Increased expression of squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1 and 2 in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome

• Published in: EJD. European journal of dermatology 2022-07, Vol.32 (4), p.464-470
• Main Authors: Oka, Kenta, Miyagawa, Takuya, Suga, Hiraku, Miyagaki, Tomomitsu, Mizuno, Yuka, Kamijo, Hiroaki, Hisamoto, Teruyoshi, Omori, Issei, Boki, Hikari, Oka, Tomonori, Takahashi-Shishido, Naomi, Sugaya, Makoto, Sato, Shinichi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dermatology; Investigative Report; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health
• ISSN: 1167-1122; 1952-4013
• DOI: 10.1684/ejd.2022.4305

Background Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) was originally isolated as tumour-specific antigens in uterine cervix carcinoma. These comprise two similar proteins, SCCA1 and SCCA2, and both are induced by type 2 cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. The involvement of these antigens in atopic dermatitis has been reported, however, the role in mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), which are also linked with type 2 cytokines, remains to be seen. Objectives This study investigated a possible association between SCCA1/2 and MF/SS. Materials & Methods We compared serum levels of SCCA1/2 between MF/SS patients and healthy controls. We also examined the correlation between serum SCCA1/2 levels in MF/SS patients and clinical disease markers. The expression of SCCA1/2 in skin samples was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results The serum levels of SCCA1/2 in MF/SS patients were significantly higher than those in normal controls and correlated with clinical disease markers. Immunohistochemical staining showed upregulated expression of SCCA1/2 in MF/SS lesional skin. Conclusion Enhanced SCCA1/2 expression may contribute to the progression of MF/SS. Measurement of serum SCCA1/2 levels may become a useful tool to evaluate the progression or therapeutic effects of MF/SS.