HEAD AND NECK CANCERS, BUT NOT BENIGN LESIONS, EXPRESS INTERLEUKIN-4 RECEPTORS IN-SITU

We have previously reported on the expression of interleukin-4 recepto r (IL-4R) on many solid cancer cell lines. In the present study, we ha ve examined the expression of IL-4R on head and neck cancers in situ b y immunohistochemistry. Seven primary squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region were stained by a monoclonal antibody to human IL -4Rp140 protein (M-57). We report that all squamous cell carcinoma sam ples were positively stained although at variable intensity with anti- IL-4R antibody. Tumors stained with IgG control did not show any stain ing. On the other hand, six benign lesions from the same anatomical ar ea showed faint or no staining at all. Three uterine endometrium sampl es were also negative for the IL-4R expression. In contrast to publish ed contrary results, we did not observe any effect of IL-4 on the prol iferation of four squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) cel l lines examined. These results demonstrate that human squamous carcin oma of the head and neck express IL-4R, which could be targeted for di agnosis and therapy by anti-IL-4 receptor antibody fused to toxins or radionuclides or alternatively by IL-4 toxins.