Different expression patterns of beta-defensins in human squamous cell carcinomas.

The expression of human beta-defensin genes in oral squamous cell carcinomas(SCCs) was demonstrated by in situ hybridization. The expression of HBD-2 was observed not only in the inflamed lesions with bacterial infection but also in the non-inflamed carcinomas themselves (evident in 15 out of 20 carcinomas). However, HBD-3 expression was found in only 4 out of 20 SCCs. In the normal oral epithelia, the expression of HBD-2 and HBD-3 was only detected in the areas adjacent to the SCCs. These results suggest that HBD-2 might play a role in SCCs, which is different from the native defensive role of these proteins. HBD-2 may lead to the death of normal keratinocytes adjacent to the SCCs, which might, in turn, indirectly assist in the multiplication of tumor cells.