Role of beta-catenin in PD-L1 expression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a particular type of tumor connected to Epstein-Barr virus infection, genetic, and environmental factors. It is typically discovered late, with few therapeutic options and poor clinical outcomes. Cellular immune responses can be attenuated when programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) are combined. Although PD-1 inhibitors have a different anti-tumor response rate than chemotherapy alone, they can nevertheless considerably outperform chemotherapy in patients with metastatic or recurrent NPC. The nuclear beta-catenin can bind to the CD274 promoter region, promoting transcription and upregulating the expression of tumor-specific PD-L1. Separation of beta-catenin from E-cadherin and translocation it into nucleus were both aided by beta-catenin phosphorylates at the Tyr654 site. Its function in NPC and the expression of PD-L1 have not yet been investigated. This study investigated the predictive significance of PD-L1 and p-beta-cateninTyr654 expressions in NPC. Our findings indicated that patients with distant metastases or poor prognoses exhibited higher levels of PD-L1 and p-beta-cateninTyr654 expressions. According to Cox multivariate prognostic analysis, PD-L1 was also an effective indicator for predicting the survival status of patients with NPC. We subsequently demonstrated that PD-L1 transcription and protein production could be downregulated by targeting inhibition of the level of beta-catenin in NPC cells. This is for developing the beta-catenin or TCF4 inhibitor as a potential new option for immune checkpoint immunosuppression in NPC.

Automated summary

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a tumor associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection and genetic/environmental factors. PD-L1 and PD-1 play a role in attenuating cellular immune responses. In this study, higher levels of PD-L1 and p-beta-cateninTyr654 expressions were found in NPC patients with distant metastases or poor prognoses, and PD-L1 was an effective indicator for predicting patients' survival status. Targeting inhibition of beta-catenin could downregulate PD-L1 expression in NPC cells, suggesting a potential new option for immune checkpoint immunosuppression in NPC.