HIF-1α induces immune escape of prostate cancer by regulating NCR1/NKp46 signaling through miR-224

Abstract Background Metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa) is largely affected by natural killer (NK) cells. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms underlying tumor cells escaping from NK cells mediated by HIF-1α. Methods MiR-224 expression in lymphocytes and HIF-1α protein level in NK cells were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The amount of NKp46 + NK cells was detected with flow cytometry. The IFN-γ level was examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). NK cells were tested for cytolytic activity with a Non-Radioactive Cytotoxicity Assay, and treated with oxygenglucose deprivation (OGD) for hypoxia simulation. Interaction between miR-224 and NCR1 was evaluated with dual luciferase reporter assay. Results MiR-224 was down-regulated in lymphocytes isolated from prostate cancer tissues (n = 10). Overexpression of miR-224 protected prostate cancer from NK cells. HIF-1α increased miR-224 to inhibit the killing capability of NK cells on prostate cancer. MiR-224 controlled the expression of NCR1. Overexpression of miR-224 protected prostate cancer from NK cells through NCR1/NKp46 signaling. Suppression of HIF-1α enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK cells on prostate cancer via miR-224/NCR1 pathway. Conclusion HIF-1α inhibits NCR1/NKp46 pathway through up-regulating miR-224, which affects the killing capability of NK cells on prostate cancer, thus inducing immune escape of tumor cells.