Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells modulate the effects of IL-2 on a T cell-mediated immune response

B7-1 and GM-CSF enhance the anti-tumor immune effect of DC-tumor fusion vaccine in the treatment of prostate cancer

The treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is always a difficulty in the clinic. Most patients with localized tumor eventually develop CRPC, even if hormone therapy is initially effective. Increasing evidence shows immunotherapy has special advantages compared with traditional therapy in cancer treatment. In this study, we constructed the DC-PC-3 fusion vaccine with B7-1- and GM-CSF-specific modification, and studied its ability to stimulate specific immune response and anti-tumor effect in vitro. The results showed that fusion of DC and tumor cells can improve the expression of associated antigens of DCs. DC-tumor fusion vaccine can strongly promote T cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion and induce a significant tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response. In addition, the B7-1/GM-CSF-modified fusion vaccine showed a more significant anti-tumor effect and greater ability to stimulate the immune response than that without specific modification in vitro. Thus, GM-CSF/B7-1-modified fusion vaccine might be used as a potential therapy strategy for prostate cancer.

Relationship between various cytokines implicated in asthma

Asthma is a complex disorder involving immunologic, environmental, genetic and other factors. Today, asthma is the most common disease encountered in clinical medicine in both children and adults worldwide. Asthma is characterized by increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree resulting in chronic swelling and inflammation of the airways recognized to be controlled by the T-helper 2 (Th2) lymphocytes, which secrete cytokines to increase the production of IgE by B cells. There are many cytokines implicated in the development of the chronic inflammatory processes that are often observed in asthma. Ultimately, these cytokines cause the release of mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes (LT), which in turn promote airway remodeling, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and bronchoconstriction. The CD4⁺ T-lymphocytes from the airways of asthmatics express a panel of cytokines that represent the Th2 cells. The knowledge derived from numerous experimental and clinical studies have allowed physicians and scientists to understand the normal functions of these cytokines and their roles in the pathogenesis of asthma. The main focus of this review is to accentuate the relationship between various cytokines implicated in human asthma. However, some key findings from animal models will be highlighted to support the discoveries from clinical studies.

Effects of surgery on the generation of lymphokine-activated killer cells in patients with breast cancer

Natural killer (NK) cell activity and the capacity to generate lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity were studied in 43 patients with operable breast cancer before and after surgery. Results were compared with those from ten healthy subjects. Patients with breast cancer had normal LAK and NK cell activity before surgery. A subgroup of patients with stage III disease had depressed LAK cell activity (P < 0.013). NK cell activity decreased by over 50 per cent on the first day after surgery and did not return to preoperative levels by day 7 (P < 0.0005). Generation of LAK cell activity was unaffected by surgery. The addition of 10 per cent autologous plasma to the culture medium during the induction of LAK cell activity in vitro did not suppress LAK cell activity in patients with breast cancer. These results suggest that perioperative adjuvant immunotherapy based on interleukin 2 and LAK cells is not ruled out by systemic suppressive effects from either cancer or surgery.

Immune response developing in tumorous organism as a result of immunotherapy. Chance of recovery?

S-allylgutimine has immunostimulant and tumor cell inhibitory activities. This complex action may be a result of the stimulation of IL-2 production. The effectiveness of immunotherapy depends on the uncoupling of IL-2 downregulation. This principle can be widely used with those immunological diseases where IL-2 level is decreased through downregulation. The Kokonov reaction, which was used originally to indicate tumors, is presumably a marker of immunoreactivity. According to one hypothesis no specific antigen can be found on the surface of neoplastic cells but another type, 'weak antigen' appears, which originates from the alteration of a cell surface glycoprotein beta 1-6 saccharide chain branching that is directly related to the increased immune reactivity. The inhibition of downregulation enhances the elimination of neoplastic cells whose membrane surface glycoproteins are altered.