Reduced T-cell and dendritic cell function is related to cyclooxygenase-2 overexpression and prostaglandin E2 secretion in patients with breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
In several neoplastic diseases, including breast cancer, immunosuppression correlates with disease stage, progression, and outcome. Thus, thorough analysis of immune parameters in breast cancer patients may be beneficial in designing effective anticancer immune-based therapies.


METHODS
We investigated dendritic cell and T-cell function in breast cancer patients at various stages of the disease and in age-matched controls. We also evaluated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels within the tumor milieu and in the circulation.


RESULTS
T cells from cancer patients showed decreased proliferation in response to CD3 antibody stimulation. Analysis of T-cell helper type 1 and 2 cytokines revealed reduced levels of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-12, and IL-2 and increased levels of IL-10 and IL-4. Dendritic cells from these patients showed significantly reduced expression of co-stimulatory molecules (B7 and CD40) and demonstrated reduced phagocytic ability, reduced antigen presentation to T cells, and reduced ability to mature in response to lipopolysaccharide. Data revealed increased synthesis of PGE2, an immune suppressor, along with increased expression of COX-2, a key regulator of PGE2 synthesis.


CONCLUSIONS
COX-2-induced PGE2 may contribute to immunosuppression and may directly block antitumor immunity while promoting tumor growth, providing us with the rationale for using COX-2 inhibition combined with immunotherapy.
Pockaj
Barbara A
BA
Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, USA.
Basu
Gargi D
GD
Pathangey
Latha B
LB
Gray
Richard J
RJ
Hernandez
Jose L
JL
Gendler
Sandra J
SJ
Mukherjee
Pinku
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002455:Cell Division; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D011379:Prognosis; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; D015232:Dinoprostone