title: Regulatory T cells in the actinic cheilitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Actinic cheilitis (AC) is an oral potentially malignant lesion which is the counterpart of actinic keratosis of the skin and has potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a critical role in modulating the antitumor immune responses. The presence of regulatory T cells in potentially malignant lesions has not been described. We chose investigate the involvement of regulatory T cells in potentially malignant lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  The frequency, phenotype, and activity of CD4+CD25+ T cells isolated from blood and lesion of AC patients were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokines were quantified by ELISA. Data were compared with samples from healthy subjects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency and suppressor activity of circulating CD4+CD25+ T cells was similar in AC patients and control subjects. However, the frequencies of IL-10-positive Tregs were higher in AC patients, and these cells inhibited interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and increased interleukin (IL)-10 productions in co-cultures. Furthermore, CD4+CD25+ T cells accumulate in AC lesions. Lesions-derived regulatory T cells suppressed lymphocyte proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Moreover, high levels of IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and low IFN-γ were detected in the potentially malignant lesions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Therefore, our data show that Tregs accumulate in AC lesions, and these cells could be suppressing immune responses in a potentially malignant microenvironment.
authors: Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry - University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil.
authors: Thaís Helena
authors: TH
authors: Gasparoto
authors: Tatiana Salles
authors: TS
authors: de Souza Malaspina
authors: José Humberto
authors: JH
authors: Damante
authors: Edgard Franco
authors: EF
authors: de Mello
authors: Maura Rosane Valério
authors: MR
authors: Ikoma
authors: Gustavo Pompermaier
authors: GP
authors: Garlet
authors: Maria Renata Sales Nogueira
authors: MR
authors: Costa
authors: Karen Angélica
authors: KA
authors: Cavassani
authors: João Santana
authors: JS
authors: da Silva
authors: Ana Paula
authors: AP
authors: Campanelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002613:Cheilitis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000032:analysis; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / Q000032:analysis; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015704:CD4 Antigens; C508609:IL10 protein, human; C508017:IL2RA protein, human; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016753:Interleukin-10; D007371:Interferon-gamma
keywords: IL-10; Tregs; actinic cheilitis; potentially malignant lesion