miR-424(322) reverses chemoresistance via T-cell immune response activation by blocking the PD-L1 immune checkpoint

Nat Commun. 2016 May 5:7:11406. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11406.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint blockade of the inhibitory immune receptors PD-L1, PD-1 and CTLA-4 has emerged as a successful treatment strategy for several advanced cancers. Here we demonstrate that miR-424(322) regulates the PD-L1/PD-1 and CD80/CTLA-4 pathways in chemoresistant ovarian cancer. miR-424(322) is inversely correlated with PD-L1, PD-1, CD80 and CTLA-4 expression. High levels of miR-424(322) in the tumours are positively correlated with the progression-free survival of ovarian cancer patients. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that miR-424(322) inhibited PD-L1 and CD80 expression through direct binding to the 3'-untranslated region. Restoration of miR-424(322) expression reverses chemoresistance, which is accompanied by blockage of the PD-L1 immune checkpoint. The synergistic effect of chemotherapy and immunotherapy is associated with the proliferation of functional cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and the inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressive cells and regulatory T cells. Collectively, our data suggest a biological and functional interaction between PD-L1 and chemoresistance through the microRNA regulatory cascade.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B7-1 Antigen / genetics
  • B7-1 Antigen / immunology
  • B7-H1 Antigen / genetics
  • B7-H1 Antigen / immunology*
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / genetics
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / immunology
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / immunology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*

Substances

  • B7-1 Antigen
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • CD274 protein, human
  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • MIRN322 microRNA, mouse
  • MIRN424 microrna, human
  • MicroRNAs