Identification and functional analysis of tumor-infiltrating plasmacytoid dendritic cells in head and neck cancer.

摘要: The antitumor activity of IFN-α is well established. However, the role plasmacytoid dendritic cell (PDC), major producer upon viral infection, in tumor biology unknown. We sought to study presence and function PDC a human solid tumor. Here, we demonstrate that PDCs infiltrate tissue patients with head neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). Functional was examined by using CpG motif containing oligonucleotides, defined microbial stimulus for (recognized via toll-like receptor 9). found HNSCC diminished ability produce response oligonucleotide. Tumor-induced down-regulation 9 identified as one mechanism likely contributing impaired within environment. In tumor-draining lymph nodes, suppression CpG-induced production less pronounced than single-cell suspensions primary tissue. these associated increased levels interferon-induced protein 10 IFN-γ activation CD4 CD8 T cells. These results show first time tumors suppress capacity IFN-α. PDCs, which absence appropriate stimulation are reported promote regulatory cells, may contribute an T-cell-mediated immune HNSCC.