EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF BCL-2 EXPRESSION IN TUMOR-INFILTRATING LYMPHOCYTES: CLINICAL-PATHOLOGICAL CORRELATIONS IN ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent malignancy of the oral cavity, associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs), particularly CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, play a crucial role in modulating tumor progression and therapeutic responses. The anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) is known to regulate cell survival, but its role within TILs in the OSCC microenvironment remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the expression of Bcl-2 in TILs and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters in OSCC. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on 40 OSCC tissue samples to assess Bcl-2 expression in TILs. The findings suggest that Bcl-2 expression in TILs may contribute to their persistence and function within the tumor microenvironment, potentially influencing the immune response against OSCC. Furthermore, significant correlations between Bcl-2 expression and clinicopathological factors indicate its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Understanding the impact of Bcl-2 on TIL survival and function could provide valuable insights for personalized immunotherapeutic approaches, ultimately improving treatment outcomes in OSCC patients. These findings highlight the need for further investigations to explore Bcl-2-targeted strategies in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and improving patient outcomes.