Introduction of the CIITA gene into tumor cells produces exosomes with enhanced anti-tumor effects

Exp Mol Med. 2011 May 31;43(5):281-90. doi: 10.3858/emm.2011.43.5.029.

Abstract

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles secreted from various types of cells. Tumor-derived exosomes contain MHC class I molecules and tumor-specific antigens, receiving attention as a potential cancer vaccine. For induction of efficient anti-tumor immunity, CD4+ helper T cells are required, which recognize appropriate MHC class II-peptide complexes. In this study, we have established an MHC class II molecule-expressing B16F1 murine melanoma cell line (B16F1- CIITA) by transduction of the CIITA (Class II transactivator) gene. Exosomes from B16-CII cells (CIITA- Exo) contained a high amount of MHC class II as well as a tumor antigen TRP2. When loaded on dendritic cells (DCs), CIITA-Exo induced the increased expression of MHC class II molecules and CD86 than the exosomes from the parental cells (Exo). In vitro assays using co-culture of immunized splenocytes and exosome-loaded DCs demonstrated that CIITA-Exo enhanced the splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 secretion. Consistently, compared to B16-Exo, CIITA-Exo induced the increased mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, chemokine receptor CCR7 and the production of Th1-polarizing cytokine IL-12. A tumor preventive model showed that CIITA-Exo significantly inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. Ex vivo assays using immunized mice demonstrated that CIITA-Exo induced a higher amount of Th1-polarized immune responses such as Th1-type IgG2a antibodies and IFN-γ cytokine as well as TRP2-specific CD8+ T cells. A tumor therapeutic model delayed effects of tumor growth by CIITA-Exo. These findings indicate that CIITA-Exo are more efficient as compared to parental Exo to induce anti-tumor immune responses, suggesting a potential role of MHC class II-containing tumor exosomes as an efficient cancer vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cancer Vaccines / genetics
  • Cancer Vaccines / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Exosomes / genetics
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Immunity, Cellular / immunology
  • Immunity, Humoral / immunology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Melanoma, Experimental / mortality
  • Melanoma, Experimental / pathology
  • Melanoma, Experimental / physiopathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Survival Analysis
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Trans-Activators / genetics*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism*
  • Transduction, Genetic

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • MHC class II transactivator protein
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Trans-Activators