Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Expanding Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes from Umbilical Cord Blood that Target Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Adenovirus
Published on: May 7, 2012
Eradication of adenovirus E1-induced tumors by E1A-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes
W M Kast1, R Offringa, P J Peters
1The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam.
Abstract:
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones against adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) early region 1 (E1)-transformed cells were generated in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. A defined peptide encoded by Ad5 E1A is the target structure for H-2Db-restricted CTLs. Upon intravenous injection into B6 nude mice bearing Ad5 E1-induced tumors, these CTLs, if combined with recombinant IL-2, destroy subcutaneous tumor masses up to 10 cm3. The in vivo action of CTLs is highly specific, and long-term "memory" persists in treated nude mice months after tumor regression. Our data show an important role for CTLs directed against a viral nuclear oncogene product in tumor eradication.
Insights
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) targeting adenovirus E1A oncogenes effectively eradicate tumors in mice. This immunotherapy approach establishes long-lasting anti-tumor memory, demonstrating its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) early region 1 (E1)-transformed cells can induce tumors.
- Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a crucial role in anti-viral and anti-tumor immunity.
- Identifying specific tumor antigens recognized by CTLs is key for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and characterize CTL clones specific for Ad5 E1-transformed cells.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of these CTLs in an in vivo tumor model.
- To investigate the immunological memory generated by this treatment.
Main Methods:
- Generation of CTL clones from C57BL/6 mice immunized against Ad5 E1-transformed cells.
- Identification of the target peptide encoded by Ad5 E1A.
- In vivo therapy using CTLs and IL-2 in B6 nude mice bearing Ad5 E1-induced tumors.
Main Results:
- Defined Ad5 E1A peptide recognized by H-2Db-restricted CTLs.
- Intravenous administration of CTLs combined with IL-2 led to significant tumor regression (up to 10 cm3).
- Long-term anti-tumor immunological memory was observed in treated mice after tumor eradication.
Conclusions:
- CTLs targeting a viral oncogene product (Ad5 E1A) are effective in eradicating established tumors.
- This CTL-based immunotherapy demonstrates high specificity and induces durable anti-tumor memory.
- Targeting viral oncogenes with CTLs represents a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
