Immunosurveillance profile of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral epithelial dysplasia through dendritic and T cells analysis

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) can arise from potentially malignant disorders, such as leukoplakia. The immune system plays an important role recognizing tumour precursor cells. However, due to immunoediting mechanisms cancer cells are able to escape immune system surveillance.

Objective

Evaluate the profile of dendritic (Langerhans and plasmacytoid) and T cells in OSCC and oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and correlate these findings with clinical data.

Materials and Methods

Fifty cases of OSCC and 48 of OED were immunostained for CD1a and CD83 dendritic Langerhans cells (DLC), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) CD303 and CD8 followed by quantitative analysis.

Results

Analysis revealed a significant decrease in the number of mature CD83 DLC in OSCC compared with OED. CD303 positivity was significantly increased in the OSCC group when compared to OED. CD8 positive lymphocytes were significantly decreased in OSCC compared with OED lesions. No statistical correlation was found with clinical data.

Conclusion

The number of mature dendritic cells (DC) was decreased in OSCC compared with OED lesions suggesting that either these cells might have migrated to lymph nodes to present the tumour antigens and activate the immune system or cytokines secreted by the tumour microenvironment are inhibiting the adequate maturation of DLC. The numbers of pDC was significantly increased in the OSCC group compared with the OED group. This suggests they may play an important role in the defence against tumours although it is not clear whether this is promoting or inhibiting malignant progression.

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