The immunological roles of periostin/tumor-associated macrophage axis in development of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Background/Aim: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance (DFSP) is a fibrohistiocytic tumor of intermediate malignancy characterized by slow infiltrative growth and a high tendency to recur locally. Periostin is involved in modulating cell function and inducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) from tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to promote fibrosis and tumor growth. This study aimed to examine the cancer stroma of DFSP, focusing on TAMs-related proteins and MMPs. Patients and Methods: Using immunohistochemical staining and DNA microarray database, we evaluated periostin, CD163, CD206, MMP1 and MMP12 in 10 cases of DFSP and dermatofibroma. Results: Dense deposits of periostin as well as a substantial number of CD163⁺ TAMs were detected at the peripheral areas of DFSP. Moreover, MMP1 and MMP12, that were selected by using a DNA microarray database of monocyte-derived macrophages, were observed in the TAMsdetected area. Conclusion: Increased levels of MMP1 and MMP12 on TAMs in the peripheral areas of DFSP might contribute to local invasion.