HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Epithelial ovarian cancer cells secrete functional Fas ligand.

Abstract
The Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) system has been suggested to play an important role in the establishment of an immune privilege status of the tumor by inducing Fas-mediated apoptosis in tumor-specific lymphocytes. However, the role of cell surface-expressed FasL in tumor cell protection has recently become controversial. In this study, we have demonstrated that ascites-derived epithelial ovarian cancer cells lack membranal FasL but constitutively secrete whole, intracellular FasL (37 kDa) via the release of microvesicles. In contrast, normal ovarian surface epithelial cells express, but do not secrete, FasL. We have also identified a heavily glycosylated form of secreted FasL (48 kDa), associated with microvesicles isolated directly from the ascites fluid of patients with ovarian cancer. Following the disruption of the microvesicle membrane, both the 37-kDa and 48-kDa forms of secreted FasL were able to trigger Fas-mediated apoptosis in Jurkat T cells. These results suggest that the release of secreted FasL, and not the membrane form, may provide a mechanism by which tumors might counterattack Fas-bearing immune cells, thus facilitating their escape from immune surveillance and promoting tumor cell survival.
AuthorsVikki M Abrahams, Shawn L Straszewski, Marijke Kamsteeg, Bozena Hanczaruk, Peter E Schwartz, Thomas J Rutherford, Gil Mor
JournalCancer research (Cancer Res) Vol. 63 Issue 17 Pg. 5573-81 (Sep 01 2003) ISSN: 0008-5472 [Print] United States
PMID14500397 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
Chemical References
  • FASLG protein, human
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
Topics
  • Apoptosis (immunology, physiology)
  • Cell Survival (physiology)
  • Cytoplasmic Vesicles (metabolism)
  • Epithelial Cells (pathology)
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Female
  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Membrane Glycoproteins (immunology, metabolism)
  • Ovarian Neoplasms (immunology, metabolism, pathology)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: