Enhancement of epidermal growth factor receptor expression on glioma cells by recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha

Recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha (rTNF alpha; optimal dose 1000 U/ml) significantly increased the density of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) in three of four glioma cell lines in culture as determined by binding analysis of anti-EGF-R monoclonal antibody (mAb) 425. Since enhancement of EGF-R expression by rTNF-alpha was inhibited when cells were treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, the effects of rTNF alpha may be protein-synthesis-dependent. The dose of rTNF alpha that was optimal for up-regulation of EGF-R on glioma cells did not inhibit the growth of these cells. 125I-labeled mAb 425 lysed glioma cells in culture following its internalization into the cells. After glioma cells had been treated with rTNF alpha, the growth-inhibitory effects of the mAb were significantly enhanced, probably a reflection of the increase in EGF-R density on the tumor cell surfaces. The rTNF alpha effects were specific to the EGF-R and did not affect unrelated glioma-associated antigens. In our previous clinical trials, 125I-labeled mAb 425 showed immunotherapeutic effects in glioma patients. The present study provides the basis for considerations of combined immunotherapy of glioma patients with 125I-labeled mAb 425 and rTNF alpha.