We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Immunogenomic Landscape of Hematological Malignancies Mapped

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Jul 2020
The reaction of the body's immune system against cancer can be thought of as a cycle. More...
Cancer cells contain proteins that differ from proteins in other tissue. Their components, known as antigens, have to be presented to the T cells of the immune system by the cancer cells.

When they identify antigens, T cells become active and start to destroy cancer cells, which make the latter release more antigens, enhancing the immune response further. In addition to T cells, natural killer (NK) cells have the ability to destroy cells. In immunotherapies, the immune system is therapeutically activated by boosting different stages of the cycle.

A large team of medical scientists collaborating with the Helsinki University Hospital (Helsinki, Finland) integrated over 8,000 transcriptomes and 2,000 samples with multilevel genomics of hematological cancers to investigate how immunological features are linked to cancer subtypes, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and patient survival, and validated key findings. They mapped the immune landscape of hematological malignancies in a dataset covering more than 10,000 patients to identify drug targets and patient groups which could potentially benefit from immunotherapies.

The team reported that infiltration of cytotoxic lymphocytes was associated with TP53 and myelodysplasia-related changes in acute myeloid leukemia, and activated B cell-like phenotype and interferon-γ response in lymphoma. CIITA methylation regulating antigen presentation, cancer type-specific immune checkpoints, such as V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) in myeloid malignancies, and variation in cancer antigen expression further contributed to immune heterogeneity and predicted survival.

The investigators found that in certain subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia, DNA methylation had epigenetically silenced antigen presentation. A drug that inhibits DNA methylation restored the expression of antigen-presenting proteins in laboratory tests. As the drug is already used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia, it could potentially increase the efficiency of immunotherapies through combined use.

Satu Mustjoki, MD, PhD, a Professor of Translational Hematology and senior author of the study, said, “The extensive survey of the immunogenomic features of hematological malignancies carried out in the study helps scientists and doctors target immunotherapies at the patient groups that gain the most benefit as well as understand the factors that have a potential impact on the efficacy of therapies.”

The authors concluded that their study provided a resource linking immunology with cancer subtypes and genomics in hematological malignancies. The study was published on July 9, 2020 in the journal Cancer Cell.

Related Links:
Helsinki University Hospital


Gold Member
Quantitative POC Immunoassay Analyzer
EASY READER+
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
New
Gold Member
Immunochromatographic Assay
CRYPTO Cassette
New
HBV DNA Test
GENERIC HBV VIRAL LOAD VER 2.0
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Immunology

view channel
Image: The VENTANA HER2 (4B5) test is now CE-IVDR approved (Photo courtesy of Roche)

Companion Diagnostic Test Identifies HER2-Ultralow Breast Cancer and Biliary Tract Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Europe, with more than 564,000 new cases and 145,000 deaths annually. Metastatic breast cancer is rising in younger populations and remains the leading cause... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Conceptual design of the CORAL capsule for microbial sampling in the small intestine (H. Mohammed et al., Device (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.device.2025.100904)

Coral-Inspired Capsule Samples Hidden Bacteria from Small Intestine

The gut microbiome has been linked to conditions ranging from immune disorders to mental health, yet conventional stool tests often fail to capture bacterial populations in the small intestine.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.