Determination of the effect of Leishmania infantum cell lysate on the expression of immune checkpoint molecules in breast cancer cells

Abstract

Tumor immune evasion is considered as an important hallmark of cancer initiation and progression. Tumors can induce the expression of immune checkpoint molecules contributing to suppress anti-tumor immune responses. The CD86 and PD-L1genes are among the genes that suppress the immune system. They are repressed by miRNAs that control them and may also be used as part of treatment-responsive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of these genes and miRNAs that control them in treatment with Leishmani infantum. Material and Methods: MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was cultured in the relevant culture medium and after treatment with Leishmania infantum, RNA was extracted. Then cDNA was synthesized. Finally, changes in the expression of CD86, PD-L1 genes and their control miRNAs were determined by qRT-PCR. Results: QRT-PCR test changes in the expression of CD80, PD-L1 genes didn’t observe, and miRs controlling them, miR-155 and miR-30a, in treatment with Leishmani infantum showed a significant increased.