Mesothelioma Cell Lines Using Indirect Immunofluorescence and Northern Blotting

One interesting study is called, "HLA antigen expression and malignant mesothelioma." By Christmas TI, Manning LS, Davis MR, Robinson BW, Garlepp MJ. - Department of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands.?? Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 1991 Sep;5(3):213-20.?? Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - The expression of HLA antigens by a tumor may determine its progression and metastatic potential by influencing the immune response to that tumor. The upregulation of HLA antigen expression on some cell types by interferons (IFNs) may contribute to their antitumor activity. Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a tumor that has a poor prognosis and is unaffected by conventional therapy, although immunotherapy has not been adequately assessed. In this study, we have examined the constitutive and IFN-inducible expression of class I and class II HLA antigens on MM cell lines using indirect immunofluorescence and Northern blotting. All MM cell lines constitutively expressed class I, but not class II, surface antigen, and all three class I loci (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C) were expressed. The MM cell lines were heterogeneous in their response to the IFNs. Treatment with IFN-alpha marginally increased class I surface expression, but not class II. Class I mRNA was, however, clearly increased in all cell lines after IFN-alpha treatment, suggesting that class I surface antigen was already maximally expressed. IFN-gamma increased class I mRNA expression in all but one cell line and induced DR expression on three of the cell lines. DQ-beta, but not DQ-alpha, mRNA was inducible in the same three cell lines, but DQ surface antigen was never demonstrable."

Another interesting study is called, "Malignant pleural mesothelioma: a problematic review" by Thomas L. Moskal, John D. Urschel, Timothy M. Anderson, Joseph G. Antkowiak, Hiroshi Takita - Volume 7, Issue 1, Pages 5-12 (July 1998).?? Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare tumor that has been difficult to study. Because of disappointing treatment results, malignant pleural mesothelioma has remained an area of active research and development. A clinicopathologic review is performed in light of several problematic issues involving diagnosis, staging, natural history, and treatment. Multimodality treatment with surgery followed by adjuvant local and systemic therapy remains the most optimal therapy. Many controversial issues still exist in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. In the ensuing years newer staging systems, better preoperative staging, newer experimental therapies, and the localization of patients at expert centers will undoubtedly have an impact on disease management."