Expression of major histocompatibility antigens and leucocyte infiltration in benign and malignant human breast disease

Abstract

Human malignant neoplasms not infrequently reveal mononuclear cell infiltrates which have features in common with immune-associated inflammatory reactions (Underwood, 1974). Although there is limited evidence for tumourrelated functional activity in the infiltrating leucocyte compartment (see Haskill, 1983), the relationship of the phenomenon at a functional or histological level to biological behaviour remains largely obscure.The majority of solid human neoplasms are characterised by marked cellular heterogeneity and any provisional assignment of in situ function will require the elucidation of the heterogeneity and microanatomical distribution of potential leucocytic effector cells relative to the tumour population. Such an analysis must also extend to the neoplastic *Present address:

Expression of MHC products and leucocyte differentiation antigens in gynaecological neoplasms: An immunohistological analysis of the tumour cells and infiltrating leucocytes

“…With the exception of the B73.1 reagent, details of the McAbs used in this study have been given previously (Whitwell et al, 1984;Csiba et al, 1984) and are summarised in Table I Normal cervix MHC Class I antigens were strongly expressed on the lower one-third to one half of the squamous epithelium (Figure 3). In 10/14 samples endocervical glands were present, which were Class I positive.…”

“…In this study we extend this approach, previously applied in this laboratory to breast and colorectal carcinomas (Whitewell et al, 1984;Csiba et al, 1984) (Whitwell et al, 1984). Briefly, sections were incubated in the monoclonal antibody (McAb) (Whitwell et al, 1984). In most instances, morphometric analyses were precluded by the intra-tissue variation across a given section.…”

“…Currently there is interest in whether this property is a requirement for the induction of autologous lymphoproliferative responses by tumour antigens of the MHC status of tumour cells and the in situ host response in a manner which has hitherto proved impossible using conventional histological techniques. In this study we extend this approach, previously applied in this laboratory to breast and colorectal carcinomas (Whitewell et al, 1984;Csiba et al, 1984) (Whitwell et al, 1984). Briefly, sections were incubated in the monoclonal antibody (McAb) (Whitwell et al, 1984).…”

“…MHC Class II products were until recently, considered to be restricted to cells of the immune system, including B lymphocytes, macrophages, vascular endothelial, dendritic and other antigen presenting cells, as well as activated T lymphocytes (Ko et al, 1979). Now in addition, certain epithelia and a significant number of nonlymphoid neoplasms including those of breast, colorectal carcinoma and malignant melanoma are known to display Class II molecules (Natali et al, 1981;Thompson et al, 1982;Whitwell et al, 1984;Daar & Fabre, 1983;Rognum et al, 1983). Currently there is interest in whether this property is a requirement for the induction of autologous lymphoproliferative responses by tumour antigens of the MHC status of tumour cells and the in situ host response in a manner which has hitherto proved impossible using conventional histological techniques.…”

HLA‐DRB alleles are differentially expressed by tumor cells in breast carcinoma

“…13,18 Similarly, tumor cell DR was positively associated with T-cell infiltration in some studies 19,20 and unrelated in others. 16,21 Interpretation of the above studies may have been hampered by the fact that generic and not allelic DR expression was examined. This was likely because of the paucity of allotype-specific antibodies and the large number of DRB1 alleles, most of which are in linkage with additional structural DRB genes.…”