Invariant NKT cells are required for antitumor responses induced by host-versus-graft responses.

ABSTRACT: Based on clinical observations, we have previously shown in a murine model that recipient leukocyte infusion (RLI) induces a host-versus-graft reaction in mixed bone marrow chimeras and that rejection of donor cells leads to a specific antitumor response against recipient malignancies. This response is dependent on T cells and IFN-gamma. We investigated the role of NKT cells (NKTs) in this phenomenon. Depletion of recipient NK1.1(+) cells led to loss of an anti-tumor effect induced by RLI in mixed bone marrow chimeras. In recipients specifically lacking host invariant NKT cells (iNKTs), RLI did not induce an antitumor effect, indicating a critical role for recipient iNKTs. Conversely, specific activation of iNKTs enhanced the anti-tumor effect induced by RLI. Following RLI, recipient iNKTs

SUBMITTER: Saito TI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3111022 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature