Ficus carica Latex Modulates Immunity-Linked Gene Expression in Human Papillomavirus Positive Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: Evidence from RNA Seq Transcriptome Analysis


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Cakir M. O., BİLGE U., Naughton D., Ashrafi G. H.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, cilt.24, sa.17, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 24 Sayı: 17
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/ijms241713646
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: antigen presentation, antigen processing, cervical cancer, Ficus carica, fig latex, high risk HPV, pathway enrichment, RNA-seq
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Cervical carcinogenesis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, and the role of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) as a possible risk factor in the development of this cancer is well recognized. Despite the availability of multi-therapeutic approaches, there is still major concern regarding the prevention of metastatic dissemination and excessive tissue injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a safer and more efficient treatment modality. Ficus carica, a natural plant, has shown potential therapeutic properties through its fruit latex when applied to HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines. However, the mechanisms of action of Ficus carica (fig) latex are not well understood. This study aims to provide a deeper insight into the biological activities of fig latex on human cervical cancer cell lines expressing high-risk HPV types 16 and 18. The data obtained from this study reveal that fig latex influences the expression of genes involved in “Class I MHC-mediated antigen presentation” as well as “Antigen processing: Ubiquitination and Proteasome degradation”. These genes play a crucial role in host immune surveillance and the resolution of infection. Notably, Western blot analysis corroborated these findings, demonstrating an increase in the expression of MHC class I in HeLa cells after fig latex treatment. Findings from this study suggest that fig latex may enhance T cell responses against oncogenic HPV, which could be beneficial for the clearance of early-stage cancer.