Thalidomide suppresses angiogenesis and immune evasion via lncRNA FGD5-AS1/miR-454-3p/ZEB1 axis-mediated VEGFA expression and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint in NSCLC.

Abstract Background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 80–85% of total lung cancer cases. Identifying the molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor drugs is essential for improving therapeutic effects. Herein, we aim to investigate the role of thalidomide in the tumorigenicity of NSCLC. Methods The A549 xenograft nude mouse model was established to explore therapeutic effects of thalidomide. The expression of FGD5-AS1 was evaluated in carcinomatous and paracarcinomatous tissues from NSCLC patients as well as NSCLC cell lines. CCK-8 assay was performed to assess cell viability. The invasive capacity was examined using transwell assay. The tube formation assay was applied to determine cell angiogenesis. Flow cytometry was subjected to validate CD8+ T cell activity. The FGD5-AS1/miR-454–3p/ZEB1 regulatory network was analyzed using luciferase reporter, RIP and ChIP assays. Results Thalidomide reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis and increased CD8+ T cell ratio in a mouse model. Enhanced expression of FGD5-AS1 was positively correlated with the poor survival of NSCLC patients. Knockdown of FGD5-AS1 notably suppressed the proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis of cancer cells as well as the apoptosis of CD8+ T cells. Thalidomide targeted FGD5-AS1 to exert its anti-tumor activity in NSCLC. FGD5-AS1 acted as a sponge of miR-454–3p to upregulate ZEB1, thus increasing the expression of PD-L1 and VEGFA. Simultaneous overexpression of FGD5-AS1 and silencing of miR-454–3p reversed thalidomide-mediated anti-tumor effects in NSCLC. Conclusion Thalidomide inhibits NSCLC angiogenesis and immune evasion via FGD5-AS1/miR-454–3p/ZEB1 axis-mediated regulation of VEGFA expression and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint.