Tumor-Derived Exosomes Confer Antigen-Specific Immunosuppression in a Murine Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Model
2011

Tumor-Derived Exosomes and Immune Suppression

Sample size: 15 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yang Chen, Seon-Hee Kim, Nicole R. Bianco, Paul D. Robbins

Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Can tumor-derived exosomes induce antigen-specific immunosuppression in a murine model?

Conclusion

Tumor-derived exosomes can suppress the immune response specific to the antigens they carry.

Supporting Evidence

  • Local administration of tumor-derived exosomes suppressed the DTH response by more than 50%.
  • Exosomes were internalized by CD11c+ cells and transported to draining lymph nodes.
  • Elevated levels of TGF-β1 and IL-4 mRNA were associated with DTH suppression.

Takeaway

The study shows that tiny bubbles released by tumors can trick the immune system into not attacking them, but only for specific antigens.

Methodology

Mice were sensitized with OVA and treated with tumor-derived exosomes to assess the DTH response.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a murine model, which may not fully represent human responses.

Participant Demographics

C57BL/6 mice, female, 6-8 weeks old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022517

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