The density and type of MECA-79-positive high endothelial venules correlate with lymphocytic infiltration and tumour regression in primary cutaneous melanoma

Aims Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes have prognostic value in malignant melanoma. High endothelial venules (HEVs) are specialized vessels present in lymph nodes and tertiary lymphoid organs. CCL19, CCL21 and CCR7 regulate lymphocyte migration through HEVs. The aim of our study was to correlate HEV density in cutaneous primary and metastatic malignant melanomas with clinicopathological parameters, and with CCL19, CCL21 and CCR7 mRNA expression. Methods and results High endothelial venule density was evaluated by immunohistochemistry with a specific antibody, MECA-79, and chemokine expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. MECA-79-positive vessels, covered by cuboidal (C-HEV) or flat (F-HEV)…