Expression of β2 integrins and macrophage-associated antigens in meningeal tumours

Abstract

This study assessed the expression of leukocyte integrins and macrophage-associated antigens in meningiomas. Fourteen benign meningiomas, ten atypical/anaplastic meningiomas, two hemangiopericytomas and one solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) were included. Frozen sections were immunostained using antibodies directed against leukocyte integrins, CD68, CD14, CD2, CD1a, DRC1 and CD34. Their expression was evaluated semi-quantitatively. Ki67 positive cells were counted. Arachnoid membranes served as controls. Arachnoid cells expressed the beta2-integrin subunit and KP1. Beta2 was detected in the tumour cells of 14 meningiomas. In nine cases, this was associated with an alpha-integrin subunit. There was no statistical difference in the expression of beta2 between benign and atypical/anaplastic meningiomas. KP1 was constantly expressed by the tumour cells of meningiomas. It was not expressed by other meningeal tumours. CD34 was detected in the fibrous meningiomas, hemangiopericytomas and the SFT. In each tumour, macrophages were more numerous than T lymphocytes. There was no statistical difference in the density of macrophages and T lymphocytes between the benign and atypical/anaplastic meningiomas. There was no correlation between the Ki67 proliferation index and macrophage infiltration. Meningiomas, through the expression of leukocyte antigens, have a very particular phenotype. The expression of beta2 integrins could play a role in the attraction of immunocompetent cells in the stroma of meningiomas.