The characterization of immune cell populations in relationship to growth of infiltrating ductal carcinomas
Date
1992
Authors
Ashmead, Barbara Jean
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Abstract
The appearance of a tumor indicates that tumor cells have found a way to avoid the immune system, to survive and to proliferate and probably to metastasize into other parts of the body. A study was undertaken to examine the immune cell populations that are present in infiltrating ductal carcinomas of the breast. Thirty-two tumors were examined using immunohistochemistry with a series of monoclonal antibodies. The results revealed that one or more of the following populations of immune cells were present in all the tumors studied; T-cells , B-cells and macrophages. Subpopulations of T-cells were evident within the peripheral and the central areas of the tumors but they did not display interleukin-2 receptors , therefore those cells were not stimulated and probably unable to evoke a cytotoxic effect on the tumor cells . Macrophages were found in all the tumors examined. I detected a positive relationship between macrophages and the proliferation rate of tumor cells. In many instances, macrophages were found in direct contact with proliferating tumor cells. I hypothesize that in many instances tumor cells may require macrophages for support because of the over 100 factors that they can provide. Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-a), for example, can be secreted by macrophages. This growth factor can aid in tumor cells proliferation. A positive association was found between TGF-a positive staining and the presence of macrophages. In addition, cell cultures of primary breast carcinomas were used for immunohistochemical detection of cell types . It was found that three week old cultures contained mixtures of macrophages and fibroblasts in expanding colonies. Interestingly, some of macrophages were found to be undergoing cell division, indicating that macrophages and fibroblast may be closely related in breast carcinomas. In other short term cultures macrophages and presumptive tumor cell(s) formed a unit. Macrophage/tumor cell(s) unit(s) could be important in the successful establishment of metastases. This research may lead to new avenues for the treatment of breast cancer by focusing more on influencing cellular functions rather than cytotoxicity to cancer cells.
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UN SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being