The Expression of Natural Killer Group 2D Molecule on Peripheral Blood T-lymphocytes in Metastatic and Non-metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients in Comparison to Healthy Controls

T-lymphocytes are considered as the most important immune cells fighting against various cancers. These cells are activated by different co-stimulatory receptors such as natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) molecules. Besides being stimulated via antigen-specific T-cell receptors، T-lymphocytes are further activated by NKG2D molecules. Up to now، the expression of NKG2D molecules has not been studied in various stages of colorectal cancer.

In this study، peripheral blood samples of 18، 15، 11، and 10 individuals were obtained in control، low-grade non-metastatic، high-grade non-metastatic، and metastatic groups، respectively. The ratio of NKG2D expressing T-cells and the mean florescent intensity of NKG2D on these cells were evaluated in study groups by flow cytometry.

There was no significant difference among the patients of low-grade non-metastatic، high-grade non-metastatic، and metastatic groups in comparison with the control subjects.

Regarding the role of NKG2D molecules in T-cell activation، further studies are needed to explain our findings of not significant difference between various stages of colorectal cancer and healthy controls.