Decreased expression of transforming growth factor beta receptors on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumor cells

Background Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has antiproliferative effects on normal and neoplastic cells that express specific TGF-β receptors. We hypothesize that diminished expression of TGF-β and/or its receptors may contribute to the uncontrolled proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCCA) cancer cells. Methods Using immunohistochemical techniques, we characterized the expression of TGF-β isoforms and TGF-β receptors, TGF-β(RI) and TGF-β(RII), in HNSCCA. Tumor production of TGF-β was evaluated in culture supernatants from a cytokine-stimulated HNSCCA tumor line (HTB-43). Results All control specimens displayed strong cell-associated staining of TGF-β as well as both receptors. Forty-seven of 47 cancer specimens exhibited positive staining for TGF-β in the tumor matrix. Forty of the 47 cancer specimens demonstrated no expression of TGF-β(RI), and 43 of the 47 expressed no TGF-β(RII). Only interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α) and IL-1β induced significant TGF-β expression from the HTB-43 cells. Conclusions Decreased expression of TGF-β receptors may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of HNSCCA by allowing uncontrolled cell proliferation.