Galectin-3 expression correlates with apoptosis of tumor-associated lymphocytes in human melanoma biopsies.

ABSTRACT: The immune system recognizes diverse melanoma antigens. However, tumors can evade the immune response, therefore growing and progressing. It has been reported that galectin-3 and galectin-1 can induce apoptosis of activated lymphocytes. However, there is strong evidence indicating that the regulation of galectins function in the human tumor microenvironment is a complex process that is influenced by diverse biological circumstances. Here, we have investigated 33 biopsies (eight primary and 25 metastases) from 24 melanoma patients (15-72 years old) and describe the correlation between the expression of galectin-3 or galectin-1 and the level of apoptosis of tumor-associated lymphocytes using immunohistochemistry and an in situ nick translation assay. The range of galectin-3-positive tumor ce

SUBMITTER: Zubieta MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1606586 | biostudies-literature | 2006 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature