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Suppression of Friend leukemia cell-induced tumours by cellular preparations of Candida albicans
Abstract:
Inactivated cellular preparations and cell wall materials of Candida albicans (CA) were tested for their capacity to suppress the growth of Friend Leukemia Cell (FLC)-induced tumours and the infection by Friend Leukemia Virus (FLV) in histocompatible mice. Factors affecting the inhibition of tumor growth by CA cellular preparations were: i) the schedule of agent administration; ii) the method of cell inactivation; iii) the FLC load. In particular, mice given 10(7) yeast cells, inactivated by cold alkali, on days -14 and +1 with respect to 10(4) FLC challenge on day 0 did not develop tumors. A crude cell wall fraction derived from cells extracted with hot alkali was still effective in reducing (but not suppressing) tumour growth whereas a purified, particulate glucan fraction (glucan "ghosts", essentially consisting of beta 1,3-1,6 glucan) was ineffective. No cellular preparation or cell wall fraction exerted anti-FLV effects (as shown by splenomegaly measurements) nor did any CA material induce interferon-like activity in the serum of animals injected with either FLC or FLV. Therefore, the observed antitumor activity by CA was not mediated by antiviral effects but possibly due to an "adjuvant-type", nonspecific, immunopotentiation of host antitumor response, as documented in other animal tumor models.
Insights
Inactivated Candida albicans (CA) preparations suppressed Friend Leukemia Cell (FLC) tumors in mice. This antitumor effect, mediated by immune potentiation, was not due to antiviral activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Candida albicans (CA) is a fungus with potential immunomodulatory properties.
- Friend Leukemia Virus (FLV) induces leukemia and tumors in mice.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antitumor potential of inactivated CA cellular preparations and cell wall components against FLC-induced tumors.
- To determine if CA exhibits antiviral activity against FLV.
- To elucidate the mechanism underlying CA's observed antitumor effects.
Main Methods:
- Inactivated CA cellular preparations and cell wall fractions were administered to histocompatible mice.
- Tumorigenesis was induced using Friend Leukemia Cells (FLC).
- Viral load and splenomegaly were measured to assess anti-FLV activity; interferon-like activity was also assessed.
Main Results:
- Specific administration schedules and inactivation methods of CA preparations significantly suppressed FLC tumor growth.
- A crude cell wall fraction showed partial tumor reduction, while a purified glucan fraction was ineffective.
- No antiviral activity against FLV or induction of interferon-like activity was observed.
Conclusions:
- Inactivated CA preparations demonstrate significant antitumor activity against FLC-induced tumors in mice.
- The antitumor effect is likely mediated by nonspecific immunopotentiation rather than direct antiviral mechanisms.
- Optimized administration and preparation of CA are critical for maximizing therapeutic efficacy.