Premium
Dynamic expression of protective CEACAM1 on melanoma cells during specific immune attack
Author(s) -
Markel Gal,
Seidman Rachel,
Cohen Yifat,
Besser Michal J.,
Sinai Tali Cohen,
Treves Avraham J.,
Orenstein Arie,
Berger Raanan,
Schachter Jacob
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.297
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1365-2567
pISSN - 0019-2805
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02888.x
Subject(s) - melanoma , immune system , effector , antigen , biology , immunology , cancer research , lymphocyte , phenotype , immunotherapy , interferon , gene , genetics
Summary An efficient immune response against tumours depends on a well‐orchestrated function of integrated components, but is finally exerted by effector tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). We have previously reported that homophilic CEACAM1 interactions inhibit the specific killing and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) release activities of natural killer cells and TIL. In this study a model for the investigation of melanoma cells surviving long coincubation with antigen‐specific TIL is reported. It is demonstrated that the surviving melanoma cells increase their surface CEACAM1 expression, which in turn confers enhanced resistance against fresh TIL. Furthermore, it is shown that this is an active process, driven by specific immune recognition and is at least partially mediated by lymphocyte‐derived IFN‐γ. Similar results were observed with antigen‐restricted TIL, either autologous or allogeneic, as well as with natural killer cells. The enhanced CEACAM1 expression depends, however, on the presence of IFN‐γ and sharply drops within 48 hr. This may be a mechanism that allows tumour cells to transiently develop a more resistant phenotype upon recognition by specific lymphocytes. Therefore, this work substantiates the melanoma‐promoting role of CEACAM1 and marks it as an attractive target for novel immunotherapeutic interventions.