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Peripheral blood gamma-delta T cells in advanced-stage cancer patients

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Abstract

Gamma-delta T (γδ T) cells form a subgroup which has been reported to play a role in both natural and acquired immunity. Their levels have been found to increase in some tumour tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the ratio of γδ T cells to all T cells in the peripheral blood of advanced-stage cancer patients; the level of γδ T cells expressing the Vδ2-T-cell receptor (TCR) chain; NKG2D receptor expression; and apoptotic (Annexin-V) γδ T-cell levels. Twenty patients with advanced-stage cancer and 13 healthy controls were included. No statistical differences were found between control and patient groups in terms of the γδ T/total T-cell ratio (P=0.53), the Vγ2-TCR expressing γδ T-cell ratio (P=0.19) or the Annexin-V ratio (P=0.48). However, NKG2D expression in γδ T cells was significantly different between the control and patient groups (P=0.014). In summary it was shown that the levels of NKG2D receptors, which are responsible for the cytolytic effect of γδ T cells, were lower in cancer patients than in healthy adults. However, no significant differences were observed in the other parameters studied between groups.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Oncology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy Haydarpaşa Teaching Hospital, 34668, Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey

    Oguz Bilgi, Bülent Karagoz, Orhan Turken & E. Gokhan Kandemir

  2. Department of Haematology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy Haydarpaşa Teaching Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Ahmet Ozturk

  3. Department of Medical Oncology, Dr Lütfi Kirdar Teaching and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Mahmut Gumus & Mustafa Yaylaci

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  1. Oguz Bilgi
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  2. Bülent Karagoz
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  3. Orhan Turken
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  4. E. Gokhan Kandemir
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  5. Ahmet Ozturk
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  6. Mahmut Gumus
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  7. Mustafa Yaylaci
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Correspondence to Oguz Bilgi.

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Bilgi, O., Karagoz, B., Turken, O. et al. Peripheral blood gamma-delta T cells in advanced-stage cancer patients. Adv Therapy 25, 218–224 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-008-0032-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-008-0032-z

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