Abstract
The localization and distribution of γ δ T cell receptor (TCR)-positive cells (γ δ T cells) in hepatocellular carcinoma capsules was investigated immuno-histochemically at both light and electron microscopic levels. Most of the mononuclear cells infiltrating the tumor capsules were CD3-positive. Together with γ δ T cells, they were significantly increased in the tumor capsules compared to amounts in the fibrous septa in non-cancerous cirrhotic areas of the same liver, and cirrhosis. Phenotypic characterization by the two-color double-staining technique showed that CD8γ δ cells were significantly increased in the tumor capsule, and that more than one-third of γ δ TCR-positive cells also expressed the CD56 antigen. Morphological observation revealed that large γ δ T cells were increased in number in the tumor capsule and that the cytoplasm of these cells contained multivesicular bodies and dense granules. These morphological features were similar to those of large granular lymphocytes, and most of the γ δ T cells were also positive for BB3. This suggests that extrathymic maturation of γ δ T cells occurs in the tumor capsule, and that these γ δ T cells may have a cytolytic effect on tumor cells, as shown in large gramular lymphocytes; further, the results suggest that these cells may play a role in the defense against tumor expansion.
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Chin, K., Morise, K., Kanayama, K. et al. Immunohistochemical study of γ δ T cell receptor-positive cells in the capsular region of hepatocellular carcinoma: Possible role in defense against expansion of carcinoma in the liver. J Gastroenterol 30, 330–337 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02347508
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02347508