The correlation of CD19+CD24+CD38+B cells and other clinicopathological variables with the proportion of circulating Tregs in breast cancer patients

Abstract

Background T regulatory cells (Tregs) are known to negatively control immune response. The frequency of these cells was inversely correlated with clinical outcomes of breast cancer. CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD38(hi) cells also play a critical role in inflammation and autoimmune disease. However, their function in tumor immune response is less studied. In this study we aimed to determine the role of CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD38(hi) cells and some other clinicopathological variables in increasing the proportion of Tregs in breast cancer patients. Methods We selected 47 patients with invasive ductal breast carcinoma and 50 healthy controls and obtained their blood samples. Results The proportion of circulating CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)Tregs and CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD38(hi) cells was significantly increased in breast cancer patients. We also found that increased proportion of Tregs in breast cancer is correlated with HER2 amplification, advanced clinical stages, serum TGF-beta 1 and increased CD19 + CD24(hi)CD38(hi) cells in the peripheral blood. Conclusion Altogether, our data suggest that as much as Tregs, CD19 + CD24(hi)CD38(hi) B cells could also have a part in the suppression of immune response in breast cancer.