Investigating the expression of CTLA-4, PD-L1, and VISTA in colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health concern, and immune regulation plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint molecules, such as CTLA-4, PD-L1, and VISTA, have emerged as important regulators of immune responses in cancer. However, their expression and significance in CRC remain to be fully elucidated. Understanding the expression patterns and functional implications of these immune checkpoints in CRC can provide valuable insights for the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Methods and Materials :In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of immune checkpoint expression in CRC samples. Tumor tissue specimens from CRC patients were collected, and the expression levels of CTLA-4, PD-L1, and VISTA were evaluated using qRT-PCR. Clinical data, including patient demographics and tumor characteristics, were also collected and analyzed. The study consisted of 18 CRC patients, representing different stages and molecular subtypes of the disease. Results: Our analysis revealed diverse expression of CTLA-4, PD-L1, and VISTA in CRC samples. There was a significant upregulation in the expression of CTLA4 while this increase was not significant in the expression of PD-L1. There wo no change in the expression of VISTA in studied CRC samples.