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Mononuclear cells in malignant and benign human breast tissue
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|August 1, 1983
Summary
Breast cancer tissue shows T lymphocytes, mainly cytotoxic-suppressor cells (T8). Benign tissue has helper-inducer T cells (T4) and T8 intraepithelial cells, distinct from malignant infiltrates.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- The immune microenvironment of breast tissue plays a role in disease progression.
- Understanding the composition of mononuclear cell infiltrates is crucial for differentiating benign and malignant conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the mononuclear cell infiltrate in benign and malignant breast tissues.
- To compare the T-cell subsets present in infiltrating duct carcinomas versus benign fibrous mastopathy.
Main Methods:
- Immunoenzymatic technique utilizing monoclonal antibodies.
- Analysis of mononuclear cell populations in breast tissue samples.
Main Results:
- Malignant infiltrating duct carcinomas predominantly feature T lymphocytes, specifically cytotoxic-suppressor (T8) cells, with fewer B cells and macrophages.
- Benign fibrous mastopathy stroma contains T lymphocytes, with a prevalence of helper-inducer (T4) cells.
- Intraepithelial lymphocytes in benign tissue are primarily T8 phenotype, with T6-positive cells potentially representing myoepithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Distinct differences exist in mononuclear cell infiltrates between benign and malignant breast tissues.
- The T8 cytotoxic-suppressor cell is a key component of the infiltrate in breast cancer, while T4 helper-inducer cells dominate benign stromal infiltrates.