Enhanced antitumor immune responses of IL-2 gene-modified tumor vaccine by combination with IL-1 and low dose cyclophosphamide

J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 1999 Jun;18(2):173-9.

Abstract

To enhance the antitumor immunity induced by IL-2 gene-modified tumor vaccine, we proposed a combined protocol to treat tumor-bearing mice using IL-2 gene-modified tumor vaccine in combination with IL-1 and low-dose Cyclophosphamide(Cy). After treatment with IL-2 gene-modified B16 melanoma cell vaccine alone, the pulmonary metastases of tumor-bearing mice were reduced and their survival time was prolonged. The anti-metastases effect was improved when the vaccine was used in combination with IL-1 or low-dose Cy. The best therapeutic effect was achieved when the IL-2 gene-modified vaccine was combined with IL-1 and low-dose Cy. The cytotoxicity of the splenic CTL, NK, and the levels of IL-2, TNF secreted by splenocytes increased after tumor-bearing mice were treated with the IL-2 gene-modified tumor vaccine. The above antitumor immune functions were augmented more significantly when IL-1, low-dose Cy were used in combination with IL-2 genemodified tumor vaccine. These results demonstrated that the IL-2 gene modified vaccine could exert more potent anti-metastases effects when it is combined with IL-1 or/and low-dose Cy by activating the specific and non-specific antitumor immune responses more effectively.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Cancer Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Cancer Vaccines / genetics
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Interleukin-1 / administration & dosage
  • Interleukin-2 / administration & dosage
  • Interleukin-2 / genetics*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Melanoma, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma, Experimental / genetics
  • Melanoma, Experimental / immunology*
  • Melanoma, Experimental / mortality
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Spleen / metabolism
  • Survival Analysis
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-1
  • Interleukin-2
  • Cyclophosphamide