Arecoline-induced EV-mediated ZNF582 hypermethylation drives IFIT1–PD-L1 immune evasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma
摘要
This study examined the role of arecoline-induced zinc finger protein 582 (ZNF582) methylation via extracellular vesicles (EVs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its effect on PD-L1 expression through the interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1) pathway.
Materials and methodsEVs were isolated from SAS and TW2.6 cancer cell lines using ultracentrifugation and characterized using electron microscopy. ZNF582 methylation and protein expression were assessed, with stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers analyzed via Western blotting. T cell populations were evaluated using flow cytometry.
ResultsArecoline-induced ZNF582 methylation via EVs reduced protein expression. ZNF582 knockdown promoted OSCC proliferation, migration, stemness, and EMT, and increased PD-L1 expression, aiding immune evasion via IFIT1. PD-L1 expression was linked to lower CD4+/CD8 + T cell ratios in OSCC patients.
ConclusionArecoline-induced ZNF582 hypermethylation via EVs promotes immune evasion through IFIT1, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for OSCC treatment.
Clinical relevanceTargeting the EV-mediated ZNF582-IFIT1-PD-L1 pathway may offer new therapeutic strategies for immune modulation in OSCC patients, especially those with a history of areca nut exposure.