4-1BBL expressed by eukaryotic cells activates immune cells and suppresses the progression of murine tumor

Abstract

The interaction by co-stimulatory molecules 4-1BB and 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) plays an important role in the activation, proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes. The function of 4-1BB/4-1BBL expressed by the immune cells has been the focus for many tumor immunotherapy efforts. In this study, 4-1BBL was expressed in non-immune cells and non-tumor cells, and the role of 4-1BBL in lymphocyte activation and tumor suppression was investigated. The plasmid p4-1BBL containing the full length of mouse 4-1BBL cDNA sequence was constructed, and the plasmid was transfected into baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells and murine muscle cells by means of lipofectin-mediated or naked plasmid DNA injection into the muscle directly. The study demonstrated that the molecule 4-1BBL expressed by BHK cells in vitro could enhance the proliferation and cytotoxicity of lymphocytes, and it could increase the expression level of IL-2 and IFN-γ. The treatment with plasmid p4-1BBL in vivo revealed that the number of CD8⁺ T cells in the peri-tumoral tissue increased markedly, and the growth rate of the tumor was significantly lower than that of control group. These findings suggest that expression of 4-1BBL by normal cells in the tumor microenvironment can enhance the proliferation and other functions of T lymphocytes. This therapeutic method may provide a promising approach for tumor immunotherapy.

Keywords

4-1BB ligand / tumor immunotherapy / tumor microenvironment

References

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