Immunoprofiling of natural killer cells In normal individuals, tobacco chewers and Patients with oral squamous cell Carcinoma -a flow cytometry study

Abstract

Background- Smokeless tobacco poses a significant global health risk by suppressing the immune system and promoting cancer development, especially oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). NK cells, key components of innate immunity, play a important role in early immunity and tumor surveillance. Tobacco toxins and nicotine impair NK cell function, aiding tumor immune evasion. Immunoprofiling, particularly via flow cytometry, helps assess these immune alterations. This study aimed to evaluate peripheral NK cell immunoprofiles in healthy individuals, tobacco chewers, and OSCC patients to understand immune changes linked to tobacco exposure and cancer.