Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation induced by TGF-β in oral lichen planus - Possible implications for the development of oral cancer

Immunobiology. 2020 Mar;225(2):151901. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2019.151901. Epub 2019 Dec 19.

Abstract

Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) including Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) are associated with risk of transformation to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Available data show that innate immune cells involving polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) with their ability to neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation are likely to be directly involved in development of cancer. Examination of NETs generation by TGF-β - induced neutrophils of OLP patients showed increased amounts of traps with MPO, H3Cit and cfDNA, known to be released with NETs. The presence of excessive amounts of NETs components may lead to numerous adverse consequences associated with potential transformation to OSCC. Bacterial-related infection may enhance the NETs formation and lead to consequences resulting from the excessive number of individual elements of these networks. It is likely that regulating NETs release by the flavonoids presented herein may be beneficial not only for inhibiting OLP development, but also in reducing risk of transformation to OSCC.

Keywords: Flavonoids; Lipopolysaccharide; Oral lichen planus; Oral squamous cell carcinoma; Polymorphonuclear neutrophils; Transforming growth factor - beta.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / immunology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Extracellular Traps / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lichen Planus, Oral / immunology*
  • Lichen Planus, Oral / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neutrophils / immunology*
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / immunology
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / pathology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / immunology*

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta