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Increased apoptosis and elevated Fas expression in circulating natural killer cells in gastric cancer patients

Hiroaki Saito1, Seigo Takaya, Tomohiro Osaki

  • 1Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tottori University School of Medicine, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan, sai10@med.tottori-u.ac.jp.

Gastric Cancer : Official Journal of the International Gastric Cancer Association and the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association
|November 27, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Natural killer (NK) cell apoptosis is increased in gastric cancer patients, linked to higher Fas expression. This apoptosis, particularly in circulating NK cells, decreases after surgery, suggesting Fas upregulation contributes to immune evasion in gastric cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cancer cells can evade immune detection through mechanisms like inducing apoptosis in immune cells.
  • Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in anti-tumor immunity.
  • Understanding NK cell apoptosis in gastric cancer is vital for developing new therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between NK cell apoptosis and Fas expression in gastric cancer patients.
  • To compare NK cell apoptosis and Fas expression in tumor tissues versus peripheral blood.
  • To assess the impact of surgery on NK cell apoptosis and Fas expression.

Main Methods:

  • Multicolor flow cytometry was used to evaluate NK cell apoptosis and Fas expression.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantified soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) levels.
  • Comparisons were made between gastric cancer patients and healthy controls, and pre- vs. post-surgery.

Main Results:

  • Gastric cancer patients exhibited significantly higher frequencies of apoptotic NK cells and Fas-positive NK cells compared to controls.
  • Fas expression strongly correlated with NK cell apoptosis.
  • Tumor-infiltrating NK cells showed higher apoptosis rates than circulating NK cells.
  • Apoptotic circulating NK cells and Fas expression decreased significantly after surgical tumor removal.

Conclusions:

  • Increased Fas expression on NK cells is associated with elevated apoptosis of circulating NK cells in gastric cancer.
  • These findings suggest Fas-mediated apoptosis contributes to immune evasion in gastric cancer.
  • NK cell apoptosis and Fas expression are potential biomarkers for gastric cancer progression and treatment response.

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