Distribution of Th17 cells and Foxp3-expressing T cells in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with uterine cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest a potential impact of Th17 cells on tumor. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of Th17 cells in relation to Foxp3-expressing T cells in the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from patients with uterine cervical cancer (UCC), cervical tissues from patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and healthy cervical tissues.

METHODS

Th17 cells and Foxp3-expressing T cells were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. IL-6, TGF-β, IL-17 and IL-10 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemical staining for microvessel density (MVD) was performed in order to assess the association of IL-17 expression with angiogenesis.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, patients with UCC or CIN had a higher proportion of Th17 cells and Foxp3-expressing T cells, when the ratio of Th17/Foxp3-expressing T cells in TILs was decreased in individual cases, it was more markedly decreased in TILs than normal cervical tissues. Meanwhile, the cytokine(IL-6, TGF-β and IL-10) concentrations were significantly higher in UCC patients than those in healthy controls. Interestingly, the levels of intratumoral Th17 cells were positively correlated with MVD in tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The imbalance of Th17/Foxp3-expressing T cells may play critical roles in the development and progression of UCC and Th17 cells may promote tumor progression by fostering angiogenesis.