The expressions of CD44, Nanog, and Oct3/4, but not CD133, significantly increased in the CRC tumor tissues compared with noncancerous tissues.
The expressions of HLA-G and HLA-E significantly increased in the CRC tumor tissues compared with noncancerous tissues.
The concomitant expressions of CD133, CD44, Nanog, and Oct3/4 may indicate the presence of CSC-like cell in the CRC tumor tissues.
The increased expressions of HLA-G and HLA-E in the CRC tumor tissues may be considered an immune-evasive adaptation of tumor cells.