Analysis and therapeutic targeting of the IL-1R pathway in anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Blood. 2023 Oct 12;142(15):1297-1311. doi: 10.1182/blood.2022019166.

Abstract

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a subgroup of mature T-cell neoplasms with an aggressive clinical course, is characterized by elevated expression of CD30 and anaplastic cytology. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of the molecular characteristics of ALCL pathology and to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities, we applied genome-wide CRISPR library screenings to both anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) and primary cutaneous (pC) ALK- ALCLs and identified an unexpected role of the interleukin-1R (IL-1R) inflammatory pathway in supporting the viability of pC ALK- ALCL. Importantly, this pathway is activated by IL-1α in an autocrine manner, which is essential for the induction and maintenance of protumorigenic inflammatory responses in pC-ALCL cell lines and primary cases. Hyperactivation of the IL-1R pathway is promoted by the A20 loss-of-function mutation in the pC-ALCL lines we analyze and is regulated by the nonproteolytic protein ubiquitination network. Furthermore, the IL-1R pathway promotes JAK-STAT3 signaling activation in ALCLs lacking STAT3 gain-of-function mutation or ALK translocation and enhances the sensitivity of JAK inhibitors in these tumors in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the JAK2/IRAK1 dual inhibitor, pacritinib, exhibited strong activities against pC ALK- ALCL, where the IL-1R pathway is hyperactivated in the cell line and xenograft mouse model. Thus, our studies revealed critical insights into the essential roles of the IL-1R pathway in pC-ALCL and provided opportunities for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase / genetics
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic* / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic* / genetics
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic* / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell*
  • Mice
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms*

Substances

  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • Interleukins