title: Proliferation of T-cell subsets that contact tumour cells in colorectal cancer.
abstract: We have investigated the proliferation rates of T-cell subsets in colorectal carcinomas using immunohistochemistry. It was found that the tumour-infiltrating T cells in contact with the tumour cells have a significantly higher frequency of proliferation than those in the stroma. In particular, the CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (T-IEL) within the tumours have a significantly higher frequency of proliferation in comparison with CD8+ T cells in the stromal compartment or in any normal mucosal lymphoid tissues. It is possible that the proliferation of the CD8+ T-IEL may be driven by self-antigens expressed on the tumour cells. The proportion of CD3+ CD7- T cells is increased within carcinomas compared with the normal colon, and a population of CD57+ T cells was observed which is absent from the normal colon. It is possible that these phenotypes are acquired in situ due to repeated stimulation of the T cells by tumour antigens. Intact colorectal carcinoma explants were cultured, and the presence of tumour-infiltrating T cells analysed after 3 days of culture in isolation from the systemic compartments. CD3+ T cells were proliferating (at a low rate) within the explants after 3 days of culture, indicating that they may be sustained by factors present in the tumour microenvironment.
authors.affiliation: Histopathology Department, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine, University of London, UK.
authors.forename: S J C
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Golby
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chinyama
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spencer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D016246:Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm