MHC Antigen Expression in Ras-Transformed Fibroblasts
Author Information
Author(s): A.G. Morris, G.A. Ward, W.J. Bateman
Primary Institution: University of Warwick
Hypothesis
How does the expression of the v-Ki-ras oncogene affect the expression of MHC antigens in fibroblasts?
Conclusion
The expression of MHC antigens by fibroblasts expressing the v-Ki-ras oncogene is unstable and varies with the number of cell generations from transformation.
Supporting Evidence
- C3H 201 cells expressed some class I antigen in the absence of added interferon, which declined with passage level.
- Treatment with IFN-y induced high expression of H-2Kk at all passage levels.
- Inducibility of I-Ak was related to the number of passages after transformation.
Takeaway
This study found that the way certain proteins are shown on the surface of cells can change a lot when the cells are transformed, which might help tumors grow.
Methodology
The study involved transforming C3H mouse embryo fibroblasts with a helper-virus-free preparation of murine sarcoma virus and examining MHC antigen expression at various passage levels.
Limitations
The study does not exclude the possibility of untransformed cell populations affecting results.
Participant Demographics
C3H mouse embryo fibroblasts were used in the study.
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