Soluble IL-6 and TNF receptors release by polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells in cancer patients

Immune response of the host to tumor is regulated by soluble mediators, such as cytokines. Data including the release of soluble mediators by polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) are controversial. In the present investigation we studied the ability of spontaneous and LPS-stimulated PMNs derived from the patients with oral cavity cancer to the release of soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and soluble TNF receptors (sTNF-Rs). Obtained results were compared to the release of sIL-6R and sTNFRs by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as the serum levels. The culture supernatants of spontaneous and LPS-stimulated PMNs derived from the patients with oral cavity cancer contained unchanged concentrations of sIL-6R and higher concentrations of sTNFRp55 and sTNFRp75 in comparison with the control. The amounts of sIL-6R and sTNF-Rs released by PBMC were higher than those released by PMNs in both control and patient groups. Demonstrated results indicate that PMN contribution in the immune response is mediated by TNF-alpha, via the release of sTNFRp75 mainly. Profile measurement of the soluble cytokine receptors in the culture supernatants of PMNs and PBMC and the serum levels may be useful for estimation of the actual immunity in patients with oral cavity cancer.