OK-432 Suppresses Proliferation and Metastasis by Tumor Associated Macrophages in Bladder Cancer

Yuan-Feng Tian1, Kun Tang, Wei Guan

  • 1Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

Insights

OK-432, a Streptococcus-derived immunotherapy, effectively inhibits bladder cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. It works by activating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to release cytokines, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Immunotherapy
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • OK-432, a Streptococcus-derived immunotherapeutic, has a history of clinical success in various cancers.
  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a crucial role in cancer progression and immune evasion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anticancer effects of OK-432 on bladder cancer, focusing on its interaction with TAMs.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which OK-432 impacts bladder cancer cell behavior and tumor growth.

Main Methods:

  • MTS assay to assess cell proliferation in T24 and EJ bladder cancer cell lines.
  • In vitro apoptosis induction assays.
  • Analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors.
  • In vivo studies using a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model to evaluate tumor growth and metastasis, including Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) expression.

Main Results:

  • OK-432 significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in bladder cancer cells in vitro.
  • OK-432 suppressed bladder cancer cell migration and invasion by modulating EMT-related factors.
  • In vivo, OK-432 demonstrated inhibition of tumor growth, reduced PCNA expression, and suppressed metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • OK-432 exhibits potent anticancer effects against bladder cancer.
  • The mechanism involves the activation of TAMs, leading to cytokine secretion that inhibits cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.
  • OK-432 represents a promising immunotherapeutic agent for bladder cancer treatment.