γδT cells function in the regulation of T-cell activation in
cancer and have been identified as a novel target for
cancer immunotherapy. Activated γδT cells release a series of cytotoxic molecules-including granulysin,
perforin, Fas/
Fas ligand (Fas-L), and
granzymes A and B-to kill target cells. Our previous research has shown that high mobility group nucleosomal-binding domain 2 (
HMGN2), which is expressed at a high level in activated CD8T cells, is an antitumor effector molecule of CD8T cells. In the present study, we examined the expression and antitumor effects of
HMGN2 in γδT cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy donors with a PBMC separation column. PMBCs were stimulated with
isopentenyl pyrophosphate (
IPP) and
interleukin-2 (IL-2) for 10 days for activation and expansion. Activated γδT cells were isolated from
IPP-pretreated PBMCs with a Moflo XDP flow cytometry sorter. The expression of
HMGN2 in γδT cells was detected by flow cytometry and
enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay. The cytotoxic effects of γδT cells and
HMGN2 were analyzed by
carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl
ester labeling.
IPP combined with
IL-2 induced significant activation and expansion of γδT cells in vitro.
HMGN2 was constitutively expressed in γδT cells.
IPP-activated γδT cells expressed a high level of
HMGN2 that could be detected intracellularly and in the supernatant. Moreover, supernatants of purified γδT cells were sufficient to kill
tumor cells and could be blocked with anti-human
HMGN2 antibody. This study suggests that
HMGN2 is an antitumor effector molecule of γδT cells.