Dysfunction of natural killer cells in patients with transitional cell carcinoma.
Previous studies had established that transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is highly expressed in bladder tumor, facilitating progression and spreading of the cancerous cells. Here, we report that both the number and the cytotoxic function of natural killer (NK) cells are decreased in patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). In consistent with previously reported findings, the plasma TGF-beta1 concentration is also elevated in patients with superficial TCC. In vitro, the cytotoxic function of NK cells was impaired by the presence of TGF-beta1. Hence, our data suggested elevated concentration of serum TGF-beta1 in loss of NK cytotoxicity in superficial TCC patients, implicating altered innate immunity may correlate with the incidence of TCC.
Lin
Chang-Te
CT
Department of Urology, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan.
Yu
Min-Tsung
MT
Li
Chin
C
Ho
Yun-Che
YC
Shen
Cheng-Huang
CH
Liu
Dai-Wei
DW
Chang
De-Ching
DC
Wu
Shu-Fen
SF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000097:blood; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D007371:Interferon-gamma