Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with a Hypomethylating Agent Induces Expression of NXF2, An Immunogenic Cancer Testis Antigen

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 4207-4207
Author(s):  
Jason A Dubovsky ◽  
Douglas G McNeel ◽  
John J. Powers ◽  
Eduardo M. Sotomayor ◽  
Javier Pinilla
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Antigen Presentation ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Active Immunotherapy ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Normal Tissues ◽  
Cancer Testis Antigens ◽  
Solid Malignancies ◽  
Specific Proteins ◽  
Cancer Testis

Abstract Critical to success of active immunotherapy against cancer is the identification of immunologically recognized cancer-specific proteins with low tolerogenic potential. Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) in particular, fulfill this requirement as a result of their aberrant expression restricted to cancer cells and lack of expression in normal tissues bypassing tolerogenic mechanisms against self. Although CTAs have been extensively studied in solid malignancies little is known regarding their expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Using a two-pronged approach we evaluated the immunogenicity of 29 CTAs in 22 patients with CLL and correlated these results to RTPCR data from CLL cell lines and patient cells. We identified IgG specific antibodies for one antigen, NXF2 and confirmed this response by ELISA and Western blot. We found that treatment of CLL with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine can induce expression of NXF2 that lasted for several weeks after treatment. Treatment also increased levels of MHC and costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, and CD40) necessary for antigen presentation. In addition, we identified other promising antigens such as NY-ESO-1 and MAGE which may have potential immunotherapeutic application. Our findings suggest that NXF2 could be further pursued as an immunotherapeutic target in CLL, and that treatment with demethylating agents could be exploited to specifically modulate CTA expression and effective antigen presentation in malignant B-cells.

Molecular Profiling of Cancer Testis Antigens in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4701-4701
Author(s):  
Jason A Dubovsky ◽  
Emmanuel Berchmans ◽  
John J. Powers ◽  
Lin Hui-Yi ◽  
Yang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Fish Analysis ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Cancer Testis Antigens ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Cancer Testis

Abstract Abstract 4701 Background Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the progressive accretion of long-lived mature B-lymphocytes. Although the classical Rai and Binet staging is still commonly used, a new molecular understanding has identified specific signatures which could help predict disease progression and survival. Given the recent success of immunotherapeutic strategies and immunomodulatory drugs in the treatment of CLL we sought to identify potentially immunologically relevant targets and their relation to well known disease criterion. Methods Our study characterized the mRNA expression of 29 known cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) in 66 patients with CLL at varying stages of disease using a RT-PCR based expression panel. Relevant clinical criterion such as RAI stage, B2m, ZAP-70, IGVH mutational status, CD38, cytogenetics by FISH analysis, WBC count, age, gender, and treatment among others were then taken into account. The binary RNA expression data associated with the clinical and demographic factors were evaluated using chi-square or Wilcoxon rank sum analysis. Results Of the cancer-testis antigens tested, the MAGE family of CTAs revealed statistically significant correlations with multiple clinical criteria. Our analysis reveals a correlation between previous chemo-immunotherapy treatment and MAGE-A1, B2, E1, MAD-CT-2, SPA-17, and PAGE-5 expression. Beyond treatment, total white blood cell count was shown to have a significant association with MAGE family members A1, A3, and B2 expression. In addition, MAD-CT-2 and MAGE-B2 were significantly correlated with the expression of FMC-7 and SSX-4 and LAGE-1 correlated with the presence of B-cell symptomatology. Conclusions Preliminary RT-PCR based CTA phenotyping has unveiled interesting correlations to clinical criteria, opening multiple avenues for future immunotherapeutic interventions as well as possible prognostic value in CLL. Further investigation to better understand the biological value of this information in warranted. Disclosures: Pinilla: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; exelixis: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Aberrant Expression of TLR2, TLR7, TLR9, Splicing Variants of TLR4 and MYD88 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 867
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Skorka ◽  
Paulina Wlasiuk ◽  
Agnieszka Karczmarczyk ◽  
Krzysztof Giannopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Cytotoxic T Cells ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Splicing Variants ◽  
High Level ◽  
Time To First Treatment ◽  
First Time

Functional toll-like receptors (TLRs) could modulate anti-tumor effects by activating inflammatory cytokines and the cytotoxic T-cells response. However, excessive TLR expression could promote tumor progression, since TLR-induced inflammation might stimulate cancer cells expansion into the microenvironment. Myd88 is involved in activation NF-κB through TLRs downstream signaling, hence in the current study we provided, for the first time, a complex characterization of expression of TLR2, TLR4, TLR7, TLR9, and MYD88 as well as their splicing forms in two distinct compartments of the microenvironment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): peripheral blood and bone marrow. We found correlations between MYD88 and TLRs expressions in both compartments, indicating their relevant cooperation in CLL. The MYD88 expression was higher in CLL patients compared to healthy volunteers (HVs) (0.1780 vs. 0.128, p < 0.0001). The TLRs expression was aberrant in CLL compared to HVs. Analysis of survival curves revealed a shorter time to first treatment in the group of patients with low level of TLR4(3) expression compared to high level of TLR4(3) expression in bone marrow (13 months vs. 48 months, p = 0.0207). We suggest that TLRs expression is differentially regulated in CLL but is similarly shared between two distinct compartments of the microenvironment.

Expression of SSX-2 and SSX-4 Genes in Neuroblastoma

2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.N. Chi ◽  
N.-K.V. Cheung ◽  
I.Y. Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Cytolytic T Lymphocytes ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Normal Peripheral Blood ◽  
Normal Tissues ◽  
Cancer Testis Antigens ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
The Family ◽  
Prognostic Utility ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Cancer Testis

The SSX genes are members of the family of cancer/testis antigens that encode tumor-associated antigens recognizable by autologous cytolytic T lymphocytes. Their expression is common in tumors of diverse lineages and absent in normal tissues except testis and thyroid. In this study, sixty-seven neuroblastomas (NB) (12 stage 1, 13 stage 2, 12 stage 3, 12 stage 4S and 13 stage 4) were examined by RT-PCR and a sensitive chemiluminescent detection method for SSX-2 and SSX-4 expression. Seventy-two percent (13/18) of stage 4 NB expressed SSX-2 and 67% (12/18) expressed SSX-4. SSX-2 and SSX-4 positivity correlated with metastatic NB stage 4 (p=0.02 and p=0.006, respectively). Sensitivity experiments showed SSX-2 detection was one tumor cell in 106 normal cells, and one in 104 for SSX-4. All normal tissues (n=6), with the exception of testis, normal bone marrow (BM, n=12) and normal peripheral blood (PBL, n=10) were negative for SSX-2 and SSX-4 expression. Thirty-two BM and 14 PBL obtained from 35 stage 4 NB patients at 24 months from their diagnosis were evaluated for SSX-2 expression. Unlike another cancer/testis antigen, GAGE, only one BM sample was positive, and no prognostic utility could be established. Further investigation of SSX expression at other relevant time points is warranted.

scholarly journals Antigen presentation in an HLA-DR-restricted fashion by B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Blood ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Yasukawa ◽  
T Shiroguchi ◽  
A Inatsuki ◽  
Y Kobayashi
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Antigen Presentation ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Class Ii ◽  
Hla Class Ii ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Hla Dr ◽  
Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The ability of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells to present antigen to antigen-specific T cells was investigated. B-CLL cells present herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigen and purified protein derivative (PPD) to HSV- and PPD-specific, interleukin-2-dependent T- cell lines in an antigen-specific manner. Treatment of B-CLL cells with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced markedly increased levels of HLA-DR expression. TPA-treated B-CLL cells showed substantially more effective presentation, especially at low antigen concentrations, than did untreated B-CLL cells. By coculturing different allogeneic combinations of B-CLL cells and T cells and by adding anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibody to cultures, it was found that antigen presentation by B-CLL cells was restricted by HLA-DR in the same way as for macrophages. We concluded from these experiments that B- CLL cells have a capacity to serve as antigen-presenting cells in an HLA class II-restricted fashion and that increasing the amount of HLA class II antigen and activation of B-CLL cells resulted in effective antigen presentation.

Aberrant expression of B-lymphocyte stimulator by B chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells: a mechanism for survival

Blood ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 100 (8) ◽  
pp. 2973-2979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne J. Novak ◽  
Richard J. Bram ◽  
Neil E. Kay ◽  
Diane F. Jelinek
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
B Cell ◽  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Leukemic Cell ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Leukemic Cells ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
B Lymphocyte Stimulator

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is defined by the accumulation of CD5+ B cells in the periphery and bone marrow. This disease is not characterized by highly proliferative cells but rather by the presence of leukemic cells with significant resistance to apoptosis and, therefore, prolonged survival. B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is a newly identified tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member shown to be critical for maintenance of normal B-cell development and homeostasis and it shares significant homology with another TNF superfamily member, APRIL. The striking effects of BLyS on normal B-cell maintenance and survival raises the possibility that it may be involved in pathogenesis and maintenance of hematologic malignancies, including B-CLL. In this study, we investigated the status of APRIL and BLyS expression, as well as their receptors, in this disease. All B-CLL patient cells studied expressed one or more of 3 known receptors for BLyS; however, the pattern of expression was variable. In addition, we demonstrate for the first time that B-CLL cells from a subset of patients aberrantly express BLyS and APRIL mRNA, whereas these molecules were not detectable in normal B cells. Furthermore, we provide in vitro evidence that BLyS protects B-CLL cells from apoptosis and enhances cell survival. Because these molecules are key regulators of B-cell homeostasis and tumor progression, leukemic cell autocrine expression of BLyS and APRIL may be playing an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Aberrant Expression of Trail in B Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (B-CLL) Cells.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4976-4976
Author(s):  
Mario Tiribelli ◽  
Elisa Barbarotto ◽  
Claudio Celeghini ◽  
Angela Michelutti ◽  
Giorgio Zauli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
B Lymphocytes ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Viable Cells ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Recombinant Trail ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a quintessential example of human malignancies that are caused primarily by defect in apoptosis. Defects in apoptotic pathways contribute also to chemoresistance and can promote resistance to cellular immune responses. TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), interacts with four high affinity membrane receptors (TRAIL-R1 – R4): R1 and R2 are thought to transducer apoptotic signals, while R3 and R4 may act as “decoy” receptors, protecting cells from apoptosis. Despite its potential anti–cancer activity, TRAIL alone has a low cytotoxic activity on B-CLL, and no data are available on the expression of TRAIL and its biological potential function in B-CLL. We examined the expression of TRAIL in peripheral blood CD19+/CD5+ B lymphocytes from 44 patients affected by CLL at diagnosis, the susceptibility of B-CLL cells to recombinant TRAIL and the role of endogenous membrane-bound TRAIL on autologous cell survival. Each B-CLL patient had a follow up time of 12 to 24 months from diagnosis and was clinically stable. None of the patients received chemotherapy. Lymphocytes from normal PBMC revealed an absent or dim expression of TRAIL. Surface TRAIL was detected in all 44 B-CLL examined, at variable intensity from patient to patient, but with an overall significantly greater MFI with respect to normal lymphocytes. Higher levels of TRAIL mRNA and protein were documented in purified CLL CD19+ B lymphocytes, confirming that TRAIL was overexpressed at the transcriptional level. The addition in culture of a TRAIL-R1-Fc chimera, which binds at high affinity to surface TRAIL, significantly decreased the percentage of viable cells with respect to untreated cultures. No effects were noted when TRAIL-R1-Fc chimera was added to normal CD19+ B cells. Preincubation of TRAIL-R1-Fc chimera with recombinant TRAIL significantly counteracted the decrease of viability induced by TRAIL-R1-Fc chimera. These data indicate that surface TRAIL might be involved in a promoting a prosurvival activity, at least in some B-CLL samples. We then investigated the response in terms of cell viability to exogenously added recombinant TRAIL (1 μg/ml) of all 44 B-CLL samples examined in this study. On the basis of their response to recombinant TRAIL, B-CLL samples could be subdivided in 3 groups. In 11 patients (group 1), B-CLL cells showed a faster decline in the number of viable cells upon treatment with recombinant TRAIL. In 19 samples (group 2),no significant variation in terms of viable cell number in TRAIL-treated cultures was observed. In 14 patients (group 3), TRAIL-treatment results in a significantly higher numbers of viable cells compared to untreated cultures. At flow cytometry, B-CLL lymphocytes expressed at variable levels TRAIL-R1, TRAIL-R2 and TRAIL-R4, while TRAIL-R3 was never detected. TRAIL-R1 was expressed at low levels in a subset of B-CLL samples, while TRAIL-R2 was expressed in almost the totality of the B-CLL samples. TRAIL-R4 was detected in the majority of B-CLL lymphocytes, but at lower levels than in normal lymphocytes. Of note, the different apoptotic/survival response to recombinant TRAIL among the three groups of B-CLL samples described above, apparently did not depend on differences in death and/or decoy receptor patterns of expression. A progressive increase of TRAIL MFI was noticed from group 1 to group 3.

scholarly journals Immunomodulatory Drugs and Active Immunotherapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estrella Carballido ◽  
Marays Veliz ◽  
Rami Komrokji ◽  
Javier Pinilla-Ibarz
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Active Immunotherapy ◽  
Immunomodulatory Drugs

Notch2 is involved in the overexpression of CD23 in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Blood ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 99 (10) ◽  
pp. 3742-3747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Hubmann ◽  
Josef D. Schwarzmeier ◽  
Medhat Shehata ◽  
Martin Hilgarth ◽  
Markus Duechler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Core Promoter ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Mobility Shift ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Members of the Notch family encode transmembrane receptors that modulate differentiation, proliferation, and apoptotic programs of many precursor cells, including hematopoietic progenitors. Stimulation of Notch causes cleavage followed by translocation of the intracellular domain (NotchIC) to the nucleus, where it activates transcription of CBF1 responsive genes. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms leading to the overexpression of CD23, a striking feature of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells. By electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we identified a transcription factor complex (C1) that binds sequence specific to one known and 4 newly identified putative CBF1 recognition sites in the CD23a core promoter region. With the use of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–infected B cells as a model for CBF1 mediated CD23a expression, C1 was found to be EBV inducible. Supershift assays revealed that the nuclear form of Notch2 is a component of C1 in B-CLL cells, supporting a model in which NotchIC activates transcription by binding to CBF1 tethered to DNA. Transient transfection of REH pre–B cells with an activated form of Notch2 induced endogenous CD23a, confirming thatCD23a is a target gene of Notch2 signaling. Finally, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and kinetic analysis demonstrated that the Notch2 oncogene is not only overexpressed in B-CLL cells but might also be related to the failure of apoptosis characteristic for this disease. In conclusion, these data suggest that deregulation of Notch2 signaling is involved in the aberrant expression of CD23 in B-CLL.

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