxic and molecularly targeted agents for future multimodal therapy for cancer will enable even greater progress and ultimately lead to improved outcomes for patients receiving cancer immunotherapy. CA Cancer J Clin 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
CA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 05/2012; 62(5):309-35. · 101.78 Impact Factor
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Elena Tassi,
Marina Zanon,
Claudia Vegetti,
Alessandra Molla,
Ilaria Bersani,
Valentina Perotti,
Marzia Pennati,
Nadia Zaffaroni,
Michele Milella, Soldano Ferrone,
Carmelo Carlo-Stella,
Alessandro M Gianni,
Roberta Mortarini,
Andrea Anichini
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ABSTRACT: To assess the role of Apollon in melanoma resistance to intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis and to identify strategies to reduce its expression.
Apollon expression was assessed in melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Apollon modulation and melanoma apoptosis were evaluated by Western blot and/or flow cytometry in response to cytotoxic drugs, mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)-, BRAF(V600E)-, and mTOR-specific inhibitors, TRAIL and anti-HLA class II monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Mitochondrial depolarization, caspase activation, apoptosis assays, and gene expression profiling were used to test effects of Apollon silencing, by siRNA, on melanoma response to antitumor agents.
Apollon was constitutively expressed by melanoma cells, in vitro and in vivo, and at higher levels than in benign melanocytic lesions. Melanoma apoptosis correlated significantly with Apollon protein downmodulation in response to cytotoxic drugs, MEK, or BRAF(V600E)-specific inhibitors. Combinatorial treatment with MEK and mTOR inhibitors and HLA class II ligation, by a specific mAb, promoted Apollon downmodulation and enhanced melanoma apoptosis. Apollon downmodulation induced by antitumor agents was caspase independent, but proteasome dependent. Knockdown of Apollon, by siRNA, triggered apoptosis and/or significantly enhanced melanoma cell death in response to cytotoxic drugs, MEK- and BRAF(V600E)-specific inhibitors, and soluble or membrane-bound TRAIL. Apollon silencing promoted mitochondrial depolarization and caspase-2, caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 activation in response to different antitumor agents and altered the profile of genes modulated by MEK or BRAF(V600E)-specific inhibitors.
Targeting of Apollon may significantly improve melanoma cell death in response to antitumor agents that trigger the intrinsic or the extrinsic apoptosis pathways.
Clinical Cancer Research 05/2012; 18(12):3316-27. · 7.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cancer stem cells (CSC) are resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy. To eliminate cells with phenotypic markers of CSC-like we
characterized: (1) expression of CD44, CD24, CD133 and MIC-A/B (NKG2 receptors) in breast (MCF7) and ovarian (SK-OV-3) cells
resistant to gemcitabine (GEM), paclitaxel (PTX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and (2) their elimination by Numb- and Notch-peptide
activated CTL. The number of cells in all populations with the luminal CSC phenotype [epithelial specific antigen+ (ESA) CD44hi CD24lo, CD44hi CD133+, and CD133+ CD24lo] increased in drug-resistant MCF7 and SK-OV-3 cells. Similarly, the number of cells with expressed MIC-A/B increased 4 times
in drug-resistant tumor cells compared with drug-sensitive cells. GEMRes MCF7 cells had lower levels of the Notch-1-extracellular domain (NECD) and Notch trans-membrane intracellular domain (TMIC)
than GEMSens MCF7. The levels of Numb, and Numb-L-[P]-Ser265 were similar in GEMRes and GEMSens MCF7 cells. Only the levels of Numb-L (long)-Ser295 decreased slightly. This finding suggests that Notch-1 cleavage to TMIC is inhibited in GEMRes MCF7 cells. PBMC activated by natural immunogenic peptides Notch-1 (2112–2120) and Numb-1 (87–95) eliminated NICDpositive, CD24hi CD24lo MCF7 cells. It is likely that the immunogenic Numb-1 peptide in MCF7 cells originated from Numb, [P]-lated by an unknown
kinase, because staurosporine but not wortmannin and MAPK-inhibitors decreased peptide presentation. Numb and Notch are antagonistic
proteins which degrade each other to stop and activate cell proliferation, respectively. Their peptides are presented alternatively.
Targeting both antagonistic proteins should be useful to prevent metastases in patients whose tumors are resistant to conventional
treatments.
Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy 04/2012; 58(8):1185-1194. · 3.70 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The potential role of immunological events in the pathogenesis and clinical course of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
(SCCHN) has stimulated interest in the characterization of HLA class I antigen expression in SCCHN lesions, because these
molecules play an important role in the interaction of malignant cells with the host's immune system. Therefore in this paper,
following a description of the methodology used to analyze HLA class I antigen expression in normal tissues and in malignant
lesions, we have reviewed data about the frequency of HLA class I antigen defects in about 500 primary and in about 25 metastatic
SCCHN lesions. The mean frequency of total HLA class I antigen loss in primary and metastatic lesions is approx 15% and 40%,
respectively. The mean frequency of selective HLA class I antigen loss in primary lesions is approx 37%. This type of abnormality
has not been investigated in metastatic lesions so far. The molecular mechanisms underlying HLA class I antigen defects in
SCCHN cells have been investigated to a limited extent. The available information suggests that structural defects in β2m genes are rare. In contrast, functional abnormalities of the antigen processing machinery (APM) components are frequent in
SCCHN cells. The latter abnormalities are likely to account for the unusual finding that most of SCCHN cell lines are resistant
in vitro to HLA class I antigen restricted, tumor antigen (TA)-specific CTL recognition under basal conditions in spite of
the expression of TA and HLA class I antigens. CTL recognition of SCCHN cells is restored by incubation with IFN-γ. These
in vitro findings provide a mechanism for the association between APM component defects in SCCHN lesions and clinical course
of the disease and imply that T cell-based immunotherapy of SCCHN may benefit from the intralesional administration of IFN-γ.
Immunologic Research 04/2012; 33(2):113-133. · 3.03 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Although criteria are established for the histologic diagnosis of atypical nevi (AN), consensus about the criteria in the diagnosis of and in the definition of AN is limited. Moreover, intraobserver and interobserver differences in the application of these criteria for the diagnosis of AN have been observed.
We sought to determine the usefulness of HLA antigen expression as a biomarker of AN.
The immunoperoxidase reaction was used to mark common nevi and AN with HLA class I heavy chain-, β2microglobulin (β2m)-, and HLA class II β chain-specific monoclonal antibodies.
HLA class I heavy chain, β2m, and HLA class II β chain were expressed in 5 (8.6%) of the 58 common nevi and in 46 (∼72%) of the 64 atypical melanocytic lesions. Among common lesions, only halo nevi expressed HLA class I heavy chain, β2m, and HLA class II β chain. The level of HLA class I heavy chain β2m and of HLA class II β chain expression correlated with the degree of cytologic atypia and architectural disorder.
The number of lesions tested and the subjective nature of the analysis of immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections are both limitations.
The data presented suggest that HLA antigen expression is an objective biomarker that correlates well with the degree of cytologic atypia in AN and may: (1) be useful to distinguish common nevi from AN, and (2) represent a more objective measure to determine which AN should be excised.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 03/2012; 66(6):911-6, 916.e1-8. · 3.99 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The stromal immunoglobulin kappa chain (IGKC) has been validated as an immunologic biomarker of prognosis and response to therapy in human breast cancer and other cancers. This validation emphasizes the key role of humoral immunity in control of cancer progression and has major implications for determining prognosis of patients with cancer.
Clinical Cancer Research 03/2012; 18(9):2417-9. · 7.74 Impact Factor
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Xinhui Wang,
Akihiro Katayama,
Yangyang Wang,
Ling Yu,
Elvira Favoino,
Koichi Sakakura,
Alessandra Favole,
Takahiro Tsuchikawa,
Susan Silver,
Simon C Watkins,
Toshiro Kageshita, Soldano Ferrone
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ABSTRACT: Cell surface chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) is an attractive target for antibody-based cancer immunotherapy because of its role in tumor cell biology, its high expression on malignant cells including cancer-initiating cells, and its restricted distribution in normal tissues. The clinical use of CSPG4 has been hampered by the lack of a CSPG4-specific chimeric, humanized, or fully human monoclonal antibody. To overcome this limitation, we generated a CSPG4-specific fully human single-chain antibody termed scFv-FcC21 and characterized its specificity and antitumor activity. Viable CSPG4(+) melanoma cells were used in a screen of a human scFv phage display library that included CDR3 engineered to optimize antibody binding sites. The scFv antibody isolated was then recombinantly engineered with a human immunoglobulin G1 Fc region to construct the fully human antibody scFv-FcC21, which recognized tumors of neuroectodermal origin, various types of carcinomas, mesotheliomas, and sarcomas as well as myeloid leukemias. scFv-FcC21 inhibited in vitro growth and migration of tumor cells and in vivo growth of human tumor xenografts. These effects were mediated by inhibition of the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and focal adhesion kinase signaling pathways that are critical for tumor cell growth and migration, respectively. Our findings define the CSPG4-specific fully human scFv-FcC21 antibody as a candidate therapeutic agent to target the many types of tumors that express CSPG4.
Cancer Research 12/2011; 71(24):7410-22. · 7.86 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), a transmembrane proteoglycan originally identified as a highly immunogenic tumor antigen on the surface of melanoma cells, is associated with melanoma tumor formation and poor prognosis in certain melanomas and several other tumor types. The complex mechanisms by which CSPG4 affects melanoma progression have started to be defined, in particular the association with other cell surface proteins and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and its central role in modulating the function of these proteins. CSPG4 is essential to the growth of melanoma tumors through its modulation of integrin function and enhanced growth factor receptor-regulated pathways including sustained activation of ERK 1,2. This activation of integrin, RTK, and ERK1,2 function by CSPG4 modulates numerous aspects of tumor progression. CSPG4 expression has further been correlated to resistance of melanoma to conventional chemotherapeutics. This review outlines recent advances in our understanding of CSPG4-associated cell signaling, describing the central role it plays in melanoma tumor cell growth, motility, and survival, and explores how modifying CSPG4 function and protein-protein interactions may provide us with novel combinatorial therapies for the treatment of advanced melanoma.
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research 12/2011; 24(6):1148-57. · 5.06 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Studies have shown that ALDH1A1 expression in the breast is associated with worse clinical outcome. ALDH1A1 inactivates cyclophosphamide, which is an integral agent in breast cancer chemotherapy regimens. The purposes of this study were to verify these results, to correlate ALDH1A1 expression with clinical outcome in patients treated with cyclophosphamide as part of the chemotherapy (adjuvant or neoadjuvant), and to evaluate ALDH1A1 as a useful marker to predict the clinical outcome of breast cancer subsets. A total of 513 primary breast cancers were studied. Tissue microarrays of the studied cases were stained with ALDH1A1. Key clinicopathological information was obtained. Disease-free survival and overall survival were calculated. Patients with neoadjuvant therapy who had substantial residual cancer burden (RCB) were included in the study. Fisher's exact test and Kaplan-Meier methods were used for statistical analysis. ALDH1A1 was expressed in 53 (10%) patients, with a higher frequency in triple negative, followed by HER2+, and finally hormonal receptor+/HER2- (P<0.0001). Tumors with advanced stage, node-positive, or larger tumor size were correlated with ALDH1A1 expression (P=0.006, P<0.0001, and P=0.05, respectively). ALDH1A1 expression was also correlated with worse disease-free survival (P<0.006) and overall survival (P<0.01) in patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In all, 8 of 22 (36%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and died of disease-expressed ALDH1A1 (P=0.008). Similarly, 8 of 23 (35%) who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had tumor recurrence expressed this marker (P=0.002). The risk of recurrence was fivefold greater than negative ALDH1A1 tumors. The risk of recurrence became 11-fold greater when cyclophosphamide but not trastuzumab was part of the regimen. Our results are consistent with previous studies. Moreover, we found that ALDH1A1 could be a useful marker to predict worse clinical outcome after chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting with substantial RCB. However, a larger cohort is required to verify our results.
Modern Pathology 11/2011; 25(3):388-97. · 4.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Defects in human leukocyte antigen class I antigen processing machinery (APM) component expression can have a negative impact on the clinical course of tumors and the response to T cell-based immunotherapy. Since brain metastases of breast cancer are of increasing clinical significance, the APM component expression levels and CD8(+) T cell infiltration patterns were analyzed in primary breast and metastatic brain lesions of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. Comparison of unpaired 50 primary and 33 brain metastases showed lower expression of β2-microglobulin, transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) 1, TAP2 and calnexin in the brain lesions. Although no significant differences were found in APM component scores between primary breast and brain lesions in 15 paired cases, primary breast lesions of which patients eventually developed brain metastases showed lower levels of β2-microglobulin, TAP1 and calnexin compared with breast lesions without known brain metastases. The extent of CD8(+) T cell infiltration was significantly higher in the lesions without metastasis compared with the ones with brain metastases, and was positively associated with the expression of TAP1 and calnexin. Furthermore, mouse tumor cells stably transfected with silencing hairpin (sh)RNA for TAP1 demonstrated a decreased susceptibility to cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vitro and enhanced spontaneous brain metastasis in vivo. These data support the functional significance of TAP1 expression in tumor cells. Taken together, our data suggest that patients with low or defective TAP1 or calnexin in primary breast cancers may be at higher risks for developing brain metastasis due to the defects in T cell-based immunosurveillance.
Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy 11/2011; 61(6):789-801. · 3.70 Impact Factor
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Carmen Visus,
Yangyang Wang,
Antonio Lozano-Leon,
Robert L Ferris,
Susan Silver,
Miroslaw J Szczepanski,
Randall E Brand,
Cristina R Ferrone,
Theresa L Whiteside, Soldano Ferrone,
Albert B DeLeo,
Xinhui Wang
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ABSTRACT: Cancer-initiating cells (CIC) are considered to represent the subpopulation of tumor cells that is resistant to conventional cancer treatments, highly tumorigenic in immunodeficient mice, and responsible for tumor recurrence and metastasis. Based on an elevated aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity attributable to ALDH1/3 isoforms, ALDH(bright) cells have been identified and isolated from tumors and shown to have characteristics of CIC. The ALDH1A1 isoform was previously identified as a tumor antigen recognized by CD8(+) T cells. This study examines the ability of ALDH1A1-specific CD8(+) T cells to eliminate ALDH(bright) cells and control tumor growth and metastases.
ALDH(bright) cells were isolated by flow cytometry using ALDEFLUOR from HLA-A2(+) human head and neck, breast, and pancreas carcinoma cell lines and tested for their tumorigenicity in immunodeficient mice. ALDH1A1-specific CD8(+) T cells were generated in vitro and tested for their ability to eliminate CICs in vitro and in vivo by adoptive transfer to immunodeficient mice bearing human tumor xenografts.
ALDH(bright) cells isolated by flow cytometry from HLA-A2(+) breast, head and neck, and pancreas carcinoma cell lines at low numbers (500 cells) were tumorigenic in immunodeficient mice. ALDH(bright) cells present in these cell lines, xenografts, or surgically removed lesions were recognized by ALDH1A1-specific CD8(+) T cells in vitro. Adoptive therapy with ALDH1A1-specific CD8(+) T cells eliminated ALDH(bright) cells, inhibited tumor growth and metastases, or prolonged survival of xenograft-bearing immunodeficient mice.
The results of this translational study strongly support the potential of ALDH1A1-based immunotherapy to selectively target CICs in human cancer.
Clinical Cancer Research 08/2011; 17(19):6174-84. · 7.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Tumor antigen (TA)-targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAb), trastuzumab, cetuximab, panitumumab, and rituximab, have been among the most successful new therapies in the present generation. Clinical activity is observed as a single agent, or in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, against metastatic colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and follicular lymphoma. However, the activity is seen only in a minority of patients. Thus, an intense need exists to define the mechanism of action of these immunoactive mAb. Here, we discuss some of the likely immunological events that occur in treated patients: antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), cross talk among immune cells including NK cells and dendritic cells (DCs), and generation of TA-specific T lymphocyte responses. We present evidence supporting the induction of "NK:DC cross talk," leading to priming of TA-specific cellular immunity. These observations show that mAb-mediated NK cell activation can be greatly enhanced by the action of stimulatory cytokines and surface molecules on maturing DC and that NK:DC interaction facilitates the recruitment of both NK cells and DC to the tumor site(s). The cooperative, reciprocal stimulatory activity of both NK cells and DC can modulate both the innate immune response in the local tumor microenvironment and the adaptive immune response in secondary lymphoid organs. These events likely contribute to clinical activity, as well as provide a potential biomarker of response to mAb therapy.
Immunologic Research 06/2011; 50(2-3):248-54. · 3.03 Impact Factor
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Fabio Morandi,
Maria Valeria Corrias,
Isabella Levreri,
Paola Scaruffi,
Lizzia Raffaghello,
Barbara Carlini,
Paola Bocca,
Ignazia Prigione,
Sara Stigliani,
Loredana Amoroso, Soldano Ferrone,
Vito Pistoia
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ABSTRACT: The high molecular weight melanoma-associated antigen (HMW-MAA) and the cytoplasmic melanoma-associated antigen (cyt-MAA/LGALS3BP) are expressed in melanoma. Their serum levels are increased in melanoma patients and correlate with clinical outcome. We investigated whether these molecules can serve as prognostic markers for neuroblastoma (NB) patients. Expression of cyt-MAA and HMW-MAA was evaluated by flow cytometry in NB cell lines, patients' neuroblasts ((FI)-NB), and short-term cultures of these latter cells (cNB). LGALS3BP gene expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR on (FI)-NB, cNB, and primary tumor specimens. Soluble HMW-MAA and cyt-MAA were tested by ELISA. Cyt-MAA and HMW-MAA were expressed in NB cell lines, cNB, and (FI)-NB samples. LGALS3BP gene expression was higher in primary tumors and cNB than in (FI)-NB samples. Soluble cyt-MAA, but not HMW-MAA, was detected in NB cell lines and cNBs supernatants. NB patients' serum levels of both antigens were higher than those of the healthy children. High cyt-MAA serum levels at diagnosis associated with higher incidence of relapse, independently from other known risk factors. In conclusion, both HMW-MAA and cyt-MAA antigens, and LGALS3BP gene, were expressed by NB cell lines and patients' neuroblasts, and both antigens' serum levels were increased in NB patients. Elevated serum levels of cyt-MAA at diagnosis correlated with relapse, supporting that cyt-MAA may serve as early serological biomarker to individuate patients at higher risk of relapse that may require a more careful follow-up, after being validated in a larger cohort of patients at different time-points during follow-up. Given its immunogenicity, cyt-MAA may also be a potential target for NB immunotherapy.
Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy 06/2011; 60(10):1485-95. · 3.70 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Malignant transformation of cells is often associated with changes in classical and non-classical HLA class I antigen, HLA class II antigen as well as NK cell activating ligand (NKCAL) expression. These changes are believed to play a role in the clinical course of the disease since these molecules are critical to the interactions between tumor cells and components of both innate and adaptive immune system. For some time, it has been assumed that alterations in the expression profile of HLA antigens and NKCAL on malignant cells represented loss of classical HLA class I antigen and induction of HLA class II antigen, non-classical HLA class I antigen and/or NKCAL expression. In contrast to these assumptions, experimental evidence suggests that in some cases dysplastic and malignant cells can acquire classical HLA class I antigen expression and/or lose the ability to express HLA class II antigens. In light of the latter findings as well as of the revival of the cancer immune surveillance theory, a reevaluation of the interpretation of changes in HLA antigen and NKCAL expression in malignant lesions is warranted. In this article, we first briefly describe the conventional types of changes in HLA antigen and NKCAL expression that have been identified in malignant cells to date. Second, we discuss the evidence indicating that, in at least some cell types, classical HLA class I antigen expression can be acquired and/or the ability to express HLA class II antigens is lost. Third, we review the available evidence for the role of immune selective pressure in the generation of malignant lesions with changes in HLA antigen expression. This information contributes to our understanding of the role of the immune system in the control of tumor development and to the optimization of the design of immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer.
Seminars in Immunopathology 04/2011; 33(4):321-34. · 6.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Abnormalities in the constitutive and IFN-γ-inducible HLA class I surface antigen expression of tumor cells is often associated with an impaired expression of components of the antigen processing machinery (APM). Hence, we analyzed whether there exists a link between the IFN-γ signaling pathway, constitutive HLA class I APM component expression, and IFN-γ resistance.
The basal and IFN-γ-inducible expression profiles of HLA class I APM and IFN-γ signal transduction cascade components were assessed in melanoma cells by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis and/or flow cytometry, the integrity of the Janus activated kinase (JAK) 2 locus by comparative genomic hybridization. JAK2 was transiently overexpressed in JAK2(-) cells. The effect of IFN-γ on the cell growth was assessed by XTT [2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-S-sulfophenynl)-H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide inner salt] assay.
The analysis of 8 melanoma cell lines linked the IFN-γ unresponsiveness of Colo 857 cells determined by lack of inducibility of HLA class I surface expression on IFN-γ treatment to a deletion of JAK2 on chromosome 9, whereas other IFN-γ signaling pathway components were not affected. In addition, the constitutive HLA class I APM component expression levels were significantly reduced in JAK2(-) cells. Furthermore, JAK2-deficient cells were also resistant to the antiproliferative effect of IFN-γ. Transfection of wild-type JAK2 into JAK2(-) Colo 857 not only increased the basal APM expression but also restored their IFN-γ sensitivity.
Impaired JAK2 expression in melanoma cells leads to reduced basal expression of MHC class I APM components and impairs their IFN-γ inducibility, suggesting that malfunctional IFN-γ signaling might cause HLA class I abnormalities.
Clinical Cancer Research 01/2011; 17(9):2668-78. · 7.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) cells can escape recognition by tumor antigen (TA)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) by downregulation of antigen processing machinery (APM) components, such as the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-1/2 heterodimer. APM component upregulation by interferon gamma (IFN-γ) restores SCCHN cell recognition and susceptibility to lysis by CTL, but the mechanism underlying TAP1/2 downregulation in SCCHN cells is not known. Because IFN-γ activates signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1, we investigated phosphorylated (p)-STAT1 as a mediator of low basal TAP1/2 expression in SCCHN cells. SCCHN cells were found to express basal total STAT1 but low to undetectable levels of activated STAT1. The association of increased pSTAT1 levels and APM components likely reflects a cause-effect relationship, since STAT1 knockdown significantly reduced both IFN-γ-mediated APM component expression and TA-specific CTL recognition of IFN-γ-treated SCCHN cells. On the other hand, since oncogenic pSTAT3 is overexpressed in SCCHN cells and was found to heterodimerize with pSTAT1, we also tested whether pSTAT3 and pSTAT1:pSTAT3 heterodimers inhibited IFN-γ-induced STAT1 activation and APM component expression. First, STAT3 activation or depletion did not affect basal or IFN-γ-induced expression of pSTAT1 and APM components or recognition of SCCHN cells by TA-specific CTL. Second, pSTAT1:pSTAT3 heterodimers did not interfere with IFN-γ-induced STAT1 binding to the TAP1 promoter or APM protein expression. These findings demonstrate that APM component downregulation is regulated primarily by an IFN-γ-pSTAT1-mediated signaling pathway, independent of oncogenic STAT3 overexpression in SCCHN cells.
Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy 01/2011; 60(4):525-35. · 3.70 Impact Factor
