Increased HLA-DMB expression in the tumor epithelium is associated with increased CTL infiltration and improved prognosis in advanced-stage serous ovarian cancer

Michaelj Callahan, Zoltan Nagymanyoki, Tomas Bonome, Michael E. Johnson, Babak Litkouhi, Elizabeth H. Sullivan, Michelle S. Hirsch, Ursula A. Matulonis, Joyce Liu, Michael J. Birrer, Ross S. Berkowitz, Samuel C. Mok

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

103 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the possible mechanisms influencing the infiltration of CD8 T lymphocytes into the tumor epithelium of advanced-stage serous ovarian cancers. Experimental Design: Immunohistochemical localization of CD8 T lymphocytes was done on a homogeneous population of 184 high-grade, advanced-stage serous ovarian cancer tissue specimens. Microarray analysis was done on microdissected tumor epithelium from 38 specimens to identify genes up-regulated or down-regulated in specimens with differing numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to validate a candidate gene. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were done combining CD8T lymphocyte number and HLA-DMB expression with standard prognostic factors. Results: Marked CD8 T lymphocyte infiltration of the tumor epithelium is associated with a 20-month improvement in median overall survival. Additionally, when combined with cytoreduction status and age, CD8 T lymphocyte status is an independent prognostic factor for survival. Microarray analysis showed HLA-DMB, a component of the MHCII antigen presentation machinery, to be differentially expressed in specimens with an abundance of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes. This relationship was validated at both mRNA and protein levels. As well, high HLA-DMB expression in the tumor epithelium was associated with a significant improvement in median overall survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions: Tumor cell expression of HLA-DMB is associated with increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes and both are associated with improved survival in advanced-stage serous ovarian cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7667-7673
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Cancer Research
Volume14
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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