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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Evaluation of Caspase Activation to Assess Innate Immune Cell Death
Published on: January 20, 2023
Caspase 3 may participate in the anti-tumor immunity of dendritic cells
Jinqiang Liu1, Fei Wang2, Dandan Yin3
1Division of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cadre' s Sanitarium, 62101 Army of PLA, 67 Nahu Road, 464000, Xinyang, Henan, China.
Background:
Caspase 3 is not only involved in apoptosis, but also participates in the nonapoptotic functions. Previously, we found that caspase 3 gene knockout mice displayed decreased number of dendritic cells (DCs). However, whether caspase 3 participate in the function of DCs is unclear. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the role of caspase 3 in the maturation and antitumor function of DCs.
Methods:
Caspase 3 gene was overexpressed in DC2.4 cell line through Lentivirus system. The impact of caspase 3 gene overexpression on the biological behavior of DC2.4 cells was determined by CCK-8, colony formation and apoptosis analysis. The impact of caspase 3 gene overexpression on the antigen uptake, maturation, migration, T cell activation of DC2.4 cells was analyzed with phagocytosis, transwell and mixed lymphocyte reaction assay. Tumor growth and tumor infiltrated T cells were also investigated through tumor bearing model.
Results:
Caspase 3 gene overexpression could slightly increase the apoptosis of DC2.4 cells. Antigen uptake capability and maturation of DC2.4 cells were significantly promoted through caspases 3 gene overexpression. However, CXCR4 expression on DC2.4 cells and migration of DC2.4 cells were not influenced. Caspase 3 gene overexpression also enhanced the T cell activation and cytotoxicity of activated T cells. Finally, overexpression of caspase 3 gene significantly increased the tumor suppression of DC2.4 cells, accompanied by increased infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ Cells in tumor tissue.
Conclusion:
Caspase 3 gene overexpression could promote maturation and enhance antitumor capability of DC2.4 cells.
Insights
Overexpressing caspase 3 in dendritic cells (DCs) enhances their maturation and boosts antitumor functions. This study reveals caspase 3
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Caspase 3 is implicated in both apoptosis and nonapoptotic cellular functions.
- Previous research indicated caspase 3 gene knockout mice have fewer dendritic cells (DCs).
- The specific role of caspase 3 in DC function remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of caspase 3 in the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs).
- To determine the impact of caspase 3 on the antitumor function of DCs.
Main Methods:
- Overexpression of the caspase 3 gene in the DC2.4 cell line using a lentivirus system.
- Assessment of cellular behaviors including proliferation, apoptosis, antigen uptake, maturation, and migration.
- Evaluation of T cell activation, cytotoxicity, and in vivo tumor suppression in a tumor-bearing mouse model.
Main Results:
- Caspase 3 overexpression slightly increased DC2.4 cell apoptosis but significantly promoted antigen uptake and maturation.
- Migration and CXCR4 expression in DCs were not affected by caspase 3 overexpression.
- Enhanced T cell activation, cytotoxicity, and significant tumor suppression were observed, with increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Overexpression of the caspase 3 gene promotes dendritic cell maturation.
- Caspase 3 enhances the antitumor capabilities of dendritic cells.
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