Involvement of HLA class I molecules in the immune escape of urologic tumors

• Published in: Actas urológicas españolas (English ed.) Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 192 - 199
• Main Authors: Carretero, R, Gil-Julio, H, Vázquez-Alonso, F, Garrido, F, Castiñeiras, J, Cózar, J.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-04-2014
• Subjects: Urology; Phenotypes; Human leukocyte antigen class II; Fenotipos; Human leukocyte antigen class I; Cáncer de vejiga; Bladder cancer; Cáncer de próstata; Procesamiento antigénico; Renal cell carcinoma; Immunotherapy; Inmunoterapia; Antigenic processing; Prostate cancer; Carcinoma de células renales; Antígeno leucocitario humano de clase I; Antígeno leucocitario humano de clase II
• ISSN: 2173-5786; 2173-5786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2014.01.002

Abstract Context and objective To analyze the influence of different alterations in human leukocyte antigen class I molecules (HLA I ) in renal cell carcinoma, as well as in bladder and prostate cancer. We also study the correlation between HLA I expression and the progression of the disease and the response after immunotherapy protocols. Evidences acquisition It has been shown, experimentally, that the immune system can recognize and kill neoplastic cells. By analyzing the expression of HLA I molecules on the surface of cancer cells, we were able to study the tumor escape mechanisms against the immune system. Evidences synthesis Alteration or irreversible damage in HLA I molecules is used by the neoplastic cells to escape the immune system. The function of these molecules is to recognize endogenous peptides and present them to T cells of the immune system. There is a clear relationship between HLA I reversible alterations and success of therapy. Irreversible lesions also imply a lack of response to treatment. The immune system activation can reverse HLA I molecules expression in tumors with reversible lesions, whereas tumors with irreversible ones do not respond to such activation. Determining the type of altered HLA I molecules in tumors is of paramount importance when choosing the type of treatment to keep looking for therapeutic success. Those tumors with reversible lesions can be treated with traditional immunotherapy; however, tumor with irreversible alterations should follow alternative protocols, such as the use of viral vectors carrying the HLA genes to achieve damaged re-expression of the protein. Conclusion From studies in urologic tumors, we can conclude that the HLA I molecules play a key role in these tumors escape to the immune system.