HLA and beta 2-microglobulin expression in basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin.
Histologic sections of seven squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 13 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), and a Bowenoid actinic keratoses were examined for expression of HLA class 1 antigens (HLA-ABC) using a monoclonal antibody and an immunoperoxidase technique. Expression of beta 2-microglobulin was examined with a polyclonal antibody method. Neither cell marker was detected within the Bowenoid actinic keratoses. Squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas exhibited decreased expression of both HLA-ABC and beta 2-microglobulin and often did not express these antigens at all. HLA-ABC was present in only two of 13 basal cell carcinomas and four of seven squamous cell carcinomas. beta 2-microglobulin was present in one of 13 basal cell carcinomas and two of seven squamous cell carcinomas. When present, these antigens often were present in a few areas of the tumor, but absent in others. In both SCC and BCC, both antigens were usually lost simultaneously. In all tumors with beta 2-microglobulin, HLA-ABC also was retained. There was no apparent relationship of anatomic site or type of tumor with retention of surface antigens. Since some tumors or portions of tumors retained HLA-ABC and beta 2-microglobulin on their surfaces, the absence of these antigens is not an absolute marker for malignancy.
D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D015234:HLA-A Antigens; D015235:HLA-B Antigens; D015236:HLA-C Antigens; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis*
D006680:HLA Antigens; D015234:HLA-A Antigens; D015235:HLA-B Antigens; D015236:HLA-C Antigens; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin