Identification of Lymphocyte Subsets in Lung Cancer Tissue Using Monoclonal Antibodies

Subsets of the infiltrating lymphocytes in lung cancer tissues of 64 patients were identified by immunohistochemical staining (ABC method) using monoclonal antibodies (Leu 2a, Leu 3a+b, Leu 4, Leu 7 and Leu 14). T cells were predominant in lung cencer tissues, and tended to infiltrate into cancer cell nests and stoma, diffusely and focally. On the contrary, B cells in most cases were observed to infiltrate focally apart from cancer cells. There was a significant reverse correlation between the intensity of the T cell infiltration and the tumor T factors, and also between Th/i cell infiltration and the tumor T factors. Th/i cells were more prominent in lung cancer than Ts/c cells, and Ts/c cells scarcely infiltrated. NK, K cells also infiltrated scarcely and sparsely, and there was no correlation between the intensity of NK, K infiltration and the clinical condition. It was concluded that immunohistochemical examination of infiltrating lymphocyte subsets in lung cancer can reveal direct local immune responses and may be a useful method for making prognoses.