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Updated: Oct 23, 2025
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Evaluation of Tumor-infiltrating Leukocyte Subsets in a Subcutaneous Tumor Model
Published on: April 13, 2015
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Modeling ex vivo tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte expansion from established solid malignancies
Hannah M Knochelmann1,2,3, Amalia M Rivera-Reyes2,3, Megan M Wyatt2,3
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Oncoimmunology
|August 19, 2021
Summary
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) show promise in treating metastatic cancers but often lead to relapse. This study explores murine TIL characteristics, finding similarities to human TIL, which could improve cancer immunotherapy strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) can induce tumor regression in metastatic cancers.
- However, a significant proportion of patients experience relapse, indicating tumor escape from T cell-mediated control.
- Research on TIL efficacy and relapse in malignancies beyond melanoma is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate TIL characteristics in mouse tumor models not previously studied in this context.
- To establish a murine model platform for studying TILs across various malignancies.
- To compare murine and human oral cavity cancer TIL phenotypes and functions.
Main Methods:
- Murine TIL were expanded ex vivo using IL-2 from fragments of oral cavity cancer models and B16F10 melanoma models in pmel-1 mice.
- TIL populations were analyzed for inhibitory receptor expression (e.g., PD-1, Tim-3).
- Relationships between inhibitory receptor expression and TIL function were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Murine TIL, similar to human TIL, express high levels of inhibitory receptors.
- Extensive ex vivo expansion of murine TIL in IL-2 is feasible.
- Parallels were drawn between murine and human oral cavity cancer TIL regarding inhibitory receptor expression and function.
Conclusions:
- Murine TIL models share key characteristics with human TIL, including inhibitory receptor expression.
- This research provides a valuable platform for studying TILs across diverse cancer types, even without clinical samples.
- Understanding TIL phenotypes in various malignancies is crucial for improving adoptive cell therapy and overcoming tumor escape mechanisms.
