[Cytotoxicity of human lymphokine-activated killer cells against mitotic phase tumor cells]

To improve LAK/IL-2 efficiency in tumor immunotherapy, the cytotoxicity of human LAK cells against mitotic phase of human lung adenocarcinomas Anip 973 cells was studied in vitro. Anip 973 cells were synchronized by the specific mitotic phase antitumor drug vincristine (VCR). The differences in morphology between mitotic tumor cells and normal tumor cells were observed by light microscopy and transmission electronmicroscopy. The cytotoxicity of human LAK cells against mitotic phase Anip973 cells was significantly increased in standard 4-hour 51Cr release assay. In scanning and transmission electronmicroscopies, LAK cells were in close contact with target cells in the form of interdigitate of microvilli and protrusions structure. The form of death of mitotic phase tumor cells was lytic necrosis and apoptosis.