Complement-dependent cytotoxicity of anti-human osteogenic sarcoma monoclonal antibodies

Two mouse monoclonal antibodies against the human osteogenic sarcoma 791T were examined for their capacity to exert complement-dependent cytotoxicity against a panel of human tumour cell lines. Cytotoxicity was most evident against the immunizing tumour 791T although significant reactivity was directed against other osteogenic sarcomas. In admixture, the 2 antibodies displayed synergism in their cytotoxicity although this was only demonstrable with defined ranges of antibody concentration. The cytotoxicity of these antibodies was dependent upon the use of rabbit serum as complement and no tumour-cell lysis was produced using human, guinea-pig or mouse serum complement. The more potent cytotoxic antibody failed to modify the outgrowth of 791T tumour xenografts in immunodeprived mice even though localization of antibody at the tumour site has been demonstrated (Pimm et al., 1982).