Cytokines and cancer: experimental systems

Curr Opin Immunol. 1991 Oct;3(5):694-8. doi: 10.1016/0952-7915(91)90098-l.

Abstract

The transfer of certain cytokine genes into cancer cells can provide very powerful suppression of tumor growth in the absence of any toxic side effects. Some of these cytokines, such as interleukin-4, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and tumor necrosis factor, can mediate powerful immune suppression even in T-cell-deficient animals and appear to be effective for poorly or non-antigenic tumors. However, approaches must be found to induce or deliver cytokines locally at the tumor site.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / pharmacology
  • Cytokines / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Factors / genetics
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Interleukin-2 / therapeutic use
  • Interleukin-4 / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / therapy*
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Interleukin-2
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interleukin-4