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Suppressed CD31 expression in sarcoma-180 tumors after injection with Toxoplasma gondii lysate antigen in BALB/c mice
Kyoung-Ho Pyo1, Bong-Kwang Jung, Jong-Yil Chai
1Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
The anti-tumorigenic effects of Toxoplasma gondii (RH) antigens were studied in a murine sarcoma-180 tumor model. To determine the anti-tumor effects, the reduction in tumor size and expression of CD31 (an angiogenesis marker in the tumor tissue) were examined after injection of BALB/c mice with T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA) or formalin-fixed, proliferation-inhibited, T. gondii tachyzoites. Tumors were successfully produced by an intradermal injection of sarcoma-180 cells with plain Matrigel in the mid-backs of mice. After injection with TLA or formalin-fixed T. gondii tachyzoites, the increase in tumor size and weight nearly stopped while tumor growth continued in control mice that were injected with PBS. CD31 expression in TLA-treated or formalin-fixed T. gondii-injected mice was lower than the control mice. Accordingly, the present study shows that the treatment of mice with formalin-fixed T. gondii or TLA in the murine sarcoma-180 tumor model results in a decrease of both tumor size and CD31 expression.
Insights
Toxoplasma gondii antigens demonstrated anti-tumorigenic effects in a mouse model. Treatment with formalin-fixed tachyzoites or T. gondii lysate antigen significantly reduced tumor size and CD31 expression, indicating suppressed angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Oncology
Background:
- The study investigates the potential anti-tumorigenic properties of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) antigens.
- Cancer research often explores novel therapeutic avenues, including those derived from parasitic organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-tumor effects of T. gondii antigens in a murine sarcoma-180 tumor model.
- To assess the impact of T. gondii antigens on tumor size and CD31 expression, a marker of angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were inoculated with sarcoma-180 cells to induce tumors.
- Mice received injections of T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA) or formalin-fixed, proliferation-inhibited T. gondii tachyzoites.
- Tumor size, weight, and CD31 expression in tumor tissue were measured and compared to a control group receiving PBS.
Main Results:
- Mice treated with TLA or formalin-fixed T. gondii showed a significant inhibition of tumor growth compared to control mice.
- CD31 expression was notably lower in the tumors of mice treated with T. gondii antigens.
- These findings suggest that T. gondii antigens can impede tumor development and angiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Formalin-fixed T. gondii and T. gondii lysate antigen exhibit anti-tumorigenic effects in the sarcoma-180 mouse model.
- The observed anti-tumor activity is associated with a reduction in tumor size and suppressed CD31 expression, indicating anti-angiogenic potential.
