The role of eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein in oral cancer: a review.
Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory processes, such as allergies and parasitic infections. Increased number of these cells has been described in many human cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma, and its presence related to favourable as well as unfavourable prognosis. Although the exact role of eosinophils in tumours is not yet defined, the anti-tumour activity of these rare granulocytes has been associated with the release of their cytotoxic proteins, especially the eosinophil cationic protein, a single polypeptide chain with a molecular mass ranging from 15 to 22kDa encoded by the RNSE3 gene located on chromosome 14q11.2. Functional studies have implicated ECP in numerous processes, such as tissue remodelling in allergic inflammation; however its most striking function is the cytotoxic activity. The aim of this review is to summarise the role and functions of eosinophils and their granule-derived products in oral malignant tumours and the clinical value of the tumour-associated tissue eosinophilia for patients' prognosis.
Department of Stomatology, Area of Pathology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Alameda Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, CEP 17012-901, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
Michele Conceição
MC
Pereira
Denise Tostes
DT
Oliveira
Luiz Paulo
LP
Kowalski
D047150:Eosinophil Cationic Protein / Q000276:immunology*; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*
D047150:Eosinophil Cationic Protein