IFN-gamma+ CD8+ T lymphocytes: possible link between immune and radiation responses in tumor-relevant hypoxia

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2008 Jul 1;71(3):647-51. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2008.03.014.

Abstract

Activated T lymphocytes are known to kill tumor cells by triggering cytolytic mechanisms; however, their ability to enhance radiation responses remains unclear. This study examined the radiosensitizing potential of mouse CD8+ T cells, obtained by T-cell-tailored expansion and immunomagnetic purification. Activated CD8+ T cells displayed an interferon (IFN)-gamma+ phenotype and enhanced by 1.8-fold the radiosensitivity of EMT-6 tumor cells in 1% oxygen, which modeled tumor-relevant hypoxia. Radiosensitization was counteracted by neutralizing IFN-gamma or by blocking the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase, thus delineating the immune-tumor cell interaction through the IFN-gamma secretion pathway. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and fluorescence-activated cell sorter data in agreement detected downregulation of the IFN-gamma gene by hypoxia, which caused IFN-gamma deficiency next to radioresistance. Therefore, immune and radiation responses are likely to be allied in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, and CD8+ T cells may bridge immunostimulatory and radiosensitizing strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / radiation effects*
  • Cell Hypoxia / immunology
  • Cell Hypoxia / radiation effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Immunity, Innate / immunology*
  • Immunity, Innate / radiation effects
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Radiation Dosage

Substances

  • Interferon-gamma