Effect of Immune Responses Against Hydatid Cyst Antigens on Growth of Melanoma Tumor

Background: Hydatid cyst is the larval stage of the tape worm parasite, Echinococcus granulosus. Human is infected by ingestion of parasite ova excreted in dog feces. The anticancer activity of different antigens of hydatid cyst has been reported in the previous works. In this research, the role of immune system in induction of this anticancer activity has been investigated.Materials and Methods: Spleen cells of mice immunized with hydatid cyst antigens were transferred to the recipient mice that had already been challenged with melanoma cells. Also, mice with melanoma cancer were injected with antisera raised against hydatid cyst antigens. In all above mice, tumor growth was measured using a caliper. Results: Passive transfer of spleen cells resulted in significant inhibition of melanoma cancer growth. However passive transfer of antisera did not affect cancer growth in the recipient mice.Conclusion: According to the results of this work, cellular immunity but not humoral immunity may be involved in induction of anticancer activities of hydatid cyst.