The expression of immune checkpoint proteins PD-L1 and TIM3 in mouse and human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Areeg Elmusrati ¹, Cun-Yu Wang ^1,2

⁰Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.

European Journal of Oral Sciences +

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August 1, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3) are expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) but not dysplasia. This suggests a 4NQO-induced mouse model is suitable for immune checkpoint therapy research.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Immunology
Preclinical Research

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant global health concern.
Immune checkpoint proteins, such as PD-L1 and TIM3, play crucial roles in tumor immune evasion.
Understanding the expression patterns of these proteins in HNSCC is vital for developing effective immunotherapies.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3) in oral epithelial dysplasia and HNSCC.
To evaluate a 4-nitroquinoline-1 oxide (4NQO)-induced mouse model for its suitability in studying HNSCC immune responses.

Main Methods

Induction of HNSCC in mice using 4-nitroquinoline-1 oxide (4NQO).
Immunohistochemical staining of oral epithelial dysplastic lesions, carcinoma in situ, and HNSCC samples (both mouse and human) for PD-L1 and TIM3.
Semiquantitative assessment and comparison of PD-L1 and TIM3 expression in tumor and immune cells.

Main Results

Both PD-L1 and TIM3 were expressed in neoplastic and immune cells within HNSCC tissues in both human and mouse models.
Expression of PD-L1 and TIM3 was not detected in oral epithelial dysplasia.
No significant differences in PD-L1 or TIM3 expression were observed between metastatic and nonmetastatic HNSCC.

Conclusions

The 4NQO-induced mouse HNSCC model accurately reflects PD-L1 and TIM3 expression patterns seen in human HNSCC.
This preclinical model holds promise for advancing immune checkpoint therapy research in HNSCC.

Keywords:

head and neck squamous cell carcinoma immune checkpoint proteins immunotherapy