Inhibition of the expression of a proliferation-induced ligand APRIL in HepG2 cell line and the reversal on tumor immune evasion by Chinese medicine.

This study was designed to examine the role and mechanism of ICA, Baicali in combination with ADM on inhibiting the expression of APRIL in HepG2 cells. MTT assay was used to explore tumor cells proliferation and cytotoxic activity. RT-PCR was used to examine the expression level of APRIL, its receptor HSPG and apoptosis-associated gene bcl-2. ICA, Baicali and ADM can significantly inhibit the proliferation activity of HepG2 cells in a time- dependent manner, and this inhibition of cell proliferation was time dependent; APRIL and its receptor HSPG were strongly expressed on HepG2 cells. In conclusion, by inhibiting the expression of bcl-2 on HepG2 cells, ICA, Baicali and ADM could significantly enhance the susceptibility of HepG2 cells to lysis by CD3AK , reverse tumor immune evasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]