INTRODUCTION:Adenocarcinoma(ADENO) and squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) are complex diseases that involves molecular alterations and immune system, which is a key regulator for immunotherapy. Dendritic cells(DC) play a critical role in the tumor microenvironment in pro-active anti-tumor immune stimulation or in a ?protective? system.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:To determine the dendritic cell profile in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS:A retrospective study was carried out with 46 NSCLC lobectomy samples. A detailed evaluation of H&E slides and immunohistochemical panel for CD1a, Langerin and Mannose were performed with morphometrical analysis. 

RESULTS:Survival analysis revealed that CD1a+DC has worst survival in ADENO with necrosis area less than 50%(P<0.05). Therefore, the immune stimulation of CD1a+DC and Langerin+DC in ADENO appeared as ineffective in tumor and front area. However, these immunophenotypes in SCC did not present significant participation, not affecting survival. Furthermore, both ADENO and SCC revealed Mannose+DC as an important role in the front area.

CONCLUSIONS:The expression of dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment differs between ADENO and CEC. In ADENO, some molecular mechanisms may be preventing the proper functioning of DC with immunophenotype CD1a+ and Langerin+, while in SCC, other molecular pathways may be blocking their expression.(FAPESP Nº22/02821-0, 21/09024-6, 21/10981-5, 19/01517-3).