Evaluation of effect of cordycepin on the expression of immune checkpoint genes and regulating miRNAs in oral cancer cell line

Abstract

Objective: Oral cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers in the world, the prevention of which, timely diagnosis and correct and targeted treatment of this cancer is of great importance. One of the important factors in tumor spread is the expression of immune control molecules, inhibition and escape from the immune system. miRNAs are a group of unencoded RNAs with a sequence of about 22 nucleotides that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level Tumor immune evasion is considered as an important hallmark of cancer initiation and progression. Tumors can induce the expression of immune checkpoint molecules contributing to suppress anti-tumor immune responses. The CD80 and PD-L1 genes are among the genes that suppress the immune system. They are repressed by miRNAs that control them and may also be used as part of treatment-responsive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of these genes and miRNAs that control them in treatment with Cordycepin. Material and Methods: HN5 oral cancer cell line was cultured in the relevant culture medium and after treatment with Cordycepin , RNA was extracted. Then cDNA was synthesized. Finally, changes in the expression of CD80, PD-L1 genes and their control miRNAs were determined by qRT-PCR. Results: QRT-PCR test changes in the expression of CD80 , PD-L1 genes and miRs controlling them in treatment with Cordicepin in terms of gene expression CD80, PD-L1 showed a significant decreased, while expression of miR-424 and miR-155 significant increased. Conclusion: decreased expression of PD-L1,CD80 in HN5 oral cancer cell line is in line with previous studies, which shows the potential of these biomarkers in diagnosing different stages of the disease and treating oral cancer