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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 7, 2013; 19(1): 8-11
Published online Jan 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i1.8
Published online Jan 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i1.8
Tumor-infiltrating B cells come into vogue
Michael Linnebacher, Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of General Surgery, University of Rostock, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
Author contributions: Linnebacher M designed, drafted, revised and finally approved this paper.
Correspondence to: Michael Linnebacher, PhD, Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of General Surgery, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 35, D-18057 Rostock, Germany. michael.linnebacher@med.uni-rostock.de
Telephone: +49-381-4946043 Fax: +49-381-4946002
Received: October 16, 2012
Revised: November 8, 2012
Accepted: November 14, 2012
Published online: January 7, 2013
Processing time: 106 Days and 14 Hours
Revised: November 8, 2012
Accepted: November 14, 2012
Published online: January 7, 2013
Processing time: 106 Days and 14 Hours
Abstract
Lymphocyte infiltration into solid tumors has been recognized as a main determinator of positive prognosis. For the most part this is attributed to cytotoxic T cells capable of directly destroying malignant cells. However, when considering the complex composition of the human immune system, recent findings of Nielsen et al on a potentially central role of tumor-infiltrating B cells is not really surprising. In this commentary article, I want to highlight the enormous potential impact of this observation for basic and translational research, prognostic procedures and ultimately for the development of future therapeutic concepts.
Keywords: CD20+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes; Tumor-infiltrating B cells; Prognosis; Immunotherapy; Functional immunology