Tumor-associated antigens produced by mouse mammary tumor cells in artificial capillary culture

Mouse mammary tumor cells were cultured on a three-dimensional bundle of semipermeable hollow fibers as a prototype system for large-scale in vitro production of mammary tumor-associated antigens. Cells were seeded onto the surface of the hollow fibers that served as an artificial capillary network. The cells grew to tissue-like densities within 3 weeks, achieving the high density and three-dimensional intercellular relationships known to potentiate expression of murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) antigens. Significant levels of a 52,000-relative-molecular-weight (Mr) glycoprotein antigen of MuMTV (gp52) were detected on the cell side of the semipermeable membrane of the hollow fibers in a yield at least fiftyfold greater than that produced by monolayer cultures. Antigen could be collected from capillary cultures for 6-12 weeks, rather than days from monolayer cultures. Further, gp52 was collected in an undegraded state. Perfusates contained lesser amounts of cross-reactive antigenic species that were predominantly smaller than 50,000 Mr, which suggests that the fibers may be used to separate antigens from their degradation products. The production of nonviral, mammary tumor-associated antigens by cells on artificial capillaries was also demonstrated. Artificial capillary cell culture systems provide a means to obtain significant quantities of tumor-relevant antigens in a semipurified natural state.