Targeting CD36-Mediated Lipid Metabolism by Selective Inhibitor-Augmented Antitumor Immune Responses in Oral Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The fatty acid receptor CD36 is implicated in tumor progression and immune responses.
• CD36's role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its potential as an immunotherapy target require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of selective CD36 inhibition on OSCC progression and antitumor immunity.
• To assess the potential of sulfosuccinimidyl oleate sodium (SSO) as a CD36 inhibitor in OSCC.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assessment of SSO's effects on OSCC proliferation, apoptosis, and immune accessory molecule expression.
• Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction (MLR) assay to evaluate SSO-treated OSCCs' ability to promote T cell response.
• In vivo study using a mouse OSCC model to assess SSO's antitumor and immunomodulatory effects.

Main Results:

• SSO significantly inhibited OSCC proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro.
• SSO upregulated immune accessory molecules (CD83, MHC-Class II, PD-L1) on OSCCs and augmented T cell proliferation in MLR.
• In vivo, SSO attenuated tumor growth, increased effector immune cells (CD4+, CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells), and decreased suppressive cells (MDSCs, Tregs).

Conclusions:

• Selective CD36 inhibition by SSO demonstrates direct antitumor effects in OSCC.
• SSO facilitates host antitumor immune responses, suggesting its potential in cancer immunotherapy for OSCC.