Evaluation of immune-checkpoint molecules in dMMR/pMMR colorectal cancer by multiplex immunohistochemistry

Colorectal cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide. A number of pathological and molecular genetic criteria are currently used as predictors of the disease. They include assessment of MMR deficiency or MSI/MSS status, which among others, determine the immunogenicity of the tumor. In this regard, the evaluation of PD-L1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 immune checkpoint molecules in different tumor compartments according to MMR status deserves special attention.

Multiplex immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of immune checkpoint molecules in the tumor core and at the invasive margin.

Data analysis showed the predominance of PD-L1 (p = 0.011), CTLA-4 (p = 0.004), and LAG-3 (p = 0.013) expression at the invasive margin of dMMR carcinomas compared to pMMR samples. Quantitative analysis of TILs population in the tumor core and at the invasive margin allowed establishment of the predominance of CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes at the invasive margin of dMMR carcinomas. Study of the CD163+ macrophages population in the same tumor compartments revealed the predominance of the studied TAMs in the core and at the invasive margin of dMMR carcinomas and the predominance of CD163+ macrophages with PD-L1-phenotype in the tumor stroma.

This study revealed a significant predominance of PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and CD 3+ ,CD8+ lymphocytes in dMMR colorectal carcinomas. Further research on the immune landscape in different tumor compartments will likely have high prognostic value for CRC patients, as it might expand the criteria for prescribing immunotherapy.