Abstract | BACKGROUND/AIM: Regressing nevi are considered an example of an efficient early antitumoral response preventing the development of neoplasia. The underlying mechanism has not been elucidated, although an immune-based destruction of melanocytes is supposed. The aim of this study was to provide evidence of an effective immunosurveillance of pigment lesions in a patient at high risk of melanoma. CASE REPORT: A patient with the dysplastic nevus syndrome and a history of melanoma was included in this study. Since 2003, a marked regression of almost all nevi was observed. Immunohistochemistry was performed and the antigen specificity of T-cells was analyzed on T-cells isolated from a regressing nevus by flow cytometry using HLA-A2-peptide tetramers containing Mart-1(26-35), gp100(280-288), gp100(209-217) and tyrosinase(369-377). Immunohistochemistry of the regressing nevi showed a strong infiltrate of CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells. Flow cytometric analyses demonstrated the presence of a CD8 + T-cell response against gp100(280-288) and Mart-1(26-35) both in peripheral blood and in a regressing nevus. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that an immune reaction against melanocyte differentiation antigens can target specifically nevi without signs of vitiligo and suggests that boosting the anti-melanocyte immune response in patients at high risk for melanoma may prevent tumor development at an early stage.
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Authors | Reinhart Speeckaert, Nanja van Geel, Rosalie M Luiten, Mireille van Gele, Marijn Speeckaert, Jo Lambert, Karim Vermaelen, Esther P M Tjin, Lieve Brochez |
Journal | Anticancer research
(Anticancer Res)
Vol. 31
Issue 11
Pg. 3697-703
(Nov 2011)
ISSN: 1791-7530 [Electronic] Greece |
PMID | 22110189
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- HLA-A2 Antigen
- MART-1 Antigen
- gp100 Melanoma Antigen
- Monophenol Monooxygenase
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Topics |
- Blotting, Western
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
(immunology)
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
(immunology)
- Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome
(immunology, pathology)
- Flow Cytometry
- HLA-A2 Antigen
(immunology)
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- MART-1 Antigen
(immunology)
- Male
- Melanocytes
(immunology, pathology)
- Melanoma
(genetics, immunology, pathology)
- Middle Aged
- Monophenol Monooxygenase
(immunology)
- Skin Neoplasms
(immunology, pathology)
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic
(immunology)
- Vitiligo
(immunology, pathology)
- gp100 Melanoma Antigen
(immunology)
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