HLA and β2‐microglobulin Expression in Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Skin

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Abstract
Histologic sections of seven squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 13 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), and a Bowenoid actinic keratoses were examined for expression of HLA class 1 antigens (HLA‐ABC) using a monoclonal antibody and an immunoperoxidase technique. Expression of β2‐microglobulin was examined with a polyclonal antibody method. Neither cell marker was detected within the Bowenoid actinic keratoses. Squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas exhibited decreased expression of both HLA‐ABC and β2‐microglobulin and often did not express these antigens at all. HLA‐ABC was present in only two of 13 basal cell carcinomas and four of seven squamous cell carcinomas. β2‐microglobulin was present in one of 13 basal cell carcinomas and two of seven squamous cell carcinomas. When present, these antigens often were present in a few areas of the tumor, but absent in others. In both SCC and BCC. both antigens were usually lost simultaneously. In all tumors with β2‐microglobulin, HLA‐ABC a/so was retained. There was no apparent relationship of anatomic site or type of tumor with retention of surface antigens. Since some tumors or portions of tumors retained HLA‐ABC and β2‐microglobulin on their surfaces, the absence of these antigens is not an absolute marker for malignancy.