MHC class I chain-related gene a diversity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Many immune-related genes are located within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region on chromosome 6. The MHC class I chain-related gene A (MICA), located centromeric of HLA-B, is involved in the innate and adaptive immune response through activation of NK and T cells. Differences of MICA transmembrane repeat lengths have been associated with diseases and expression is observed on epithelial tumors. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an epithelial tumor. In the present study we evaluated the MICA repeat length diversity in relation to MICA expression in Dutch HNSCC patients. MICA short tandem repeat analysis indicated a significant decrease in the frequency for the MICA-A9 repeat in patients diagnosed with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) but not in patients with SCC in the hypoharynx, larynx, or oropharynx. Interestingly, the majority of patients expressed MICA as observed with immunohistochemical staining whereas no soluble MICA was detected in patients' sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In conclusion, the length of the MICA transmembrane repeats in Dutch HNSCC patients does not influence the MICA expression on tumor cells.
Reinders
Judith
J
Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Rozemuller
Erik H
EH
van der Ven
Kevin J W
KJ
Caillat-Zucman
Sophie
S
Slootweg
Pieter J
PJ
de Weger
Roel A
RA
Tilanus
Marcel G J
MG
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D020080:Tandem Repeat Sequences
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; C099187:MHC class I-related chain A