Evaluation of immunoregulatory gene expression in colorectal cancer cells treated with cordycepin

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 CD39, CD47 and CD73 genes 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: HT-29 colorectal cancer 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 CD39, CD47 and CD73 genes and their control miRNAs (miR-194 and miR-30a) were determined by qRT-PCR. Results: QRT-PCR test changes in the expression of CD47 and CD73 gene significantly decrease was observed but expression of CD39 significantly increased. About miRs controlling them, miR-194 and miR-30a, in treatment with cordycepin showed a significant decreased.