Immunological analysis and characterization of lymphocyte subsets in specimens of human hepatocellular carcinomas and metastatic liver cancers.

The distribution and number of CD2 (Coulter T11)+ cells, CD16 (Leu 11b)+ cells, Leu 7+ cells, CD8 (OKT 8)+ cells, CD11 (Leu 15)+ cells, CD4 (Leu 3a + 3b)+ cells and Leu 10+ or Leu 14+ cells in the liver of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metastatic liver cancer (MLC) were investigated using monoclonal antibodies and immunohistological methods. In the majority of those with HCC and MLC, CD8 (OKT 8)+, Leu 7+ and CD16 (Leu 11b)+ cells were present both in the tumor and non-tumor tissues. The CD8 (OKT 8)+ cells were more numerous than Leu 7+ and CD16 (Leu 11b)+ cells. No significant difference was observed in the distribution and number of Leu 7+ and CD16 (Leu 11b)+ cells, in any area, in both groups. The number of CD8 (OKT 8)+ cells predominated in the non-tumor area, in both groups. CD11 (Leu 15)+ cells and CD8 (OKT 8)+ cells were present in the ratio of 1:3 or 1:4. The number of CD4 (Leu 3a + 3b)+ cells was less than that of CD8 (OKT 8)+ cells in both groups, especially in the tumor area. A few Leu 10+ or Leu 14+ cells were present in all areas, in both groups. In most cases of MLC, the CD8 (OKT 8)+ cells were absent in the tumor area. There was no correlation between the distribution and number of these cells and anti-tumor chemotherapy or non-specific immunotherapy.