Protecting Dendritic Cells from Prostate Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Pirtskhalaishvili G, Shurin G V, Esche C, Cai Q, Salup R R, Bykovskaia S N, Lotze M T, Shurin M R
Primary Institution: Department of Urology, Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
Prostate cancer induces progressive suppression of the dendritic cell system.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer actively eliminates dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment, but stimulation with certain cytokines can enhance their survival.
Supporting Evidence
- Prostate cancer tissue is almost devoid of dendritic cells, which are crucial for immune responses.
- Co-incubation with prostate cancer cells led to high levels of premature apoptosis in dendritic cells.
- Stimulation with CD40 ligand, IL-12, or IL-15 increased dendritic cell survival in the tumor microenvironment.
- Activation of dendritic cells with these cytokines increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-x L.
Takeaway
Prostate cancer makes special immune cells called dendritic cells die, but using certain signals can help keep them alive.
Methodology
The study tested the effects of prostate cancer cell lines on human dendritic cells and the impact of cytokine stimulation on their survival.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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