Alpha-fetoprotein impairs APC function and induces their apoptosis.
J Immunol
; 173(3): 1772-8, 2004 Aug 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15265907
ABSTRACT
alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a tumor-associated Ag, and its serum level is elevated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In vitro, AFP induces functional impairment of dendritic cells (DCs). This was demonstrated by the down-regulation of CD40 and CD86 molecules and the impairment of allostimulatory function. Also, AFP was found to induce significant apoptosis of DCs, and AFP-treated DCs produced low levels of IL-12 and TNF-alpha, a cytokine pattern that could hamper an efficient antitumor immune response. Ex vivo, APCs of patients with HCC and high levels of AFP produced lower levels of TNF-alpha than that of healthy individuals. In conclusion, these results illustrate that AFP induces dysfunction and apoptosis of APCs, thereby offering a mechanism by which HCC escapes immunological control.
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Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Células Dendríticas
/
Alfa-Fetoproteínas
/
Apoptosis
/
Presentación de Antígeno
/
Carcinoma Hepatocelular
/
Escape del Tumor
/
Neoplasias Hepáticas
/
Proteínas de Neoplasias
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Año:
2004
Tipo del documento:
Article