Investigating the Reaction of Antisera against Hydatid Cyst Antigens with the Surface of Breast Cancer (4T1), Melanoma (B16F10), and Normal Spleen Cells Using Flow Cytometry Technique

  Hydatid cyst is the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus worm which is located in the humans and animals viscera. In order to study the anticancer mechanisms of this parasite, in this study the response of antisera against hydatid cyst antigens with tumor cells antigens was investigated using flow cytometry technique. Antisera against hydatid cyst antigens were prepared in rabbits, and added to the melanoma (B16F10) and breast cancer cell (4T1) lines, and also normal mouse spleen cells. The reaction was then monitored via flow cytometry. Findings: There was no significant difference in the reaction of hydatid cyst antisera (protoscolex, cell wall, and cystic fluid) with the melanoma cell line. However, the reaction of antisera against cyst fluid and cyst wall with breast cancer cells was significantly different. Additionally, the reaction of the antisera against protoscolex, wall, and cyst fluid with mouse spleen cells was less than that of normal rabbit serum (as a negative control). The results show that antisera against cyst wall and fluid react with the breast cancer cell line, but not with melanoma cells. These results confirm the anticancer mechanisms of this parasite. So, it may be possible to use it for selective drug delivery