Age-dependent tolerance to an endogenous tumor-associated antigen

Vaccine. 2008 Mar 28;26(15):1863-1873. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.01.052. Epub 2008 Feb 20.

Abstract

Immunologic tolerance to endogenous antigens reduces antitumor responses. Gp70 is an endogenous tumor-associated antigen (TAA) of the BALB/c-derived colon carcinoma CT26. We found that expression of gp70 mRNA is detectable in tissues of mice 8 months of age and older. We showed that expression of gp70 establishes immunologic tolerance and affects antitumor immunity in a similarly age-dependent manner using gp70-deficient mice. We found that tumors grew in all gp70-sufficient mice, while approximately half of gp70-deficient mice controlled tumor growth with endogenous T-cell responses. Protection in gp70-deficient mice correlated with more robust gp70-specific CTL responses, and increased numbers and avidity of responding antigen-specific T cells after vaccination. We conclude that immunosurveillance may decline with age due to increased or de novo peripheral expression of endogenous TAAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Female
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm