Generation of myeloma-specific T cells using dendritic cells loaded with MUC1- and hTERT- drived nonapeptides or myeloma cell apoptotic bodies

Neoplasma. 2010;57(5):455-64. doi: 10.4149/neo_2010_05_455.

Abstract

Dendritic cells are able to induce anti-tumor immune responses by presenting tumor-specific antigens to T-lymphocytes. Various tumor-associated antigens have been studied in multiple myeloma in an effort to find a strong antigen capable of generating clinically meaningful responses in vaccinated patients. The aim of our study was to generate myeloma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vitro using dendritic cells loaded with peptide antigens or apoptotic bodies. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HLA-A2+ healthy donors were used for isolation and culture of dendritic cells (DCs) and T lymphocytes. DCs were loaded with hTERT- and MUC1-derived nonapeptides or apoptotic bodies from myeloma cells. Repeated stimulation of T lymphocytes led to their activation characterized by interferon-gamma production. Activated T lymphocytes were separated immunomagnetically and expanded in vitro. Specific cytotoxicity of the expanded T lymphocytes was tested against a myeloma cell line. There was evidence of cytotoxicity for all three types of antigens used for T lymphocyte priming and expansion. No statistically significant differences were observed in T lymphocyte cytotoxicity for any of the antigens. We present a method for the priming and expansion of myeloma-specific T lymphocytes using dendritic cells loaded with different types of tumor antigens. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and/or activated dendritic cells generated by the described methods can be applied for cellular immunotherapy against multiple myeloma and other malignancies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mucin-1 / immunology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy
  • Peptide Fragments / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
  • Telomerase / immunology*

Substances

  • MUC1 protein, human
  • Mucin-1
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Interferon-gamma
  • TERT protein, human
  • Telomerase