Co-Stimulatory and Immune Checkpoint Molecule Expression on Peripheral Immune Cells Differs Age Dependently Between Healthy Donors and Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The analysis of exhaustion marker expression, like immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as well as peripheral immune cells of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), is of high interest since it reveals information about the patient's immune status and the effectiveness of immune modulation. However, data regarding age-dependent expression are lacking. Here, we demonstrate an increase in most ICMs associated with age and disease, suggesting immune checkpoint modulation as an evidence-based option for the treatment of aged HNSCC patients.

Material and methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (healthy: n = 30 with an age range from 21 to 84 years/HNSCC: n = 37 with an age range from 37 to 94 years) wer

SUBMITTER: Puntigam LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12523874 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature