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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
In Vivo Immunogenicity Screening of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles by Flow Cytometry of Splenic T Cells
Published on: September 23, 2021
Exploring novel immunotherapy biomarker candidates induced by cancer deformation
Se Min Kim1, Namu Park2, Hye Bin Park3
1Life Science and Biotechnology Department (LSBT), Underwood Division (UD), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, Sinchon, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) demands urgent attention for the development of effective treatment strategies due to its aggressiveness and limited therapeutic options [1]. This research is primarily focused on identifying new biomarkers vital for immunotherapy, with the aim of developing tailored treatments specifically for TNBC, such as those targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To achieve this, the study places a strong emphasis on investigating Ig genes, a characteristic of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly genes expressing Ig-like domains with altered expression levels induced by "cancer deformation," a condition associated with cancer malignancy. Human cells can express approximately 800 Ig family genes, yet only a few Ig genes, including PD-1 and PD-L1, have been developed into immunotherapy drugs thus far. Therefore, we investigated the Ig genes that were either upregulated or downregulated by the artificial metastatic environment in TNBC cell line. As a result, we confirmed the upregulation of approximately 13 Ig genes and validated them using qPCR. In summary, our study proposes an approach for identifying new biomarkers applicable to future immunotherapies aimed at addressing challenging cases of TNBC where conventional treatments fall short.
Insights
This study identifies novel immunoglobulin (Ig) genes upregulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) under metastatic conditions. These findings offer potential new biomarkers for developing targeted immunotherapies for TNBC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive with limited treatment options.
- Immunotherapy, particularly targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, shows promise but requires new biomarkers.
- Immunoglobulin (Ig) genes are key to immune checkpoint inhibitors, but many remain unexplored in TNBC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel Ig genes as potential biomarkers for TNBC immunotherapy.
- To investigate Ig gene expression changes induced by a simulated metastatic environment in TNBC.
- To explore tailored treatment strategies for TNBC targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.
Main Methods:
- Investigated Ig gene expression in a TNBC cell line exposed to an artificial metastatic environment.
- Focused on Ig genes with altered expression levels, particularly those with Ig-like domains.
- Validated upregulated Ig genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Main Results:
- Confirmed the upregulation of approximately 13 Ig genes in the TNBC cell line.
- Identified specific Ig genes exhibiting altered expression in response to the metastatic environment.
- qPCR validation confirmed the expression changes of selected Ig genes.
Conclusions:
- The study proposes a method for discovering new biomarkers for TNBC immunotherapy.
- Identified Ig genes may serve as targets for future tailored treatments for TNBC.
- This research addresses the need for effective therapies in challenging TNBC cases.
