The classical transplantation antigens (the major histocompatibility complex class I antigens) play a key role in host defense against cells expressing foreign antigens. Several naturally occurring tumors and virally transformed cells show an overall suppression of these surface antigens. Since the class I molecule are required in the presentation of neoantigens on tumor cells to the cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, their absence from the cell surface may lead to the escape of these tumors from immunosurveillance. To test this possibility, a functional class I gene was transfected into human adenovirus 12-transformed mouse cells which do not express detectable levels of class I antigens; the transformants were tested for expression of the transfected gene and for changes in tumorigenicity. The expression of a single class I gene, introduced by DNA-mediated gene transfer into highly tumorigenic adenovirus 12-transformed cells, was sufficient to abrogate the tumorigenicity of these cells. Treatment of adenovirus 12-transformed cells with interferon led to derepression of the endogenous class I genes. Rejection of human adenovirus (Ad12) tumors was observed with intramuscular injections of interferon. Interestingly, Ad12 tumor cells treated with interferon can immunize mice against untreated Ad12 tumors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Division of Cancer Epidemiology And Genetics (NCI)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01CP005390-05
Application #
3939683
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code