Work

Tumor-associated, Estrogen Receptor-related Antigen EBAG9: Linking Intracellular Vesicle Trafficking, Immune Homeostasis, and Malignancy

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte- and natural-killer-cell-mediated immune surveillance is crucial for preventing development and growth of malignancies. A recent intriguing study by Rüder et al. demonstrates that the estrogen receptor-binding fragment-associated gene 9 (EBAG9) protein acts as a novel inhibitor of cytotoxic immune responses, potentially influencing growth and spread of malignancies. EBAG9 does this by suppressing production of secretory lysosomes through negative regulation of adaptor proteins involved in intracellular vesicle transfer. Secretory lysosomes contain cell lysis effector molecules released into the immune synapse formed between cytotoxic immune cells and their target tumor cells. Thus, in addition to their direct ER-mediated suppressive effect on estrogen-dependent tumor growth, anti-estrogens may “switch off” EBAG9, thereby bolstering immune cytotoxicity against these cancer cells.

Source: Molecular Interventions

DOI: 10.1124/mi.9.6.4

Authors: T. Kino, G. P. Chrousos

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development