Comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis of tumor microenvironment immune status in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 antibody preliminarily showed promising efficacy for treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Herein, we used tissue microarrays and immunohistochemically analyzed PD-L1 and various tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in specimens from 196 ESCC patients who had undergone curative resection without preoperative therapy. PD-L1 expressions in tumor cells (TCs) and TIICs, as well as infiltration of lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+, FOXP3+, and PD- 1+) and macrophages (CD68+ and CD204+), were evaluated. PD-L1 was expressed in TCs of 18.4% and in TIICs of 83.3% of these patients. PD-L1 expressions in TCs and TIICs were associated with significant infiltration of various TIIC types, especially CD8+ cells. PD-L1 expressions in both TCs and TIICs were significantly associated with favorable overall survival, and combining their levels enhanced prognostic accuracy. Prognostic impacts of PD-L1 expressions in TCs and TIICs, abundant PD-1+ cell infiltration, a high CD8+/FOXP3+ ratio, and the CD8+/CD204+ ratio remained significant after adjusting for clinicopathological factors. In conclusion, PD-L1 expression reflects anti-tumor immunity, and PD-1/PD-L1 expression and the ratio of infiltrating effector to immune suppressor cells have prognostic value. Therapeutic strategies inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 signal and immune suppressor cells are anticipated in ESCC patients.

Basal‐subtype bladder tumours show a ‘hot’ immunophenotype

“…Data from evaluation of tumours in other organs, such as the breast and oesophagus, are not dissimilar from ours, and stress the importance of immune microenvironment evaluation in a broad range of tumour types. In their review, Taube et al .…”

Tumor‐associated CD204+ M2 macrophages are unfavorable prognostic indicators in uterine cervical adenocarcinoma

“…No reports on tumor‐infiltrating CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, or TAMs in cervical adenocarcinoma have yet been published. We showed that CD204 + TAMs were associated with poorer prognosis, as in most solid tumors . Tumor‐associated macrophages promote tumor progression or certain forms of malignant phenotypes, such as tumoral invasion and metastasis at the invasive edge .…”

Assessment of the Number and Phenotype of Macrophages in the Human BMB Samples of CML

“…In contrast to the control group, there existed statistical significance. It is suggested that the pathogenic factors involved in promoting leukemia cell exaggerated proliferation, differentiation blocked, and apoptosis resistance still existed, so the therapy strategy of CML needed to combine with modification bone marrow (BM) homeostasis [5, 36]. …”