A rapid assay for stimulation of human lymphocytes by tumor associated antigens

J. A. Roth, E. A. Grimm, D. L. Morton

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7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lymphocyte stimulated protein synthesis (SPS) in response to human tumor associated antigens was assessed by measuring [3H]leucine incorporation. Correlation of SPS with other in vivo and in vitro responses was demonstrated by immunizing normal subjects with keyhole limpet hemocyanin and testing sequentially frozen lymphocytes and serum samples. 1 Wk after immunization, lymphocytes from normal subjects demonstrated increased SPS to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. This correlated with the appearance of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity responses and preceded detection of hemagglutinating antibodies and increases in lymphocyte [3H]thymidine incorporation. There was no difference in the reactivity of fresh and viable frozen lymphocytes, and as few as 5 x 105 lymphocytes/microtiter plate well could be used. Tumor associated antigens were prepared from 4 lung carcinomas, 6 sarcomas, and 6 melanomas, using 3 M KCl extraction. Lymphocyte responses to both autologous and allogeneic tumor extracts were observed. 5 Of 15 patients demonstrated significant SPS to autologous tumor antigens. 14 Of 20 lung cancer patients responded to lung cancer antigen, whereas only 11 of 41 patients with other tumors and 3 of 19 normal subjects reacted. Significantly, more lung cancer patients reacted to the tumor extract than to an extract of uninvolved lung from the same patient. 21 Of 42 melanoma patients responded to melanoma antigen. 10 Of 33 patients with other tumors and 3 of 24 normal subjects reacted to the melanoma extract. 8 Of 30 melanoma patients reacted to an extract of muscle from the same donor as was the melanoma antigen. Tumor associated antigenic activity of 3 M KCl extracts can therefore be detected by measuring lymphocyte [3H]leucine incorporation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)I
JournalCancer Research
Volume36
Issue number9
StatePublished - 1976

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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