Interleukin 21 enhances antibody-mediated tumor rejection

Cancer Res. 2008 Apr 15;68(8):3019-25. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-6019.

Abstract

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine with structural and sequence homology to IL-2 and IL-15 that has antitumor activity alone in mouse experimental tumor models and a tolerable safety profile in phase I trials in patients with metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Several monoclonal antibodies (mAb) targeted at tumor-associated antigens also have improved antitumor activities in mice when used in combination with IL-21. Recently, we described a rational three antibody-based approach (triple mAb, TrimAb) to eradicating established mouse tumors that required the generation of tumor-reactive CD8(+) T cells and IFN-gamma. Herein, we show that sequentially combining TrimAb with recombinant IL-21 can significantly improve the antitumor activity of this combination against very advanced disease. These data further support the use of IL-21 in adjuvant settings where strong T cell-mediated immune responses to tumors can be generated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm / immunology*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / deficiency
  • Interleukins / immunology*
  • Interleukins / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Depletion
  • Melanoma / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Perforin / deficiency
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neoplasm
  • Interleukins
  • Perforin
  • Interferon-gamma
  • interleukin-21