Flow cytometric analysis of circulating dendritic cell subsets and intracellular cytokine production in advanced breast cancer patients.

摘要: Patients with advanced cancer are known to have dysfunctions of the immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs) potent antigen-presenting that play a crucial role in antitumor response. At least two peripheral blood DC subsets been described: myeloid-derived CD11c + CD123 - DCs (DC1) and lymphoid-derived (DC2). Upon interaction T cells, DC2 seemed support generation Th2 response, while DC1 predominantly prime Th1 Our study was aimed at investigating number circulating DCs, their functions 32 patients breast achieved an objective response after standard-dose sequential chemotherapy (CT), compared 40 healthy controls. Circulating intracellular cytokine production CD4 CD8 were analyzed using tri-color flow cytometry assay. identified blood, calculating percentage gated as lin- HLA-DR BDCA-1, BDCA-2 BDCA-3 specific markers, according expression CD123, respectively. Intracellular cytokines evaluated (Th1 Th2) (Tc1 Tc2) lymphocytes. The mean BDCA-1 similar (p=ns). DC1/DC2 ratio slightly decreased before CT controls After CT, further (p=0.02). IFN-y Tc1) significantly (p<0.03) IL-4 (Th2 increased (p=0.04), thus confirming shift toward Tc2 CDS phenotype predominance type 2 DCs. results could help clarify mechanisms or status undergo cytotoxic contribute improve selection potential candidates for active immunotherapy trials.