Expression and role of MIC-AB and ULBP-1,2,3 in primary resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Expression and role of MIC-AB and ULBP-1,2,3 in primary resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The study aims to detect the potential significance of NKG2D ligands in predicting the prognosis and guiding treatment decisions for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Methods: A total of 39 surgically resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tumor samples and adjacent non-tumor counterparts to detect the presence of NKG2D ligands (MIC-A/B and ULBPs) using reverse transcription and PCR analysis. Immunohistochemical methods are also employed to identify these ligands in the tumor specimens. The research aims to understand the expression and role of NKG2D-specific ligands in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Results: The difference of expression between normal esophagus and ESCC was significantly increased in ULBP1 and ULBP3. The correlation between expression of ULBP1, ULBP2, and ULBP3 in ESCC was significant. But, there was no significant correlation between expression of MIC-A/B and ULBP1,2,3 and the disease status of the patients (stage, tumor differentiation, and lymph node metastasis).
Conclusion: MIC-A/B and ULBP1,2,3 molecules are expressed in both normal esophagus and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. There was no significant correlation with the disease status of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.