Immunohistochemical characterization of CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) markers in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas

• Grant number: 17/23999-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2018
• End date: December 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Jorge Esquiche León
• Grantee: Kelly Fernanda Molena
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

More than 95% of the malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Despite advances in the treatment of oral SCC (OSCC), survival after 5 years has remained at less than 50% in the last 40 years. Recent studies have shown that oropharyngeal SCC (OPSCC) has changed its clinicopathological profile and is frequently associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, typically affecting young patients. Interestingly, in contrast to OSCC, OPSCC has a better prognosis. Recent studies have highlighted the role of CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) cell surface proteins in tumorigenesis, which may act regulating the immune response and provide stimulatory or inhibitory signals through their ligands, thereby altering immunological recognition and, consequently, the proliferation of tumor cells. Considering that the CD80 and CD86 markers assist in the immune response of the host, which can be expressed in HLA-DR+ immune cells, as well as in tumor cells, a detailed analysis of these markers in OSCC and OPSCC is relevant. The aim of this study is to characterize CD80 and CD86 immunomarkers in order to better understand the role of these molecules in OSCC (n= 20) and OPSCC (n= 20) tumor mechanisms, aiming to establish immunotherapeutic protocols and define a prognostic profile in these patients. (AU)