HP-NAP inhibits the growth of bladder cancer in mice by activating a cytotoxic Th1 response

Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2012 Jan;61(1):31-40. doi: 10.1007/s00262-011-1087-2. Epub 2011 Aug 11.

Abstract

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the gold standard treatment for intermediate and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. BCG therapy is the most successful example of immunotherapy in cancer. Unfortunately, the treatment-related side effects are still relevant. Furthermore, non-responder patients are candidate to radical cystectomy in the absence of valuable alternative options. These aspects have prompted the search for newer biological response modifiers (BRM) with a better benefit/side effects ratio. The toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 ligand, Helicobacter pylori protein HP-NAP, has been shown to deserve a potential role as BRM. HP-NAP is capable of driving the differentiation of T helper (Th) 1 cells, both in vitro and in vivo, because of its ability to create an IL-12-enriched milieu. Herein, we report that local administration of HP-NAP decreases tumour growth by triggering tumour necrosis in a mouse model of bladder cancer implant. The effect is accompanied by a significant accumulation of both CD4+ and CD8+ IFN-γ-secreting cells, within tumour and regional lymph nodes. Noteworthy, HP-NAP-treated tumours show also a reduced vascularization due to the anti-angiogenic activity of IFN-γ induced by HP-NAP. Our findings strongly indicate that HP-NAP might become a novel therapeutic "bullet" for the cure of bladder tumours.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravesical
  • Animals
  • BCG Vaccine / pharmacology*
  • Bacterial Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Female
  • Helicobacter pylori / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine
  • Bacterial Proteins