Anal intraepithelial neoplasia is a preexisting lesion for anal squamous cell carcinomas

Oncotarget Recently Published »Expression of PD-1 / PD-L1 in anal squamous intraepithelial lesions“reported that the presence and circulation of CD8 lymphocytes and the presence of PD-1 lymphocytes and PD-L1 epithelial cells were evaluated.

CD8 lymphocytes were observed more frequently in HSIL versus LSIL in the lamina propria or within epithelial.

PD-1 lymphocytes were observed more frequently in HSIL versus LSIL.

There was no difference between HSIL and LSIL for PD-L1 epithelial cells.

Anal dysplastic lesions accompanied by inflammatory lymphocytic infiltration express CD8 and PD-1, more commonly in advanced lesions.

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is the anterior lesion for anal squamous cell carcinomas (ASCC).”

Dr. Margot Bucau, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard

Dr Margot Bucau from The Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard said, “Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is the anterior lesion for anal squamous cell carcinomas (ASCC).

Since 2012, Low Anogenital Squamous Injury has suggested a name for HPV-related squamous lesions of the lower anogenital tract as a low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

HPV oncogenic disease plays a critical role in the development of both cervical and anal lesions, by integrating the viral DNA into the epithelial cells and activating early oncogenic E6 and E7 proteins. This causes a depletion of tumor genes, specifically TP53 and Rb, and an increase in p16.

In the cervix, HPV-associated cancers have often undergone increased infiltration with immune cell numbers, including CD8 T cytotoxic cells, which are associated with a better response to chemoradiotherapy and more survival compared to protective tumors.

In addition, advanced p16 tumors have been shown to exhibit higher density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and better survival without recurrence.

The Bucau Research Team concluded in their Oncotarget Research Paper, “our research study highlights the interest of the PD-1 / PD-L1 pathway in anal dysplasia and the importance of further exploration of the different mechanisms of immune microenvironment in the development of forward epithelial lesion. It suggests the potential role of therapeutic molecules targeting the immune response to reduce tumor progression in selected patients with HSIL.“