A HuPEX®-based study published in the international journal OncoImmunology, specializing in cancer immunology
A research article utilizing HuPEX® has been published in OncoImmunology, an international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to cancer immunology.
This study comprehensively investigated the roles of tumor-infiltrating B cells (TIL-Bs) and antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues using a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing, B-cell receptor repertoire analysis, multiplex immunofluorescence staining, and spatial transcriptomics.
The analysis revealed that CXCL13⁺CD4⁺ T cells attract B cells to the tumor microenvironment, where TIL-Bs at various stages of differentiation and clonal expansion of ASCs were observed. These ASCs exhibited low somatic hypermutation frequencies, suggesting activation via extrafollicular responses rather than germinal center reactions.
Furthermore, protein microarray analysis using recombinant and serum-derived antibodies demonstrated binding to tumor-enriched antigens. These antibodies were recognized by macrophages and NK cells through Fc receptors, indicating their potential to enhance antitumor immunity.
The presence of intratumoral ASCs correlated with favorable prognosis, highlighting the potential of B cell-targeted strategies as a novel avenue for cancer immunotherapy.
For full details, please refer to the original publication:
Tumor-infiltrating B cells produce tumor-specific antibodies and may contribute to suppressing tumor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Junsei Sameshima, Hu Chen, Naoki Kaneko, Lijing Yan, Shiho Yokomizo, Tomoki Sueyoshi, Haruki Nagano, Taiki Sakamoto, Shoichi Tanaka, Yasuyuki Maruse, Taichi Hattori, Ryoji Kitamura, Yoshikazu Hayashi, Takashi Maehara, Shinsuke Fujii, Tamotsu Kiyoshima, Thomas Guy, Zivile Giedraityte, Wataru Kumamaru, Masafumi Moriyama & Shintaro Kawano
Accepted: July 28, 2025