• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.122-129
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• 2014

Although considerable progress has been made in understanding how tumors evade immune surveillance, measures to counter the same have not kept pace with the advances made in designing effective strategies. 4-1BB (CD137; TNFRS9), an activation-induced costimulatory molecule, is an important regulator of immune responses. Targeting 4-1BB or its natural ligand 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) has important implications in many clinical conditions, including cancer. In-depth analysis revealed that 4-1BB-mediated anti-cancer effects are based on its ability to induce activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), and among others, high amounts of IFN-${\gamma}$. In this review, we will discuss the various aspects of 4-1BB-mediated anti-tumor responses, the basis of such responses, and future directions.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to analyze inhibitory effects of anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibody on melanoma metastasis The 4-1BB (CD137) T cell molecule is a member of the TNF receptor family and its activation by either 4-1BB ligand or antibody induces T cell activation and growth. In the present study, administration of anti-4-1BB mAb induced inhibition of melanoma metastasis. Agonistic anti-4-1BB mAb induced not only CD$8^+$4-1BBT cells but also CD$8^+$IFN-${\gamma}$$^{+}$ T cell population. In the presence of anti-CD3 antibody, lymphocytes produced high levels of IFN-${\gamma}$ and low levels of IL-4 in anti-4-1BB mAb treated group. Exposure of melanoma cells to IFN-${\gamma}$ induced expression of MHC-I molecules. Thus, the increase in number of CD$8^+$T cells and enhanced MHC-I expression on B16F10 cells by augmented IFN-${\gamma}$ production in response to anti-4-1BB mAb may result in suppression of tumor growth and metastasis.s.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.132-138
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• 2007

4-1BB (CD137), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is expressed on activated T-cells, and 4-1BB signaling due to interaction with 4-1BB ligand or ligation with anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibody (mAb) costimulates T cells. It has been shown that administration of anti-4-1BB mAb induces anti-tumor immunity in mice, but the nature of the cellular subsets responsible for this immunity is uncertain. In this study we found that anti-4-1BB mAb administration to B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice induced marked expansion of $CD11c^+CD8^+$ T-cells in parallel with suppression of pulmonary tumors. The mAb-treated mice produced higher levels of $IFN-{\gamma}$ in their tumor tissues, spleen and lymph nodes than mice exposed to control antibody. When the $CD11c^+CD8^+$ T-cells were purified and re-stimulated in vitro, they produced high levels of the Th1 cytokines, $IFN-{\gamma}$ and IL-2, but low levels of the Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10. Furthermore, they expressed high levels of 4-1BB and CD107a, a marker of activated cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Our results suggest that $CD11c^+CD8^+$ T-cells play a role in the anti-tumor immunity induced by anti-4-1BB mAb.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.104-108
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• 2010

CD137 (4-1BB/tnfrsf9) has been shown to co-stimulate T cells. However, agonistic anti-CD137 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment can suppress $CD4^+$ T cells, ameliorating autoimmune diseases, whereas it induces activation of $CD8^+$ T cells, resulting in diverse therapeutic activity in cancer, viral infection. To investigate the CD137-mediated T cell suppression mechanism, we examined whether anti-CD137 mAb treatment could affect $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Intriguingly, anti-CD137 mAb injection significantly increased $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ cells, peaking at days 5 to 10 and continuing for at least 25 days. Furthermore, this cell population could suppress both $CD8^+$ T cells and $CD4^+$ T cells. Thus, this study demonstrated that, for the first time, anti-CD137 mAb treatment could induce $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ MDSCs under normal conditions, suggesting a possible relationship between myeloid cell induction and CD137-mediated immune suppression.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.9
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• pp.373-379
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• 2011

Purpose: 4-1BB (CD 137) is a costimulatory molecule expressed on activated T-cells. Repression by 4-1BB is thought to attenuate Th2-mediated allergic reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4-1BB on allergic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model. Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized to and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Hu.4-1BB-Fc was administered 1 day before the first OVA sensitization or 1 day after the second OVA sensitization. Following antigen challenge, airway responsiveness to methacholine was assessed and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, OVA-specific IgE, $IgG_1$, and $IgG_{2a}$ levels in sera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung pathology was also evaluated. Results: In mice treated with Hu.4-1BB-Fc before the first OVA sensitization, there was a marked decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness, total cell count, and eosinophil count in the BAL fluid. In addition, Hu.4-1BB-Fc treatment decreased serum OVA-specific $IgG_1$ levels and increased serum $IgG_{2a}$ level significantly compared with the corresponding levels in mice sensitized to and challenged with OVA. Hu.4-1BB-Fc-treated mice also showed suppressed peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration. In contrast, treatment with Hu.4-1BB-Fc 1 day after sensitization had no effect on airway hyperresponsiveness and showed less suppression of inflammation in lung tissue. Conclusion: Administration of Hu.4-1BB-Fc can attenuate airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. In addition, administration before sensitization may be more effective. These findings suggest that 4-1BB may be a useful therapeutic molecule against asthma.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.133-136
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• 2002

Background: The costimulatory molecule 4-1BB, a member of nerve growth factor receptor/tumor necrosis factor (NGFR/TNFR) super family, is involved in cell survival and death. Methods: In this study, female C57BL/6 ($H-2^b$) mice were used as a recipient, and DBA/2 ($H-2^d$) as a donor to assess a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and CTL response in vitro, and skin graft survival. IL-2, IFN level was measured by ELISA. Results: Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) analysis showed that 4-1BB-deficient responder cells showed enhanced cellular proliferation over littermate controls. In contrast, IL-2 production was diminished only in 4-1BB knockout cultures. The IFN expression, on the other hand, was comparable between the groups. When female C57BL/6 ($H-2^b$) mice were grafted with the trunk skin of DBA/2 ($H-2^d$) mice, the in vivo tissue destruction of 4-1BB-deficient mice was not distinct from the normal littermates. Conclusion: These data suggest that 4-1BB is critical for the induction of alloreactive responses in vitro but 4-1BB alone could not change the course of skin rejection in vivo.