Pathway-focused gene expression profiles and immunohistochemistry detection identify contrasting association of caspase 3 (CASP3) expression with prognosis in pediatric classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

The search for clinically relevant molecular markers in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is hampered by the histopathological complexity of the disease, resulting from the admixture of a small number of neoplastic Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (H-RS) cells with an abundant and heterogeneous microenvironment. In this study, we evaluated gene expression profiles of 11 selected genes previously proposed as a molecular score for adult cHL, aiming to validate its application in the pediatric setting. Assays were performed by RT-qPCR from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lymph nodes in 80 patients with cHL. Selected genes were associated with cell cycle (CENPF, CDK1, CCNA2, CCNE2, and HMMR), apoptosis (BCL2, BCL2L1, and CASP3), and monocytes/macrophages (LYZ and STAT1). Despite using controlled preanalytical and analytical strategies, we were not able to validate the 11-gene score to be applied in pediatric cHL. Principal component analysis (PCA) disclosed 3 components that accounted for 65.7% of the total variability. The second PC included microenvironment and apoptosis genes, from which CASP3 expression was associated with a short time of progression-free survival, which impact was maintained in the unfavorable risk group, Epstein-Barr virus-negative cases, and multivariate analysis (P < .05). Because this is a counterintuitive association, CASP3 active expression was assessed at the protein level in H-RS cells by double immunohistochemistry. In contrast to the association of mRNA levels with a poor therapeutic response, a high number of cleaved CASP3+ cells were associated with longer progression-free survival (P = .03) and overall survival (P = .002). Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using FFPE samples as RNA source for molecular prognostication, but argue against the concept of direct and wide applicability of molecular scores in cHL. We reinforce the potential of CASP3 as an interesting target to be explored in adult and pediatric cHL, and alert for its dual biological role in H-RS cells and tumor microenvironment.

Targeting Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg Cells with an Inhibitor of Heat-Shock Protein 90: Molecular Pathways of Response and Potential Mechanisms of Resistance.

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) cells overexpress heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90), an important intracellular signaling hub regulating cell survival, which is emerging as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we report the antitumor effect of celastrol, an anti-inflammatory compound and a recognized HSP90 inhibitor, in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cell lines. Two disparate responses were recorded. In KM-H2 cells, celastrol inhibited cell proliferation, induced G0/G1 arrest, and triggered apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3/7. Conversely, L428 cells exhibited resistance to the compound. A proteomic screening identified a total of 262 differentially expressed proteins in sensitive KM-H2 cells and revealed that celastrol's toxicity involved the suppression of the MAPK/ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase/mitogen activated protein kinase) pathway. The apoptotic effects were preceded by a decrease in RAS (proto-oncogene protein Ras), p-ERK1/2 (phospho-extracellular signal-regulated Kinase-1/2), and c-Fos (proto-oncogene protein c-Fos) protein levels, as validated by immunoblot analysis. The L428 resistant cells exhibited a marked induction of HSP27 mRNA and protein after celastrol treatment. Our results provide the first evidence that celastrol has antitumor effects in cHL cells through the suppression of the MAPK/ERK pathway. Resistance to celastrol has rarely been described, and our results suggest that in cHL it may be mediated by the upregulation of HSP27. The antitumor properties of celastrol against cHL and whether the disparate responses observed in vitro have clinical correlates deserve further research.

Revisiting the Tissue Microenvironment of Infectious Mononucleosis: Identification of EBV Infection in T Cells and Deep Characterization of Immune Profiles.

To aid understanding of primary EBV infection, we have performed an in depth analysis of EBV-infected cells and of local immune cells in tonsils from infectious mononucleosis (IM) patients. We show that EBV is present in approximately 50% of B-cells showing heterogeneous patterns of latent viral gene expression probably reflecting different stages of infection. While the vast majority of EBV+ cells are B-cells, around 9% express T-cell antigens, with a predominance of CD8+ over CD4+ cells. PD-L1 was expressed by a median of 14% of EBV+ cells. The numbers of EBER+PD-L1+ cells were directly correlated with the numbers of EBER+CD3+ and EBER+CD8+ cells suggesting a possible role for PD-L1 in EBV infection of T-cells. The microenvironment of IM tonsils was characterized by a predominance of M1-polarized macrophages over M2-polarized cells. However, at the T-cell level, a heterogeneous picture emerged with numerous Th1/cytotoxic cells accompanied and sometimes outnumbered by Th2/regulatory T-cells. Further, we observed a direct correlation between the numbers of Th2-like cells and EBV- B-cells. Also, a prevalence of cytotoxic T-cells over Th2-like cells was associated with an increased viral load. These observations point to contribution of B- and Th2-like cells to the control of primary EBV infection. 35% of CD8+ cells were differentiated CD8+TBET+ cells, frequently detected in post-capillary venules. An inverse correlation was observed between the numbers of CD8+TBET+ cells and viral load suggesting a pivotal role for these cells in the control of primary EBV infection. Our results provide the basis for a better understanding of immune reactions in EBV-associated tumors.

Interleukin 10 (IL10) proximal promoter polymorphisms beyond clinical response in classical Hodgkin lymphoma: Exploring the basis for the genetic control of the tumor microenvironment.

Interleukin-10 (IL10) is an immune regulatory cytokine. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL10 promoter have been associated with prognosis in adult classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). We analyzed IL10 SNPs -1082 and -592 in respect of therapy response, gene expression and tumor microenvironment (TME) composition in 98 pediatric patients with cHL. As confirmatory results, we found that -1082AA/AG; -592CC genotypes and ATA haplotype were associated with unfavourable prognosis: Progression-free survival (PFS) was shorter in -1082AA+AG (72.2%) than in GG patients (100%) (P = 0.024), and in -592AA (50%) and AC (74.2%) vs. CC patients (87.0%) (P = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, the -592CC genotype and the ATA haplotype retained prognostic impact (HR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.2-0.86; P = 0.018, and HR: 3.06 95% CI 1.03-9.12; P = 0.044, respectively). Our analysis further led to some new observations, namely: (1) Low IL10 mRNA expression was associated with -1082GG genotype (P = 0.014); (2) IL10 promoter polymorphisms influence TME composition;-1082GG/-592CC carriers showed low numbers of infiltrating cells expressing MAF transcription factor (20 vs. 78 and 49 vs. 108 cells/mm2, respectively; P< 0.05); while ATA haplotype (high expression) associated with high numbers of MAF+ cells (P = 0.005). Specifically, -1082GG patients exhibited low percentages of CD68+MAF+ (M2-like) intratumoral macrophages (15.04% vs. 47.26%, P = 0.017). Considering ours as an independent validation cohort, our results give support to the clinical importance of IL10 polymorphisms in the full spectrum of cHL, and advance the concept of genetic control of microenvironment composition as a basis for susceptibility and therapeutic response.

Macrophage polarization reflects T cell composition of tumor microenvironment in pediatric classical Hodgkin lymphoma and has impact on survival.

Macrophages have been implicated in the pathogenesis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and have been suggested to have a negative impact on outcome. Most studies addressing the role of macrophages in cHL have relied on identification of macrophages by generic macrophage antigens, e.g., CD68. We have therefore conducted an in situ analysis of macrophage polarization in a series of 100 pediatric cHL (pcHL) cases using double staining immunohistochemistry, combining CD68 or CD163 with pSTAT1 (M1-like) or CMAF (M2-like). M1- or M2-polarised microenvironment was defined by an excess of one population over the other (>1.5). Expression of STAT1 and LYZ genes was also evaluated by RT-qPCR. Patients <14 years and EBV+ cases displayed higher numbers of CD68+pSTAT1+ cells than older children and EBV- cases, respectively (P=0.01 and P=0.02). A cytotoxic tumor microenvironment, defined by a CD8+/FOXP3+ ratio >1.5 was associated with higher numbers of CD68+pSTAT1+ (P=0.025) and CD163+pSTAT1+ macrophages (P<0.0005). Levels of STAT1 and LYZ expression were associated with the numbers of CD68+pSTAT1+ macrophages. EBV+ cHL cases disclosed a predominant M1 polarized microenvironment similar to Th1 mediated inflammatory disorders, while EBV- cHL showed a predominant M2 polarized microenvironment closer to Th2 mediated inflammatory diseases. Better overall-survival (OS) was observed in cases with higher numbers of CD163+pSTAT1+ macrophages (P=0.02) while larger numbers of CD163+CMAF+ macrophages were associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.02). Predominant M1-like polarization as disclosed by CD163+pSTAT1+/CD163+CMAF+ ratio > 1.5 was associated with better OS (P= 0.037). In conclusion, macrophage polarization in pcHL correlates with prevalent local T cell response and may be influenced by the EBV-status of neoplastic cells. Besides, M1-like and M2-like macrophages displayed differential effects on outcome in pcHL.

Genetic markers used for risk stratification in multiple myeloma.

While no specific genetic markers are required in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM), multiple genetic abnormalities and gene signatures are used in disease prognostication and risk stratification. This is particularly important for the adequate identification of the high-risk MM group, which does not benefit from any of the current therapies, and novel approaches need to be proposed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been employed for establishing risk-based stratification and still remains the most used genetic technique in the clinical routine. The incorporation of gene expression profiling (GEP) in the study of MM has shown to be a very powerful test in the patient stratification, but its incorporation in clinical routine depends on some technical and logistic resolutions. Thus, FISH still remains the gold standard test for detecting genomic abnormalities and outcome discrimination in MM.

Alterações na apoptose e no ciclo celular e sua modulação pelo sistema imune no Linfoma de Hodgkin clássico pediátrico / [ Changes in apoptosis and cell cycle and their modulation by the immune system in classical pediatric Hodgkin's lymphoma]

O linfoma de Hodgkin clássico (LHc) caracteriza-se por apresentar 1-2% de células tumorais (Hodgkin e Reed-Sternberg, H-RS), em meio de um infiltrado inflamatório. As células H-RS são caracterizadas por alterações simultâneas e ainda não bem entendidas no ciclo celular e apoptose, e uma alta dependência das células imunes infiltrantes, tendo inclusive estas alterações sido associadas ao desfecho clínico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar alterações no ciclo celular e apoptose das células H-RS e a sua relação com a resposta imune local, definida pela composição do microambiente tumoral, em casos de LHc pediátricos, visando identificar cross-talks potenciais entre os dois componentes do tumor. Para isto, foram analisadas por imunohistoquímica (IHQ) os marcadores p53, p21, MDM2, nucleofosmina (NPM) H2AX, ATM, a cinética populacional (Ki-67, Histona H3, número de H-RS, uni e multinucleação), BCL2, caspase-3 (CASP3) e SURVIVINA e a fragmentação de DNA (ensaio de TUNEL) nas células H-RS, em um grupo de 87 pacientes com LHc pediátrico. Estas alterações foram analisadas em relação ao status do vírus Epstein-Barr (EBV), as sub-populações celulares do MAT e a sobrevida livre de progressão (SLP) e global (SG). Uma alta taxa de proliferação (IPC; Ki-67>50% nas H-RS) e taxa mitótica (IM; histona H3>25% nas H-RS) foram observados em 75,9% e 37,5% dos casos, sem associação com o número de células tumorais, enquanto que a expressão de p53, p21, MDM2, ATM ,H2AX, BCL2, CASP3 e SURVIVINA foram observadas em 13,4%, 69%, 83,6%, 59%, 72,7%, 56,6%, 71,4% e 52% dos casos, respectivamente. Quanto a NPM, foi identificada a expressão citoplasmática da proteína (NPMc+) em 66,2% dos casos, posteriormente confirmada por imunoflorescência e por microscopia confocal a laser...

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a B-cell neoplasm characterized by two components, the malignant (Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg, H-RS) cells which comprise 1-2% of the tumor mass, and an intense inflammatory infiltrate, the tumor microenvironment. H-RS cells exhibit simultaneous alterations in cell cycle and apoptosis and a strong dependence on infiltrating immune cells. The objective of this study was to investigate alterations of H-RS cell cycle and apoptosis and their relationship with the local immune response, defined by the TME composition, aiming to identify a potential cross-talk between the two components of the tumor, in a series of pediatric cHL. For this, different markers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), such as H-RS population kinetics (Ki-67, histone H3, number of H-RS, uni and multinucleation), p53, p21, MDM2, nucleophosmin (NPM), pH2AX, pATM, BCL2, caspase-3 (CASP3), survivin and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay) in H-RS cells. These results were analyzed in respect of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status, TME cell subpopulations and survival. A high proliferation rate (IPC; Ki-67>50% in H- RS) and mitotic rate (IM; histone H3>25% in H-RS) were seen in 75.9% and 37.5% of cases, without association with the number of tumor cells, while the expression of p53, p21, MDM2, ATM, H2AX, BCL2, CASP3, and SURVIVIN were seen in 13.4%, 69%, 83.6 %, 59%, 72.7%, 56.6%, 71.4% and 52% of cases, respectively. NPM was aberrantly localized to the cytoplasm (NPMc+) in 66.2% of cases, confirmed by immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In order to disclose the causes of the aberrant localization, exon 12 mutation analysis was performed from H-RS microdissected cells (2 NPMc+ cases) and by subcloning of total DNA (4 NPMc+ cases), and no mutation were identified. FISH analysis with non-commercial probes did not identify any chromosomal translocation in the NPM1 gene...