Objective: To investigate the effects of intrasplenically transplanted, IL-2 gene-modified hepatocytes on the liver immune response and anti-tumor activity.
Methods: Murine fetal hepatocytes BNL CL. 2 were transfected with mIL-2 gene in vitro, and intrasplenically transplanted into syngeneic mice (2 x 10(6)/mouse). After two weeks, the Kupffer cells were isolated and studied for cytotoxicity, TNF and NO production, and Ia expresson. The therapeutic effects on the mice with the metastatic liver carcinoma were also observed.
Results: The Kupffer's cytotoxicity to L1210, Yac-1, P815 and H22 target cells, and their production of TNF and NO were greatly augmented, even when freshly prepared. Their Ia expression also increased. When treated with IL-2 gene-modified hepatocytes, the metastatic liver carcinoma-bearing mice survived for a longer time.
Conclusions: Intrasplenic transplantation of IL-2 gene-modified hepatocytes could effectively activate the liver immune response and exert potent therapeutic effects on liver carcinoma-bearing host.