Oral cancer-associated tertiary lymphoid structures: gene expression profile and prognostic value
1Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|October 26, 2019
Summary
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in oral cancer are linked to better survival outcomes. Intratumoral TLS presence correlates with lower P53 and Ki67 scores, suggesting a role in immune response and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are crucial microenvironments for immune responses.
- The role and characteristics of TLS in oral cancer are not well understood.
- Understanding TLS may reveal new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence, gene expression, and prognostic significance of TLS in oral cancer.
- To identify specific genes associated with TLS formation in oral cancer.
- To explore the potential of TLS as biomarkers for oral cancer prognosis and immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of intratumoral and peritumoral TLS in 65 oral cancer patients.
- Assessment of P53 and Ki67 expression.
- Survival analysis (disease-free survival and overall survival).
- Gene expression profiling of cytokines and chemokines (IL7, LTB, CXCL13).
Main Results:
- TLS were detected in 33.8% (intratumoral) and 75.4% (peritumoral) of oral cancer patients.
- Intratumoral TLS presence correlated with decreased P53 and Ki67 scores.
- Higher grades of TLS were associated with improved disease-free survival and overall survival.
- A gene set (IL7, LTB, CXCL13) was identified as upregulated and correlated with oral cancer-associated TLS.
Conclusions:
- TLS are present in oral cancer and associated with improved patient survival.
- TLS may serve as valuable prognostic biomarkers.
- The identified gene signature (IL7, LTB, CXCL13) offers potential for developing novel immune therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.
