Murine renal cell carcinoma: evaluation of a dendritic-cell tumour vaccine

F Chagnon1, L Thompson-Snipes, M Elhilali

  • 1Urology Oncology Research Group, Montreal General Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

BJU International
|September 21, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines showed a temporary reduction in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumor growth in mice. Further research is needed to overcome tumor-induced immune suppression for a successful DC-mediated RCC vaccine.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Vaccine Development

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has limited treatment options.
  • Conventional therapies and current immune modulators show limited success for RCC.
  • Novel therapies are needed to enhance the immune system against RCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a dendritic cell (DC)-mediated tumor vaccine for RCC using the Renca murine model.
  • To assess the ability of DCs to present tumor antigens in vivo and in vitro.

Main Methods:

  • DCs were generated from mouse bone marrow progenitors.
  • DCs were cultured with IL-4 and GM-CSF.
  • In vivo vaccines and in vitro proliferation assays were performed.

Main Results:

  • DC presence was confirmed via flow cytometry.
  • Tumor extract-pulsed DC vaccines reduced tumor growth by 2-3 fold at days 12 and 16.
  • Splenocytes from naive animals showed proliferation with pulsed DCs, but not from tumor-bearing animals.
  • Tumor-bearing animals exhibited an attenuated immune response in vitro.

Conclusions:

  • DC vaccines can modulate the immune response to achieve an anti-tumor effect.
  • Further manipulation of DC vaccines is necessary to overcome tumor-induced immune suppression.
  • This study provides a foundation for developing effective DC-mediated RCC vaccines.