TY - JOUR T1 - Myeloid derived suppressor cells in the crosstalk between COPD and lung cancer JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 38 IS - Suppl 55 SP - p3851 AU - Simonetta Baraldo AU - Laura Pinton AU - Andrea Ballarin AU - Susanna Mandruzzato AU - Erica Bazzan AU - Erika Falisi AU - Graziella Turato AU - Kim Lokar-Oliani AU - Manuel Cosio AU - Paola Zanovello AU - Marina Saetta Y1 - 2011/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p3851.abstract N2 - COPD is associated to increased lung cancer risk, even independently from cigarette smoke. The chronic inflammation present in COPD patients may represent an important link with lung cancer, but the relationship has yet to be elucidated. Of note tumors, to promote their own survival, may influence the immune response by inducing a subset of myeloid cells with immunosuppressor properties (MDSC). We evaluated the induction of MDSC in patients with COPD, with or without lung cancer, by measuring the α chain of IL-4 receptor (IL4Rα) which has been proposed as a marker for these cells. IL4Rα was quantified by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from 19 smokers with COPD and no cancer (FEV1=56±6%pred), 6 smokers with COPD and lung cancer (FEV1=67±9%pred) and 11 controls with normal lung function and no cancer (5 smoking, 6 non-smoking; FEV1=106±6%pred).IL4Rα expression was increased in monocytes from smokers with COPD and concomitant lung cancer (23;17-37%) but also in COPD subjects without cancer (median;range: 12;5-25%) compared to smoking and non-smoking controls (10;3-15% and 9;7-11%. all p<0.05). A similar IL4Rα upregulation was also observed in granulocytes. Of note, in all patients considered together, IL4Rα expression was related to the degree of airway obstruction (p=0.003,r=-0.50).In conclusion, our study shows that IL4Rα expression is upregulated in monocytes and granulocytes from smokers with COPD and lung cancer, but interestingly even in COPD patients without cancer. Evaluation of the alleged suppressive activity of these cells could improve our understanding of the immune response in COPD and potentially identify inflammatory alterations that might increase the risk of developing lung cancer. ER -