The evaluation of Cannabidiol's effect on the immunotherapy of Burkitt lymphoma

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2019 Nov 26;520(1):225-230. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.10.001. Epub 2019 Oct 3.

Abstract

Aim: AF1q has a precise oncogenic function. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether CBD has an effect on the AF1q/ICAM-1 regulatory axis in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), and thus has potential to enhance immunotherapy and reduce side effects.

Methods: We established BL cell lines with altered AF1q expression using lentivirus. After confirmation of gene expression by RT-PCR, cells were treated with CBD followed by co-culture of killing assay.

Results: AF1q increased oncogenic growth and colony formation, and induced resistance against cell-mediated cytotoxic chemotherapy through attenuation of ICAM-1 expression in BL. CBD was able to reverse the acquired resistance mediated by AF1q/ICAM-1 regulatory axis.

Conclusion: CBD holds potential to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy for BL with hyperactive AF1q/ICAM-1 regulatory axis, and warrants further study.

Keywords: AF1q; BL; Burkitt lymphoma; CBD; Cannabidiol; ICAM-1; Immunotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / therapy*
  • Cannabidiol / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism
  • Lentivirus
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • ICAM1 protein, human
  • MLLT11 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Cannabidiol