Broad and conserved immune regulation by genetically heterogeneous melanoma cells

While mutations drive cancer, it is less clear to what extent genetic defects control immune mechanisms and confer resistance to cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-based immunotherapy. Here we studied the reactions of malignant and benign melanocyte lines to CTL using flow cytometry and gene expression analyses. We found rapid and broad upregulation of immune regulatory genes, essentially triggered by CTL-derived IFNγ and augmented by TNFα. These reactions were predominantly homogenous, independent of oncogenic driver mutations and similar in benign and malignant cells. The reactions exhibited both pro- and anti-tumorigenic potential and primarily corresponded to mechanisms that were conserved, rather than acquired, by mutations. Similar results were obtained from direct ex vivo analysis of the tumor microenvironment. Thus, immune regulation in the tumor landscape may often be driven by conserved mechanisms, which may explain why T cell-based immunotherapy can provide durable benefits with relatively infrequent escape.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2k98DL9
via IFTTT