Immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy of dendritic-tumor hybrid cells generated by electrofusion

Takashi Hayashi, Hiroshi Tanaka, Junta Tanaka, Rongfu Wang, Bruce J. Averbook, Peter A. Cohen, Suyu Shu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells capable of inducing strong immune responses to weak tumor-associated antigens. Among various DC-based approaches, cancer immunotherapy with DC-tumor fusion hybrids offers advantages of polyclonal stimulation of a diverse array of tumor antigens. However, prevalent fusion methods using chemical fusogens such as polyethylene glycol often result in toxicity and low fusion efficiency. In this article, we describe an electro-fusion technique, applicable to processing large numbers of cells with consistent and high fusion efficiency. Generation of fusion hybrids was verified by unequivocal experimental evidence. In animal models, fusion hybrids expressed the mature DC-like phenotype. They stimulated both CD4 and CD8 tumor-specific T cells to secrete interferon-γ in vitro. In immunotherapy, a single vaccination with DC-tumor fusion cells along with interleukin-12 as an adjuvant eradicated tumors established in the skin and lung. These results provide an impetus for treating cancer patients with similarly generated cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)14-20
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Immunology
Volume104
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

Keywords

  • Dendritic cells
  • Electrofusion
  • Immunotherapy
  • T cells
  • Tumor immunity
  • Vaccination

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology
  • Immunology and Allergy

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