Generation of cell hybrids via a fusogenic cell line.
BACKGROUND
Hybrids obtained by fusion between tumour cells (TC) and dendritic cells (DC) have been proposed as anti-tumour vaccines because of their potential to combine the expression of tumour-associated antigens with efficient antigen presentation. The classical methods used for fusion, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrofusion, are cytotoxic and generate cell debris that can be taken up by DC rendering the identification of true hybrids difficult.


METHODS
We have established a stable cell line expressing a viral fusogenic membrane glycoprotein (FMG) that is not itself susceptible to fusion. This cell line has been used to generate hybrids and to evaluate the relevance of tools used for hybrid detection.


RESULTS
This FMG-expressing cell line promotes fusion between autologous or allogeneic TC and DC in any combination, generating 'tri-parental hybrids'. At least 20% of TC are found to be integrated into hybrids.


CONCLUSIONS
It is speculated that this tri-parental hybrid approach offers new possibilities to further modulate the anti-tumour effect of the DC/TC hybrids since it allows the expression of relevant immunostimulatory molecules by appropriate engineering of the fusogenic cell line.
Cheong
Siew Chiat
SC
Laboratory of Experimental and Cellular Cancerology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, IRIBHM-IBMM, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium.
Blangenois
Isabelle
I
Franssen
Jean-Denis
JD
Servais
Charlotte
C
Phan
Vy
V
Trakatelli
Myrto
M
Bruyns
Catherine
C
Vile
Richard
R
Velu
Thierry
T
Brandenburger
Annick
A
D000818:Animals; D016466:CHO Cells; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D002459:Cell Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D006224:Cricetinae; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D015870:Gene Expression; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D006822:Hybrid Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D014161:Transduction, Genetic; D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins