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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Evaluation of Tumor-infiltrating Leukocyte Subsets in a Subcutaneous Tumor Model
Published on: April 13, 2015
Increased NY-ESO-1 expression and reduced infiltrating CD3+ T cells in cutaneous melanoma
Mara Giavina-Bianchi1, Pedro Giavina-Bianchi2, Mirian Nacagami Sotto1
1Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 255, 3° Andar, 05403-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
NY-ESO-1 is a cancer-testis antigen aberrantly expressed in melanomas, which may serve as a robust and specific target in immunotherapy. NY-ESO-1 antigen expression, tumor features, and the immune profile of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were assessed in primary cutaneous melanoma. NY-ESO-1 protein was detected in 20% of invasive melanomas (16/79), rarely in in situ melanoma (1/10) and not in benign nevi (0/20). Marked intratumoral heterogeneity of NY-ESO-1 protein expression was observed. NY-ESO-1 expression was associated with increased primary tumor thickness (P = 0.007) and inversely correlated with superficial spreading melanoma (P < 0.02). NY-ESO-1 expression was also associated with reduced numbers and density of CD3+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (P = 0.017). When NY-ESO-1 protein was expressed, CD3+ T cells were less diffusely infiltrating the tumor and were more often arranged in small clusters (P = 0.010) or as isolated cells (P = 0.002) than in large clusters of more than five lymphocytes. No correlation of NY-ESO-1 expression with gender, age, tumor site, ulceration, lymph node sentinel status, or survival was observed. NY-ESO-1 expression in melanoma was associated with tumor progression, including increased tumor thickness, and with reduced tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.
Insights
NY-ESO-1 protein is found in 20% of invasive melanomas and is linked to thicker tumors. Its expression correlates with fewer tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, suggesting a role in melanoma progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- NY-ESO-1 is a cancer-testis antigen aberrantly expressed in various cancers, including melanoma.
- Its aberrant expression suggests potential as a specific target for cancer immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of NY-ESO-1 antigen in primary cutaneous melanoma.
- To correlate NY-ESO-1 expression with tumor features and the tumor microenvironment, specifically tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).
Main Methods:
- Assessment of NY-ESO-1 protein expression in primary cutaneous melanoma samples (n=79) using immunohistochemistry.
- Evaluation of tumor features such as thickness and subtype.
- Analysis of the immune profile, focusing on CD3+ TILs and their distribution within the tumor.
Main Results:
- NY-ESO-1 protein was detected in 20% of invasive melanomas, but not in benign nevi.
- NY-ESO-1 expression was significantly associated with increased primary tumor thickness and inversely correlated with superficial spreading melanoma.
- Melanomas expressing NY-ESO-1 showed reduced numbers and density of CD3+ TILs, with altered T cell infiltration patterns.
Conclusions:
- NY-ESO-1 expression in melanoma is associated with tumor progression markers like increased thickness.
- The presence of NY-ESO-1 correlates with a less favorable immune infiltrate, characterized by reduced TILs.
- NY-ESO-1 represents a potential therapeutic target in melanoma, though its expression patterns and immune interactions require further study.
