[HTML][HTML] Human basal cell carcinoma is associated with Foxp3+ T cells in a Th2 dominant microenvironment

HG Kaporis, E Guttman-Yassky, MA Lowes… - Journal of Investigative …, 2007 - Elsevier
HG Kaporis, E Guttman-Yassky, MA Lowes, AS Haider, J Fuentes-Duculan, K Darabi…
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2007Elsevier
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common human cancer, undergoes spontaneous
regression in certain circumstances, which is potentially immune-mediated. To understand
the immune response surrounding BCCs, we characterized the genomic, protein, and
cellular microenvironment associated with BCC in comparison to normal skin. Our results
demonstrated the following:(1) CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ surround epithelial tumor
aggregates;(2) Immature dendritic cells (DCs) were abundant in the tumor …
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common human cancer, undergoes spontaneous regression in certain circumstances, which is potentially immune-mediated. To understand the immune response surrounding BCCs, we characterized the genomic, protein, and cellular microenvironment associated with BCC in comparison to normal skin. Our results demonstrated the following: (1) CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ surround epithelial tumor aggregates; (2) Immature dendritic cells (DCs) were abundant in the tumor microenvironment; (3) BCC showed increased expression of IL-4, IL-10, and CCL22 and increased expression of interferon-associated genes (IFI27, IRF1, IRF7, and G1P2) and IL-12/23, gene indicating a Th2 dominant microenvironment. Our findings suggest a dynamic state within the immune microenvironment associated with BCC. The finding of phenotypic T regs, in conjunction with immature DCs and Th2 cytokines, suggests an attenuated state of immunity to human BCC. In contrast, abundant CD8+ T cells, an interferon signal, and IL-12/23 suggest partial host antitumor response. A better understanding of these opposing forces within the immune microenvironment may facilitate development of more potent immune-based treatment for BCC and other human carcinomas.
Elsevier