Perforin Expression in Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): H. Nakanishi, T. Monden, H. Morimoto, T. Kobayashi, T. Shimano, T. Mori
Primary Institution: Osaka University Medical School
Hypothesis
The decrease in the number of perforin-positive cells in accordance with tumor progression may reflect the suppression of the host's local immunity.
Conclusion
Perforin is mainly secreted from CD8+ cells in tumor tissues, and its expression decreases with tumor progression.
Supporting Evidence
- PFP was detected in the cytoplasm of 10% of peripheral blood lymphocytes.
- PFP was produced by 9% of CD8+ cells and 18% of CD16+ cells.
- The number of PFP+ cells in Dukes A was significantly higher than in Dukes B and C.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called perforin, which helps fight cancer, is produced by certain immune cells, and fewer of these cells are found as cancer progresses.
Methodology
The study used immunocytochemical staining to analyze perforin expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from colorectal cancer tissues.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 28 human colorectal cancer tissue samples, with classifications based on Dukes staging.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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