Expression of CXCR4 and Its Down-Regulation by IFN-γ in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE: The functional expression of CXCR4, which plays roles in cell migration and proliferation in response to its unique ligand stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), has been reported in variety of carcinomas. However, CXCR4 expression and its functional role in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated CXCR4 expression and analyzed its functions in HNSCC cell lines. We also attempted to regulate CXCR4 expression using cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IFN-gamma. Finally, we investigated correlation between CXCR4 expression and clinical features in patients with HNSCC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Six HNSCC cell lines were used in this study. Reverse transcription-PCR and flow cytometry analysis were shown for CXCR4 expressions with or without stimulations of cytokines. SDF-1-mediated cell migration was assayed in Matrigel-coated chemotaxis chamber. The SDF-1-mediated cell proliferation was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The SDF-1-mediated signaling pathways were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Biopsy specimens from 56 patients with HNSCC were used for immunohistologic analysis. RESULTS: The significant CXCR4 expression was found in HSQ-89, IMC-3, and Nakamura cells. The SDF-1-mediated cell migration and proliferation were observed in CXCR4-positive cells. SDF-1 also promoted rapid phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Akt signaling pathways in CXCR4-positive cells. The SDF-1-mediated cell migration and proliferation of CXCR4-positive cells were inhibited by neutralization of CXCR4. Among three cytokines tested, IFN-gamma significantly reduced CXCR4 expression and SDF-1-induced cell migration and proliferation of CXCR4-positive cells. Immunohistologic analysis revealed that patients with advanced neck status and patients who developed distant metastases showed significantly higher CXCR4 expression, and the cause-specific survival of patients with CXCR4-expression was significantly shorter. Furthermore, multivariate analysis confirmed that CXCR4 positive was the independent factor for cause-specific death. CONCLUSION: Our results may provide an insight into future therapeutic agent that inhibits tumor metastasis and progression via down-regulating CXCR4 expression in patients with HNSCC.