bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Identification of Anti-CA125 Antibody Responses in Ovarian Cancer Patients by a Novel Deep Sequence–Coupled Biopanning Platform
Authors: Frietze Kathryn M. , Roden Richard B.S. , Lee Ji-Hyun , Shi Yang , Peabody David S. , Chackerian Bryce
Published: March 2024

Abstract
High-grade epithelial ovarian cancer kills more women than any other gynecologic cancer and is rarely diagnosed at an early stage. We sought to identify tumor-associated antigens (TAA) as candidate diagnostic and/or immunotherapeutic targets by taking advantage of tumor autoantibody responses in individuals with ovarian cancer. Plasma-derived IgG from a pool of five patients with advanced ovarian cancer was subjected to iterative biopanning using a library of bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles (MS2-VLPs) displaying diverse short random peptides. After two rounds of biopanning, we analyzed the selectant population of MS2-VLPs by Ion Torrent deep sequencing. One of the top 25 most abundant peptides identified (DISGTNTSRA) had sequence similarity to cancer antigen 125 (CA125/MUC16), a well-known ovarian cancer–associated antigen. Mice immunized with MS2-DISGTNTSRA generated antibodies that cross-reacted with purified soluble CA125 from ovarian cancer cells but not membrane-bound CA125, indicating that the DISGTNTSRA peptide was a CA125/MUC16 peptide mimic of soluble CA125. Preoperative ovarian cancer patient plasma (n = 100) was assessed for anti-DISGTNTSRA, anti-CA125, and CA125. Patients with normal CA125 (<35 IU/mL) at the time of diagnosis had significantly more antibodies to DISGTNTSRA and to CA125 than those patients who had high CA125 (>35 IU/mL). A statistically significant survival advantage was observed for patients who had either normal CA125 and/or higher concentrations of antibodies to CA125 at the time of diagnosis. These data show the feasibility of using deep sequence–coupled biopanning to identify TAA autoantibody responses from cancer patient plasma and suggest a possible antibody-mediated mechanism for low CA125 plasma concentrations in some ovarian cancer patients. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(2); 157–64. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Glioblastoma Eradication Following Immune Checkpoint Blockade in an Orthotopic, Immunocompetent Model
Authors: Reardon David A. , Gokhale Prafulla C. , Klein Sarah R. , Ligon Keith L. , Rodig Scott J. , Ramkissoon Shakti H. , Jones Kristen L. , Conway Amy Saur , Liao Xiaoyun , Zhou Jun , Wen Patrick Y. , Van Den Abbeele Annick D. , Hodi F. Stephen , Qin Lei , Kohl Nancy E. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Dranoff Glenn , Freeman Gordon J.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Inhibition of immune checkpoints, including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed death-1 (PD-1), and its ligand PD-L1, has demonstrated exciting and durable remissions across a spectrum of malignancies. Combinatorial regimens blocking complementary immune checkpoints further enhance the therapeutic benefit. The activity of these agents for patients with glioblastoma, a generally lethal primary brain tumor associated with significant systemic and microenvironmental immunosuppression, is not known. We therefore systematically evaluated the antitumor efficacy of murine antibodies targeting a broad panel of immune checkpoint molecules, including CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 when administered as single-agent therapy and in combinatorial regimens against an orthotopic, immunocompetent murine glioblastoma model. In these experiments, we observed long-term tumor-free survival following single-agent anti–PD-1, anti–PD-L1, or anti–CTLA-4 therapy in 50%, 20%, and 15% of treated animals, respectively. Combination therapy of anti–CTLA-4 plus anti–PD-1 cured 75% of the animals, even against advanced, later-stage tumors. In long-term survivors, tumor growth was not seen upon intracranial tumor rechallenge, suggesting that tumor-specific immune memory responses were generated. Inhibitory immune checkpoint blockade quantitatively increased activated CD8+ and natural killer cells and decreased suppressive immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and draining cervical lymph nodes. Our results support prioritizing the clinical evaluation of PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 single-agent targeted therapy as well as combination therapy of CTLA-4 plus PD-1 blockade for patients with glioblastoma. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(2); 124–35. ©2015 AACR.
Data from CD4+ T Lymphocyte Ablation Prevents Pancreatic Carcinogenesis in Mice
Authors: Zhang Yaqing , Yan Wei , Mathew Esha , Bednar Filip , Wan Shanshan , Collins Meredith A. , Evans Rebecca A. , Welling Theodore H. , Vonderheide Robert H. , di Magliano Marina Pasca
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest human malignancies, is associated with oncogenic Kras and is most commonly preceded by precursor lesions known as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanIN). PanIN formation is accompanied by the establishment of an immunotolerant microenvironment. However, the immune contribution to the initiation of pancreatic cancer is currently poorly understood. Here, we genetically eliminate CD4+ T cells in the iKras* mouse model of pancreatic cancer, in the context of pancreatitis, to determine the functional role of CD4+ T cells during mutant Kras-driven pancreatic carcinogenesis. We show that oncogenic Kras-expressing epithelial cells drive the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment through the recruitment and activity of CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, we show that CD4+ T cells functionally repress the activity of CD8+ T cells. Elimination of CD4+ T cells uncovers the antineoplastic function of CD8+ T cells and blocks the onset of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Thus, our studies uncover essential and opposing roles of immune cells during PanIN formation and provide a rationale to explore immunomodulatory approaches in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(5); 423–35. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Altered Expression and Splicing of ESRP1 in Malignant Melanoma Correlates with Epithelial–Mesenchymal Status and Tumor-Associated Immune Cytolytic Activity
Authors: Yao Jun , Caballero Otavia L. , Huang Ying , Lin Calvin , Rimoldi Donata , Behren Andreas , Cebon Jonathan S. , Hung Mien-Chie , Weinstein John N. , Strausberg Robert L. , Zhao Qi
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Melanoma is one of the major cancer types for which new immune-based cancer treatments have achieved promising results. However, anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 therapies are effective only in some patients. Hence, predictive molecular markers for the development of clinical strategies targeting immune checkpoints are needed. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) RNAseq data, we found that expression of ESRP1, encoding a master splicing regulator in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), was inversely correlated with tumor-associated immune cytolytic activity. That association holds up across multiple TCGA tumor types, suggesting a link between tumor EMT status and infiltrating lymphocyte activity. In melanoma, ESRP1 mainly exists in a melanocyte-specific truncated form transcribed from exon 13. This was validated by analyzing CCLE cell line data, public CAGE data, and RT-PCR in primary cultured melanoma cell lines. Based on ESRP1 expression, we divided TCGA melanoma cases into ESRP1-low, -truncated, and –full-length groups. ESRP1-truncated tumors comprise approximately two thirds of melanoma samples and reside in an apparent transitional state between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes. ESRP1 full-length tumors express epithelial markers and constitute about 5% of melanoma samples. In contrast, ESRP1-low tumors express mesenchymal markers and are high in immune cytolytic activity as well as PD-L2 and CTLA-4 expression. Those tumors are associated with better patient survival. Results from our study suggest a path toward the use of ESRP1 and other EMT markers as informative biomarkers for immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(6); 552–61. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Safety and Efficacy of Intratumoral Injections of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Tchou Julia , Zhao Yangbing , Levine Bruce L. , Zhang Paul J , Davis Megan M. , Melenhorst Jan Joseph , Kulikovskaya Irina , Brennan Andrea L , Liu Xiaojun , Lacey Simon F. , Posey Avery D. , Williams Austin D. , So Alycia , Conejo-Garcia Jose R. , Plesa Gabriela , Young Regina M. , McGettigan Shannon , Campbell Jean , Pierce Robert H. , Matro Jennifer M. , DeMichele Angela M. , Clark Amy S. , Cooper Laurence J. , Schuchter Lynn M. , Vonderheide Robert H. , June Carl H.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) are synthetic molecules that provide new specificities to T cells. Although successful in treatment of hematologic malignancies, CAR T cells are ineffective for solid tumors to date. We found that the cell-surface molecule c-Met was expressed in ∼50% of breast tumors, prompting the construction of a CAR T cell specific for c-Met, which halted tumor growth in immune-incompetent mice with tumor xenografts. We then evaluated the safety and feasibility of treating metastatic breast cancer with intratumoral administration of mRNA-transfected c-Met-CAR T cells in a phase 0 clinical trial (NCT01837602). Introducing the CAR construct via mRNA ensured safety by limiting the nontumor cell effects (on-target/off-tumor) of targeting c-Met. Patients with metastatic breast cancer with accessible cutaneous or lymph node metastases received a single intratumoral injection of 3 × 107 or 3 × 108 cells. CAR T mRNA was detectable in peripheral blood and in the injected tumor tissues after intratumoral injection in 2 and 4 patients, respectively. mRNA c-Met-CAR T cell injections were well tolerated, as none of the patients had study drug–related adverse effects greater than grade 1. Tumors treated with intratumoral injected mRNA c-Met-CAR T cells were excised and analyzed by immunohistochemistry, revealing extensive tumor necrosis at the injection site, cellular debris, loss of c-Met immunoreactivity, all surrounded by macrophages at the leading edges and within necrotic zones. We conclude that intratumoral injections of mRNA c-Met-CAR T cells are well tolerated and evoke an inflammatory response within tumors. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(12); 1152–61. ©2017 AACR.
Data from Neoantigen Load, Antigen Presentation Machinery, and Immune Signatures Determine Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Matsushita Hirokazu , Sato Yusuke , Karasaki Takahiro , Nakagawa Tohru , Kume Haruki , Ogawa Seishi , Homma Yukio , Kakimi Kazuhiro
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Tumors commonly harbor multiple genetic alterations, some of which initiate tumorigenesis. Among these, some tumor-specific somatic mutations resulting in mutated protein have the potential to induce antitumor immune responses. To examine the relevance of the latter to immune responses in the tumor and to patient outcomes, we used datasets of whole-exome and RNA sequencing from 97 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients to identify neoepitopes predicted to be presented by each patient's autologous HLA molecules. We found that the number of nonsilent or missense mutations did not correlate with patient prognosis. However, combining the number of HLA-restricted neoepitopes with the cell surface expression of HLA or β2-microglobulin(β2M) revealed that an A-neohi/HLA-Ahi or ABC-neohi/β2Mhi phenotype correlated with better clinical outcomes. Higher expression of immune-related genes from CD8 T cells and their effector molecules [CD8A, perforin (PRF1) and granzyme A (GZMA)], however, did not correlate with prognosis. This may have been due to the observed correlation of these genes with the expression of other genes that were associated with immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (CTLA-4, PD-1, LAG-3, PD-L1, PD-L2, IDO1, and IL10). This suggested that abundant neoepitopes associated with greater antitumor effector immune responses were counterbalanced by a strongly immunosuppressive microenvironment. Therefore, immunosuppressive molecules should be considered high-priority targets for modulating immune responses in patients with ccRCC. Blockade of these molecular pathways could be combined with immunotherapies targeting neoantigens to achieve synergistic antitumor activity. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(5); 463–71. ©2016 AACR.
Data from 4-1BB–Enhanced Expansion of CD8+ TIL from Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Unveils Mutation-Specific CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Harao Michiko , Forget Marie-Andrée , Roszik Jason , Gao Hui , Babiera Gildy V. , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Chacon Jessica A. , Li Shumin , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , DeSnyder Sarah M. , Rockwood Korrene F. , Bernatchez Chantale , Ueno Naoto T. , Radvanyi Laszlo G. , Vence Luis , Haymaker Cara , Reuben James M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) highly infiltrated with CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has been associated with improved prognosis. This observation led us to hypothesize that CD8+ TIL could be utilized in autologous adoptive cell therapy for TNBC, although this concept has proven to be challenging, given the difficulty in expanding CD8+ TILs in solid cancers other than in melanoma. To overcome this obstacle, we used an agonistic antibody (urelumab) to a TNFR family member, 4-1BB/CD137, which is expressed by recently activated CD8+ T cells. This approach was first utilized in melanoma and, in this study, led to advantageous growth of TILs for the majority of TNBC tumors tested. The agonistic antibody was only added in the initial setting of the culture and yet favored the propagation of CD8+ TILs from TNBC tumors. These expanded CD8+ TILs were capable of cytotoxic functions and were successfully utilized to demonstrate the presence of immunogenic mutations in autologous TNBC tumor tissue without recognition of the wild-type counterpart. Our findings open the way for a successful adoptive immunotherapy for TNBC. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(6); 439–45. ©2017 AACR.
Data from STAT1-Induced HLA Class I Upregulation Enhances Immunogenicity and Clinical Response to Anti-EGFR mAb Cetuximab Therapy in HNC Patients
Authors: Srivastava Raghvendra M. , Trivedi Sumita , Concha-Benavente Fernando , Hyun-bae Jie , Wang Lin , Seethala Raja R. , Branstetter Barton F. , Ferrone Soldano , Ferris Robert L.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The goal of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying cetuximab-mediated upregulation of HLA class I antigen-processing machinery components in head and neck cancer (HNC) cells and to determine the clinical significance of these changes in cetuximab-treated HNC patients. Flow cytometry, signaling studies, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed using HNC cells treated with cetuximab alone or with Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-bearing lymphocytes to establish the mechanism of EGFR-dependent regulation of HLA APM expression. A prospective phase II clinical trial of neoadjuvant cetuximab was used to correlate HLA class I expression with clinical response in HNC patients. EGFR blockade triggered STAT1 activation and HLA upregulation, in a src homology-containing protein (SHP)-2–dependent fashion, more prominently in HLA-B/C than in HLA-A alleles. EGFR signaling blockade also enhanced IFNγ receptor 1 (IFNAR) expression, augmenting induction of HLA class I and TAP1/2 expression by IFNγ, which was abrogated in STAT1−/− cells. Cetuximab enhanced HNC cell recognition by EGFR853–861-specific CTLs, and notably enhanced surface presentation of a non-EGFR peptide (MAGE-3271–279). HLA class I upregulation was significantly associated with clinical response in cetuximab-treated HNC patients. EGFR induces HLA downregulation through SHP-2/STAT1 suppression. Reversal of HLA class I downregulation was more prominent in clinical responders to cetuximab therapy, supporting an important role for adaptive immunity in cetuximab antitumor activity. Abrogating EGFR-induced immune escape mechanisms and restoring STAT1 signaling to reverse HLA downregulation using cetuximab should be combined with strategies to enhance adaptive cellular immunity. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(8); 936–45. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Cell-free Tumor Microparticle Vaccines Stimulate Dendritic Cells via cGAS/STING Signaling
Authors: Zhang Huafeng , Tang Ke , Zhang Yi , Ma Ruihua , Ma Jingwei , Li Yong , Luo Shunqun , Liang Xiaoyu , Ji Tiantian , Gu Zhichao , Lu Jinzhi , He Wei , Cao Xuetao , Wan Yonghong , Huang Bo
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Tumor antigens and innate signals are vital considerations in developing new therapeutic or prophylactic antitumor vaccines. The role or requirement of intact tumor cells in the development of an effective tumor vaccine remains incompletely understood. This study reveals the mechanism by which tumor cell–derived microparticles (T-MP) can act as a cell-free tumor vaccine. Vaccinations with T-MPs give rise to prophylactic effects against the challenge of various tumor cell types, while T-MP–loaded dendritic cells (DC) also exhibit therapeutic effects in various tumor models. Such antitumor effects of T-MPs are perhaps attributable to their ability to generate immune signaling and to represent tumor antigens. Mechanically, T-MPs effectively transfer DNA fragments to DCs, leading to type I IFN production through the cGAS/STING-mediated DNA-sensing pathway. In turn, type I IFN promotes DC maturation and presentation of tumor antigens to T cells for antitumor immunity. These findings highlight a novel tumor cell-free vaccine strategy with potential clinical applications. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(2); 196–205. ©2014 AACR.
Data from CD28 and 41BB Costimulation Enhances the Effector Function of CD19-Specific Engager T Cells
Authors: Velasquez Mireya Paulina , Szoor Arpad , Vaidya Abishek , Thakkar Aarohi , Nguyen Phuong , Wu Meng-Fen , Liu Hao , Gottschalk Stephen
Published: March 2024

Abstract
T cells expressing CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with endodomains that encode a signaling domain derived from CD3ζ and CD28 or 41BB have potent antitumor activity in early-phase clinical studies for B-cell malignancies. Besides CD19-specific CARs, other approaches are actively being pursued to redirect T cells to CD19, including recombinant bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) proteins or T cells genetically modified to express BiTEs [engager (ENG) T cells]. As BiTEs provide no costimulation, we investigated here if provision of costimulation through CD28 and 41BB enhances the effector function of CD19-ENG T cells. CD19-ENG T cells expressing CD80 and 41BBL on their cell surface (CD19-ENG.41BBL/CD80 T cells) were generated by retroviral transduction. CD19-ENG.41BBL/CD80 T cells retained their antigen specificity and had superior effector function compared with both unmodified T cells and CD19-ENG T cells expressing either CD80, 41BBL, or no costimulatory molecule, as judged by cytokine (IFNγ and IL2) production, T-cell proliferation, and their ability to sequentially kill target cells. In vivo, CD19-ENG.41BBL/CD80 T cells had superior antileukemia activity in the BV173 xenograft model, resulting in a survival advantage in comparison to CD19-ENG T cells. Thus, provision of costimulation is critical for the effector function of ENG T cells. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(10); 860–70. ©2017 AACR.
Data from Myeloid STAT3 Promotes Lung Tumorigenesis by Transforming Tumor Immunosurveillance into Tumor-Promoting Inflammation
Authors: Zhou Jingjiao , Qu Zhaoxia , Sun Fan , Han Lei , Li Liwen , Yan Shapei , Stabile Laura P. , Chen Lin-Feng , Siegfried Jill M. , Xiao Gutian
Published: March 2024

Abstract
One of the most fundamental and challenging questions in the cancer field is how immunity in patients with cancer is transformed from tumor immunosurveillance to tumor-promoting inflammation. Here, we identify the transcription factor STAT3 as the culprit responsible for this pathogenic event in lung cancer development. We found that antitumor type 1 CD4+ T-helper (Th1) cells and CD8+ T cells were directly counter balanced in lung cancer development with tumor-promoting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and suppressive macrophages, and that activation of STAT3 in MDSCs and macrophages promoted tumorigenesis through pulmonary recruitment and increased resistance of suppressive cells to CD8+ T cells, enhancement of cytotoxicity toward CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, induction of regulatory T cell (Treg), inhibition of dendritic cells (DC), and polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype. The deletion of myeloid STAT3 boosted antitumor immunity and suppressed lung tumorigenesis. These findings increase our understanding of immune programming in lung tumorigenesis and provide a mechanistic basis for developing STAT3-based immunotherapy against this and other solid tumors. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(3); 257–68. ©2017 AACR.
Data from MicroRNA let-7, T Cells, and Patient Survival in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dou Ruoxu , Nishihara Reiko , Cao Yin , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Mima Kosuke , Masuda Atsuhiro , Masugi Yohei , Shi Yan , Gu Mancang , Li Wanwan , da Silva Annacarolina , Nosho Katsuhiko , Zhang Xuehong , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Chan Andrew T. , Fuchs Charles S. , Qian Zhi Rong , Ogino Shuji
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Experimental evidence suggests that the let-7 family of noncoding RNAs suppresses adaptive immune responses, contributing to immune evasion by the tumor. We hypothesized that the amount of let-7a and let-7b expression in colorectal carcinoma might be associated with limited T-lymphocyte infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment and worse clinical outcome. Utilizing the molecular pathological epidemiology resources of 795 rectal and colon cancers in two U.S.-nationwide prospective cohort studies, we measured tumor-associated let-7a and let-7b expression levels by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, and CD3+, CD8+, CD45RO (PTPRC)+, and FOXP3+ cell densities by tumor tissue microarray immunohistochemistry and computer-assisted image analysis. Logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to assess associations of let-7a (and let-7b) expression (quartile predictor variables) with T-cell densities (binary outcome variables) and mortality, respectively, controlling for tumor molecular features, including microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype, LINE-1 methylation, and KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations. Compared with cases in the lowest quartile of let-7a expression, those in the highest quartile were associated with lower densities of CD3+ [multivariate odds ratio (OR), 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.23–0.67; Ptrend = 0.003] and CD45RO+ cells (multivariate OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.17–0.58; Ptrend = 0.0004), and higher colorectal cancer-specific mortality (multivariate hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.42–3.13; Ptrend = 0.001). In contrast, let-7b expression was not significantly associated with T-cell density or colorectal cancer prognosis. Our data support the role of let-7a in suppressing antitumor immunity in colorectal cancer and suggest let-7a as a potential target of immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(11); 927–35. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Systemic GM-CSF Recruits Effector T Cells into the Tumor Microenvironment in Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wei Xiao X. , Chan Stephen , Kwek Serena , Lewis Jera , Dao Vinh , Zhang Li , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Ryan Charles J. , Lin Amy M. , Friedlander Terence W. , Rini Brian , Kane Christopher , Simko Jeffry P. , Carroll Peter R. , Small Eric J. , Fong Lawrence
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Granulocytic–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is used as an adjuvant in cancer vaccine trials and has the potential to enhance antitumor efficacy with immunotherapy; however, its immunologic effects are not fully understood. Here, we report results from a phase I study of neoadjuvant GM-CSF in patients with localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy. Patients received subcutaneous injections of GM-CSF (250 μg/m2/day) daily for 2 weeks (cohort 1; n = 6), 3 weeks (cohort 2; n = 6), or 4 weeks (cohort 3; n = 6). Treatment was well tolerated with all grade 1 or 2 adverse events. Two patients had a decline in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of more than 50%. GM-CSF treatment increased the numbers of circulating mature myeloid dendritic cells, proliferating conventional CD4 T cells, proliferating CD8 T cells, and to a lesser magnitude FoxP3+ regulatory CD4 T cells. Although GM-CSF treatment did not augment antigen-presenting cell localization to the prostate, treatment was associated with recruitment of CD8+ T cells to the tumor. These results suggest that systemic GM-CSF can modulate T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(11); 948–58. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expression in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Shen Jacson K. , Cote Gregory M. , Choy Edwin , Yang Pei , Harmon David , Schwab Joseph , Nielsen G. Petur , Chebib Ivan , Ferrone Soldano , Wang Xinhui , Wang Yangyang , Mankin Henry , Hornicek Francis J. , Duan Zhenfeng
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1, also known as B7H1) is a cell-surface protein that suppresses the cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell–mediated immune response. PDL1 expression and its clinical relevance in sarcomas are not well understood. Therefore, we sought to measure RNA expression levels for PDL1 in 38 clinically annotated osteosarcoma tumor samples and aimed to determine if PDL1 expression correlates with clinical features and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Quantitative real-time RT-PCR for PDL1 was optimized in 18 cell lines, of which 5 were osteosarcoma derived. qRT-PCR results were validated via flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in select cell lines. Total RNA was isolated from 38 human osteosarcoma samples for qRT-PCR analysis. Clinical data were sorted, and significance was determined by the Student t test. TILs were examined in patient samples by tissue microarray hematoxylin–eosin staining. We confirmed the constitutive PDL1 mRNA expression in cell lines by qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and IHC. Across human osteosarcoma samples, PDL1 mRNA gene expression ranged over 4 log (>5,000-fold difference). Relative expression levels were evaluated against clinical factors such as age/gender, metastasis, recurrence, chemotherapy, percentage of necrosis, and survival; no significant associations were identified. The presence of TILs was associated with high PDL1 expression (R2 = 0.37; P = 0.01). In summary, we developed an RNA-based assay to determine PDL1 expression levels, and we show, for the first time, that high levels of PDL1 are expressed in a subset of osteosarcoma, and PDL1 expression is positively correlated with TILs. Multiple agents targeting PD1/PDL1 are in clinical development, and this may be a novel immunotherapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma clinical trials. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(7); 690–8. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Somatic Mutations and Immune Alternation in Rectal Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Ji Dengbo , Yi Haizhao , Zhang Dakui , Zhan Tiancheng , Li Zhaowei , Li Ming , Jia Jinying , Qiao Meng , Xia Jinhong , Zhai Zhiwei , Song Can , Gu Jin
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Checkpoint blockade therapy triggers tumor-specific immune responses in a variety of cancer types. We presumed that rectal cancer patients could have become sensitive to immunotherapy after receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). In this study, we report immune alternation in post-nCRT patients compared with pretreatment conditions from gene-expression omnibus (GEO) data. Whole-exome sequencing of 14 locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patient samples showed that nCRT induced new mutations compared with the paired pretreatment biopsies, evidenced by appearance of a neoantigen landscape. An association was identified between mutation burden and enrichment of immune activation–related pathways. Animal experiment results further demonstrated that radiotherapy enhanced the efficacy of anti–PD-1. Mutation burden and the neoantigens of LARC patients were associated with response to nCRT. The mRNA expression profiling of 66 pretreatment biopsy samples from LARC patients showed that immune activation–related pathways were enriched in response to nCRT. PD-L1 expression was negatively correlated with disease-free survival in the CD8-low expression patient group who received nCRT in a cohort of 296 samples. Thus, nCRT was able to alter immune function in LARC patients, which may be associated with the appearance of neoantigens. Neoantigens could make rectal cancer patients potential candidates to receive checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, and mutation burden could be a useful biomarker to stratify patients into responding and nonresponding groups for immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(11); 1401–16. ©2018 AACR.
Data from Whole Exome and Transcriptome Analyses Integrated with Microenvironmental Immune Signatures of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Seo Jeong-Sun , Lee Ji Won , Kim Ahreum , Shin Jong-Yeon , Jung Yoo Jin , Lee Sae Bom , Kim Yoon Ho , Park Samina , Lee Hyun Joo , Park In-Kyu , Kang Chang-Hyun , Yun Ji-Young , Kim Jihye , Kim Young Tae
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The immune microenvironment in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is not well understood, with interactions between the host immune system and the tumor, as well as the molecular pathogenesis of LUSC, awaiting better characterization. To date, no molecularly targeted agents have been developed for LUSC treatment. Identification of predictive and prognostic biomarkers for LUSC could help optimize therapy decisions. We sequenced whole exomes and RNA from 101 tumors and matched noncancer control Korean samples. We used the information to predict subtype-specific interactions within the LUSC microenvironment and to connect genomic alterations with immune signatures. Hierarchical clustering based on gene expression and mutational profiling revealed subtypes that were either immune defective or immune competent. We analyzed infiltrating stromal and immune cells to further characterize the tumor microenvironment. Elevated expression of macrophage 2 signature genes in the immune competent subtype confirmed that tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) linked inflammation and mutation-driven cancer. A negative correlation was evident between the immune score and the amount of somatic copy-number variation (SCNV) of immune genes (r = −0.58). The SCNVs showed a potential detrimental effect on immunity in the immune-deficient subtype. Knowledge of the genomic alterations in the tumor microenvironment could be used to guide design of immunotherapy options that are appropriate for patients with certain cancer subtypes. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(7); 848–59. ©2018 AACR.
Data from PD-L1 Binds to B7-1 Only In Cis on the Same Cell Surface
Authors: Chaudhri Apoorvi , Xiao Yanping , Klee Alyssa N. , Wang Xiaoxu , Zhu Baogong , Freeman Gordon J.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)–mediated immunosuppression regulates peripheral tolerance and is often co-opted by tumors to evade immune attack. PD-L1 binds to PD-1 but also binds to B7-1 (CD80) to regulate T-cell function. The binding interaction of PD-L1 with B7-1 and its functional role need further investigation to understand differences between PD-1 and PD-L1 tumor immunotherapy. We examined the molecular orientation of PD-L1 binding to B7-1 using cell-to-cell binding assays, ELISA, and flow cytometry. As expected, PD-L1–transfected cells bound to PD-1–transfected cells, and B7-1 cells bound to CD28 or CTLA-4–transfected cells; however, PD-L1 cells did not bind to B7-1 cells. By ELISA and flow cytometry with purified proteins, we found PD-L1 and B7-1 had a strong binding interaction only when PD-L1 was flexible. Soluble PD-1 and B7-1 competed for binding to PD-L1. Binding of native PD-L1 and B7-1 in cis on the same cell surface was demonstrated with NanoBiT proximity assays. Thus, PD-L1–B7-1 interaction can occur in cis on the same cell but not in trans between two cells, which suggests a model in which PD-L1 can bend via its 11-amino acid, flexible stalk to bind to B7-1 in cis, in a manner that can competitively block the binding of PD-L1 to PD-1 or of B7-1 to CD28. This binding orientation emphasizes the functional importance of coexpression of PD-L1 and B7-1 on the same cell. We found such coexpression on tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. Our findings may help better utilize these pathways in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(8); 921–9. ©2018 AACR.
Data from LncRNA-MM2P Identified as a Modulator of Macrophage M2 Polarization
Authors: Cao Ji , Dong Rong , Jiang Li , Gong Yanling , Yuan Meng , You Jieqiong , Meng Wen , Chen Zhanlei , Zhang Ning , Weng Qinjie , Zhu Hong , He Qiaojun , Ying Meidan , Yang Bo
Published: March 2024

Abstract
M2 polarization of macrophages is essential for their function in immunologic tolerance, which might promote tumorigenesis. However, the molecular mechanism behind the polarization process is not fully understood. Given that several lines of evidence have suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) could be involved in regulating immune cell differentiation and function, the current study aimed to identify the lncRNAs that specifically modulate M2 macrophage polarization. By utilizing a series of cell-based M2 macrophage polarization models, a total of 25 lncRNAs with altered expression were documented based on lncRNA microarray-based profiling assays. Among them, lncRNA-MM2P was the only lncRNA upregulated during M2 polarization but downregulated in M1 macrophages. Knockdown of lncRNA-MM2P blocked cytokine-driven M2 polarization of macrophages and weakened the angiogenesis-promoting feature of M2 macrophages by reducing phosphorylation on STAT6. Moreover, manipulating lncRNA-MM2P in macrophages impaired macrophage-mediated promotion of tumorigenesis, tumor growth in vivo, and tumor angiogenesis. Collectively, our study identifies lncRNA-MM2P as a modulator required for macrophage M2 polarization and uncovers its role in macrophage-promoted tumorigenesis.
Data from Combining DNA Vaccine and AIDA-1 in Attenuated Salmonella Activates Tumor-Specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell Responses
Authors: Mei Yu , Zhao Lixiang , Liu Yonghao , Gong Huanle , Song Yuan , Lei Lei , Zhu Ying , Jin Ziqi , Ma Shoubao , Hu Bo , Sun Qing , Liu Haiyan
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Stimulation of tumor-specific responses in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells has been a challenge for effective tumor vaccines. We designed a vaccine vector containing the AIDA-1 autotransporter and DNA vaccine elements, generating a murine melanoma vaccine that was delivered by the attenuated Salmonella strain SL7207. Growth of murine subcutaneous melanoma was significantly inhibited by intranasal immunization with the Salmonella tumor vaccine. The vaccine activated tumor-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses, with increased T-cell proliferation, tumor antigen–specific Th1 cytokine production, increased percentages of tetramer positive cells, and cytotoxicity. CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell depletion resulted in the loss of antitumor activity of the Salmonella tumor vaccine, suggesting that the efficacy of the vaccine was dependent on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Lung metastasis of the tumor was also inhibited by vaccine treatment. Similarly, the percentages of tumor-specific Th1 cytokine production by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleen, tumor, and bronchoalveolar lavage were increased after vaccine treatment. Tumor-specific proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was also promoted by the vaccine. Tetramer staining and cytotoxicity assay showed enhanced tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell response after vaccine treatment. Therefore, the Salmonella tumor vaccine could activate both tumor-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses. This vaccine strategy may be widely applicable to the development of oral or nasal vaccines against tumors. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(6); 503–14. ©2017 AACR.
Data from Targeting Tissue Factor for Immunotherapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Using a Second-Generation ICON
Authors: Hu Zhiwei , Shen Rulong , Campbell Amanda , McMichael Elizabeth , Yu Lianbo , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari , London Cheryl A. , Xu Tian , Carson William E.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a leading cause of breast cancer death and is often associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation. Due to the lack of validated target molecules, no targeted therapy for TNBC is approved. Tissue factor (TF) is a common yet specific surface target receptor for cancer cells, tumor vascular endothelial cells, and cancer stem cells in several types of solid cancers, including breast cancer. Here, we report evidence supporting the idea that TF is a surface target in TNBC. We used in vitro cancer lines and in vivo tumor xenografts in mice, all with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, derived from patients' tumors. We showed that TF is overexpressed on TNBC cells and tumor neovasculature in 50% to 85% of TNBC patients (n = 161) and in TNBC cell line–derived xenografts (CDX) and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from mice, but was not detected in adjacent normal breast tissue. We then describe the development of a second-generation TF-targeting immunoconjugate (called L-ICON1, for lighter or light chain ICON) with improved efficacy and safety profiles compared with the original ICON. We showed that L-ICON1 kills TNBC cells in vitro via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and can be used to treat human and murine TNBC CDX as well as PDX in vivo in orthotopic mouse models. Thus, TF could be a useful target for the development of immunotherapeutics for TNBC patients, with or without BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(6); 671–84. ©2018 AACR.
Data from Exosomes Released from Tumor-Associated Macrophages Transfer miRNAs That Induce a Treg/Th17 Cell Imbalance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhou Jieru , Li Xiaoduan , Wu Xiaoli , Zhang Ting , Zhu Qinyi , Wang Xinjing , Wang Husheng , Wang Kai , Lin Yingying , Wang Xipeng
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The immune microenvironment is crucial for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) progression and consists of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and T lymphocytes, such as regulatory T cells (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells. In this study, the Treg/Th17 ratio was significantly higher in EOC in situ and in metastatic peritoneal tissues than in benign ovarian tumors and benign peritoneum. The Treg/Th17 ratio was associated with histologic grade and was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of EOC patients. On the basis of microarray analysis of exosomes derived from TAMs, we identified miRNAs enriched in the exosomes, including miR-29a-3p and miR-21-5p. When the two miRNA mimics were transfected into CD4+ T cells, they directly suppressed STAT3 and regulated Treg/Th17 cells, inducing an imbalance, and they had a synergistic effect on STAT3 inhibition. Taken together, these results indicate that exosomes mediate the interaction between TAMs and T cells, generating an immune-suppressive microenvironment that facilitates EOC progression and metastasis. These findings suggest that targeting these exosomes or their associated miRNAs might pave the way for the development of novel treatments for EOC.
Duodenal Papillary Metastasis of Lung Cancer with Bleeding Controlled by Endoscopic Treatment and Systemic Osimertinib Therapy: Case Report
Authors: Hirata Taiyo , Kawaguchi Shinya , Akamatsu Taisuke , Inagawa Atsuko , Hikichi Tomoki , Ohkawa Kohei , Asahara Kazuhisa , Satoh Tatsunori , Endo Shinya , Suzuki Makoto , Ohno Kazuya
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Solid organ malignancies rarely metastasize to the duodenal papilla. We describe a case of primary lung cancer with duodenal papillary metastasis in a patient who presented with melena. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second report of duodenal papillary metastasis from lung cancer. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman presented with complaints of anorexia, weight loss, and black stool. Imaging studies led to a clinical diagnosis of stage IVB lung cancer, and anticoagulants were initiated to treat pulmonary artery thrombosis. However, endoscopic hemostasis was challenging because of bleeding from a duodenal papillary tumor. Fortunately, the patient was positive for the plasma epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation, and osimertinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was administered, successfully achieving hemostasis. Subsequently, endoscopic ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of an enlarged mediastinal lymph node and duodenal papillary tumor biopsy confirmed duodenal papillary metastasis of the primary lung adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Although duodenal papillary metastasis is extremely rare, a good clinical outcome was achieved in this case by considering duodenal papillary metastasis from lung cancer as the differential diagnosis and administering systemic osimertinib therapy.
The Directional Effects of Marker Frequencies on Across-Channel Temporal Gap Detection Tasks: An Experimental Study
Authors: Alhaidary Abdulsalam , Tanniru Kishore , Bin Moammar Abdulhakim , Aljadaan Adel
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Gap detection tests are crucial clinical tools for identifying auditory processing disorders that result from abnormalities in the central auditory nervous system. These tests assess the ability to resolve temporal information in sounds, which aids in the diagnosis of auditory temporal processing issues. This study explores the directional effects of marker frequencies on gap detection tasks with respect to the conditions of long and short frequency disparity (separation). Methods: We measured the gap detection thresholds (GDTs) using four across-channel narrowband noise conditions (1–2, 2–1, 1–4, and 4–1 kHz). A within-subject study design involved 29 healthy individuals with normal hearing. Stimuli were presented monaurally using headphones routed via a calibrated audiometer. Results: The condition with long frequency disparity and a low leading frequency (1–4 kHz) exhibited higher GDTs compared to the other across-channel conditions. However, we did not observe this effect in the other condition with long frequency disparity and a high leading frequency (4–1 kHz), which did not show significant differences from the two conditions with short frequency disparity. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the combined effects of the spectral characteristics of the gap markers, including frequency disparity and order of presentation, influence the temporal resolution ability of auditory gap detection. Clinicians evaluating a patient suspected to have central auditory disorders should recognize that the across-channel GDTs may not consistently increase as the frequency separation between the markers increases.
Transbronchial Cryobiopsy Using the Ultrathin 1.1-mm Cryoprobe with Ultrathin Bronchoscopy under Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound Guidance for Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions
Authors: Hasselbring Franziska , Herth Felix J.F. , Kriegsmann Mark , Kriegsmann Katharina , Eberhardt Ralf
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Today, the increasing number of incidentally detected peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) within and outside lung cancer screening trials is a diagnostic challenge. This fact encourages further improvement of diagnostic procedures to increase the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy, which has been shown to have a low complication rate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new ultrathin 1.1 cryoprobe that can be placed through an ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) using fluoroscopy and radial endobronchial ultrasonography (rEBUS) navigation for assessing PPLs. Methods: Thirty-five patients with PPL less than 4 cm in diameter were prospectively enrolled to receive transbronchial cryobiopsies (TBCBs) using the ultrathin 1.1-mm cryoprobe. Navigation to the PPL was accomplished with the UTB. Under rEBUS and fluoroscopy guidance up to 4 cryobiopsies were obtained. The sample sizes of the biopsies were compared to a historic collective derived from a 1.9-mm cryoprobe and standard forceps. The feasibility and safety of the procedure, the cumulative and overall diagnostic yield, and the cryobiopsy sizes were evaluated. Results: After detection with the rEBUS, TBCB was collected from 35 PPLs, establishing a diagnosis in 25 cases, corresponding to an overall diagnostic yield of 71.4%. There was no difference in diagnostic yield for PPL <20 mm or ≥20 mm. All cryobiopsies were representative with a mean tissue area of 11.9 ± 4.3 mm2, which was significantly larger compared to the historic collective (p = 0.003). Six mild and four moderate bleeding events and 1 case of pneumothorax were observed. Conclusions: Using the ultrathin 1.1-mm cryoprobe combined with an UTB for rEBUS-guided TBCB of PPL is feasible and safe. This diagnostic approach improves bronchoscopic techniques for diagnosing peripheral lung lesions and may contribute to improve diagnosis of lung cancer even in small PPL.
Plasma Soluble Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Risk of Recurrent Stroke: A Nested Case-Control Analysis
Authors: Xue Jing , Shi Mingming , Xu Qin , Wang Anxin , Jiang Xue , Lin Jinxi , Meng Xia , Li Hao , Zheng Lemin , Wang Yongjun , Xu Jie
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and its shedding product (soluble ACE-2 [sACE-2]) are implicated in adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the relationship between sACE-2 and stroke recurrence is unknown. Herein, we examined the relationship of sACE-2 with stroke recurrence in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Methods: Data were obtained from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III). Eligible cases consisted of 494 patients who developed recurrent stroke within 1-year follow-up, and 494 controls were selected using age- and sex-matched with a 1:1 case-control ratio. Conditional logistic regressions were used to evaluate the association between sACE-2 and recurrent stroke. The main outcomes were recurrent stroke within 1 year. Results: Among 988 patients included in this study, the median (interquartile range) of sACE-2 was 25.17 (12.29–45.56) ng/mL. After adjustment for conventional confounding factors, the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in the highest quartile versus the lowest quartile was 1.68 (1.12–2.53) for recurrent stroke within 1-year follow-up. Subgroup analysis showed that the association between elevated plasma level of sACE-2 and stroke recurrence was significant in patients with higher systemic inflammation, as indicated by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥ 2 mg/L (adjusted OR: 2.33 [95% CI, 1.15–4.72]) and neutrophil counts ≥ median (adjusted OR: 2.66 [95% CI, 1.35–5.23]) but not significant in patients with lower systemic inflammation. Discussion/Conclusion: Elevated plasma sACE-2 concentration was associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke.