Epithelial-Immune Cell Crosstalk in Salivary Gland Tumors: Implications for Tumor Progression and Diagnostic Assessment

TL;DR

The study investigates how immune cells and epithelial cells interact in salivary gland tumors, revealing changes in cell behavior and blood vessel patterns that could help diagnose and treat these tumors.

Contribution

The study reveals novel immune–epithelial plasticity and vascular changes in salivary gland tumors, challenging existing histogenetic models.

Findings

Pleomorphic adenomas show immune–epithelial co-localization of CK18 with MCT/CD300a, indicating plasticity.

Squamous cell carcinomas exhibit epithelial–mesenchymal transition and reduced mast cell markers.

Angiogenic profiles suggest deregulated blood vessel formation in tumor progression.

Abstract

This study explores immunophenotypic and angiogenic profiles in salivary gland tumors (SGTs), focusing on epithelial–mesenchymal dynamics and immune–stromal interactions. Immunohistochemical analysis of E-cadherin, Vimentin, mast cell tryptase (MCT), CD300a, CK18, CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was performed in normal salivary tissue, pleomorphic adenomas (PA), and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) to assess epithelial plasticity, mast cell (MC) involvement, and vascular remodeling. Normal glands showed compartmentalized E-cadherin (epithelial) and Vimentin (mesenchymal) expression, with stromal MCs positive for MCT and CD300a. PA exhibited reduced E-cadherin, increased Vimentin, and atypical co-localization of CK18 with MCT/CD300a in ductal cells, indicating immune–epithelial plasticity. SCC displayed epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), architectural disruption, and reduced MCT/CD300a. Notably, diminished MCT may reflect either decreased MCs density or prior degranulation, with possible diffuse MCT in stroma. Angiogenic profiling showed maximal CD31 in PA and minimal in SCC, while VEGF peaked in normal tissue, suggesting deregulated angiogenesis. SGT progression involves immune–epithelial plasticity, vascular deregulation, and stromal reprogramming. Immune marker localization within epithelial cells challenges histogenetic models and may inform prognostic assessment and targeted therapeutic strategies.

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