Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
Testing Cancer Immunotherapeutics in a Humanized Mouse Model Bearing Human Tumors
Published on: December 16, 2022
Immunological response in mice bearing LM3 breast tumor undergoing pulchellin treatment
Djamile Cordeiro de Matos1, Lívia Carolina Abreu de Ribeiro, Aline Tansini
1Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil.
Background:
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIP) have been studied in the search for toxins that could be used as immunotoxins for cancer treatment. Pulchellin, a type 2 RIP, is suggested to induce immune responses that have a role in controlling cancer.
Methods:
The percentage of dendritic cells and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the spleen (flow cytometry), cytokines' release by PECs and splenocytes (ELISA) and nitric oxide production by PECs (Griess assay) were determined from tumor-bearing mice injected intratumorally with 0.1 ml of pulchellin at 0.75 μg/kg of body weight. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test.
Results:
Pulchellin-treated mice showed significant immune system activation, characterized by increased release of IFN-γ and Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10), while IL-6 and TGF-β levels were decreased. There was also an increase in macrophage's activation, as denoted by the higher percentage of macrophages expressing adhesion and costimulatory molecules (CD54 and CD80, respectively).
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that pulchellin is promising as an adjuvant in breast cancer treatment.
Insights
Pulchellin, a ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP), activates the immune system and enhances macrophage function, showing promise as a breast cancer treatment adjuvant.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are investigated for cancer immunotherapy.
- Pulchellin, a type 2 RIP, may elicit anti-cancer immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pulchellin's immunomodulatory effects in a tumor model.
- To assess pulchellin's potential as an adjuvant for breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Tumor-bearing mice received intratumoral pulchellin injections.
- Immune cell populations (dendritic cells, T cells), cytokine release (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, TGF-β), and nitric oxide production were measured.
- Macrophage activation markers (CD54, CD80) were analyzed via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Pulchellin treatment significantly activated the immune system.
- Increased IFN-γ and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) were observed, with decreased IL-6 and TGF-β.
- Macrophage activation was enhanced, indicated by increased CD54 and CD80 expression.
Conclusions:
- Pulchellin demonstrates significant immunomodulatory effects.
- Pulchellin shows potential as an adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.
