ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the expression of MICA/B in human esophageal cancer, and to analyze its correlation with clinicopathological features.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of MICA/B in 40 cases of esophagus carcinoma and corresponding normal esophageal mucosa tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of expression of MICA/B protein in the esophageal carcinoma was 75.0% (30/40), and that in the corresponding normal esophageal mucosa was 0 (0/40). Up-regulation of MICA/B expression was found in the esophageal carcinomas. The expression of MICA/B was related with histological grade of the esophageal carcinoma (P = 0.012).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MICA/B protein plays an important role in the esophageal carcinogenesis, and my become a useful molecular marker for the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma.</p>