Background: Perforin and granzyme B (GB) are the main constituents of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte granules, and they have important roles in preventing the initiation and progression of cancer.
Methods: The aim of this study was to compare the expression of CD8(+) /perforin(+) double-staining and GB(+) cells, by immunohistochemistry, in primary oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), non-dysplastic leukoplakia (LK), dysplastic LK, actinic cheilitis (AC), oral lichen planus (LP) and normal oral mucosa.
Results: Our results showed a higher expression of CD8(+) /perforin(+) and GB(+) cells in LSCC when compared with the samples of OCSCC, non-dysplastic and dysplastic LK, AC, oral LP and normal oral mucosa. In addition, increased CD8(+) /perforin(+) and GB(+) cell numbers were observed in all pre-malignant lesions (non-dysplastic LK, dysplastic LK, AC) when compared with the control.
Conclusions: Perforin and GB proteins may contribute to antitumoural immunity, leading to the direct killing of tumour cells; however, it seems to occur more effectively in LSCC than OCSCC.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.