CD39 molecule: a negative regulator expressed on T cells in patients with lung adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION: The function of cytotoxic cells may be impacted by CD39 expression on CD8-positive T lymphocytes, leading to an imbalance in tumor immunity. METHODS: We analyzed the correlation between the expression of CD39 on CD8-positive T lymphocytes and clinical information in 203 patients with lung adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: The expression of CD39 on CD8-positive T lymphocytes was related to T stage, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Furthermore, the CD39 expression reduced the secretion of antitumor cytokines, promoted PD-1 expression and decreased CD28 expression on CD8-positive T lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrated the potential value of CD39 on CD8-positive T lymphocytes as a negative regulator in cancer immunotherapy.