Frequent overexpression of multiple ErbB receptors by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma contrasts with rare antibody immunity in patients.

摘要: In an effort to elucidate the role of ErbB receptors in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), expression abnormalities subcellular localization epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4 were investigated along with EGF tenascin by immunohistochemistry 38 carcinomas as compared adjacent normal mucosa 24 cases. Although tumour-specific overexpression affected each (EGFR 47%, ErbB2 29%, ErbB3 21%, 26%), EGFR most prevalent. The latter, more than two same tumour, which always included EGFR, correlated metastatic disease. products specifically detected on membrane cytoplasm. contrast, was uniquely localized nucleus 7 a tumour-derived line, indicating for regulated intramembrane proteolysis resulting nuclear translocation HNSCC. Expression prototype ligand or low-affinity stromal activator significantly overexpression, implying chronic activation. Simultaneous additional these cases suggested recurrent involvement heterodimers. spite frequent alterations, autologous serum antibodies rare, only 1 tumour patients exhibiting ErbB2-specific immune response. Based upregulation several known immunosuppressive molecules, scarcity ErbB-specific is consistent attenuation natural responses