CD40 stimulation leads to effective therapy of CD40(-) tumors through induction of strong systemic cytotoxic T lymphocyte immunity.
Adequate spontaneous activation of tumor-specific T lymphocytes in tumor-bearing hosts is rare, despite the expression of tumor antigens that are potentially highly immunogenic. For example, failure of the immune system to raise competent responses against established tumors expressing the human adenovirus E1A-antigen allows this tumor to grow in immunocompetent mice. We show that systemic in vivo administration of agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies into tumor-bearing mice results in tumor eradication mediated by CD8(+) T cells. Treatment resulted in a strong expansion and systemic accumulation of E1A-specific CTL and depended on CD40 expression on host cells, as the tumor was CD40(-), and therapy failed in CD40-deficient mice. Local intratumoral administration of anti-CD40 mAb is equally effective in licensing strong, systemic CTL immunity, resulting in the clearance of distant tumor nodules. Our data indicate that the immune response after cancer-host interactions can be directed toward competence, leading to the cure of established tumors merely by delivery of a CD40-dependent "license to kill" signal.
van Mierlo
Geertje J D
GJ
Department of Immunohematology and Bloodtransfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
den Boer
Annemieke Th
AT
Medema
Jan Paul
JP
van der Voort
Ellen I H
EI
Fransen
Marieke F
MF
Offringa
Rienk
R
Melief
Cornelis J M
CJ
Toes
Rene E M
RE
D000818:Animals; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000939:Epitopes; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005452:Fluoresceins / Q000494:pharmacology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013154:Spleen / Q000378:metabolism; D013388:Succinimides / Q000494:pharmacology; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors
C087165:5-(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester; D019013:CD40 Antigens; D004396:Coloring Agents; D000939:Epitopes; D005452:Fluoresceins; D013388:Succinimides