Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma with Positive Epstein-Barr Virus Status is Associated with More FOXP3 Regulatory T Cells

BACKGROUND Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is characterized by sparse malignant Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells dispersed in an inflammatory microenvironment. Immune evasion of malignant cells is partially due to the existence of a subpopulation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Treg). The aim of this study was to analyze T cell composition in cHL with special emphasis on Treg in regard to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status, subtype, and patient age. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 102 patients with cHL diagnosed during a 12-year period. EBV status of cHL was assessed immunohistochemically using antibodies directed to the EBV- encoded LMP1. To define T lymphocyte populations, slides were double-stained with FOXP3 for Treg, and CD4 or CD8 for T cells. In each case the number of single- and/or double-positive cells was counted on an image analyzer in 10 high-power fields. Statistical analysis was performed and differences were considered significant at P