Fig. 7

Nrf2 activation alters PDL1 expression and the secretory phenotype of HNSCC cells. A UDSCC2 and HN30 cells were chronically exposed to cigarette-infused media at specified concentrations for 3–6 months. An additional bolus of 2% smoke was administered for 6 h, followed by a change to fresh media for 24 and 48 h before harvesting for western blot analysis. β-actin was used as the protein loading control. B HN30 cells, chronically exposed to 3% smoke infused media demonstrated higher protein levels of Nrf2 and p65. C These cells secreted higher levels of PGE2 and IL-6 measured via ELISA. D HN30 cells stably overexpressing (OE) NRF2 secreted higher levels of PGE2 (collected over 24 and 48 h) compared to HN30 cells stably overexpressing empty vector (EV). E MOC1 cells stably overexpressing NRF2 secreted higher levels of PGE2 (collected over 24 h) compared to MOC1 cells stably overexpressing empty vector (EV). F KEAP1 fl/fl clone E secreted higher levels of PGE2 (collected over 24 and 48 h) compared to its KEAP1 wild-type (wt) counterpart. ELISA data are shown as means, normalized to control condition; error bars indicate standard deviation; p values are denoted as *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, and ***p < 0.001