title: OX40 (CD134) expression in sentinel lymph nodes correlates with prognostic features of primary melanomas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The expression of OX40 (CD134) on activated CD4+ T cells has been associated with favorable cancer patient outcomes. Because of recent reports that sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) may represent an immunosuppressive environment, we investigated the expression of OX40 in SLNs from patients with primary cutaneous melanoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples of peripheral blood lymphocytes and a section of 71 SLNs from 53 patients with clinically node negative melanoma were purified for CD4+ T cells, stained for OX40, and analyzed by flow cytometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean percentage of OX40 on CD4 T cells in the SLNs versus peripheral blood lymphocytes was related indirectly to the T stage of the primary tumor and was decreased in ulcerated primary tumors and positive sentinel nodes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The expression of OX40 on CD4+ T cells in SLNs draining primary melanomas decreased with more advanced tumor features (higher T stage, ulceration) and nodal involvement, suggesting that such tumors may have an immunosuppressive effect on the SLN microenvironment.
authors: Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA.
authors: MaryClare
authors: M
authors: Sarff
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Edwards
authors: Birat
authors: B
authors: Dhungel
authors: Keith W
authors: KW
authors: Wegmann
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Corless
authors: Andrew D
authors: AD
authors: Weinberg
authors: John T
authors: JT
authors: Vetto
mesh_terms: D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D053262:Receptors, OX40 / Q000378:metabolism*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
chemical_list: D053262:Receptors, OX40