The immune-related role of beta-2-microglobulin in melanoma

Chuqiao Wang; Zeqi Wang; Tengteng Yao; Jibo Zhou; Zhaoyang Wang

doi:10.3389/fonc.2022.944722

The immune-related role of beta-2-microglobulin in melanoma

Front Oncol. 2022 Aug 16:12:944722. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.944722. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Chuqiao Wang^{1

2}, Zeqi Wang^{1

2}, Tengteng Yao³, Jibo Zhou^{1

2}, Zhaoyang Wang³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
² Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ophthalmic Tumor, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
³ Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Despite the remarkable success of immunotherapy in the treatment of melanoma, resistance to these agents still affects patient prognosis and response to therapies. Beta-2-microglobulin (β2M), an important subunit of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, has important biological functions and roles in tumor immunity. In recent years, increasing studies have shown that B2M gene deficiency can inhibit MHC class I antigen presentation and lead to cancer immune evasion by affecting β2M expression. Based on this, B2M gene defect and T cell-based immunotherapy can interact to affect the efficacy of melanoma treatment. Taking into account the many recent advances in B2M-related melanoma immunity, here we discuss the immune function of the B2M gene in tumors, its common genetic alteration in melanoma, and its impact on and related improvements in melanoma immunotherapy. Our comprehensive review of β2M biology and its role in tumor immunotherapy contributes to understanding the potential of B2M gene as a promising melanoma therapeutic target.

Keywords: Beta-2-microglobulin (β2M); T cells; immunotherapy; major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I; melanoma.

Publication types

Review