# IMMUNE EFFECTS OF SHED TUMOR CELL MEMBRANE VESICLES

> **NIH NIH R01** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · 1987 · $159,893

## Abstract

We propose to study the mechanism of release of cell membrane components,
in particular the role of the cytoskeleton, the nature, composition and
characteristics of released vesicles, and their interaction with cells,
particularly of the immune system.

We have found that vesicles from cancer cells inhibit the induction of
macrophage Ia antigen by gamma interferon.  Ia antigen expression by the
macrophage is essential for antigen presentation to T helper cells and,
since it is not constitutive, is subject to regulation.  Therefore, the
abrogation of Ia induction by vesicles shed from cancer cells may
compromise the crucial role of the macrophage in immune regulation.  We
plan to investigate the nature of the suppressive molecule and the
mechanism of such inhibition by vesicles.  Vesicles also inhibit other
effector mechanisms of the immune system and we will determine by in vitro
experiments whether these effects are secondary to macrophage dysfunction.
The effect of in vivo administration of vesicles, particularly on
macrophage Ia expression and function, host cytotoxic T cells, and
suppressor cell induction, will be examined, as well as their effect(s) on
tumor formation and progression.

Our long term objectives are to determine the precise mechanism(s) of
release, the inhibitory molecule(s) on the shed vesicles, and its immune
target(s).  By determining the nature of these shed vesicles, their
release, and the way in which they suppress the immune system, it may be
possible to prevent this immunosuppression.  This might be done by blocking
shedding or by clearing shed material by, for example, plamapheresis.  (IS)

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3177294
- **Project number:** 5R01CA038882-03
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FBYMGMHW4X95
- **Principal Investigator:** PAUL H BLACK
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $159,893
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-09-30 → 1989-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3177294

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3177294, IMMUNE EFFECTS OF SHED TUMOR CELL MEMBRANE VESICLES (5R01CA038882-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3177294. Licensed CC0.

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