RESUMO
Aims: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cancer cells that possess characteristics associated with normal stem cells. CSCs represent a minor subset of cells in the tumor and are thought to be the reason for the initiation of disease, resistance to cancer treatment, and the occurrence of metastasis. Therefore, breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) targeting therapies are considered as the promising therapy for breast cancer treatment. This research aims to evaluate the tumor associated antigens presentation of dendritic cells fused with breast cancer stem cells in dendritic cells based therapies. Methodology: Human breast cancer stem cells are isolated from malignant breast tumors by enrich culture and fluorescent activated cell sorting. Human dendritic cells are isolated from umbilical cord blood by culturing CD14 monocytes in induced medium. Electrocution is used to fuse breast cancer stem cells and dendritic cells. Fusion cells are used to evaluate functions of dendritic cells (DCs) and also to stimulate T cells. Results: These findings indicate that fusion cells have the ability to present the antigens of breast cancer stem cell to T-cells, and regarding functionality. Conclusion: They appear to be very good candidates for antitumor vaccine in breast cancer.