Limited heterogeneity in the T-cell receptor V-gene usage in lymphocytes infiltrating human colorectal tumours.
The presence of T lymphocytes in solid tumours may reflect an ongoing immune response against the transformed cells. We have used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to investigate the T-cell receptor variable-region gene (V-gene) usage in freshly isolated tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to look for a possible oligoclonality of T cells in the tumour area. We used 19 different V beta-family-specific primers. Peripheral blood lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphocytes from the same patients were also tested by PCR. Our results demonstrate a limited heterogeneity in the V-gene usage of TILs from seven patients with colorectal cancers, suggesting a local antigen-driven immune response at the tumour site.
Ostenstad
B
B
Institute of Immunology and Rheumatology, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Sioud
M
M
Lea
T
T
Schlichting
E
E
Harboe
M
M
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000601:surgery; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000601:surgery; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D016246:Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D004247:DNA