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Identification and assessment of regulatory T cells (Treg*) associated with inflammation and tumorigenesis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients
Author(s) -
Downey Katherine J,
Wang Yanhua,
Sun Katherine,
Lin Elain,
Wu Yuanyuan,
Liu Qiang
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.645.6
Subject(s) - carcinogenesis , medicine , inflammation , inflammatory bowel disease , cancer , pathogenesis , colorectal cancer , immune system , immunology , disease , ulcerative colitis , regulatory t cell , t cell , il 2 receptor
The pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is multifactorial. A widely accepted theory for the pathogenesis of IBD lays blame on the host's exaggerated immune response to commensal bacteria, implying a loss of self tolerance. Chronic inflammation is a well known risk factor for the development of dysplasia and cancer. Regulatory T cells (Treg*) therefore play a critical role in the regulation of immunity and a pivotal role in tumorigenesis of several cancer types by suppressing anti‐tumor immune responses, thereby promoting tumor progression. We set out to identify and assess Treg* expression in IBD and Cancer patients vs. disease‐free individuals which may help explain tumor progression. Retrospective sequential in‐house cases (n=53): 34 IBD, 9 Colon cancer, and 10 normal. Immunohistochemistry used to delineate Treg* cells. Blinded counts performed using the average of 3 HPF's (40X) in areas of highest concentration. Data analysis by unpaired t‐test and ANOVA reveal significant differences in Treg* expression: IBD >; normal (p<0.001); Cancer >; normal (p<0.001 ); Cancer >; IBD (p<0.003); no significant difference between UC and Crohn's (p=0.371). ANOVA analysis showed statistically significant difference amongst all groups (p<0.001: Cancer >; IBD >; normal). Our results show increased Treg* cells in the cancer arm (cancer >; IBD >;>; normal), thereby supporting an important role of Treg* cells in inflammation and tumorigenesis in IBD. Therapeutic manipulation of Treg* cells (i.e. selective depletion) holds great potential in treating IBD and preventing subsequent tumor progression. Funding provided by Montefiore Medical Center Clinical Research Committee