Immunoglobulin GM (γ marker) allotypes are strongly associated with neuroblastoma, but the mechanism is not known. One mechanism could involve antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of neuroblastoma cells. Using an ADCC inhibition assay, we show that IgG1 expressing GM 3+,1-,2- allotypes blocked all phenylalanine-expressing FcγRIIIa present on NK cells, resulting in total inhibition of anti-GD2 antibody-mediated ADCC of GD2-overexpressing neuroblastoma cells. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of this protein was significantly lower when the NK cells were homozygous for the valine allele of FcγRIIIa (100 vs. 21%; p=0.00004). These and other findings presented here could lead to a more effective immunotherapy of neuroblastoma.
Keywords: ADCC; Anti-GD2 antibodies; FcγR genotypes; GM allotypes; Neuroblastoma.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.