Tissue Expander-associated T Cells: Relevance to Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large-cell Lymphoma

The generation of breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is closely associated with textured implants. The phenotype of BIA-ALCL cells is well examined, but its cell of origin remains unknown. Here we investigate what types of T cells are recruited and differentiated in the surrounding capsules and tissues as a consequence of continuous contact with a textured surface.

Capsule and pericapsule tissues were recovered from patients who had textured or smooth tissue expanders (TEs). These samples were enzymatically digested, and T cells in the samples were analyzed using flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the same donors were utilized as a control.

Effector memory CD4⁺ T cells predominantly infiltrated capsules and tissues without apparent differences between textured and smooth TEs. In these effector memory CD4⁺ T cells, CD4⁺ resident memory T cells were generated by smooth TEs but not by textured TEs. However, TNFRSF8/CD30 mRNA expression is higher in the CD69^- effector memory CD4⁺ T cells than in the CD69⁺ ones.

Textured and smooth TEs differentially recruit and/or differentiate T cells in situ.