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Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
Published on: August 21, 2013
Cytokine profiles in spontaneously regressing basal cell carcinomas
D A Wong1, G A Bishop, M A Lowes
1Department of Medicine (Dermatology), The University of Sydney at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Gloucester House, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|July 25, 2000
Summary
Spontaneous regression of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may be linked to specific immune responses. Actively regressing BCCs show elevated levels of interferon-gamma, suggesting a role for T-helper 1 cytokines in this process.
Area of Science:
- Immunodermatology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) can cause significant tissue destruction.
- Spontaneous regression of BCCs occurs without therapy.
- Previous research suggests activated CD4-positive T cells mediate regression.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare cytokine expression in regressing versus non-regressing BCCs.
- Identify a specific cytokine profile associated with active BCC regression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Analyzed multiple cytokines from small tumor samples.
- Employed a sensitive, quantitative technique.
Main Results:
- Interferon (IFN)-gamma was significantly elevated in actively regressing BCCs.
- Interleukin (IL)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-beta, and CD3 delta showed a trend towards elevation in regressing tumors.
- IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-10, TNF-beta, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and Fas ligand correlated positively with CD3 delta.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a role for T-helper 1 (Th1) type cytokines in spontaneous BCC regression.
- Immune cell infiltration, particularly T cells, is associated with specific cytokine profiles.
- This suggests an immune-mediated mechanism for BCC regression.
