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Scientists

Tumor Immune Therapy May Promote Tumor Progression

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Tubingen, Germany have made a surprising discovery that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-producing CD4(+) T helper cells (Th1) can be highly effective in tumor prevention and therapy, but early trials in humans have shown that tumor immune therapy may actually promote tumor progression. The study found that the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a common tumor-associated antigen, can lead to interleukin-4 (IL-4)-dominated Th2 responses, which can promote tumor growth. However, generating EpCAM-reactive Th1 cells from IL-4 knockout mice provided tumor-specific protection and established highly protective Th1 memory responses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers at the University of Tubingen discovered that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-producing CD4(+) T helper cells (Th1) can be effective in tumor prevention and therapy.
  • Early trials in humans showed that tumor immune therapy may promote tumor progression.
  • The study found that epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a common tumor-associated antigen, leads to interleukin-4 (IL-4)-dominated Th2 responses, which can promote tumor growth.
  • Generating EpCAM-reactive Th1 cells from IL-4 knockout mice provided tumor-specific protection and established highly protective Th1 memory responses.
  • Inhibition of tumor growth by Th1 cells resulted in intratumoral expression of cytokines of the IL-12 family and of IFN-gamma.
  • Preventing activation-associated death of Th1 cells further increased intratumoral IFN-gamma expression and improved therapeutic efficacy.
  • The study suggests that human tumor-associated antigens may promote tumor immune evasion by strongly favoring Th2 development.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed T-cell immune responses to the EpCAM antigen in colon cancer patients.
  • The researchers generated EpCAM-reactive Th1 cells from IL-4 knockout mice, which provided tumor-specific protection.
  • The study found that inhibition of tumor growth by Th1 cells resulted in intratumoral expression of cytokines of the IL-12 family and of IFN-gamma.
  • Preventing activation-associated death of Th1 cells further increased intratumoral IFN-gamma expression and improved therapeutic efficacy.

Sources:

  • Blood. 2009; 113(15):3494-3502
  • American Society of Hematology, 1900 M Street, NW Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036, USA
  • Immunization.
  • University of Tubingen, Dept. of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Liebermeisterstr 25, D-72076 Tubingen, Germany
  • NewsRx.com.

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