In vitro quantification of pigment production and transfer in 2D co-cultures and 3D skin organotypic.

Here, we present a protocol to set up and study 2D keratinocyte-melanocyte co-cultures and 3D full-thickness human skin equivalents. We describe steps for culturing of keratinocyte and melanocyte lines and the establishment of both 2D and 3D co-cultures. The cultures are utilized to measure melanin content and investigate mechanisms driving melanin production and transfer, through flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Culture conditions are highly amendable to different conditions, and analysis is simple and objective-thus allowing for medium to high throughput. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ng et al. (2022).1.

Cancer-Testis Antigens in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Role and Potential Utility in Clinical Practice.

Breast cancer cells commonly express tumour-associated antigens that can induce immune responses to eradicate the tumour. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a form of breast cancer lacking the expression of hormone receptors and cerbB2 (HER2) and tends to be more aggressive and associated with poorer prognoses due to the limited treatment options. Characterisation of biomarkers or treatment targets is thus of great significance in revealing additional therapeutic options. Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are tumour-associated antigens that have garnered strong attention as potential clinical biomarkers in targeted immunotherapy due to their cancer-restricted expressions and robust immunogenicity. Previous clinical studies reported that CTAs correlated with negative hormonal status, advanced tumour behaviour and a poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. Various studies also demonstrated the oncogenic potential of CTAs in cell proliferation by inhibiting cell death and inducing metastasis. Multiple clinical trials are in progress to evaluate the role of CTAs as treatment targets in various cancers. CTAs hold great promise as potential treatment targets and biomarkers in cancer, and further research could be conducted on elucidating the mechanism of actions of CTAs in breast cancer or combination therapy with other immune modulators. In the current review, we summarise the current understandings of CTAs in TNBC, addressing the role and utility of CTAs in TNBC, as well as discussing the potential applications and advantage of incorporating CTAs in clinical practise.