Tumor-dendritic cell fusion as a basis for cancer immunotherapy

PMID: 15886631
Journal: Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (volume: 132, issue: 5, Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005 May;132(5):755-64)
Published: 2005-05-01

Authors:
Lee WT, Shimizu K, Kuriyama H, Tanaka H, Kjaergaard J, Shu S

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To establish the basis for use of allogeneic dendritic-tumor fusion cells.

STUDY DESIGN: Fusion cells were created by electrofusion. We used 2 allogeneic murine tumor lines (D5 and 4T1) that were virally transduced to express the antigen (beta-galactosidase) as a surrogate tumor marker.

RESULTS: Cross-immunization was achieved with irradiated allogenic tumor cells. Successful electrofusion of dendritic cells and tumor cells was confirmed by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and cytospin. Significant responses were shown in immunized mice against tumor challenge and established 3-day pulmonary metastasis with fusion cells.

CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic tumor sharing a common tumor antigen can immunize against syngeneic tumor challenge. Fusion cells showed successful immunization against tumor challenge and showed regression of 3-day established pulmonary metastasis.

SIGNIFICANCE: These preclinical studies provide evidence that an allogenic tumor-dendritic cell fusion vaccine is a valid approach for head and neck cancer immunotherapy.