[Combined interleukin-2 and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of combined interleukin-2 (IL-2) and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene therapy for murine head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).


METHODS
Ad IL-2 or/and Ad HSV-TK were injected into the tumor tissues directly after the murine HNSCC model was established. DL312 or PBS was used as control and ganciclovir (GCV) was used at 25 mg/kg for 7 days in Ad HSV-TK gene treatment groups. Tumor size was measured before and after treatment to evaluate the response to treatment. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and natural killer (NK) assays were performed and IL-2 expressions were also measured after IL-2 gene transfection.


RESULTS
HNSCC tumor growth was significantly inhibited following combined IL-2 and HSV-TK gene therapy as compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Increased levels of IL-2 protein expression was found in combined and single IL-2 treated groups. The combination and IL-2 treated groups produced greater activities of CTL and NK than that of the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
IL-2 gene therapy can efficiently induce antitumor immunity of the host and enhance antitumor effects of HSV-TK. Combined IL-2 and HSV-TK gene therapy could significantly inhibit HNSCC tumor growth in the murine model.
Liu
S
S
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China. liusx@mcwcums.com
Liang
C
C
Yang
H
H
Xian
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural; D051379:Mice; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000201:enzymology*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic; D013937:Thymidine Kinase / Q000235:genetics*
D007376:Interleukin-2; D013937:Thymidine Kinase