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Expression and function of the complement membrane attack complex inhibitor protectin (CD59) in human prostate cancer
G A Jarvis1, J Li, J Hakulinen
1Center for Immunochemistry, VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA. jarvis@gaia.ucsf.edu
International Journal of Cancer
|June 11, 1997
Summary
Prostate cancer cells express CD59, a protein that protects them from complement-mediated attack. Neutralizing CD59 (protectin) can make these cells vulnerable to immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Protectin (CD59) inhibits complement-mediated cell lysis by preventing membrane attack complex formation.
- CD59 plays a role in immune evasion by various cell types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of CD59 on human prostate cancer cells.
- To determine if CD59 contributes to the resistance of prostate cancer cells to complement-mediated lysis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry to assess CD59 expression in prostate tissues and cell lines.
- Western immunoblotting and phospholipase C treatment to analyze CD59 structure and linkage.
- Complement-mediated cytolysis assays with and without CD59-neutralizing antibodies.
Main Results:
- CD59 is expressed on both benign and malignant prostate cells, with varying levels in cell lines.
- Prostate cancer cells (PC3, DU145) express GPI-anchored CD59.
- These cells are resistant to complement lysis but become sensitive when CD59 is neutralized.
Conclusions:
- Malignant and benign prostate cells express GPI-linked CD59.
- CD59 contributes to immune evasion in prostate cancer by protecting cells from complement-mediated cytolysis.
- Targeting CD59 may enhance anti-tumor immune responses against prostate cancer.