CT83 Promotes Cancer Progression by Upregulation of PDL1 in Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix

Gilhyang Kim & Hye-Yon Cho et al. · 2025-03-17

CT83, a cancer-testis antigen, has emerged as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in various cancers. This study explores its expression and role in cervical adenocarcinoma progression and prognosis. CT83 expression was analyzed in cervical cancer cell lines using quantitative PCR and Western blotting. Functional assays demonstrated that CT83 overexpression (OE) promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cervical cancer cells while also upregulating PD-L1 expression. Conversely, CT83 knockdown reduced these malignant phenotypes. The immunohistochemical analysis of 60 patient samples revealed CT83 expression in 84.9% of cases, with significant correlations to larger tumor size, elevated squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) levels, and advanced FIGO stages (II–IV). Furthermore, intermediate-to-high CT83 expression (H-score ≥100) was associated with more aggressive disease features. These findings suggest that CT83 contributes to tumor progression and immune evasion, likely through PD-L1 modulation. As a highly expressed antigen in cervical adenocarcinoma, CT83 offers promise as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for improving patient outcomes.