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Modification of surface membrane antigens by trypsin
Summary
Trypsin treatment of mouse fibroblasts altered their surface antigens, affecting immunogenicity. Treated cells induced cell-mediated immunity, but trypsin also decreased antigenicity in virus-transformed cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Fibroblasts are crucial cells in connective tissue.
- Virus-transformed cells can exhibit altered surface antigens.
- Immunogenicity refers to the ability of a substance to induce an immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of trypsin treatment on the immunogenicity of cultured mouse fibroblasts.
- To assess surface antigenic modifications induced by trypsin.
- To evaluate the impact of trypsin on the antigenicity of virus-transformed cells.
Main Methods:
- Cultured 3T3 and PY-3T3 mouse fibroblasts were treated with trypsin.
- Immunogenicity was tested in ICR/CD-1 mice using the foot pad swelling assay.
- Delayed hypersensitive responses were measured to detect immune reactions.
Main Results:
- Trypsin treatment modified surface antigens on 3T3 cells, leading to cell-mediated immune reactions upon challenge.
- Mice immunized with trypsin-treated 3T3 cells reacted to homologous antigen and untreated PY-3T3 fibroblasts.
- Trypsin treatment decreased the antigenicity of virus-transformed PY-3T3 cells in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Mild trypsin treatment can alter fibroblast surface antigens, influencing their immunogenicity.
- The effect of trypsin on antigenicity differs between normal and virus-transformed fibroblasts.
- Cell-mediated immunity can be elicited by trypsin-modified fibroblasts, but antigenicity may be reduced in transformed cells.