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Suppressor cell clones specific for ultraviolet radiation-induced tumors. Function and surface proteins
1Department of Immunology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Researchers cloned lymphocytes from UV-induced skin tumors. These cells suppressed immune reactions against UV tumors, indicating they are suppressor T cells targeting a common antigen on these specific skin cancers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- UV radiation is a known carcinogen causing skin tumors.
- Immune responses play a role in controlling or promoting tumor growth.
- Suppressor T cells are crucial in regulating immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize lymphocytes derived from UV-induced skin tumors.
- To investigate the functional properties of these cloned lymphocytes.
- To determine if these cells possess tumor-specific suppressive activity.
Main Methods:
- Cloning lymphocytes from animals with UV-induced skin tumors.
- Characterizing cell surface markers (I-J+, CD4-, CD8-).
- Assessing the suppressive effects of cell extracts and supernatants on in vitro immune reactions.
Main Results:
- Cloned lymphocytes were I-J+, CD4-, CD8-, and growth factor independent.
- Extracts from these clones suppressed immune reactions against UV-induced tumors but not other tumor types.
- Low-level expression of potential T cell receptor (TCR) molecules was detected.
Conclusions:
- The cloned lymphocytes exhibit characteristics of afferent suppressor T cells.
- These suppressor T cells are specifically directed against a common antigen found on UV-induced tumors.
- The findings suggest a role for specific T cell-mediated immunosuppression in UV carcinogenesis.