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Published on: January 20, 2019
Immunotherapy with SLPI over-expressing mammary tumor cells decreases tumor growth
Nicolás Amiano1, R Macarena Reiteri, María J Costa
1Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, PC: C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
We have demonstrated previously that the inoculation of murine mammary tumor cells genetically modified to express high levels of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (2C1) do not develop tumors in immunocompetent mice and these cells are more prone to apoptosis than control cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of the adaptive immune response in the lack of tumor growth of 2C1 cells and the possibility of using these cells for immunotherapy. The s.c. administration of mock transfected F3II cells induces tumor in BALB/c and Nude mice. However, the inoculation of 2C1 cells develops tumor in Nude but not in BALB/c mice. The inoculation of mock transfected F3II cells to 2C1 immunized BALB/c mice by repeated administration of 2C1 cells (once a week for 3 weeks) developed significantly smaller tumors than those observed in non-immunized mice. Remarkably, survival of tumor-bearing immunized mice was higher than non-immunized animals. Herein, we demonstrate that an immunotherapy with SLPI over-expressing non-irradiated tumor cells which do not develop tumor in immunocompetent mice, partially restrain the tumor growth induced by F3II cells and increase the survival of the mice.
Insights
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI)-overexpressing tumor cells prevent tumor growth in immunocompetent mice. Immunotherapy using these SLPI-overexpressing cells shows potential in restraining tumor growth and improving survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Genetically modified murine mammary tumor cells overexpressing secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) do not form tumors in immunocompetent mice.
- These SLPI-overexpressing cells exhibit increased susceptibility to apoptosis compared to control cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the adaptive immune response in the tumor-inhibiting properties of SLPI-overexpressing cells.
- To explore the potential of these modified cells as an immunotherapy strategy.
Main Methods:
- Tumorigenicity of mock-transfected and SLPI-overexpressing F3II cells was assessed in BALB/c and Nude mice.
- Immunocompetent BALB/c mice were immunized with SLPI-overexpressing cells prior to challenge with mock-transfected cells.
- Tumor growth and survival rates were monitored in immunized and non-immunized control groups.
Main Results:
- SLPI-overexpressing cells formed tumors in Nude mice but not in immunocompetent BALB/c mice.
- Immunization with SLPI-overexpressing cells significantly reduced tumor size in BALB/c mice challenged with mock-transfected cells.
- Tumor-bearing immunized mice demonstrated enhanced survival rates compared to non-immunized controls.
Conclusions:
- The adaptive immune response plays a crucial role in preventing tumor development by SLPI-overexpressing cells.
- Immunotherapy utilizing non-irradiated, SLPI-overexpressing tumor cells can partially inhibit tumor growth and improve survival.
- This approach holds promise for novel cancer treatment strategies.
