In breast carcinoma tissue, immature dendritic cells reside within the tumor, whereas mature dendritic cells are located in peritumoral areas.

Abstract

We have analyzed the presence of immature and mature dendritic cells (DCs) within adenocarcinoma of the breast using immunohistochemistry. Immature DCs were defined by expression of CD1a-, Langerin-, and intracellular major histocompatibility complex class II-rich vesicles. Mature DCs were defined by expression of CD83 and DC-Lamp. Breast carcinoma cells were defined by morphology and/or cytokeratin expression. We demonstrate two levels of heterogeneity of DCs infiltrating breast carcinoma tissue: (a) immature CD1a(+) DCs, mostly of the Langerhans cell type (Langerin(+)), were retained within the tumor bed in 32/32 samples and (b) mature DCs, CD83(+)DC-Lamp(+), present in 20/32 samples, are confined to peritumoral areas. The high numbers of immature DCs found in the tumor may be best explained by high levels of macrophage inflammatory protein 3alpha expression by virtually all tumor cells. Confirming the immature/mature DC compartmentalization pattern, in vitro-generated immature DCs adhere to the tumor cells, whereas mature DCs adhere selectively to peritumoral areas. In some cases, T cells are clustering around the mature DCs in peritumoral areas, thus resembling the DC-T cell clusters of secondary lymphoid organs, which are characteristic of ongoing immune reactions.

• Authors: D Bell, P Chomarat, D Broyles, G Netto, G M Harb, S Lebecque, J Valladeau, J Davoust, K A Palucka, J Banchereau
• Journal: The Journal of experimental medicine (J Exp Med) Vol. 190 Issue 10 Pg. 1417-26 (Nov 15 1999) ISSN: 0022-1007 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10562317 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antigens, CD
• Antigens, CD1
• CCL20 protein, human
• CCR6 protein, human
• CD83 antigen
• Chemokine CCL20
• Chemokines, CC
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
• Immunoglobulins
• Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• RNA, Messenger
• Receptors, CCR6
• Receptors, Chemokine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antigens, CD
• Antigens, CD1 (analysis)
• Breast Neoplasms (immunology)
• Chemokine CCL20
• Chemokines, CC (genetics)
• Dendritic Cells (physiology)
• Female
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class II (analysis)
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins (analysis)
• Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins
• Membrane Glycoproteins (analysis)
• Middle Aged
• RNA, Messenger (analysis)
• Receptors, CCR6
• Receptors, Chemokine