RETRACTED ARTICLE: Tumor-specific Th2 responses inhibit growth of CT26 colon-cancer cells in mice via converting intratumor regulatory T cells to Th9 cells
Authors: Miao Zhao
Zhi-Gang Liu
Li-Hua Mo
Zhi-Qiang Liu
Shuai Wang
Yun-Ting Fu
Jiang-Qi Liu
Xing-Yong Li
Gui Yang
Xiao-Rui Geng
Lu Zeng
Ping-Chang Yang
Hong-Zhi Sun
Hai-Qiong Yu
Journal: Scientific Reports (2015)
Discipline: Multidisciplinary
Keywords: immune regulation; cancer; T helper 2 response; colon cancer; cell growth
Affiliations: 1] ENT Institute of Shenzhen University School of Medicine and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Allergy &Immunology, 518060, China [2] Longgang Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518116, China [3] Brain Body Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8N 4A6., Department of Surgery, the First Hospital, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 100044, China., ENT Institute of Shenzhen University School of Medicine and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Allergy &Immunology, 518060, China., 1] ENT Institute of Shenzhen University School of Medicine and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Allergy &Immunology, 518060, China [2] Longgang Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518116, China., 1] ENT Institute of Shenzhen University School of Medicine and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Allergy &Immunology, 518060, China [2] Brain Body Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8N 4A6.

Abstract:  The abnormality of immune regulation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cancer; the underlying mechanism has not been fully understood yet. This study aims to investigate the role of cancer specific T helper (Th)2 response in the inhibition of colon cancer (Cca) cell growth. The results showed that with Cca cell (CT26 cell) extracts as an antigen, the Cca-extract specific Th2 response was induced in the Cca-bearing mice. The Cca mass size was significantly reduced, or radically disappeared (5 out of 10; or 50%); the survival rate was markedly improved in mice immunized with Cca-extract, but not in those immunized with another tumor cell (U87 cell) extracts or to bovine serum albumin. The immunization with Cca-extract also induced Cca cell apoptosis and converted the intra-Cca Tregs to T helper (Th) 9 cells. In conclusion, Cca-specific Th2 responses inhibit Cca growth in a mouse model via inducing Cca cell apoptosis and converting intra-Cca Tregs to Th9 cells. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 The flow cytometry plots in Figure 3 are unexpectedly similar in certain regions. 3 examples marked below. Others on social media agree and there may be more than just the three that are marked. *** ![file] *** ![file] , 
 Dear Sir Madam, Thanks for the information about this error in our paper. We picked up wrong data panels in this figure. Here we corrected this figure, that is attached below. Sorry about this error. ![file] , 
 We are contacting the journal editorial office to make a corrigendum. It may need some time before the corrigendum can be online. , 
 Retraction, June 16, 2021, found here: https: www.nature.com articles s41598-021-92334-5 It reads:  The Editors have retracted this Article. After publication, concerns were raised in regard to partial overlap of the flow cytometry data presented in Figure 3. In addition, the authors were not able to locate the original data files. The Editors therefore no longer have confidence in the integrity of the data presented. The authors do not agree with the retraction of this Article. ,