PD-L1 expression correlated with p53 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Itaru Tojyo1, Yukari Shintani1, Takashi Nakanishi1

  • 11Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, Wakayama 641-8509 Japan.

Abstract

Insights

In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), p53 and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor cells are positively correlated. However, neither PD-L1 nor cytokeratin 17 (CK17) expression showed significant links to survival or other clinical factors in OSCC patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint molecule that can hinder antitumor immunity.
  • PD-L1 regulation by protein 53 (p53) and its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are under investigation.
  • Cytokeratin 17 (CK17) is a potential diagnostic marker for OSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1, p53, and CK17.
  • To evaluate the relationship of these markers with clinicopathological characteristics in OSCC patients.
  • To assess the association of these markers with disease-specific survival in OSCC.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical staining was performed on samples from 48 OSCC patients.
  • Expression levels of PD-L1, p53, and CK17 were analyzed.
  • Correlations with clinicopathological factors and survival data were statistically evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Positive rates were: p53 (63.2%), CK17 (91.7%), PD-L1 on tumor cells (48.9%), and PD-L1 on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (57.1%).
  • p53 expression significantly correlated with T stage (p=0.049) and TNM stage (p=0.03).
  • A significant positive correlation was found between p53 and PD-L1 expression in tumor cells (p=0.0009).

Conclusions:

  • p53 and PD-L1 expression in tumor cells are significantly correlated in OSCC.
  • p53 expression is associated with advanced T and TNM stages in OSCC.
  • No significant correlation was found between PD-L1 or CK17 and other clinical/pathological characteristics or survival.