Abstract
Naked mole rats (NMRs) have extraordinarily long lifespans and anti-tumorigenic capability. Recent studies of humans and mice have shown that many age-related diseases, including cancer, are strongly correlated with immunity, and macrophages play particularly important roles in immune regulation. Therefore, NMR macrophages may contribute to their unique phenotypes. However, studies of the roles of macrophages are limited by material restrictions and the lack of an established experimental strategy. In this study, we developed a flow cytometric strategy to identify NMR macrophages. The NMR macrophages were extractable using an off-the-shelf anti-CD11b antibody, M1/70, and forward/side scatter data obtained by flow cytometry. NMR macrophages proliferated in response to human/mouse recombinant M-CSF and engulfed Escherichia coli particles. Interestingly, the majority of NMR macrophages exhibited co-staining with an anti-NK1.1 antibody, PK136. NK1.1 antigen crosslinking with PK136 results in mouse NK cell stimulation; similarly, NMR macrophages proliferated in response to NK1.1 antibody treatment. Furthermore, we successfully established an NMR macrophage cell line, NPM1, by transduction of Simian virus 40 early region that proliferated indefinitely without cytokines and retained its phagocytotic capacity. The NPM1 would contribute to further studies on the immunity of NMRs.
Highlights
Naked mole rats (NMRs) have extraordinarily long lifespans and anti-tumorigenic capability
We found that an anti-mouse/human CD11b antibody, known as Mac-1, reacted to large cells (Fr. b) in the bone marrow, spleen, and peritoneal cavity (PEC) (Fig. 1b–d)
Phagocytosed E. coli particles were detected by green fluorescence
Summary
Naked mole rats (NMRs) have extraordinarily long lifespans and anti-tumorigenic capability. The NPM1 would contribute to further studies on the immunity of NMRs. Naked mole rats (NMR, Heterocephalus glaber) are subterranean rodents found in the eastern Horn of Africa that breed in eusocial colonies of up to about 300 individuals with only one breeding female and a few breeding males[1]. Naked mole rats (NMR, Heterocephalus glaber) are subterranean rodents found in the eastern Horn of Africa that breed in eusocial colonies of up to about 300 individuals with only one breeding female and a few breeding males[1] Their sizes (average body weight: 35 g) are almost the same as those of house mice (Mus musculus), they have a much longer life span (up to 32 years) than expected based on body size, making them the longest-lived rodent species in the world. The unique features of NMR macrophages were identified in this study and the novel macrophage cell line would contribute to further studies of the curious aspects of NMR immune systems
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
