Mesenteric adipose tissue B lymphocytes promote intestinal injury in severe acute pancreatitis by mediating enteric pyroptosis

Background:Visceral adipose tissue(VAT)has been linked to the severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)prognosis,although the underlying mechanism remains unclear.It has been reported that pyroptosis worsens SAP.The present study aimed to verify whether mesenteric adipose tissue(MAT,a component of VAT)can cause secondary intestinal injury through the pyroptotic pathway.Methods:Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were divided into six different groups.Twelve rats were randomly divided into the SAP and control groups.We monitored the changes of MAT and B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT of SAP rats.Twelve SAP rats were injected with MAT B lymphocytes or phosphate buffer solution(PBS).The remaining twelve SAP rats were first injected with MAT B lymphocytes,and then with MCC950(NLRP3 inhibitor)or PBS.We collected blood and tissue samples from pancreas,gut and MAT for analysis.Results:Compared to the control rats,the SAP group showed inflammation in MAT,including higher expression of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6),lower expression of IL-10,and histological changes.Flow cytometry analysis revealed B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT but not T lymphocytes and macrophages.The SAP rats also exhibited intestinal injury,characterized by lower expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin,higher levels of lipopolysaccharide and diamine oxidase,and pathological changes.The expression of NLRP3 and n-GSDMD,which are responsible for pyroptosis,was increased in the intestine of SAP rats.The injection of MAT B lymphocytes into SAP rats exacerbated the inflammation in MAT.The upregulation of pyroptosis reduced tight junction in the intestine,which contributed to the SAP progression,including higher inflammatory indicators and worse histological changes.The administration of MCC950 to SAP+MAT B rats downregulated pyroptosis,which subsequently improved the intestinal barrier and ameliorated inflammatory response of SAP.Conclusions:In SAP,MAT B lymphocytes aggravated local inflammation,and promoted the injury to the intestine through the enteric pyroptotic pathway.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection,mismatch repair,HER2 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The influence of Helicobacter-pylori(H.pylori)infection and the characteristics of gastric cancer(GC)on tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte(TIL)levels has not been extensively studied.Analysis of infiltrating-immune-cell subtypes as well as survival is necessary to obtain comprehensive information.AIM To determine the rates of deficient mismatch-repair(dMMR),HER2-status and H.pylori infection and their association with TIL levels in GC.METHODS Samples from 503 resected GC tumors were included and TIL levels were evaluated following the international-TILs-working-group recommendations with assessment of the intratumoral(IT),stromal(ST)and invasive-border(IB)compartments.The density of CD3,CD8 and CD163 immune cells,and dMMR and HER2-status were determined by immunohistochemistry(IHC).H.pylori infection was evaluated by routine histology and quantitative PCR(qPCR)in a subset of samples.RESULTS dMMR was found in 34.4%,HER2+in 5%and H.pylori-positive in 55.7%of samples.High IT-TIL was associated with grade-3(P=0.038),while ST-TIL with grade-1(P<0.001),intestinal-histology(P<0.001)and no-recurrence(P=0.003).dMMR was associated with high TIL levels in the ST(P=0.019)and IB(P=0.01)compartments,and STCD3(P=0.049)and ST-CD8(P=0.05)densities.HER2-was associated with high IT-CD8(P=0.009).H.pylorinegative was associated with high IT-TIL levels(P=0.009)when assessed by routine-histology,and with high TIL levels in the 3 compartments(P=0.002-0.047)and CD8 density in the IT and ST compartments(P=0.001)when assessed by qPCR.A longer overall survival was associated with low IT-CD163(P=0.003)and CD8/CD3(P=0.001 in IT and P=0.002 in ST)and high IT-CD3(P=0.021),ST-CD3(P=0.003)and CD3/CD163(P=0.002).CONCLUSION TIL levels were related to dMMR and H.pylori-negativity.Low CD8/CD3 and high CD163/CD3 were associated with lower recurrence and longer survival.

Predictive value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for neoadjuvant therapy response in triple-negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The association between tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte(TIL)levels and the res-ponse to neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)in patients with triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the predictive potential of TIL levels for the response to NAT in TNBC patients.METHODS A systematic search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed database was performed to collect relevant published literature prior to August 31,2023.The correlation between TIL levels and the NAT pathologic com-plete response(pCR)in TNBC patients was assessed using a systematic review and meta-analysis.Subgroup analysis,sensitivity analysis,and publication bias analysis were also conducted.RESULTS A total of 32 studies were included in this meta-analysis.The overall meta-ana-lysis results indicated that the pCR rate after NAT treatment in TNBC patients in the high TIL subgroup was significantly greater than that in patients in the low TIL subgroup(48.0%vs 27.7%)(risk ratio 2.01;95%confidence interval 1.77-2.29;P<0.001,I2=56%).Subgroup analysis revealed that the between-study hetero-geneity originated from differences in study design,TIL level cutoffs,and study populations.Publication bias could have existed in the included studies.The meta-analysis based on different NAT protocols revealed that all TNBC patients with high levels of TILs had a greater rate of pCR after NAT treatment in all protocols(all P≤0.01),and there was no significant between-protocol difference in the statistics among the different NAT protocols(P=0.29).Additionally,sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the overall results of the meta-analysis remained consistent when the included studies were individually excluded.CONCLUSION TILs can serve as a predictor of the response to NAT treatment in TNBC patients.TNBC patients with high levels of TILs exhibit a greater NAT pCR rate than those with low levels of TILs,and this predictive capability is con-sistent across different NAT regimens.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer:Unraveling complex interactions for precision medicine

This editorial will focus on tumor immunity and the factors that alter the tumor immune micro-environment.The role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs)will also be discussed in detail,including the types,mechanism of action,and role.Gastric cancer(GC)often presents in the advanced stage and has various factors predicting the outcomes.The interplay of these factors and their correlation with the TILs is discussed.A literature review revealed high intratumoral TILs associated with higher grade,HER2-,and Helicobacter pylori negativity.Moreover,stromal(ST)TILs correlated with lower grade and lesser recurrence risk in GC.High TILs in ST and invasive border also correlated with mismatch repair deficiency status.Further characterization of the CD3+,CD8+,and other cells is also warranted.In the future,this complex correlation of cancer cells with the immune system can be explored for therapeutic avenues.

Chemical constituents from Pithecellobium clypearia and their effects on T lymphocytes proliferation

Aim To investigate the chemical constituents from the twigs and leaves of Pithecellobium clypearia Benth and their immunomodulatory effects. Methods The constituents were separated and purified by various chromatographic methods and their structures were identified on the basis of spectral analysis. The immufiomodulatory effects of all the compounds were examined by a Con A-induced T lymphocytes proliferation assay. Results Eight compounds were isolated and identified as （-）- epigallocatechin （1）, （-）-5, 7, 3′, 4′, 5′-pentahydroxyflavan （2）, （-）-epigallocatechin-7-gallate （3）, （-）-5, 3′, 4′, 5′-tetrahydroxyfiavan- 7-gallate （4）, quercitin-3-O-α-L-rhamnpyranoside （5）, myricitin-3-O-α-L-rhamnpyranoside （6）, gallic acid （7）, and ethyl gallate （8）, respectively. Conclusion Compounds 3 and 8 were isolated from this genus for the first time, and compound 1 was isolated from this species for the first time. Compound 3 exhibited a strong inhibition on the T lymphocytes proliferation induced by Con A with an IC50 of 4.4 μmol·L^-1.

Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Numbers of Lymphocytes and Goblet Cells in Villus Epithelia of Layers under Heat Stress

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine additives on numbers of lymphocytes and goblet cells in villus epithelia of layers under heat stress.[Method] A total of 180 88-d-old healthy Esa Brown cocks were selected.They were randomly divided into 9 experimental groups：Room temperature control,High temperature control,VC addition group,High formula I,Moderate formula I,Low formula I,High formula II,Moderate formula II and Low formula II.The formula I and formula II were to add different herbal extracts to the diet of cocks with different doses.The cocks in the VC addition group were administered orally with same-concentration VC solution.After certain time,the cocks were slaughtered.Then the numbers of epithelial lymphocytes and goblet cells in various segments of small intestine were counted by using conventional histological section and HE staining.[Result] The numbers of lymphocytes and goblet cells in villus epithelia of layers under heat stress were decreased gradually with the proceeding of experiment.The herbal extracts of formula I and formula II all could promote the generation of lymphocytes and goblet cells.But the promoting effect of formula II was best.[Conclusion] The Chinese herbal medicine additives have a good relieving effect on heat stress in layers.

Experimental Study on Double Blocking of T Lymphocytes Apoptosis Induced by Fas/FasL

Objective： To block the apoptosis of T lymphocytes induced by Fas/FasL in order to establish a method of the large-scale preparation of large amounts of tumor-specific cytoxic T-lymphocytes （CTL）. Methods： Liver cancer cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes （TIL） were isolated from FasL positive fresh specimens, and co-cultured. Specific CTL were activated and prepared in the presence of the co-stimulation of monoclonal antibody CD28. Then the blocking and activation of apoptosis of T lymphocytes was activated by soluble Fas receptor, which was detected by cytometry and DNA ladder test simultaneously. The apoptosis-blocking effect was compared with the control group. Furthermore, the changes of T cell proliferation and killing activity were detected by the method of ^3H thymidine incorporation and ^51Cr release test. Results： There was a significant increase in apoptosis rate in unblocking group compared with blocking group and quiescent group, with the unblocking group of 47.82%±0.13%, quiescent group of 3.76%±0.25%, and the blocking group of 8.22%±0.26% respectively （P〈0.01）. T cell-ladder appeared in unblocking group by DNA ladder test. Both the killing ability and proliferation rate of T cells were significantly increased after blocking. There was significant difference among blocking group, unblocking group and quiescent group （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： With this method we obtained large amounts of tumor-specific T lymphocytes, which was able to kill liver cancer cells effectively.

Modulatory Effect of Rg_1 on the Activity of ProteinTyrosine Kinase of Lymphocytes in the Elderly

The effect of Rg1,a saponin extracted froin Panax ginseng, on the phenotype,receptor and the activity of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) of lymphocytes isolated from 7 healthy oldpersons were studied. The CD25, CD45RA and CD45RO phenotypes of lymphocytes were 4eter-mined by indirect immunofluorescence technique. The percentage of CD25, CD45RA and CD45ROpositive lymphocytes was 38.3%±17.3%, 46.0% 15.1%, and 52.6%±14.1% respectively after incu-bation with PHA (5 μ±/ml) for 72 hours. However, there were 58.0%±12.5%, CD25, 64.1% ± 12.4%,CD45RA, and 74.0%±8.0%, CD45RO positive cells in the presence of Rg, ( 1μg/ml) along with PHA(5 μg/ml) over the sanie period of incubation. A significant increase was induced by Rgi (P<0.05).The activities of PTK in the cytoplasm and membrane of lymphocytes were measured by ELISAmcthod after incubation with PHA or PHA+Rg1. The absorbance value of PTK activity in cytoplasmafter 72 hr incubation was 0. 120±0.020 in PHA group, but 0. 1 38±0.015 in PHA+Rg1 group. In thelymphocyte membrane, it was 0.374± 0.060 in PHA group and 0.403 ± 0.008 in PHA+Rg1 group(P<0.001). These results showed that Rgi significantly arid simultaneously increased both the PT Kactivity and the expression of phenotype of lymphocytes.

Modulatory Effect of Pollen Extract on Apoptosis of Lymphocytes in the Elderly

Aim In this study, we investigated the changes of lymphocyte subpopulationand apoptosis process of lymphocytes in the elderly, and the modulatory effect of pollen extract(PE) on apoptosis. Methods Lymphocyte phenotypes were detected using indirect immunofluorescencetechnique. The proliferation responses were determined by MTT method. Flow cytometry and automaticimage analysis were performed to evaluate the apoptosis of lymphocytes. Results The proliferationresponses of lymphocytes in the elderly were lower than that in young adults. Decreased CD_(45) RA^+cells and increased CD_(45) RO^+ cells were found in lymphocyte population of aged people, comparedwith that of young adults. The CD_(45) RO^+ cells were prone to apoptosis. There is an inhibitoryeffect of PE on apoptosis of lymphocytes in the elderly. Conclusion It is implied that thesusceptibility of lymphocyte in the elderly to apoptosis depends on activation, so called,activation-induced cell death. Present results suggest that apoptosis of lymphocytes in aged peopleplay an important role in the pathogenesis of immunosenescence. Thus, a possibility is open fordevelopment of apoptosis-modulating drugs from pollen.

Preoperative sorting of circulating T lymphocytes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Its prognostic significance

AIM: To elucidate the immunologic parameters for the outcome of patients with malignant tumors, especially esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) associated with high malignant potential. METHODS: Clinicopathologic features were compared between patients with lower and higher CD4 and CD8 values as well as CD4/CD8 ratio in peripheral blood. RESULTS: The survival rate of patients with higher CD4 value was significantly better than that in patients with lower CD4 value (P = 0.039). The survival rate of patients with higher CD8 value was significantly worse than that of patients with lower CD8 value (P = 0.026). Similarly, the survival rate of patients with higher CD4/ CD8 ratio was significantly better than that of patients with lower CD4/CD8 ratio (P = 0.042). Additionally, multivariate analysis demonstrated that lower CD8 and lower CD4/CD8 ratio were factors independently associated with worse prognosis of patients. CONCLUSION: All the immunologic parameters can predict the outcome of patients with ESCC.

Detection of HBV DNA and its existence status in liver tissues and peripheral blood lymphocytes from chronic hepatitis B patients

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Immunotoxicity of bisphenol A to Carassius auratus lymphocytes and macrophages following in vitro exposure

Bisphenol A （BPA） is the monomer component of polycarbonate plastics and classified as an endocrine disrupting chemical （EDC）. The reproductive toxicity of BPA has been extensively studied in mammals; however, relatively little information is available on the immunotoxic responses of fish to BPA. In this study, we investigated the effects of BPA on the immune functions of lymphocytes and macrophages in Carassius auratus. The effects of BPA were compared with those of two natural steroid hormones, estradiol and hydrocortisone. Proliferation of the two types of cells in response to PHA was measured using colorimetric MTT assay. Macrophage respiratory burst stimulated by Con A was measured using chemiluminescence assay. Results showed that BPA （0.054-5.4 mg/L）, estradiol （0.0002-2.0 mg/L） and hydrocortisone （5-50 mg/L） significantly induced Carassius auratus lymphocyte proliferation while higher doses of hydrocortisone （500-5000 mg/L） appeared to be inhibitory. BPA （0.005-50 mg/L）, estradiol （0.005-800 mg/L） and hydrocortisone （0.005-500 mg/L） markedly enhanced macrophage proliferation, whereas higher doses of BPA （500-1000 mg/L） appeared to inhibit cell proliferation. Furthermore, higher dosage of BPA （50 mg/L） and hydrocortisone （50 and 500 mg/L） suppressed the macrophages respiratory burst while estradiol is stimulative all the doses tested （0.05-500 mg/L）. In conclusion, BPA could have immunotoxicity to Carassius auratus and functional changes of lymphocyte and macrophage in Carassius auratus may be different between low and high dosages.

Effects of Sterigmatocystin, Deoxynivalenol and Aflatoxin G_1 on Apoptosis of Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in vitro

Objective To explore the effects of Sterigmatocystin (ST), Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) on apoptosis of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) in vitro and thus to further elucidate the putative roles of these three mycotoxins on human immunosystem. Methods The effects of ST, DON and AFG1 on apoptosis of HPBLs were studied with cell culture, flow cytometric (FCM) DNA analysis and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis. Results DNA agarose gel electrophoresis results showed the characteristic 'ladder' pattern of apoptosis in HPBLs treated with ST, DON and AFG1. Flow cytometric DNA analysis revealed that typical subdiploid peaks of apoptosis in DNA histogram could be seen in all groups treated with the three mycotoxins. Significant time-effect and dose-effect relationships were found between the apoptosis rates and treatment time as well as concentrations of the three mycotoxins. Conclusion ST, DON and AFG1 can induce apoptosis of HPBLs in vitro and may have some negative effects on human immunosystem.

In situ detection of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes expressing perforin and fas-ligand genes in human HCC

AIM To investigate the expression of perforin and fas ligand (fas L) of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, the perforin and fas L gene expression of TILs was studied in 20 HCC cases. RESULTS Positive expression of perforin and fas L genes was detected in 16 HCC cases. One patient had expression of perforin and fas L genes in the majority of TILs and survived 1 5 years after tumor resection without HCC relapse. This seems that the presence of a large number of activated T cells might be beneficial for the antitumor immunity. In other cases, less than 10% of TILs were able to express perforin and fas L genes. CONCLUSION Although there were a number of T cells in HCC, only few of them were immunoactive and able to kill tumor cells. It seems important to promote further proliferation of these activated T cells in vitro or in vivo .

Intestinal epithelium, intraepithelial lymphocytes and the gut microbiota-Key players in the pathogenesis of celiac disease

Celiac disease(CD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Before activating the immune system, gluten peptides are transferred by the epithelial barrier to the mucosal lamina propria, where they are deamidated by intestinal tissue transglutaminase 2. As a result, they strongly bind to human leucocyte antigens(HLAs), especially HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, expressed on antigen-presenting cells. This induces an inflammatory response, which results in small bowel enteropathy. Although gluten is the main external trigger activating both innate and adaptive(specific) immunity, its presence in the intestinal lumen does not fully explain CD pathogenesis. It has been hypothesized that an early disruption of the gut barrier in genetically susceptible individuals, which would result in an increased intestinal permeability, could precede the onset of gluten-induced immune events. The intestinal barrier is a complex functional structure, whose functioning is dependent on intestinal microbiotahomeostasis, epithelial layer integrity, and the gutassociated lymphoid tissue with its intraepithelial lymphocytes(IELs). The aim of this paper was to review the current literature and summarize the role of the gut microbiota, epithelial cells and their intercellular junctions, and IELs in CD development.

Effect of Spleen Lymphocytes on the Splenomegaly in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-bearing Mice

Objective To study the effect of spleen lymphocytes on the splenomegaly by hepatocellular carcinoma-bearing mouse model. Methods Cell counts, cell cycle distribution, the percentage of lymphocytes subsets and the levels of iL-2 were measured, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis （2-DE） was used to investigate the relationship between spleen lymphocytes and splenomegaly in hepatocellular carcinoma-bearing mice. Results Compared with the normal group, the thymus was obviously atrophied and the spleen was significantly enlarged in the tumor-bearing group. Correlation study showed that the number of whoJe spleen cells was positively correlated with the splenic index. The cell diameter and cell-cycle phase distribution of splenocytes in the tumor-bearing group showed no significant difference compared to the normal group. The percentage of CD3＋ T lymphocytes and CD8＋ T lymphocytes in spleen and peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice were substantially higher than that in the normal mice. Meanwhile, the IL-2 level was also higher in the tumor-bearing group than in the normal group. Furthermore, two dysregulated protein, β-actin and .S100-A9 were identified in spleen lymphocytes from H22-bearing mice, which were closely related to cellular motility. Conclusion It is suggested that dysregulated β-actin and S100-A9 can result in recirculating T lymphocytes trapped in the spleen, which may explain the underlying cause of splenomegaly in H22-bearing mice.

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicinal Ingredients on IL-2 mRNA Levels of T Lymphocytes in Mice Measured Using Semiquantification RT-PCR

In this study, the IL-2 mRNA levels of T lymphocytes in normal mice stimulated by nine Chinese herbal medicinal ingredients （CHMIs） were measured using semiquantification reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that astragalus polysaccharide （APS）, epimedium polysaccharide （EPS）, Chinese angelica polysaccharide （CAPS）, propolis flavone （PF）, and astrogalosides （AS） promoted IL-2 mRNA levels in T lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo to differing degrees, and the level of IL-2 mRNA induced by propolis polysaccharide （PPS） in vitro was higher than that induced by the control, which differed from that of PPS in vivo.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in triple negative breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy

AIM To determine influence of neoadjuvant-chemotherapy(NAC) over tumor-infiltrating-lymphocytes(TIL) intriple-negative-breast-cancer(TNBC).METHODS TILs were evaluated in 98 TNBC cases who came to Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas from 2005 to 2010. Immunohistochemistry staining for CD3, CD4, CD8 and FOXP3 was performed in tissue microarrays(TMA) sections. Evaluation of H/E in full-face and immunohistochemistry in TMA sections was performed in pre and post-NAC samples. STATA software was used and P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Higher TIL evaluated in full-face sections from pre-NAC tumors was associated to pathologic-complete-response(pCR)(P = 0.0251) and outcome(P = 0.0334). TIL evaluated in TMA sections showed low level of agreement with full-face sections(ICC = 0.017-0.20) and was not associated to pCR or outcome. TIL in post-NAC samples were not associated to response or outcome. PostNAC lesions with pC R had similar TIL levels than those without pCR(P = 0.6331). NAC produced a TIL decrease in full-face sections(P < 0.0001). Percentage of TIL subpopulations was correlated with their absolute counts. Higher counts of CD3, CD4, CD8 and FOXP3 in pre-NAC samples had longer disease-free-survival(DFS). Higher counts of CD3 in pre-NAC samples had longer overallsurvival. Higher ratio of CD8/CD4 counts in pre-NAC was associated with pCR. Higher ratio of CD4/FOXP3 counts in pre-NAC was associated with longer DFS. Higher counts of CD4 in post-NAC samples were associated with pCR.CONCLUSION TIL in pre-NAC full-face sections in TNBC are correlated to longer survival. TIL in full-face differ from TMA sections, absolute count and percentage analysis of TIL subpopulation closely related.

Clinical significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for gastric cancer in the era of immunology

Immunotherapy has begun to revolutionize cancer treatment, by introducing therapies that target the host immune system instead of the tumor, therapies that possess unique adverse event profiles, and therapies that may cure certain types of cancer. The immune microenvironment of tumors is emerging as the most important means of understanding the relationship between a patient' immune system and their cancer, informing prognosis, and guiding immunotherapy, such as an antibody blockade of immune checkpoints. For some solid tumors, simple quantitation of lymphocyte infiltration would seem to have prognostic significance, suggesting that lymphocyte infiltration is not passive but may actively promote or inhibit tumor growth. For gastric cancers, several studies have provided strong evidence that immune cells contribute to determining prognosis. However, the exact role of immune cells in gastric cancer remains unclear. Therefore, this review focuses on the clinical significance of immune cells, especially tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, in gastric cancer.

Prognostic value of tertiary lymphoid structure and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Tertiary lymphoid structures(TLS)are ectopic lymphoid structures in cancers that are largely associated with favourable prognosis.However,the prognostic value of TLSs in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is largely unknown,and the association between tumour infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs)and TLSs has been rarely explored in OSCC.In this study,associated markers of TLS,including peripheral node address(PNAd)in high endothelial venules,CD20 in B cells and CD3 in T cells,were examined in 168 OSCC patients,and survival analysis was performed between TLS-positive and TLS-negative cohorts.We detected the presence of TILs by staining CD8+cytotoxic T cells and CD57+NK cells as well.TLSs appeared as highly organized structures in 45(26.8%)cases.TLSpositive patients had a better 5-year overall survival(OS)rate(88.9%vs.56.1%,P<0.001)and relapse-free survival(RFS)rate(88.9%vs.63.4%,P=0.002).Moreover,the presence of TLS was an independent prognostic factor for both the 5-year OS rate(hazard ratio[HR]=3.784;95%confidence interval[CI],1.498–9.562)and RFS rate(HR=3.296;95%CI,1.279–8.490)in multivariate analysis.Furthermore,a higher density of CD8+T cells and CD57+NK cells was found in TLS-positive sections than in TLS-negative counterparts(P<0.001),and their combination provided a higher predictive accuracy(AUC=0.730;95%CI,0.654–0.805).In conclusion,our results suggest that TLS is an independent positive prognostic factor for OSCC patients.These findings provide a theoretical basis for the future diagnostic and therapeutic value of TLSs in OSCC treatment.