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Myeloma-induced immunosuppression: a multistep mechanism
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|October 1, 1978
Summary
Mice with plasma cell tumors show a weakened antibody response. Tumor cells and spleen cells from these mice release factors that suppress antibody production in a dose-dependent way.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mice with plasma cell tumors exhibit a compromised primary antibody response.
- The mechanisms underlying this immunosuppression are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunosuppressive properties of cell homogenates and culture fluids from MOPC-315 plasmacytoma-bearing mice.
- To identify and characterize the immunosuppressive factors involved.
Main Methods:
- Short-term cultures of spleen and tumor cells from MOPC-315 mice were established.
- Cell homogenates and culture fluids were tested for their ability to suppress the in vivo primary antibody response to sheep red blood cells.
- Fractions were analyzed for molecular weight and biological activity.
Main Results:
- Both spleen cell and tumor cell homogenates/culture fluids suppressed antibody response in a dose-dependent manner.
- Spleen cell culture fluids contained a 10,000–20,000-dalton immunosuppressive factor.
- Non-adherent tumor cells released a high molecular weight (m.w.) suppressor that induced host cells to secrete the smaller immunosuppressor.
- The high m.w. tumor factor altered lymphocyte membranes, enabling detection of myeloma protein activity.
Conclusions:
- MOPC-315 plasmacytoma cells and associated spleen cells produce immunosuppressive factors.
- A high m.w. factor from tumor cells induces the production of a smaller immunosuppressor and alters lymphocyte membranes.
- These findings shed light on the complex immunosuppressive environment in plasma cell tumors.