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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

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Colorectal Cancer Cell Surface Protein Profiling Using an Antibody Microarray and Fluorescence Multiplexing
Published on: September 25, 2011
Dendritic cell infiltration pattern along the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence
Aping Yuan1, Sonja E Steigen, Rasmus Goll
1Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
Summary
Dendritic cell (DC) density and distribution change during colorectal cancer progression. Increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) may impair DC function in colorectal adenoma and carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Dendritic cell (DC) functional index, interleukin-12, is decreased in colorectal carcinoma (CRC).
- Understanding DC infiltration and function is crucial for CRC progression research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize DC infiltration patterns and densities in colorectal adenoma (CRA) and CRC.
- To investigate the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in DC function during colorectal carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for mature DCs (mDCs) and immature DCs (iDCs).
- Quantitative real-time PCR for COX-2 mRNA.
- Double immunofluorescence staining for PGE2 receptors (EP2/EP4).
Main Results:
- mDC density decreased, while iDC density increased along the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.
- Altered DC distribution observed, with mDCs more frequent at CRC invading edges.
- Increased COX-2 mRNA levels and colocalization of EP2/EP4 with mDCs in CRC stroma.
Conclusions:
- DC infiltration patterns are altered during colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence progression.
- Increased COX-2 expression may contribute to DC functional defects in CRC development.
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