Immunogold labelling of tumour cells during NK/target cell interactions |
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Authors: | M. J. ZANYK D. BANERJEE S. A. HEARN |
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Affiliation: | Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. |
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Abstract: | Using a system of immunocolloidal gold labelling, we have monitored the expression and distribution of transferrin receptors (TfRs) within the K562 cell line, during NK/target cell interactions. An indirect method of immunolabelling was used to effectively immunolabel tumour cells without disrupting the natural effector:target interactions. Successful localization of TfRs demonstrates the potential of the described technique for discerning antigenic distribution of other cell:cell interactions. Immunolabelling has also provided a useful method for demonstrating receptor down-regulation within NK target cells, as a proposed cause of reduced receptor expression by TPA-treated cells. Following 30 and 60 min incubation periods with TPA, approximately 15 and 30%, respectively, of the gold/antibody complexes were relocated from the surface membrane to an intracellular location within endocytotic vesicles. The demonstration of receptor down-regulation is important as a proposed cause of TPA-induced tumour cell resistance to NK-mediated cytolysis. |
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Keywords: | TPA(12–0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) down-regulation K562 cell line natural killer (NK) cell NK-mediated cytolysis immunocolloidal gold labelling |
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