Endocytosis of anti-CCK-B/Gastrin receptor antibody and effect on hepatoma cell lines

Abstract

Immunotherapy has considerable potential in the treatment of cancer. Here we report on the uptake of an antibody raised against the CCK-B/Gastrin receptor (CCK-BR) by liver embryonic and liver tumor cell lines. In all five cell lines studied, expression of CCK-BR and uptake of labeled anti-CCK-BR antibody was observed. The labeled anti-CCK-BR antibody was localized in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells. In addition, we found a coincidence between the uptake of the labeled antibody by cells and the occurrence of apoptosis (cell death). The results suggest that antibodies directed against CCK-BR have potential for targeting and possibly destroying tumor cells bearing the receptor.