Analysis of murine oncofetal antigens as tumor-associated transplantation antigens

In previous studies with in vitro activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes, we have demonstrated the presence of oncofetal antigens (OFA) on a range of murine tumor cells. The present studies with the same tumor lines attempt to determine whether these antigens are also capable of activating lymphocyte responses in vivo. Several experimental designs were followed, each being performed many times (1). Preimmunization of mice with irradiated fetal liver cells and followed by challenge with viable tumor cells did not consistently produce a state of tumor resistance. However, injection of live fetal cells frequently led to enhanced tumor growth (2). The growth of tumors in multiparous mice can be inhibited, in contrast to controls, but this effect was relatively short lived after parturition (3). Preimmunization with fetal cells in vivo did not result in augmented secondary cytotoxic T cell responses in vitro (4). Immunization of mice with irradiated tumor cells frequently led to a state of resistance to the clonal growth of hemopoietic fetal cells, although again the level of resistance was usually relatively weak. From the overall results, we conclude that OFA are relatively poor immunogens on tumor cells or fetal cells in vivo, and in contrast to in vitro responses, do not act as potent tumor transplantation antigens.