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Human In Vitro Suppression as Screening Tool for the Recognition of an Early State of Immune Imbalance
Published on: July 22, 2011
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A method for screening functional anti-Treg antibodies using a Treg-like cell line
Kirsten Pfeffer1, Thai H Ho2, Yvette Ruiz1
1School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 6161 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054, United States.
Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|December 31, 2024
Summary
Researchers identified a novel antibody targeting CD44 on regulatory T cells (Tregs). This antibody partially reverses Treg-mediated suppression, offering a potential target for cancer immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress T-cell proliferation via cell contact, but the mechanism remains unclear.
- Identifying Treg-specific surface molecules is crucial for cancer immunotherapy targets to modulate Treg function in the tumor microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and screen monoclonal antibodies against Treg-specific cell surface molecules.
- To identify antibodies that bind native conformations and functionally reverse Treg-mediated suppression.
Main Methods:
- Whole-cell immunization using a Treg-like cell line (MoT cells).
- Screening of hybridomas for antibodies binding MoT cell surface proteins.
- Functional assays to assess antibody-mediated reversal or enhancement of Treg suppression.
Main Results:
- Generated 105 hybridomas binding MoT cell surface; 32 showed functional activity.
- Characterized antibody 12E7, which binds MoT cells and conventional human Tregs.
- Antibody 12E7 binds CD44 and partially reverses Treg-mediated suppression.
Conclusions:
- CD44 is a potential target molecule mediating Treg suppression.
- Antibody 12E7 shows promise for inhibiting Treg immunosuppressive function in cancer immunotherapy.
