Literature Analysis: Immune Profiling of Advanced Thyroid Cancer Using Multiplex Fluorescence IHC, Empowered by ANT BIO's Solutions

1.Literature Information

Journal: Thyroid

DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0312

Published Online: 12 Jan 2021

Authors: Jonghwa Ahn, Meihua Jin, Eyun Song, Yeon-mi Ryu, Dong Eun Song, Sang-Yeob Kim, Tae Yong Kim, Won Bae Kim, Young Kee Shong, Min Ji Jeon, and Won Gu Kim

Key Product Utilized: Multiplex Fluorescence IHC Staining Kit (Catalog No.: abs50032) from the Absin product line of ANT BIO PTE. LTD.

2. Research Background

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the endocrine system and is often regarded as a "favorable cancer" due to its relatively good prognosis. However, advanced thyroid cancer—including differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with distant metastasis, poorly differentiated thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with the highest malignancy—exhibits poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for various malignancies, but its efficacy in advanced thyroid cancer remains to be clarified. Exploring the immune landscape of advanced thyroid cancer is crucial for identifying potential candidates for immunotherapy and optimizing treatment regimens.

3. Research Approach

To characterize the immune profile of advanced thyroid cancer, the research team collected 28 tissue samples from 12 DTC patients with distant metastasis and 16 ATC patients. They employed multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and multispectral imaging (MSI) technologies to evaluate the expression of cell surface markers, including CD4, CD8, PD-1, PD-L1, Foxp3, and cytokeratin (CK). To ensure the reliability of the results, single-color staining was performed to exclude cross-reactivity. Additionally, the expression of the key marker PD-L1 was assessed using Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) and Combined Positive Score (CPS) methods, with cutoff values for PD-L1 positivity and high expression set at 1 and 50 for TPS, and 1 and 20 for CPS, respectively.

4. Research Results

First, the results showed that the number of PD-L1-positive tumor cells in the ATC group was significantly higher than that in the DTC group (183.5 vs. 0.03 per square millimeter, P < 0.001). This indicates a marked difference in PD-L1 expression between the two subtypes of advanced thyroid cancer.

Second, compared with the DTC group, the ATC group exhibited a significant increase in lymphocyte infiltration

Specifically, the number of PD-L1 or PD-1-positive lymphocytes in ATC was significantly greater than that in DTC. Further subgroup analysis revealed that both cytotoxic T lymphocytes  and regulatory T cells (Tregs) (were significantly more abundant in the ATC group than in the DTC group.

Third, TPS and CPS assessments of PD-L1 expression showed that all DTC samples were negative for PD-L1, while the positivity rates in ATC samples were as high as 81% (TPS) and 94% (CPS). Moreover, the proportions of high PD-L1 expression in ATC samples were 6% (TPS) and 44% (CPS), respectively.

Collectively, these findings demonstrate that compared with metastatic DTC, ATC has higher PD-L1 positivity and a greater number of PD-1/PD-L1-positive infiltrating lymphocytes, suggesting that PD-L1-targeted immunotherapy may be an effective therapeutic strategy for ATC.

5. Product Empowerment

The Multiplex Fluorescence IHC Staining Kit (Catalog No.: abs50032) from the Absin product line of ANT BIO PTE. LTD. provided critical technical support for this research. This kit enabled simultaneous detection of multiple key markers (CD4, CD8, PD-1, PD-L1, Foxp3, CK) on a single tissue section, which was essential for comprehensively profiling the immune microenvironment of advanced thyroid cancer. The kit's optimized SuperNova series dyes exhibited higher intensity and longer duration compared to conventional dyes, ensuring clear and stable fluorescence signals for accurate imaging and analysis.

In addition to the high-quality kit, ANT BIO PTE. LTD. also offers comprehensive mIHC commissioning services covering the entire process from pre-experiment single-staining verification, staining, and imaging to data analysis—including multispectral imaging and quantitative data analysis as involved in this study. The user-friendly nature of the kit and the professional technical services eliminated the need for specialized equipment and extensive experience, facilitating the smooth implementation of the research and ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the experimental results.

6. Brand Mission

ANT BIO PTE. LTD. is dedicated to empowering life science research through the provision of high-quality, reliable reagents and comprehensive solutions. Our specialized sub-brands (Absin, Starter, UA) are strategically positioned to cover a full spectrum of research needs: Absin focuses on general reagents and kits, Starter specializes in antibodies, and UA is dedicated to recombinant proteins. We strive to support researchers in unlocking scientific mysteries, advancing medical progress, and addressing unmet clinical needs through continuous innovation and customer-centric services.

7. Related Product List

8. Disclaimer

This article is AI-compiled and interpreted based on the original work in DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0312. All intellectual property (e.g., images, data) of the original publication shall belong to the journal and the research team. For any infringement, please contact us promptly and we will take immediate action.

9. Brand Promotion Copy

ANT BIO PTE. LTD. – Empowering Scientific Breakthroughs

At ANTBIO, we are committed to advancing life science research through high-quality, reliable reagents and comprehensive solutions. Our specialized sub-brands (Absin, Starter, UA) cover a full spectrum of research needs, from general reagents and kits to antibodies and recombinant proteins. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer-centricity, we strive to be your trusted partner in unlocking scientific mysteries and driving medical progress. Explore our product portfolio today and elevate your research to new heights.