Expression of immune-related molecules in glioblastoma multiform cells

Objective: To investigate the expression of immunerelated molecules in glioblastoma multiform(GBM) cells. Methods: The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), β2-microglobulin, Fas, CD80 and CD86 molecules on the surface of GBM cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of TAP-1, TAP-2 and Tapasin in the GBM cells were evaluated by RT-PCR method. Results: MHC class I, β2 microglobulin, TAP-1, TAP-2 and tapasin were expressed in most GBM cell lines. Except U87, there was no MHC class II molecule expression on any of the other GBM cell lines. Fas was expressed on all the GBM cell lines examined. Conclusion: The mechanism by which GBM escapes immune surveillance may involve down regulation of expression of MHC class I molecules and MHC class II molecules. MHC class I positive GBM may be the suitable target of immunotherapy.