Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody
Published on: May 16, 2020
Restricted activity of serum blocking factors related to a common tumour antigen in mice
Abstract:
Mice of four different inbred strains (CBA, Balb/c, C57Bl/6 and DBA/2), bearing different transplanted tumours (methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas, B16 melanoma and P-815 mastocytoma), were tested for cellular immune reactivity to the synthetic encephalitogenic peptide of human myelin basic protein by the leucocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) assay. All exhibited reactivity at about the same optimal concentration of peptide. Normal mice of all strains and pregnant CBA mice were non-reactive. Blocking of LAI was detected with serum obtained 10 or more days after tumour transplantation. Sera from mice bearing different transplanted tumours abrogated the adherence-inhibitory effect of peptide on sensitized syngeneic peritoneal leucocytes. The blocking factors were cross-reactive between different tumours only within the same mouse strain, indicating a requirement for genetic compatibility between donors of the reactive cells and the serum blocking factors.
Insights
Mice immune cells responded to a synthetic myelin peptide, but tumor-bearing mice developed blocking factors that inhibited this response. These blocking factors were strain-specific, highlighting genetic compatibility in immune interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
Background:
- Cellular immune reactivity is crucial for tumor surveillance.
- The synthetic encephalitogenic peptide of human myelin basic protein is a known T-cell antigen.
- Tumor-induced immunosuppression can impair anti-tumor immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cellular immune reactivity to a myelin basic protein peptide in different mouse strains with transplanted tumors.
- To identify and characterize blocking factors in tumor-bearing mice that may inhibit immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) assay was used to assess cellular immune reactivity.
- Four inbred mouse strains (CBA, Balb/c, C57Bl/6, DBA/2) were used.
- Transplanted tumors included methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas, B16 melanoma, and P-815 mastocytoma.
Main Results:
- All tested mouse strains showed reactivity to the myelin peptide at an optimal concentration.
- Normal and pregnant mice did not exhibit reactivity.
- Serum from tumor-bearing mice, collected 10+ days post-transplantation, blocked LAI.
- Blocking factors were cross-reactive between different tumors but only within the same mouse strain.
Conclusions:
- Tumor transplantation induces immunosuppressive factors that interfere with cellular immune responses.
- Genetic compatibility between reactive cells and blocking factors is essential for cross-reactivity.
- These findings have implications for understanding tumor immunology and developing immunotherapies.
