Abstract 1911: Influence of gap-junction formation on melanoma specific-CD8 T cells function

Abstract

Abstract Gap-junction channels (GJ) constitute a new potential pathway involved in the regulation of the tumor immunity. We previously showed, in a 3D construct model, that connexin43-based-GJ permitted the transfer of antigenic peptide from melanoma cell line to autologous endothelial cells. This antigenic peptide was cross-presented by endothelial cells leading to their specific recognition and lysis by specific autologous CD8+ CTL. We further investigate the potential role of GJ in the interaction between endothelial and melanoma cells. Using histological sections staining, our results indicate that gap-junction formation can occur in vivo from melanoma patients. Morever, we found that GJ are colocalized in the immunological synapse between CD8+ CTL and melanoma or melanoma-derived endothelial cells. Analysis of intracellular traffic of connexin43-GFP, using confocal live imaging, corroborates this observation since a translocation of intracellular connexin43-GFP to the contact area between CTL and target cells was observed. Our data demonstrate that CTL and melanoma cell lines exchange their intracytoplasmic content through GJ formation during the formation of the immunological synapse. The characterization of the GJ role and the influence of transferred molecules between cells will be discussed. These data open a new perspective on gap-junction importance in the anti-tumor activity of CTLs. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1911.