Intense Foxp3+ CD25+ regulatory T-cell infiltration is associated with high-grade cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and counterbalanced by CD8+/Foxp3+ CD25+ ratio.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have revealed the therapeutic potential of cell-mediated immunity in neoplasms such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). OBJECTIVES: To define the antigenic coexpression of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and assess the CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) cell ratio at peritumoral and intratumoral levels in order to investigate a correlation with the aggressiveness of SCC tumours. METHODS: We evaluated the content and distribution of Foxp3(+) CD25(+) Treg and CD123(+) pDC infiltration and assessed CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) cell ratio at peritumoral and intratumoral levels in 40 SCCs (20 well-differentiated, G1; and 20 moderately to poorly differentiated, G2-G3) to investigate a correlation with their aggressiveness. We determined the profiles of Tregs and CD123(+) cells; immunostained for CD4, CD8, CD123, interleukin (IL)-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1; and unequivocally double stained for Foxp3CD25. RESULTS: Peritumorally, CD4, CD8 and Foxp3 expression showed no difference between the two groups. CD123(+) cells were fewer in G2-G3 (P = 0·0005), while Foxp3(+) CD25(+) cells were more numerous (P = 0·0005). The Foxp3(+) CD25(+) /Foxp3(+) ratio was higher in G2-G3 cases (P = 0·0005), confirming the trend in this group of activated T lymphocytes towards total Treg Foxp3(+) cells, while the CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) ratio was higher in G1 (P = 0·0005). Intratumorally, CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells infiltrated G2-G3 (P = 0·048) more than G1 (P = 0·004), whereas almost all cells were CD123 negative. Regarding Foxp3CD25, TGF-ß1 and IL-10, they were less expressed in G1, whereas they were positive in G2-G3 (P < 0·05). The CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) ratio was similar to that observed in peritumoral infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that intratumoral recruitment of Tregs, high expression of TGF-ß1 and IL-10, almost negative CD123+, and a low CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) T-cell ratio may contribute to the aggressiveness of cutaneous SCC, as already evidenced for other solid tumours.

[The role of the ASL of Brescia in the health and safety of immigrant workers]. / Il ruolo dell'ASL di Brescia nella tutela della salute e della sicurezza dei lavoratori immigrati.

According to available studies, migrant workers represent a vulnerable workers' category. For this reason, the Italian law on safety and health at work (art. 11, D.Lgs 81/08) points out the need for Public Administration initiatives devoted to migrant workers' health and safety at work. Local Public Health Department of Brescia for years now had a significant commitment in migrants' health. Thanks to the collaboration of occupational physicians and expert physicians on migration health, it was developed a multidimensional method to assess working risks taking into account also the fragile conditions of migrant workers, considering both personal and social characteristics and professional experience, in order to support companies in the planning of necessary actions to improve health and safety at work. The method was shared by both local industrial association and trade unions and then tested in some manufactures.