Variations in dynamic tumor-associated antigen-specific T cell responses correlate with HCC recurrence after thermal ablation

Zang, C; Zhao, Y; Liu, G; Li, K; Qin, L; Zhang, Y; Sun, J; Wang, Q; Ma, L; Zhao, P; Sun, Y; Guo, D; Yuan, C; Dong, T

Journal article

Variations in dynamic tumor-associated antigen-specific T cell responses correlate with HCC recurrence after thermal ablation

Abstract:: BackgroundAblative therapy is a recommended treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not only for its effective eradication of tumors, but also for its induction of host immunity. However, the high 5-year recurrence rate after ablation underlines the poor understanding of the antitumor immunity response. Here, we investigated the effects of thermal ablation on antitumor immunity.MethodsWe analyzed the dynamics of tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-specific immune responses and changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell phenotype in patients with HCC before and after tumor ablation. We used the IFN-γ ELISPOT assay and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry to evaluate the effects of ablation on host immunity. The correlation between the T cell response and disease outcome was explored to uncover the efficacy of the immune response in inhibiting HCC recurrence.ResultsDifferent TAA-specific T cell responses were identified among patients before and after ablation. One week after ablation, there was an improved immune state, with a switch from the dominance of an AFP-specific T cell response to that of a SMNMS-specific T cell response, which was correlated with better survival. Furthermore, an improvement in immune status was accompanied by a lower level of PD1+ and Tim3+ T cells in CD8+ T cells. Although this functional state was not durable, there was a higher degree of AFP-specific T cell responses at 4-weeks post-ablation. Furthermore, T cells presented a more exhausted phenotype at 4-weeks post-ablation than at the 1-week timepoint.ConclusionsAblation elicits a transient antitumor immune response in patients with HCC by changing the profile of the T cell response and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules, which correlated with longer recurrence-free survival of patients with HCC.

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

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APA Style

Zang, C., Zhao, Y., Liu, G., Li, K., Qin, L., Zhang, Y., Sun, J., Wang, Q., Ma, L., Zhao, P., Sun, Y., Guo, D., Yuan, C., & Dong, T. (2022). Variations in dynamic tumor-associated antigen-specific T cell responses correlate with HCC recurrence after thermal ablation. Frontiers in Immunology, 13, 982578–982578.

MLA Style

Zang, C, et al. “Variations in Dynamic Tumor-Associated Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses Correlate with HCC Recurrence after Thermal Ablation.” Frontiers in Immunology, vol. 13, 2022, pp. 982578–78.

Chicago Style

Zang, C, Y Zhao, G Liu, et al. 2022. “Variations in Dynamic Tumor-Associated Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses Correlate with HCC Recurrence after Thermal Ablation.” Frontiers in Immunology 13: 982578–78.
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