Immune-associated cells in basal cell carcinomas of skin

J Cutan Pathol. 1996 Apr;23(2):140-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.1996.tb01287.x.

Abstract

Increased numbers of mast cells (MCs) and lymphocytes infiltrating in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) have been observed. The presence of these infiltrating cells has been considered a sign of an immunologic anti-tumor response in the host, but the relationship of these two cell populations has not been examined. To elucidate this possible relationship, 30 non-ulcerated BCCs were analyzed. Frozen sections of the tumors were stained with monoclonal antibodies for Langerhans' cells, lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cells. Fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC)-avidin as well as anti-tryptase and anti-CD45RO monoclonal antibodies were used on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections for mast cell and T cell identification, respectively. B cells and natural killer cells were rarely observed in these tumors. MCs and T cells were quantified by direct enumeration and expressed as number of cells per high power field (hpf). FITC-avidin and anti-tryptase antibodies were equivalent in their ability to identify MCs. MC content in BCCs ranged from 1.0 to 31 cells/hpf. The number of T cells ranged from 0 to 50 cells/hpf with helper/suppressor cell ratios of 0.2 to 10. There was no correlation between helper/suppressor ratios and mast cell numbers; however, an inverse relationship was observed between the numbers of T cells and the number of mast cells in these tumors. These studies indicate that T cells and MCs are the primary immune cell populations responding to BCCs, and that decreased numbers of T cells are associated with more aggressive tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / immunology*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / pathology*
  • Mast Cells / immunology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*