Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that the dependence of low grade B cell gastric lymphoma on infection of the gastric mucosa with Helicobacter pylori results from help provided by H pylori specific tumour infiltrating T cells. ELISPOT analysis was used to characterise functional subpopulations of tumour infiltrating T cells. The production of the TH1 cytokine interferon gamma and TH2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-10 were measured in tumour cell suspensions from two cases of low grade B cell gastric lymphoma, one case of thyroid gland lymphoma, and one case of salivary gland lymphoma. Cells were assayed on day 0 and following 24 hours incubation either in culture medium or with a range of strains of H pylori. There was a dominant TH1-type (pro-inflammatory) response consistent with the TH1 response observed in H pylori gastritis.