Immune profiling in human breast cancer using high-sensitivity detection and analysis techniques

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of immune profiles in human breast cancer using high-sensitivity detection and analysis methods. DESIGN: Cohort comparative analysis studies of breast tissue. SETTING: Human hospital and laboratory healthcare facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Women over 18 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation of the comparative immunophenotype of human breast carcinoma and normal breast tissues. RESULTS: Leukocyte density and specific subgroups of lymphocytes and macrophages were generally higher in breast cancers compared to normal breast tissues. CD3, CD4, CD45RO, CD45RA(2H4), CD45 and HLA Class II (on TIL) were significantly expressed on breast tumour tissues compared with normal tissues (p < .01). Some 30% of T-cells were γδ-TCR positive, but the majority were αβ-TCR in type. CD19 (B-cell), CD14 (FMC32 and 33) and HLA Class I levels (epithelial and TIL) showed no significant differences. IL-2α receptor expression was low or absent on most TIL. CONCLUSIONS: High-sensitivity and image analysis techniques permitted accurate characterisation of the TIL infiltrate for immune profiling. Breast carcinoma showed predominance of CD4 T-cells of mainly memory phenotype. Normal breast tissues showed low leukocyte infiltration. Further correlation of these findings with clinical outcome, including survival, is proceeding with encouraging results.