Foxp3 expression in human cancer cells

Abstract

Objective: Transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) specifically characterizes the thymically derived naturally occurring regulatory T cells (Tregs). Limited evidence indicates that it is also expressed, albeit to a lesser extent, in tissues other than thymus and spleen, while, very recently, it was shown that Foxp3 is expressed by pancreatic carcinoma. This study was scheduled to investigate whether expression of Foxp3 transcripts and mature protein occurs constitutively in various tumor types. Materials and methods:Twenty five tumor cell lines of different tissue origins (lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, erythroid leukemia, acute T-cell leukemia) were studied. Detection of Foxp3 mRNA was performed using both conventional RT-PCR and quantitative realtime PCR while protein expression was assessed by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, using different antibody clones.Results: Foxp3 mRNA as well as Foxp3 protein was detected in all tumor cell lines, albeit in variable levels, not related to the tissue of origin. This expression correlated with the expression levels of IL-10 and TGFb1. Conclusion:We offer evidence that Foxp3 expression, characterizes tumor cells of various tissue origins. The biological significance of these findings warrants further investigation in the context of tumor immune escape, and especially under the light of current anti-cancer efforts interfering with Foxp3 expression.

An evaluation of the clinical significance of FOXP3+ infiltrating cells in human breast cancer

“…In this study, we observed FOXP3 + cell infiltration in most of the tumours. Recent studies have reported the expression of FOXP3 mRNA and protein in a limited number of pancreatic carcinoma cells, cell lines [54], and other tumour cell lines of several origins, including breast cancer [55].…”

Sexual dimorphism in cancer

“…Besides Tregs, expression of this gene has been observed in different tumor cells, like lung, melanoma, colon cancer cells 126 , as well as pancreatic carcinoma cells 127 , which share some Foxp3-dependent immune suppressing functions with Tregs.…”

Clinical implications and characteristics of factor forkhead box protein 3 in gastric cancer

“…Various studies have found the expression of FOXP3 in pancreatic carcinoma cells, melanoma cells, hepatocellular carcinoma and other types of tumor cells (13)(14)(15). They demonstrated not only the existing function, but various immune functions of FOXP3 in a few types of cancers.…”