Abstract 21P
Background
Integrins, transmembrane receptors that mediade cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell interaction, have been linked to cancer features. A less explores function of integrins in cancer is their role in leukocyte homing and activation. Understanding their role and relationship with immune infiltrates and immune checkpoints is an area of interest in cancer research.
Methods
The gene expression of 10 different integrins was explored in relation with ovarian cancer patient outcome using transcriptomic data (Affymetrix dataset, exploratory cohort) and the METABRIC study (validation cohort). The TIMER online tool was used to explore the association of the identified integrins and immune infiltration, and the TCGA and METABRIC studies to analyze the correlation between integrin expression and genomic signatures of immune activation.
Results
We identified 2 individual genes which encode for integrin a and b subunits, ITGAE and ITGA2, which predict favorable prognosis in High- Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Their expression positively correlated with the presence of immune infiltrates within the tumor (CD8+ cells and dendritic cells) with markers of T cell activation and antigen presentation, and with gene signatures of immune surveillance (cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation and IFN gamma signature). By contrast those integrins which predicted for detrimental outcome (ITGAM, ITGA4, ITGB2, ITGAV, ITGAL and ITGAX). Their expression positively correlated with the presence of immune infiltrates within the tumor (dendritic cells, neutrophils, macrophages, CD8+ T cells and B cells).
Conclusions
Our analysis identifies two integrin signatures composed of 2 genes with favorable prognosis and 6 genes with poor prognosis; with potential to recognize immune infiltrated and activated high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.