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Using 22C3 Anti-PD-L1 Antibody Concentrate on Biopsy and Cytology Samples from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Published on: September 25, 2018
Immunological profiling for short-term predictive analysis in PD-1/PD-L1 therapy for lung cancer
Yun Wang1, Rujia Chen1, Zhenzhou Guo2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Road 1095, Wuhan, 1095, 430030, 430030, China.
Background:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibodies, have achieved breakthrough results in improving long-term survival rates in lung cancer. Although high levels of PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden have emerged as pivotal biomarkers, not all patients derive lasting benefits, and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade remains a prevalent issue. Comprehending the immunological intricacies of lung cancer is crucial for uncovering the mechanisms that govern responses and resistance to immunomodulatory treatments. This study aimed to explore the potential of peripheral immune markers in predicting treatment efficiency among lung cancer patients undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors.
Methods:
This study enrolled 71 lung cancer patients undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy and 20 healthy controls. Immune cell subsets (CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, B cells, NK cells, and NKT cells), phenotypic analysis of T cells and B cells, and PMA/Ionomycin-stimulated lymphocyte function assay were conducted.
Results:
Lung cancer patients exhibited significant alterations in immune cell subsets, notably an increased percentage of Treg cells. Post-treatment, there were substantial increases in absolute numbers of CD3 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, and NKT cells, along with heightened HLA-DR expression on CD3 + T and CD8 + T cells. Comparison between complete remission and non-complete remission (NCR) groups showed higher Treg cell percentages and HLA-DR + CD4 + T cells in the NCR group.
Conclusion:
The study findings suggest potential predictive roles for immune cell subsets and phenotypes, particularly Treg cells, HLA-DR + CD4 + T cells, and naïve CD4 + T cells, in evaluating short-term PD-1/PD-L1 therapy efficacy for lung cancer patients. These insights offer valuable prospects for personalized treatment strategies and underscore the importance of immune profiling in lung cancer immunotherapy.
Insights
Peripheral immune cell subsets may predict lung cancer patient response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Higher Treg cells and HLA-DR+ CD4+ T cells were linked to non-complete remission, suggesting immune profiling for personalized immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibodies have improved lung cancer survival.
- Biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden are used, but treatment resistance and lack of durable benefit persist.
- Understanding lung cancer immunology is key to overcoming resistance to immunomodulatory treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive potential of peripheral immune markers for predicting treatment efficacy in lung cancer patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
- To explore immune cell subset alterations and phenotypes in relation to treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Enrolled 71 lung cancer patients undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy and 20 healthy controls.
- Conducted immune cell subset analysis (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, NK cells, NKT cells).
- Performed phenotypic analysis of T and B cells and a lymphocyte function assay.
Main Results:
- Lung cancer patients showed altered immune cell subsets, with increased regulatory T (Treg) cells.
- Post-treatment, increases in CD3+, CD8+ T cells, and NKT cells were observed, with heightened HLA-DR expression on CD3+ and CD8+ T cells.
- Patients with non-complete remission (NCR) had higher Treg cell percentages and HLA-DR+ CD4+ T cells compared to those in complete remission.
Conclusions:
- Immune cell subsets and phenotypes, specifically Treg cells, HLA-DR+ CD4+ T cells, and naïve CD4+ T cells, may predict short-term efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in lung cancer.
- These findings highlight the importance of immune profiling for personalized treatment strategies in lung cancer immunotherapy.
- Peripheral immune marker analysis offers potential for optimizing ICI treatment selection and predicting patient outcomes.
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