The influence of chemotherapy on adenosine-producing B cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Mononuclear cells were collected prospectively from HNSCC patients before and after chemotherapy (<i>n</i> = 18), from healthy donors (<i>n</i> = 20), and an additional cohort sampled several months after chemotherapy (<i>n</i> = 14). Frequency, phenotype, and function of Breg were determined by multicolor flow cytometry, ATP luminescence assay as well as mass spectrometry measuring 5'-AMP, ADO, and inosine. Isolated B cells were incubated with chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin, methotrexate, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil) <i>in vitro</i> for functional studies.