EBAG9 modulates host immune defense against tumor formation and metastasis by regulating cytotoxic activity of T lymphocytes

Estrogen receptor-binding fragment-associated antigen 9 (EBAG9) is a primary estrogen-responsive gene that we previously identified in MCF-7 breast cancer cells using the CpG genomic binding-site cloning technique. The expression of EBAG9 protein is often upregulated in malignant tumors, suggesting that this protein is involved in cancer pathophysiology. In the present study, we investigated the role of EBAG9 in host defense against implanted tumors in Ebag9-knockout (Ebag9KO) mice. MB-49 mouse bladder cancer cells were subcutaneously implanted into Ebag9KO and control mice. We found that tumor formation and metastasis to the lung by MB-49 cells were substantially reduced in Ebag9KO mice compared with control mice. The infiltration of CD8(+), CD3(+) and CD4(+) T cells into the generated tumors was enhanced in Ebag9KO mice compared with controls. Notably, CD8(+) T cells isolated from tumors in Ebag9KO mice exhibited substantial upregulation of immunity- and chemoattraction-related genes, including interleukin-10 receptor, interferon gamma, granzyme A, granzyme B and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3 compared with CD8(+) T cells from tumors in control mice. The CD8(+) T cells isolated from tumors in Ebag9KO mice also exhibited enhanced degranulation and increased cytolytic activity. Furthermore, the adoptive transfer of CD8(+) T cells isolated from tumors in Ebag9KO host could repress tumor growth by MB-49 cells implanted in wild-type host. These results suggest that EBAG9 modulates tumor growth and metastasis by negatively regulating the adaptive immune response in host defense. EBAG9 could be a potential target for tumor immunotherapy.