Immunohistochemical Analysis of Common Cancer Antigens in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Yohei Morishita1,2, Kazumasa Takenouchi1, Shingo Sakashita3
1Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan.
Background/Aim:
The prognosis of recurring and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poor. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have expanded the treatment options for HNSCC, the response rates are low. Alternatively, cancer vaccines and T-cell therapies are being developed. Identification of useful common cancer antigens and confirmation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression are required.
Materials And Methods:
Immunohistochemistry analyses were performed for 10 antigens (FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, HSP105α, WT1, AFP, GPC3, PP-RP, KIF20A, KM-HN-1) and HLA class I using specimens of 56 surgical cases. Staining intensity, percentage of stain-positive areas, and localization of staining in the tumor cells and normal tissue were evaluated.
Results:
Staining of FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, and HSP105α was more predominant in tumor cells than that in normal cells. The expression rates of these antigens in tumor cells were 60.7%, 58.9%, 73.2%, and 50.0%, respectively. Regarding sites, the expression rates of these antigens in oral cancer were high at 57.1%, 71.4%, 81.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of HLA class I was 83.9% in all cases. Of these, 68.1% showed expression on the plasma membrane.
Conclusion:
FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, and HSP105α could be useful common cancer antigens, and HLA class I is expressed on the plasma membrane of cancer cells in many cases. The results suggest that cancer vaccines and T-cell therapy may be clinically viable options for HNSCC treatment.
Insights
New research identifies FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, and HSP105α as potential common cancer antigens for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). These antigens, along with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression, suggest viability for cancer vaccines and T-cell therapies in HNSCC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Cancer Biomarkers
Background:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a poor prognosis, with limited efficacy of current treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Developing novel therapeutic strategies, including cancer vaccines and T-cell therapies, is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Identifying reliable cancer antigens and confirming human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression are prerequisites for these advanced therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expression of ten potential cancer antigens and HLA class I in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) specimens.
- To determine the utility of specific antigens (FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, HSP105α) as common cancer antigens for HNSCC.
- To confirm the expression patterns of HLA class I on tumor cells for potential immunotherapy applications.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze 10 antigens and HLA class I expression in 56 HNSCC surgical specimens.
- Evaluated staining intensity, percentage of positive areas, and cellular localization in tumor and normal tissues.
- Specific antigens analyzed included FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, HSP105α, WT1, AFP, GPC3, PP-RP, KIF20A, and KM-HN-1.
Main Results:
- FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, and HSP105α showed predominant expression in tumor cells compared to normal cells.
- High expression rates of these antigens were observed in tumor cells (60.7%, 58.9%, 73.2%, 50.0% respectively) and particularly in oral cancer.
- HLA class I expression was detected in 83.9% of cases, with 68.1% showing plasma membrane localization.
Conclusions:
- FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, and HSP105α are identified as potential useful common cancer antigens for HNSCC.
- Significant expression of HLA class I on the plasma membrane of cancer cells was confirmed in a majority of cases.
- These findings support the clinical viability of cancer vaccines and T-cell therapy for HNSCC treatment.
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