The expression of C-MYC in gastric adenocarcinoma is associated with PD-L1 and FOXP3 expression: C-MYC overexpression is a good prognostic factor

Abstract

Background: C-MYC appears to initiate and maintain tumorigenesis through modulation of immune regulatory molecules such as PD-L1. The aim of our research was to evaluate the clinical implication of C-MYC expression in gastric adenocarcinoma in relation to the expression of the immune regulatory molecules PD-L1 and FOXP3.

Methods: Tissue samples were acquired from 182 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma that were surgically resected at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong from 2006 to 2012. Immunohistochemical staining for C-MYC, PD-L1, CD8 and FOXP3 was done.

Results: C-MYC overexpression showed a significant correlation with smaller tumor size, lower T category, lower N category, lower recurrence rate, and less lymphatic invasion. And C-MYC overexpression was negatively correlated with PD-L1 expression. The tumoral FOXP3 was positively correlated with C-MYC overexpression and Tregs count. PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with Tregs, CD8 + T cells, and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Tregs count was positively correlated with CD8 + T cells and TIL. CD8 + T cells was positively correlated with TIL.

Conclusion: We discovered that the immune regulatory effect of C-MYC and PD-L1, and the tumor suppressor function of tumoral FOXP3 had a significant influence on the tumor microenvironment (Tregs, CD8 + T cells, and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) in a complex manner. The C-MYC overexpression is a good prognostic factor in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Keywords: C-MYC; FOXP3; Gastric adenocarcinoma; PD-L1; Tregs.