Study of the interaction between macrophages and oral squamous cell carcinoma: in vitro analyzis of cell invasion and polarization

• Grant number: 06/02077-7
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: November 01, 2006 - April 30, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal researcher: Cristiane Miranda Franca
• Grantee: Cristiane Miranda Franca
• Home Institution: Universidade Ibirapuera (UNIB). Campus Chácara Flora. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Tumor invasion is mainly determined by the interactions between stroma and tumoral cells. Most malignant tumors present numerous macrophages as the main component of the chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Those macrophages are denomined as "tumor associated macrophages" (TAM), and its pro-tumoral activity was verified in some studies. The researchs of the relationship between TAM and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are recent, so, our purpose is to answer if: (1)OSCC polarize human monocytes in macrophages Th1 or Th2 type; and (2) if the contact between macrophages and tumoral cells interfere on the tumoral invasion levels. To reach these purposes, we will perform functional in vitro assays of monocyte polarization using cells from human volunteers. These cells are going to be in contact with OSCC from commercial lineages and then its polarization will be anlyzed by ELISA tests. Posteriorly we will study tumor cell invasion using Transwell bipartite chambers. At the superior part tumoral cells will be disposed and at the lower part of the chambers it will be disposed the macrophages products and the invasion index of each group will be evaluated. Statistical analyzis will be performed. (AU)