Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and melanoma tumorigenesis: an insight.
The presence of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) amid the tumour cells in the stroma and overlying epidermis is a constant feature of melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer. These lymphocytes are mostly cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) that can be propagated in vitro by specific cytokines. Also, they can kill melanoma cells. This specific killing can be abrogated by monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD8, T-cell receptors (TCRs) and against class I human leucocyte antigens (HLAs). This indicates that these CTLs can recognize the melanoma cells through the TCRs, in an HLA class I-restricted manner. Therefore, these cells and their products both are critical players in T cell-induced melanoma regression and are powerful predictors of survival. This review seeks to examine the characteristics, activation and role of TILs and their associated molecules in melanomas.
Hussein
M R
MR
Department of Pathology, Assiut University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. mrh17@swissinfo.org
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D016246:Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / Q000276:immunology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm