Proteogenomic insights into the biology and treatment of HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer Cell. 2021 Mar 8;39(3):361-379.e16. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.12.007. Epub 2021 Jan 7.

Abstract

We present a proteogenomic study of 108 human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Proteomic analysis systematically catalogs HNSCC-associated proteins and phosphosites, prioritizes copy number drivers, and highlights an oncogenic role for RNA processing genes. Proteomic investigation of mutual exclusivity between FAT1 truncating mutations and 11q13.3 amplifications reveals dysregulated actin dynamics as a common functional consequence. Phosphoproteomics characterizes two modes of EGFR activation, suggesting a new strategy to stratify HNSCCs based on EGFR ligand abundance for effective treatment with inhibitory EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Widespread deletion of immune modulatory genes accounts for low immune infiltration in immune-cold tumors, whereas concordant upregulation of multiple immune checkpoint proteins may underlie resistance to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 monotherapy in immune-hot tumors. Multi-omic analysis identifies three molecular subtypes with high potential for treatment with CDK inhibitors, anti-EGFR antibody therapy, and immunotherapy, respectively. Altogether, proteogenomics provides a systematic framework to inform HNSCC biology and treatment.

Keywords: CDK inhibitor; CPTAC; EGFR mAb; HNSCC; combination immune checkpoint blockade; immune evasion; immunotherapy; predictive biomarker; proteogenomics; proteomics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Papillomavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Papillomavirus Infections / genetics*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Proteogenomics / methods
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / drug therapy*
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • ErbB Receptors