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Immune Cell Composition in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Overview of NSCLC and Its Immune Microenvironment
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent type of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Understanding the immune cell composition within the tumor microenvironment is crucial for improving prognosis and developing effective immunotherapies.
Dominant Immune Cells in NSCLC Tumors
T Cells in NSCLC
T cells are the predominant immune cells in NSCLC tumors, constituting approximately 47% of all CD45+ immune cells. Among these, CD4+ T cells are the most abundant, making up 26% of the T cell population, followed closely by CD8+ T cells at 22%. Double negative CD4−CD8− T cells are relatively rare, representing only 1.4% of the T cell population.
B Cells and Their Sub-Populations
B cells are the second most common immune cell type in NSCLC tumors, accounting for 16% of the immune cell infiltrate. Four distinct B cell sub-populations have been identified, highlighting the complexity and diversity of the immune response within the tumor microenvironment.
Macrophages and Natural Killer (NK) Cells
Macrophages and NK cells are also present in NSCLC tumors, comprising 4.7% and 4.5% of the immune cell infiltrate, respectively. Notably, the fraction of macrophages with high HLA-DR expression levels is higher in NSCLC tumors compared to non-cancerous lung tissue, indicating a potentially significant role in tumor immunity.
Dendritic Cells and Granulocytes
Three types of dendritic cells (DCs) have been identified in NSCLC tumors: plasmacytoid DCs, CD1c+ DCs, and CD141+ DCs, which together represent 2.1% of all immune cells. Among granulocytes, neutrophils are the most frequent, with a high degree of variability between patients, while mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils are less common.
Comparison with Non-Cancerous Lung Tissue
In comparison to non-cancerous lung tissue, B cells are significantly more represented in NSCLC tumors. Conversely, the percentages of macrophages and NK cells are lower in tumors than in non-cancerous lung tissue. This differential distribution underscores the unique immune landscape of NSCLC and its potential implications for immunotherapy.
Conclusion
The detailed characterization of the immune cell composition in NSCLC tumors provides valuable insights into the tumor microenvironment. The dominance of T cells, the significant presence of B cells, and the unique distribution of macrophages and NK cells highlight the complexity of the immune response in NSCLC. These findings are essential for the development of targeted immunotherapies and improving patient outcomes.
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