Phenotypical differences of neutrophils patrolling tumour-draining lymph nodes in head and neck cancer

Menée à partir d'échantillons de ganglions lymphatiques prélevés sur des patients atteints d'un carcinome épidermoïde de la cavité buccale, cette étude identifie les phénotypes des neutrophiles qui circulent dans les ganglions lymphatiques drainant ou non la tumeur puis analyse la corrélation entre ces phénotypes et le pronostic

Résumé en anglais

Background : The complexity and heterogeneity of neutrophils are recognized, especially their roles in modulating inflammation and cancer immune responses. The detailed functions of neutrophils in human tumour-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs), specifically in the context of head and neck cancer, remain inadequately characterized.

Aim : This study aims to delineate the phenotypic diversity of neutrophils in TDLNs, non-tumour-draining lymph nodes (nTDLNs) from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to evaluate their correlation with clinical outcomes.

Methods : A flow cytometry-based investigation.

Results : Neutrophils manifest a tissue-specific heterogeneity with significant phenotypic differences between compartments. A substantial fraction of neutrophils displayed an activated CD16highCD62Ldim profile in TDLNs, more prominent in patients with advanced T stages, implicating their involvement in the disease’s progression. Notably, the presence of this activated neutrophil phenotype in TDLNs was strongly associated with poorer patient prognosis.

Conclusions : The study confirms the heterogeneity of neutrophils in human TDLNs, aligning with findings from animal models but extending them to show clinical relevance in human disease. The correlation of neutrophil phenotypes with cancer progression and prognosis emphasizes the importance of these cells in the tumour-microenvironment. The data suggests a future possibility to develop targeted therapies that modulate the neutrophilic response in OSCC.