Anti-Anisakis antibodies in colon cancer patients and their relationship with γδ T-cells

Abstract

Many pathogens are related to carcinogenesis. Chronic infammation, as a result of persistent infection, leads to DNA damage, higher expression of oncogenes, decreased apoptosis and immunosuppression, which are some of the reasons for cancer induction. Among parasites, Schistosoma, Opistorchis and Clonorchis are recognised as infectious agents which contribute to cancer. A relationship between Anisakis and cancer was hypothesised because cellular responses to Anisakis products could result in infammation and DNA damage. Previous research has shown a decrease in CD8+ γδ T-cells and an increase in αβ and γδ T-cell apoptosis in colon cancer (CC) samples. Ninety-two CC patients and 60 healthy subjects were recruited. γδ and αβ T-cells were analysed, and their apoptosis was evaluated. Anti-Anisakis antibodies were tested in sera from CC patients and controls. Anti-Anisakis IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE antibodies were signifcantly higher in CC patients. A signifcant increase in anti-Anisakis IgA levels was observed in patients with angiolymphatic invasion. The number of all γδ T-cells, as well as CD3+ CD4+ αβ T-cells, was signifcantly lower in CC patients. The apoptosis of all T-cells was signifcantly increased in patients with CC. We observed a signifcantly higher percentage of anti-Anisakis IgE positive patients having a defcit of CD3+ γδ T-cells. Our results suggest a relationship between Anisakis and CC.