Arecoline-induced EV-mediated ZNF582 hypermethylation drives IFIT1-PD-L1 immune evasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

This study examined the role of arecoline-induced zinc finger protein 582 (ZNF582) methylation via extracellular vesicles (EVs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its effect on PD-L1 expression through the interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1) pathway.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

EVs were isolated from SAS and TW2.6 cancer cell lines using ultracentrifugation and characterized using electron microscopy. ZNF582 methylation and protein expression were assessed, with stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers analyzed via Western blotting. T cell populations were evaluated using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Arecoline-induced ZNF582 methylation via EVs reduced protein expression. ZNF582 knockdown promoted OSCC proliferation, migration, stemness, and EMT, and increased PD-L1 expression, aiding immune evasion via IFIT1. PD-L1 expression was linked to lower CD4+/CD8 + T cell ratios in OSCC patients.

CONCLUSION

Arecoline-induced ZNF582 hypermethylation via EVs promotes immune evasion through IFIT1, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for OSCC treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Targeting the EV-mediated ZNF582-IFIT1-PD-L1 pathway may offer new therapeutic strategies for immune modulation in OSCC patients, especially those with a history of areca nut exposure.