Tumor-Infiltrating T Cells and Autoantibodies in Ovarian Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Milne Katy, Barnes Rebecca O., Girardin Adam, Mawer Melanie A., Nesslinger Nancy J., Ng Alvin, Nielsen Julie S., Sahota Robert, Tran Eric, Webb John R., Wong May Q., Wick Darin A., Wray Andrew, McMurtrie Elissa, Köbel Martin, Kalloger Steven E., Gilks C. Blake, Watson Peter H., Nelson Brad H.
Primary Institution: BC Cancer Agency, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Hypothesis
We hypothesized that autoantibody and T cell responses may be correlated in EOC and directed toward the same antigens.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that tumor-specific autoantibodies and tumor-infiltrating T cells are correlated in human cancer and can be directed against the same target antigen.
Supporting Evidence
- 26% of patients demonstrated serum IgG autoantibodies to NY-ESO-1.
- Autoantibodies to NY-ESO-1 were positively correlated with expression of NY-ESO-1 antigen by tumor cells.
- Patients with autoantibodies had a significantly greater stromal density of CD8+, FoxP3+, and CD4+ cells.
Takeaway
This study found that in women with ovarian cancer, certain immune cells and antibodies are connected, which might help doctors understand how to treat the disease better.
Methodology
Matched serum and tumor tissue from 35 patients were analyzed for autoantibodies and tumor-infiltrating T cells using ELISA and immunohistochemistry.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection and the retrospective nature of the study.
Limitations
The study focused on a single tumor antigen and a specific cohort, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
All participants were women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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