Cells bearing Fc receptors in human malignant solid tumours

Abstract

Summary.-Fc-receptor-bearing cells forming EA rosettes with antibody-coated human erythrocytes (Ripley) were studied in cell suspensions and in purified preparations of mononuclear cells (MC) from 20 human malignant tumours.The EA rosettes were studied in preparations made by cytocentrifugation and the rosette-forming cells identified by their nonspecific-esterase activity and phagocytic capacity.Fc receptors were found on 16+20% of all cells in the primary cell suspensions.Significantly more tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes had detectable Fc receptors (33+18%) than did peripheral-blood lymphocytes in cancer patients (19+8%) and normal control subjects (14 + 6 %). There was a significant correlation between the proportion of lymphocytes lacking T and B markers (null cells) and the proportion of lymphocytes with Fc receptors.Fc receptors were also found on most tumour-infiltrating macrophages, on some T lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells and on a smaller percentage of the tumour cells.The significance of the Fc receptor and its usefulness as a marker of "host infiltration" into the tumours is discussed.

Metastatic Melanomas Express Inhibitory Low Affinity Fc Gamma Receptor and Escape Humoral Immunity

“…In addition, it was observed that tumor cells injected in mice immunized with non-tumoral antigens were able to bind antibody via their Fc region [ 53 ]. However, the ectopic expression of Fc γ R by non-hematopoietic tumors cells was controversial because the presence of inflammatory cells, which can express Fc γ R, was demonstrated early at the tumor site [ 54 ] and because Fc γ R expression was lost during short-term tumor cell in vitro culture [ 55 ]. Nevertheless, it was shown that the experimental tumors regained expression after a single passage in vivo [ 56 ] and that some tumor cell lines express Fc γ R [ 57 ].…”

Characterisation of macrophages infiltrating human mammary carcinomas

“…Although Wood & Gollahon (1977) demonstrated Fc(IgG) receptor-bearing cells in breast tumours, some investigators believe that malignant cells can express such receptors (Tonder & Thunold, 1973;Svennevig & Andersson, 1982). Morphologically, macrophages are not readily delineated in tissue sections of carcinomas, and in tumour cell suspensions precise identification is likewise difficult.…”

“…Although the Fc(IgG) receptor has been widely used as a macrophage marker in tumour cell suspensions (Russell et al, 1981), some workers have suggested that malignant cells themselves may express Fc(IgG) receptors (Tonder & Thunold, 1973;Svennevig & Andersson, 1982). In addition, it has been shown that human monocytes can shed these receptors in culture (Kay & Douglas, 1981), raising the possibility of nonspecific receptor uptake by tumour cells.…”

Fc gamma receptors and cancer

“…In addition, it was observed that tumor cells injected in mice immunized with non-tumoral antigens were able to bind antibody via their Fc region [42]. However, the ectopic expression of FcγRs by nonhematopoietic tumor cells was controversed because the presence of inflammatory cells, which can express FcγRs, was quickly demonstrated at the tumor site [43] and because FcγR expression was lost during short-term culture of tumor cells in vitro [44]. Nevertheless, it was shown that the experimental tumors regained this expression after a single passage in vivo [45] and that some tumor cell lines expressed FcγRs [46].…”