Expression and significance of the Fas molecule in tumor infiltrating and peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients with lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Objective To study the Fas expression in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)and peripheral blood lymphocytes(PBLs) from patients with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and to investigate the clinical significance and the role of the Fas/FasL in local and systemic immune responses. Methods By flow cytometery(FCM),the expression of Fas molecule were detected on TILs and PBLs in 50 cases of lung adenocarcinoma and in 48 cases of normal healthy PBLs. Results Expression rate of Fas molecule on TILs and PBLs of lung adenocarcinoma patients was 16.8% and 8.0% respectively,and on PBL of normal controls was 12.6%. The former was significantly higher than the two latters(P<0.05). Expression rate of Fas molecule on PBLs of lung adenocarcinoma patients was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Expression of the Fas molecul on TILs and PBLs of lung adenocarcinoma patients is different. Fas/FasL pathway plays a major role in the fighting between immune system and tumor not only at local tumor site but also at systemic level. Key words: Fas ; Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes ; Peripheral blood lymphocytes ; Lung adenocarcinoma ; Immune escape ;