Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes contain higher proportion of FOXP3+ T lymphocytes from cervical cancer than that from cervical intraepithelial neoplasm

• Main Authors: Tzu-Yun Kuo, 郭子筠
• Other Authors: 何弘能
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2006
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/88253221114619664986

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 免疫學研究所 === 94 === Cervical cancer (CC) is preceded by well-defined precancerous changes in the epithelium known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN). Our previous studies have revealed that the subpopulations and functions of tumor- infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from CC are altered. Dysfunction of the host immune system in cancer patients can be due to a number of reasons including the inhibitory functions of regulatory T (Treg) cells. FOXP3 has been shown to be a master control gene for the development and function of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells. In the present study, I first focused on the distribution of TILs in cervical cancer tissues and cervical intraepithelial neoplasm. The data showed that TILs located around the tumor cells and barely presence inside the tumor. Next, I characterized the phenotype of FOXP3+ T cells. By using the double-staining analysis, the CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ phenotype of tumor-associated Treg cells have accumulated around the tumor cells. To characterize the pathophysiological role of Treg cells in the progression of CC, I compared samples from four groups: CIN I/II, CIN III, CC with and without lymph node metastasis. By using the immunofluorescence staining and confocal-based image quantitative analysis in paraffin-embedded tissue sections, excess in the presence of FOXP3+ cells is observed from CC compared to that from CIN. Moreover, these FOXP3+ cells can express Granzyme B, indicated that Granzyme B secretion might involved in the inhibitory function of Treg cells. The significant increase in these CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ cells in CC indicates that Treg might play an important role in the progression of CC.