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Natural killer NKG2A and NKG2D in patients with colorectal cancer

Ghada R Meckawy1, Ahmed M Mohamed1, Wafaa K Zaki2

  • 1Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
|April 30, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found elevated NKG2D and NKG2A mRNA in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, suggesting these natural killer cell receptors may play a role in CRC progression and immune evasion.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Natural killer group 2 (NKG2) receptors are crucial for natural killer (NK) cell function.
  • NK cells play a role in immune surveillance against cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mRNA expression of NKG2A and NKG2D in NK cells of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.
  • To determine if NKG2A and NKG2D levels can differentiate CRC patients from healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to quantify NKG2A and NKG2D mRNA levels.
  • 36 newly diagnosed CRC patients and 15 healthy controls were enrolled.
  • Patients were categorized into non-metastatic and metastatic groups.

Main Results:

  • NKG2D and NKG2A mRNA levels were significantly higher in CRC patients compared to controls (P<0.01).
  • Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated good sensitivity and specificity for NKG2D and NKG2A in distinguishing CRC patients.
  • No significant difference in NKG2D and NKG2A levels was observed between non-metastatic and metastatic CRC groups.

Conclusions:

  • Increased NKG2D expression is reported in CRC for the first time.
  • NKG2D and NKG2A, despite their immune surveillance role, may be exploited by tumors for immune evasion and suppression.
  • These findings suggest a complex role for NKG2 receptors in colorectal cancer.
Keywords:
Colorectal cancer (CRC)NKG2ANKG2DmRNAnatural-killer cells (NK cells)

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