Decreased number and reduced NKG2D expression of V delta 1 gamma delta T cells are involved in the impaired function of V delta 1 gamma delta T cells in the tissue of gastric cancer

作者：Kuroda Hirohiko; Saito Hiroaki^*; Ikeguchi Masahide

来源：Gastric Cancer, 2012, 15(4): 433-439.

DOI：10.1007/s10120-011-0138-x

• Gastric cancer
• Immune evasion
• NKG2D
• gamma delta T cells

In cancer patients, impaired function of immune cells-such as CD8(+) T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells-reportedly results in tumor progression. Although gamma delta T cells also play a critical role in tumor defense, their function remains unclear in cancer patients. %26lt;br%26gt;The frequency and function of gamma delta T cells in peripheral blood, normal gastric mucosa, and cancer tissue were evaluated by multicolor flow cytometry. We also determined NKG2D expression on gamma delta T cells in gastric cancer patients. %26lt;br%26gt;The frequency of V delta 1 gamma delta T cells in gastric cancer tissue is significantly lower than in normal gastric mucosa; however, differences in the frequencies of V delta 2 and V gamma 9 gamma delta T cells between normal gastric mucosa and gastric cancer tissue were not statistically significant. The V delta 1 gamma delta T cells from gastric cancer tissue produce significantly less IFN-gamma than those from normal gastric mucosa do. Expression of NKG2D on V delta 1 gamma delta T cells from gastric cancer tissue was significantly lower than in normal gastric mucosa. We also found a significant correlation between NKG2D expression and IFN-gamma production of V delta 1 gamma delta T cells in gastric cancer tissue. %26lt;br%26gt;V delta 1 gamma delta T cells show decreased frequency and impaired function in gastric cancer tissue, for which decreased NKG2D expression might be one of the mechanisms. Modalities specifically targeting NKG2D in V delta 1 gamma delta T cells may provide a breakthrough treatment for gastric cancer patients.

• 出版日期2012-10