The Two Faces of Immune-Related lncRNAs in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a group of cancers originating from the mucosal epithelium in the oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx. Molecular factors can be key in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of HNSCC patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are molecular regulators composed of 200 to 100,000 nucleotides that act on the modulation of genes that activate signaling pathways associated with oncogenic processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in tumor cells. However, up until now, few studies have discussed the participation of lncRNAs in modeling the tumor microenvironment (TME) to generate a protumor or antitumor environment. Nevertheless, some immune-related lncRNAs have clinical relevance, since AL139158.2, AL031985.3, AC104794.2, AC099343.3, AL357519.1, SBDSP1, AS1AC108010.1, and TM4SF19-AS1 have been associated with overall survival (OS). MANCR is also related to poor OS and disease-specific survival. MiR31HG, TM4SF19-AS1, and LINC01123 are associated with poor prognosis. Meanwhile, LINC02195 and TRG-AS1 overexpression is associated with favorable prognosis. Moreover, ANRIL lncRNA induces resistance to cisplatin by inhibiting apoptosis. A superior understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs that modify the characteristics of TME could contribute to increasing the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Automated summary

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a group of cancers originating from the mucosal epithelium in various areas of the head and neck. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of HNSCC. However, there is limited research on the participation of lncRNAs in shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their impact on immunotherapy efficacy.