Class II transactivator expression in melanoma cells facilitates T-cell engulfment.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM:

Melanoma cells express high levels of HLA class II, cell surface antigen-presenting proteins, which is an anomalous phenotype among solid tumors. There has never been a satisfying explanation for how this HLA class II-positive phenotype is related to tumor development. Lugini and colleagues demonstrated that melanoma cells have the capacity to engulf T-cells. We considered the possibility that this capacity could be dependent on HLA class II expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We co-cultured melanoma and CD4-positive, labeled, Jurkat-C T-cells. The melanoma cells were transformed with an expression vector for CIITA, the obligate HLA class II gene transactivator. We then assayed for the transfer of label to the melanoma cells.

RESULTS:

CIITA expression facilitated engulfment of the T-cell material but not material from B-cells.

CONCLUSION:

The results suggest a possible mechanism for HLA class II-positive melanoma cells in blunting an anti-tumor response and suggest a possible target for melanoma therapy.

• Authors: Mark C Lloyd, Karoly Szekeres, Joel S Brown, George Blanck
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) Vol. 35 Issue 1 Pg. 25-9 (Jan 2015) ISSN: 1791-7530 [Electronic] Greece
• PMID: 25550531 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• MHC class II transactivator protein
• Nuclear Proteins
• Trans-Activators

Topics

• Coculture Techniques
• Humans
• Jurkat Cells
• Melanoma (immunology, pathology)
• Nuclear Proteins (metabolism)
• Phagocytosis
• Trans-Activators (metabolism)