Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques/instrumentation , Depression/epidemiology , Depressive Disorder/epidemiology , Procedures and Techniques Utilization/statistics & numerical data , Sunbathing/psychology , Adult , Aged , Cosmetic Techniques/statistics & numerical data , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Habits , Humans , Male , Melanoma/etiology , Melanoma/prevention & control , Middle Aged , Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/etiology , Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/prevention & control , Preventive Medicine , Risk Factors , Skin Neoplasms/etiology , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Sunbathing/statistics & numerical data , Texas/epidemiology , Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects , Melanoma, Cutaneous MalignantABSTRACT
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common human cancer, undergoes spontaneous regression in certain circumstances, which is potentially immune-mediated. To understand the immune response surrounding BCCs, we characterized the genomic, protein, and cellular microenvironment associated with BCC in comparison to normal skin. Our results demonstrated the following: (1) CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ surround epithelial tumor aggregates; (2) Immature dendritic cells (DCs) were abundant in the tumor microenvironment; (3) BCC showed increased expression of IL-4, IL-10, and CCL22 and increased expression of interferon-associated genes (IFI27, IRF1, IRF7, and G1P2) and IL-12/23, gene indicating a Th2 dominant microenvironment. Our findings suggest a dynamic state within the immune microenvironment associated with BCC. The finding of phenotypic T regs, in conjunction with immature DCs and Th2 cytokines, suggests an attenuated state of immunity to human BCC. In contrast, abundant CD8+ T cells, an interferon signal, and IL-12/23 suggest partial host antitumor response. A better understanding of these opposing forces within the immune microenvironment may facilitate development of more potent immune-based treatment for BCC and other human carcinomas.
