Tumor-derived exosomes confer antigen-specific immunosuppression in a murine delayed-type hypersensitivity model

PLoS One. 2011;6(8):e22517. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022517. Epub 2011 Aug 2.

Abstract

Exosomes are endosome-derived small membrane vesicles that are secreted by most cell types including tumor cells. Tumor-derived exosomes usually contain tumor antigens and have been used as a source of tumor antigens to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. However, many reports also suggest that tumor-derived exosomes can facilitate tumor immune evasion through different mechanisms, most of which are antigen-independent. In the present study we used a mouse model of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and demonstrated that local administration of tumor-derived exosomes carrying the model antigen chicken ovalbumin (OVA) resulted in the suppression of DTH response in an antigen-specific manner. Analysis of exosome trafficking demonstrated that following local injection, tumor-derived exosomes were internalized by CD11c+ cells and transported to the draining LN. Exosome-mediated DTH suppression is associated with increased mRNA levels of TGF-β1 and IL-4 in the draining LN. The tumor-derived exosomes examined were also found to inhibit DC maturation. Taken together, our results suggest a role for tumor-derived exosomes in inducing tumor antigen-specific immunosuppression, possibly by modulating the function of APCs.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology*
  • Exosomes / immunology*
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / immunology*
  • Interleukin-4 / genetics
  • Mice
  • Ovalbumin / administration & dosage*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / biosynthesis
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Interleukin-4
  • Ovalbumin