A bystander cell-based GM-CSF secreting vaccine synergized with a low dose of cyclophosphamide presents therapeutic immune responses against murine hepatocellular carcinoma

Cell Mol Immunol. 2013 Jul;10(4):349-59. doi: 10.1038/cmi.2013.20. Epub 2013 May 20.

Abstract

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) secreting cellular tumor vaccines contribute to the induction of potent antitumor immune responses in murine models and patients suffering from cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent and malignant cancers in China. We describe, for the first time, a GM-CSF releasing vaccine strategy that represents a step toward combating this type of cancer. In this study, a bystander cell-based GM-CSF secreting vaccine against murine HCC, Hepa1-6/B78H1-GM-CSF, was co-administered with a low dose of cyclophosphamide (CY). After challenging with tumor and vaccination, immunological assays demonstrated that the cellular antitumor immune responses were efficiently activated and that tumor development was significantly retarded, which was dependent on synergy with CY. The promising outcome of the anti-HCC vaccine in the murine model demonstrates the feasibility of a future clinical application for this treatment in HCC patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bystander Effect / immunology
  • Cancer Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / therapy*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage*
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / drug effects
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / immunology
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / immunology
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Cyclophosphamide