Open AccessT lymphocytes that infiltrate tumors and atherosclerotic plaques produce heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor: a potential pathologic role.
Author(s) -
George E. Peoples,
Srully Blotnick,
Kazue Takahashi,
Michael R. Freeman,
Michael Klagsbrun,
Timothy J. Eberlein
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.92.14.6547
Subject(s) - basic fibroblast growth factor , epidermal growth factor , pathology , angiogenesis , cancer research , growth factor , fibroblast growth factor , immunohistochemistry , biology , hyperplasia , chemistry , medicine , cell culture , receptor , genetics , biochemistry
Despite significant infiltration into tumors and atherosclerotic plaques, the role of T lymphocytes in these pathological conditions is still unclear. We have demonstrated that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and plaque-infiltrating lymphocytes (PILs) produce heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in vitro under nonspecific conditions and in vivo in tumors by immunohistochemical staining. HB-EGF and bFGF derived from TILs and PILs directly stimulated tumor cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vitro, respectively, while bFGF displayed angiogenic properties. Therefore, T cells may play a critical role in the SMC hyperplasia of atherosclerosis and support tumor progression by direct stimulation and angiogenesis.