Helper and cytotoxic T-cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Tc1, and Tc2) in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of T helper type 1 (Th1; CD4(+)IFN-(+)) and Th2 (CD4(+)IL-4(+)) cells, as well as cytotoxic T cell type 1 (Tc1; CD8(+)IFN-(+)) and Tc2 cells (CD8(+)IL-4(+)) in peripheral blood of the patients with salivary gland tumors (SGTs). Subjects and Methods: Thirty new patients with SGTs and 15 healthy controls were recruited. After intracellular cytokine staining, data acquisition and analysis were performed by flow cytometry. ResultsThe mean percentages of Th1 and Tc1 cells, as well as the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2, were observed to be significantly lower in patients with malignant SGTs in comparison with controls. Furthermore, the geometric mean fluorescent intensity (geometric MFI, representing the cytokine expression intensity) for IL-4 production by Th2 and Tc2 lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients with malignant tumors than controls. Positive correlations were observed between the mean percentage of Tc2 cells with Th2 cells, and with the tumor size in patients with benign and malignant tumors, respectively. ConclusionThe findings suggest that the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 ratios, as well as the increase in the expression of IL-4 by Th2 and Tc2 lymphocytes, may contribute to the pathogenesis of SGTs, especially in malignant cases.