Human Anti-Toxoplasma Antibodies Attach Strongly to Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the most common intracellular parasite in the human population. The anti-cancer effect of these parasites has been shown, which may be due to the presence of common antigens between the parasite and cancer cells. Objectives: In this work, the reaction of Toxoplasma-positive human sera and Toxoplasma-negative human sera with cell surfaces of 4T1 and MCF7 cell lines have been investigated. Methods: 4T1 and MCF7 cells were harvested from cell cultures and treated with either human Toxoplasma Positive or negative sera. The reaction of the sera was then detected using the flow cytometry method. Results: Toxoplasma-positive sera but not Toxoplasma-negative ones reacted very sharply with both breast cancer cell lines. Conclusions: Anti-T. gondii antibodies strongly react with breast cancer cells. These antibodies may be used for selective cancer immunotherapy in the future.