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Published on: July 9, 2016
Altered chemokine receptor sensitivity in FVBN202 rat neu transgenic mice
Robert A Kurt1, Marissa Bauck, Sarah Harma
1Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, USA. kurtr@lafayette.edu
Abstract:
We report here that breast cancer cells from spontaneous tumors that arise in rat neu transgenic mice produce several chemokines capable of acting upon cells of the immune system. Moreover, mice bearing these spontaneous tumors possess splenic T cells as well as CD11c+, CD11b+ and CD19+ cells with an altered sensitivity to recombinant chemokines compared to naïve mice. A comparison between T-cell migration and the level of chemokines produced by the tumor cells revealed that the altered chemotactic activity was not a direct consequence of tumor-derived chemokines. These data suggest that a growing tumor may indirectly alter leukocyte chemotactic activity.
Insights
Breast cancer cells release immune-signaling chemokines. Tumors indirectly alter immune cell sensitivity to these chemokines, suggesting a complex tumor-immune interaction.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Spontaneous tumors in rat neu transgenic mice produce chemokines.
- Immune cells in tumor-bearing mice show altered chemokine sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate chemokine production by breast cancer cells.
- Determine if tumor-derived chemokines directly cause altered immune cell chemotaxis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of chemokines produced by tumor cells.
- Assessment of splenic T cell and other immune cell (CD11c+, CD11b+, CD19+) sensitivity to chemokines in tumor-bearing versus naive mice.
- Comparison of T-cell migration patterns with chemokine levels.
Main Results:
- Breast cancer cells produce multiple chemokines.
- Immune cells from tumor-bearing mice exhibit altered sensitivity to recombinant chemokines.
- Altered chemotactic activity is not directly caused by tumor-derived chemokines.
Conclusions:
- Growing tumors indirectly modulate leukocyte chemotactic activity.
- Tumor microenvironment influences immune cell responses beyond direct chemokine effects.
