Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Science - Department of Zoology

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen presenting cells (APCs) that have the capability to encounter tumor antigens and migrate to lymph nodes (LNs) to complete their maturation. Tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-Ý) as one of tumor derived factors was shown to play a major role in controlling DCs function. The aim of the present study was to assess the mutual interaction between myeloid DCs (mDCs) and breast cancer cells. Numbers of CD11c+ myeloid DCs (mDCs) were counted in peripheral and axillary tributaries blood of breast cancer patients, isolated by negative selection. Culture media containing mDCs derived factors were used to stimulate breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 utilizing 3D in-vitro tissue culture models. Cytokines profiling of mDCs was done using cytokine antibody array. The results showed reduction in secretory function and count of mDCs. TGF-Ý was more expressed in Breast carcinoma tissue of patients with positive LN metastasis with lower infiltration of CD11c+ cells than negative LN metastasis. Moreover, TGF-Ý treated mDCs was observed with elevated levels of apoptotic mDCs even after LPS stimulation. Axillary-tributaries mDCs induce increase in colony size of breast cancer cell lines. In conclusion, the presented results suggest impairment in breast cancer patient's mDCs function with suggesting TGF-Ý to be a major responsible for mDCs dysfunction. Blocking of TGF-Ý emerge as therapeutic target in breast cancer patients with positive LN metastasis

Issued also as CD