Fig. 5
Attenuation of NK cell cytotoxicity by DPEP1 overexpression in a xenograft model. HCT116/mock or HCT116/DPEP1 cells were subcutaneously injected into the dorsal flank of athymic nude mice. On day 10 post-injection, NK92 cells were administered intratumorally three times at 3-day intervals. Tumor dimensions were measured every 5 days using a digital caliper, and mice were euthanized on day 25 for tumor collection and analysis. (A) Tumor volume was calculated at the indicated time points using caliper measurements. (B) Excised tumors were photographed for visual comparison. (C) Tumor weights were recorded post-sacrifice. (D) Tumor tissues were homogenized, and protein lysates were analyzed by western blotting to assess DPEP1 expression. Each group contained 5 mice, and data are presented as mean ± SD from three independent experiments (n = 3). Statistical significance was determined using Student’s t-test (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01; NS, not significant).
