Decreased T-Cell Programmed Death Receptor-1 Expression in Pregnancy-Associated Melanoma

Introduction: Pregnancy depends on tolerance of an immunologically foreign fetus through type 1 T-cell suppression. Worse melanoma outcomes have been described within 1 year of childbirth. We assessed immunopathologic factors that may account for the observed negative impact of pregnancy on outcome. Materials and Methods: Women of child-bearing age with ≥24 months follow-up were identified from our Institutional Melanoma Registry. Women with available primary tumor blocks were compared [history of childbirth within 1 year of diagnosis (CB1Y) (n = 18) vs. nonpregnant age-matched controls (n = 13)]. Immunohistochemical staining with quantification of immune infiltrates: CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages, CD3+ tumor-infiltrating T cells, and PD-1+ activated/exhausted T cells; and hematolymphangiogenesis: CD31+/D2-40− blood vessels and D2-40+ lymphatics was performed by 2 blinded dermatopathologists. Results: CB1Y tumors showed decreased CD3+ tumor-infiltrating T cells (P

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