Distinctive features of tumor-infiltrating γδ T lymphocytes in human colorectal cancer. (3rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meraviglia, S.; Lo Presti, E.; Tosolini, M.; La Mendola, C.; Orlando, V.; Todaro, M.; Catalano, V.; Stassi, G.; Cicero, G.; Vieni, S.; Fourniè, J. J.; Dieli, F.
• Is Part Of: Oncoimmunology. Volume 6:Number 10(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-10-03
• Subjects: γδ T cells -- colon cancer -- DFS -- IFN-γ -- TILs; Tumors -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- therapy -- Periodicals; Immunotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2017.1347742
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2162-402X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: γδ T cells usually infiltrate many different types of cancer, but it is unclear whether they inhibit or promote tumor progression. Moreover, properties of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells and those in the corresponding normal tissue remain largely unknown. Here we have studied features of γδ T cells in colorectal cancer, normal colon tissue and peripheral blood, and correlated their levels with clinicopathologic hallmarks. Flow cytometry and transcriptome analyses showed that the tumor comprised a highly variable rate of TILs (5–90%) and 4% γδ T cells on average, with the majority expressing Vδ1. Most Vδ1 and Vδ2 T cells showed a predominant effector memory phenotype and had reduced production of IFN- γ which was likely due to yet unidentified inhibitory molecules present in cancer stem cell secretome. Transcriptome analyses revealed that patients containing abundant γδ T cells had significantly longer 5-year disease free survival rate, suggesting their efficacy in controlling tumor at very early stage.