Expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in carcinoma of human endometrium and uterine cervix

Abstract

Expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in epithelium of the endometrium and the cervix is not restricted to normal but also present in carcinomatous tissue. The enzyme was found in the majority of cases studied, pioneer cells at the invasion front of the tumors being especially strongly reactive in immunohistology. In addition, also cells in the peritumoral infiltrate of the stroma expressed IDO. Taken together, these findings together with previous data on the immunosuppressive impact of tryptophan depletion suggest IDO-induced suppression of antitumoral immune response in both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of endometrium and cervix. On the other hand, IDO as also known to inhibit tumor cell proliferation by tryptophan depletion.