Phytogalactolipids activate antitumor humoral immunity for the treatment of colorectal cancer

We demonstrated a new pharmacological function of phytogalatolipids isolated from plant medicine Crassocephalum rabens on dominant anti-tumor humoral responses. Phytogalatolipids effectively inhibit tumor growth in colorectal tumor allograft mice and attract massive B cells into the tumor. Phytogalatolipids induce B cell differentiation in spleens and tumors, resulting in high titers of antitumor antibodies in serum. Galactolipids-induced antitumor antibodies specifically recognize surface antigens on the plasma membrane of cancer cells and trigger stronger antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, including antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent phagocytosis (ADCP), and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). We discovered that these galactolipids can interact with IL-6 receptors on T cells, activate STAT3 and cMaf, and cause T cells to secrete IL-21, which in turn induces B cell differentiation through the IL-21R/STAT3/Blimp-1 pathway. Therefore, galactolipids induce B cell activation in a T cell-dependent manner and trigger antitumor antibodies, thereby preventing the progression of colorectal cancer. This research suggests that galactolipid-induced humoral immunity may be a new and effective immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.

 

同研究人員:Han‑Huei Lin, Yi‑Shin Wu, Ting‑Yan Jian, Jia‑Yun Liao, Meng‑Ting Chang, Lie‑Fen Shyur
Kuo-Chen Yeh

Kuo-Chen Yeh

Distinguished Research Fellow and Director

(02) 2787-2056
kcyeh@gate.sinica.edu.tw
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Director (2019.1.16-present)
Interim Director (2016.10.1 -2019.1.15)
Director/Coordinator of Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences program of Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP-MBAS), Academia Sinica (2015-2020)
Distinguished Research Fellow  (2024-present)
Research Fellow (2014-2024)
Associate Research Fellow (2009-2013)
Assistant Research Fellow (2001-2009)
PDF Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, USA (1999-2001)
Ph.D. Plant Biology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, USA (1994-1999)