Study of the effect of cordycepin on the expression of immune checkpoint genes in chronic myeloid leukemia cell line

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 CD80 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 cordycepin. Material and Methods: K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cell line was cultured in the relevant culture medium and after treatment with TLA antigen, RNA was extracted. Then cDNA was synthesized. Finally, changes in the expression of CD80, 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 a significant decrease was observed, and miR controlling them, miR-155, in treatment with cordycepin showed a significant increased.