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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Isolation and Characterization of Microvesicles from Peripheral Blood
Published on: January 6, 2017
Tumour-derived microvesicles (TMV) mimic the effect of tumour cells on monocyte subpopulations
Monika Baj-Krzyworzeka1, Jaroslaw Baran, Kazimierz Weglarczyk
1Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265 Str, 30-663 Cracow, Poland. mibaj@cyf-kr.edu.pl
Background:
Monocytes/macrophages may be affected by tumour cells via cell-to-cell contact, soluble factors and by tumour-derived microvesicles (TMV). Previous observations indicate that TMV interact with monocytes and alter their immunophenotype and activity. This study was designed to determine interactions of TMV with subpopulations (CD14(++)CD16(-) and CD14(+)CD16(++)) of human monocytes.
Methods:
Engulfment of TMV by subsets of monocytes was analysed by flow cytometry. Moreover cytokine release and production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) by CD14(++)CD16(-) and CD14(+)CD16(++) cells after TMV stimulation was determined.
Results:
It was found that TMV are engulfed more efficiently by CD14(++)CD16(-) than CD14(+)CD16(++) cells. TMV-activated CD14(++)CD16(-) cells produce more ROI and interleukin -10 (IL-10) than CD14(++)CD16(+). CD14(+)CD16(++) cells following TMV stimulation showed an increased release of tumour necrosis factor alpha, IL-12p40 and RNI.
Conclusion:
TMV significantly modulate biological activity of monocyte subsets with a pattern similar to tumour cells. Therefore, TMV mimic the activating effect of tumour cells on monocytes as assessed by release of cytokines, ROI and RNI.
Insights
Tumour-derived microvesicles (TMV) interact with human monocyte subsets, altering their immune responses. TMV mimic tumour cells by modulating cytokine release and intermediate production in these monocytes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Tumour cells influence monocytes/macrophages through various mechanisms, including tumour-derived microvesicles (TMV).
- Previous studies suggest TMV alter monocyte immunophenotype and activity.
- This research investigates TMV interactions with specific human monocyte subpopulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the interaction of TMV with CD14(++)CD16(-) and CD14(+)CD16(++) monocyte subsets.
- To analyze TMV engulfment by different monocyte subpopulations.
- To assess cytokine release and intermediate production by monocytes upon TMV stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze TMV engulfment by monocyte subsets.
- Cytokine release (IL-10, TNF-α, IL-12p40) was measured.
- Production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) was determined.
Main Results:
- CD14(++)CD16(-) monocytes engulfed TMV more efficiently than CD14(+)CD16(++) monocytes.
- TMV-activated CD14(++)CD16(-) cells showed higher ROI and IL-10 production.
- TMV-stimulated CD14(+)CD16(++) cells released more TNF-α, IL-12p40, and RNI.
Conclusions:
- TMV significantly modulate the biological activity of monocyte subsets.
- TMV mimic the effects of tumour cells on monocytes.
- TMV influence monocyte cytokine release and intermediate production, impacting immune responses.
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