Characterization of Inflammatory microenvironment focusing regulatory T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and cytokines in oral cancers. A comparative study on canine and human species
admin-cespu
Principal Investigator:
Maria Leonor Delgado
Leader Institution:
UNIPRO, IUCS-CESPU
Research Team:
Maria Leonor Delgado, Luís Monteiro, Fernanda Garcês, Isabel Cristina Pires, Justina Prada, Filomena Salazar, João Silva, Saman warnakulasuriya
Funding entity:
CESPU
Budget:
5400 €
Period covered:
01/09/2025-2026
Abstract:
Introduction: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy in the head and neck region of humans and canine species, and often preceded by Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs). The Tumor Microenvironment (TME), with immune cells (TILs, TAMs, Tregs) & cytokines, influences oral carcinogenesis. Objectives: Elucidate inflammatory/immune roles (TILs, TAMs, Tregs, cytokines) in human/canine oral carcinogenesis. To discover combinations of these immune biomarkers with potential clinical utility for diagnosis, prognosis, or as targets for molecular therapies. Materials & Methods: Human (100OPMD/OSCC) and canine (150 dysplasia/OSCC/melanoma) FFPE tissues will be evaluated by immunohistochemistry: TILs (CD4,CD8,CD20), TAMs (CD11c,iNOS,CD206), Tregs (FOXP3), and cytokines. Expected Results: Discover immune signatures to OPMD/cancer aggressiveness/prognosis in both species. M2 TAMs/Tregs/CD3+/IL-4 may indicate poor prognosis and suggest molecular therapeutic targets. Conclusion: This study will elucidate TME roles in human/canine oral cancers, adding One Health by cross-species biomarkers for improved diagnosis, prognosis & therapy in human/veterinary oncology.
Introduction: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy in the head and neck region of humans and canine species, and often preceded by Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs). The Tumor Microenvironment (TME), with immune cells (TILs, TAMs, Tregs) & cytokines, influences oral carcinogenesis. Objectives: Elucidate inflammatory/immune roles (TILs, TAMs, Tregs, cytokines) in human/canine oral carcinogenesis. To discover combinations of these immune biomarkers with potential clinical utility for diagnosis, prognosis, or as targets for molecular therapies. Materials & Methods: Human (100OPMD/OSCC) and canine (150 dysplasia/OSCC/melanoma) FFPE tissues will be evaluated by immunohistochemistry: TILs (CD4,CD8,CD20), TAMs (CD11c,iNOS,CD206), Tregs (FOXP3), and cytokines. Expected Results: Discover immune signatures to OPMD/cancer aggressiveness/prognosis in both species. M2 TAMs/Tregs/CD3+/IL-4 may indicate poor prognosis and suggest molecular therapeutic targets. Conclusion: This study will elucidate TME roles in human/canine oral cancers, adding One Health by cross-species biomarkers for improved diagnosis, prognosis & therapy in human/veterinary oncology.