Objective: To study IL-4 gene therapy for glioma.
Methods: Using recombinant retrovirus vector, mIL-4 was transfected into psi 2 packaging cells and rat C6 glioma cells, respectively by lipofectamine. The IL-4 secretting cell clones psi 2 IL-4 and C6IL-4 were studied in vitro and in vivo.
Results: Apart from a decrease in cloning efficiency, no difference was observed between the transfected and the wild type glioma cells in proliferation and cell cycle in vitro. Tumorigenicity of subcutaneously and intracranially inoculated C6IL-4 was reduced. Tumor growth could be suppressed by perineoplastic inoculation of psi 2 IL-4 cells.
Conclusion: IL-4 gene-modified C6 glioma has decreased tumorigenicity. Local production of IL-4 by psi 2 IL-4 cells can lead to regression of established glioma.