Targeting Listeria to Tumor Cells Using Antibodies
Author Information
Author(s): Heisig Martin, Frentzen Alexa, Bergmann Birgit, Galmbacher Katharina, Gentschev Ivaylo, Hotz Christian, Schoen Christoph, Stritzker Jochen, Fensterle Joachim, Rapp Ulf R, Goebel Werner
Primary Institution: Institut für Medizinische Strahlenkunde und Zellforschung (MSZ), Universität Würzburg
Hypothesis
Can specific antibody-receptor interactions enable the uptake of Listeria monocytogenes into tumor cell lines independent of InlAB?
Conclusion
Antibody binding to SPA-expressing L. monocytogenes allows targeted internalization into cancer cells expressing specific receptors.
Supporting Evidence
- The Lm-spa+ strain showed efficient binding to antibodies.
- Internalization of Lm-spa+ into cancer cells was significantly increased when coated with Trastuzumab.
- In vivo experiments demonstrated increased bacterial counts in tumors when antibodies were crosslinked to the bacteria.
Takeaway
Researchers found a way to use special antibodies to help bacteria get inside cancer cells, which could help treat tumors better.
Methodology
The study involved constructing a Listeria strain that expresses protein A and testing its ability to bind antibodies and internalize into cancer cell lines.
Limitations
The study's in vivo results showed no significant difference in bacterial counts between antibody-coated and uncoated bacteria in the liver, spleen, or tumor.
Participant Demographics
Balb/c SCID mice were used for in vivo experiments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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