T-regulatory cell/T helper 17 cell imbalance functions as prognostic biomarker of oral squamous cell carcinoma – CONSORT. Issue 49 (4th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Lin; Zhang, Yingjie; Xie, Fuqiang
• Other Names: Azim. Anser section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 99:Issue 49(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12-04
• Subjects: immune mechanism -- oral squamous cell carcinoma -- T-regulatory cells/T helper 17; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000023145
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The role of T cells in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was clarified by examining the levels of differentiated CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 + T-regulatory cells (Treg cells) and CD4+IL17+ T helper 17 (Th17) cells in OSCC patients. Methods: Flow cytometry was conducted to measure the proportions of Treg/Th17 cells in different sample groups to identify a proper maker indicative of the progression and prognosis of OSCC. Results: The results showed that a higher Treg/Th17 ratio led to poorer prognosis. Also, the proportions of both Treg cells and Th17 cells were significantly elevated in OSCC patients compared with those in the control groups, suggesting a correlation between Treg/Th17 imbalance and the prognosis of OSCC. Furthermore, the ratios of Treg/Th17 cells in OSCC patients differed at different time points of cancer progression. For example, stage III-IV patients showed the most evident increase in the Treg/Th17 ratio, while the Treg/Th17 ratio in control subjects was the lowest. Conclusions: Therefore, a higher ratio of Treg/Th17 indicated the progression of OSCC and a larger tumor size. Therefore, Treg and Th17 imbalance was implicated in OSCC progression.