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Adaptation of membrane-associated determinants is an outgrowth of their metabolism.

The quantity of receptors expressed by specialized cells for hormones, foreign antigenic substances, and other chemical stimuli diminishes after they associate with ligands, correlating with a specific reduction in the responsiveness of the cell to further stimulation. Ligand-induced adaptation of membrane receptors may be akin to antigenic modulation--the reversible disappearance of membrane-associated determinants stimulated by specific antibodies. Antigenic modulation has been studied extensively in the thymus-leukemia (TL) system of mouse leukemias. Antibody-induced changes in the quantities of TL antigens expressed by ASL-1 and RADA-1 cells, independently arising leukemia cell lines of strain A mice, are outgrowths of their metabolic turnover. After interacting with TL antibodies, the rate of TL antigen disappearance from the membrane increases while the rate of antigen synthesis remains unchanged. Antiserum with specificities for two membrane-associated determinants of ASL-1 cells, TL and a tumor-associated antigen, leads to modulation of TL antigens alone; the tumor antigen persists. Selectivity of modulation is taken as an indication that complex cellular controls govern the affect of antiserum on the expression of membrane antigens. To detect the presence of regulatory controls governing the expression of membrane determinants, stable somatic hybrids of ASL-1 murine leukemia cells and LM(TK)- cells, a sustained mouse cell line, were prepared and antiserum affects on membrane antigen expression were investigated. The metabolic half-lives of each of three antigen determinants investigated was distinct from the others examined. The hybrid cells have lost their capacity to mudulate TL antigens. TL antigens of hybrid cells, unlike those of parental ASL-1 cells, continue to be expressed in the presence of high titers of TL antiserum. Similarities between antigenic modulation and down regulation exist, among which are the fate of receptor-ligand complexes, changes in their metabolism after binding to ligand, and the dependence of the reactions upon continued sources of cellular energy.

Animals↗

Multicenter evaluation of a new automated fourth-generation human immunodeficiency virus screening assay with a sensitive antigen detection module and high specificity.

Fourth-generation assays for the simultaneous detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen and antibody that were available on the international market until now have antigen detection modules with relatively poor sensitivity and produce a higher rate of false-positive results than third-generation enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). The new Cobas Core HIV Combi EIA with an improved sensitivity for HIV p24 antigen was compared to alternative fourth- and third-generation assays, the p24 antigen test, and HIV type 1 (HIV-1) RNA reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). A total of 94 seroconversion panels (n = 709 sera), samples from the acute phase of infection after seroconversion (n = 32), anti-HIV-1-positive specimens (n = 730) from patients in different stages of the disease, 462 subtyped samples from different geographical locations, anti-HIV-2-positive sera (n = 302), dilutions of cell culture supernatants (n = 62) from cells infected with different HIV-1 subtypes, selected performance panels from Boston Biomedica Inc., 7,579 unselected samples from blood donors, 303 unselected daily routine samples, 997 specimens from hospitalized patients, and potentially interfering samples (n = 1,222) were tested with Cobas Core HIV Combi EIA. The new assay showed a sensitivity comparable to that of the Abbott HIV-1 AG Monoclonal A for early detection of HIV infection in seroconversion panels. The mean time delay of Cobas Core HIV Combi EIA (last negative sample plus 1 day) in comparison to that for HIV-1 RT-PCR for 87 panels tested with both methods was 2.75 days. The diagnostic window was reduced with Cobas Core HIV Combi EIA by between 3.6 and 5.7 days from that for third-generation assays. The specificities of Cobas Core HIV Combi EIA in blood donors were 99.84 and 99.85% (after repeated testing). Overall, 30 repeatedly reactive false-positive results out of 10,031 HIV-negative samples were obtained with Cobas Core HIV Combi EIA. Our results show that a fourth-generation assay with improved specificity such as Cobas Core HIV Combi EIA is suitable for blood donor screening because of its low number of false positives and because it detects HIV p24 antigen with a sensitivity comparable to that of single-antigen assays.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

Growth inhibition and modulation of antigenic phenotype in human melanoma and glioblastoma multiforme cells by caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)

The active component of the honeybee hive product propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), has been shown to display increased toxicity toward various oncogene-transformed cell lines in comparison with their untransformed counterparts (Su et al., 4: 231-242, 1991). This observation provides support for the concept that it is the transformed phenotype which is specifically sensitive to CAPE. In the present study, we have determined the effect of CAPE on the growth and antigenic phenotype of a human melanoma cell line, HO-1, and a human glioblastoma multiforme cell line, GBM-18. For comparison, we have also tested the effects of mezerein (MEZ), mycophenolic acid (MPA) and retinoic acid (RA), which can differentially modulate growth, differentiation and the antigenic phenotype in these human tumor cell lines. Growth of both cell lines was suppressed by CAPE in a dose-dependent fashion, with HO-1 cells being more sensitive than GBM-18 cells. The antiproliferative effect of CAPE was enhanced in both cell types if CAPE and MEZ were used in combination. Growth suppression was associated with morphological changes in H0-1 cells, suggesting induction of a more differentiated phenotype. CAPE also differentially modulated the expression of several antigens on the surface of the two tumor cell lines. These results suggest a potential role for CAPE as an antitumor agent, an antigenic modulating agent and possibly a differentiation inducing agent.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Characterization and modulation of antigen-induced effects in isolated rat heart.

The response to antigen (trinitro-phenyl-haptenized ovalbumin) and the modulatory role of several antiallergic drugs was studied in isolated hearts from actively sensitized rats. Antigen induced a triphasic effect on coronary flow (CF) and left ventricular pressure (LVP) characterized by short-term increase (0-1.5 min = phase 1) and a severe decrease (1.5-7.5 min = phase 2) followed by a less pronounced long-lasting decrease (7.5- greater than 20 min = phase 3). The first phase was accompanied with a substantial release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), histamine, and leukotrienes measured in cardiac effluents. The histamine2 (H2)-receptor antagonist cimetidine (60 microM) reversed the antigen-induced increase in CF to a decrease. In contrast, H1-receptor blockade by mepyramine (6 microM) had no effect. Methysergide (10 microM) and ketotifen (0.1 microM) evoked a mild suppression during all three phases. Indomethacin (10 microM) was almost inactive while tolfenamic acid (1 microM) was slightly active in this respect during phase 2. Addition of the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor AA 861 (1 microM) resulted in complete suppression of the antigen-induced decrease in CF. The leukotriene antagonist FPL 55712 (5 and 50 nM) evoked a dose-dependent suppression with respect to the anaphylactic phases 2 and 3. A similar reduction was obtained with sodium cromoglycate (1 mM). AA 861, FPL 55712, and sodium cromoglycate also suppressed the antigen-induced decrease in LVP. The antigen-induced histamine release was not affected by the aforementioned drugs. Our results provide evidence that H2-receptor blockade during cardiac anaphylaxis enhances coronary constriction and may be detrimental in this condition. On the other hand, leukotriene antagonists and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors may exert beneficial effects during cardiac anaphylaxis. Further experiments in this area are needed to clarify the precise role of mast cell-generated mediators in cardiac anaphylaxis possibly leading to new therapeutic approaches in this life-threatening disorder.

Anaphylaxis↗

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) modulates effector-target cell interaction by binding to activated lymphocytes.

We and others have shown that the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) modulates the susceptibility of human colorectal carcinoma cells to cytotoxic lymphocytes. We now demonstrate that the density of the CEA molecules on the tumor cell surface has a determining influence on its protective function. In contrast, CEA released by tumor cells has no protective effect for CEA-negative cells. To elucidate the responsible mechanism, we analyzed the binding properties of CEA to lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells. In agreement with our observation that only membrane-bound CEA provides protection, we found that intercellular contact between LAK cells and CEA-expressing tumor cells is required for binding of CEA to LAK cells. Using FACScan analysis, we demonstrate the presence of CEA on lymphocytes co-cultured with CEA-transfected cells but not after co-culture with their parental cells and after incubation with soluble CEA. Interestingly, following overnight co-culture the amount of bound CEA on LAK cells was identical regardless of adherence on tumor cells or loss of contact with tumor cells. This indicates that CEA is released from the tumor cells after binding to LAK cells. Our results suggest that tumor cells can modulate effector cell adhesion by regulating the turnover rate of CEA on the tumor cell membrane.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗

Mechanisms of human CD5 modulation and capping induced by murine monoclonal antibody T101.

We have previously demonstrated that the murine monoclonal antibody T101 induces antigenic modulation when infused into patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In this paper, we extend our studies of T101-induced modulation and compare it to T101-induced capping. We found that, in contrast to antigenic modulation, capping occurred only in the presence of secondary anti-mouse IgG antisera and was altered by drugs that affect the cellular cytoskeleton or energy metabolism. F(ab')2 fragments of T101 induced antigenic modulation with kinetics similar to those of intact T101, but Fab-induced modulation proceeded more slowly and required the continual presence of Fab throughout the incubation. Experiments with radioiodinated T101 demonstrated that initial internalization of the antibody is followed by rapid efflux of intact, immunoreactive T101 from the cells. These data indicate important differences between capping and modulation and suggest that these two phenomena proceed by different mechanisms. More importantly, the data have implications for the potential therapeutic use of monoclonal antibody immunoconjugates.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Targeting unique tumor antigens and modulating the cytokine environment may improve immunotherapy for tumors with immune escape mechanisms.

Cytotoxic T-cell responses to shared tumor antigens have been characterized for several tumor types, and the MHC-associated peptides that comprise these antigens have been defined at a molecular level. These provide new tools to determine whether immune responses can be generated with these tumor antigens, and there are data to suggest that such immune responses can be generated. However, it is also clear that tumor cells can evade immune responses directed against some shared antigens, by downregulating expression of MHC or of the antigenic protein(s), as well as by more active methods such as secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Awareness of these mechanisms of immune escape will help to direct development of the next generation of tumor vaccines. Targeting unique antigens and modulating the cytokine environment likely will be critical to comprehensive vaccine systems in the future.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

[Experimental evidence that endogenous TSH modulates microsomal antigen expression: clinical implications].

The purpose of this work was to study if TSH has a role in TPO antigen expression in vivo. Using the cytotoxicity assay we measured TPO expression and correlated it with TSH serum levels in 3 groups of rats: control, hypothyroid and hypothyroid supplemented with thyroxine. For comparative purposes, in the cytotoxicity assay we used rat monoclonal antiTPO or human sera with high titles for antiTPO antibodies. Hypothyroid rats showed marked elevations of TSH serum levels and TPO antigen expression in their thyrocytes when compared to the control and supplemented group. A positive correlation between TPO antigen and TSH levels was observed (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). There was an excellent correlation between TPO results using rat monoclonal or human sera antibodies (r = 0.94 p < 0.0001). It is concluded that TSH modulates TPO antigen expression. These data are of clinical relevance considering that TSH modulates the expression of other antigens that can maintain the immune response and perpetuate the immune disease in patients with Graves disease treated with antithyroid drugs. Thus, the avoidance of TSH hypersecretion with administration of thyroxine could be useful to treat these patients.

Analysis of Variance↗

CD5 signal transduction: positive or negative modulation of antigen receptor signaling.

The CD5 lymphocyte surface glycoprotein is a coreceptor involved in the modulation of antigen-specific receptor-mediated activation and differentiation signals. Although first considered a costimulatory molecule in mature peripheral T cells, recent studies of CD5-/- mice have opened the possibility that CD5 may also mediate inhibitory signals that attenuate TCR/CD3- and BCR-mediated triggering in thymocytes and a subgroup of B cells (B-1a cells), respectively. The ultimate molecular basis for these differential modulatory properties of CD5, depending on the context of lymphocyte subset and differentiation stage, are presently unknown and are an issue of current intensive investigation. Here, we review recent reports, both contradictory and complementary, focused on CD5-mediated molecular intracellular signaling events that could provide the basis for its immunomodulatory properties.

CD5 Antigens↗

Enhanced modulation of antibodies coating guinea pig leukemic cells in vitro and in vivo. The role of Fc gamma R expressing cells.

We have investigated the antigenic modulation induced by a number of antibody fragments and derivatives directed against the idiotype of the surface Ig of the L2C guinea pig B lymphoblastic leukemia, and studied the effects upon such modulation of the simultaneous presence of cells expressing Fc gamma receptors (FcR). In vitro studies confirmed previous work showing that antibody bivalency is required to induce modulation in vitro in simple systems. However, in the presence of isolated Kupffer cells, Fc-containing univalent antibodies were found to induce significant antigenic modulation, and the modulation induced by intact IgG was also found to be more rapid and extensive. Fragments that did not contain Fc regions behaved similarly in the presence or absence of Kupffer cells. Further investigations demonstrated that all three classes of human FcR can mediate modulation enhancement, and suggest that the mechanism involves indirect cross-linking of cell surface Ag via the antibody and effector cell FcR. In vivo studies showed that univalent antibody derivatives containing Fc regions did induce antigenic modulation, but that this was significantly reduced in comparison with bivalent antibodies, confirming their potential advantage for immunotherapy.

Animals↗

Antibody-induced modulation and shedding of mammary tumor virus antigens on the surfaces of GR ascites leukemia cells as compared with normal antigens.

The distribution, antibody-induced redistribution, and shedding of murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) antigens and the surfaces of GR mouse ascites leukemia (GRSL) cells were studied by the immunoferritin technique and compared with the same activities of thy 1.2 and H-2.8 antigens. MuMTV antigens were redistributed easily and then largely shed from the cell surface; in contrast, H-2.8 antigen moved easily and probably was partially released from the plasms membrane and Thy 1.2 antigen moved slowly and was some what interiorized. The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test was used to study the possibility of antigenic modulation for these cell-surface antigens from the surface of the GRSL cells could be modulated by preincubation with anti-MuMTV serum, in contrast to H-2.8 and Thy 1.2 antigens. The results obtained with the immunoferritin technique and the cytotoxicity test correlated well and sug-ested that the shedding of MuMTV antigens from the cell surfaces may occur in vivo, providing the tumor a way to escape from the immune defense of the host. Thy 1.2 and H-2.8 antigens were present on the envolope of B and C particles, which suggested that these viruses do not select a Thy 1.2 or H-2.8-negative area of the GRSL cell surface as amaturation site.

Animals↗

"Tien-Hsien liquid" can modulate antigen-stimulated cytokine production by T-cells isolated from patients with recurrent aphthous ulcerations.

Recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAU) represent a common oral mucosal disease with altered humoral and cellular immunities. Tien-Hsien liquid (THL) is an extract of Chinese medicinal herbs with immunomodulating effects. Our previous study found that THL can modulate the antigen-stimulated proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T-cells isolated from RAU patients. In this study, we further tested whether THL can modulate the antigen-stimulated cytokine production by T-cells isolated from RAU patients. To achieve this goal, T-cells isolated from 19 RAU patients were incubated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), glutaraldehyde-inactivated tetanus toxoid (TT), glucosyltransferase D (GtfD), or antigens of Streptococcus mutans in the presence or absence of THL. The levels of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6, or IL-10 in the supernatants of T-cell cultures were measured by cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. We found that THL significantly increased the PHA- or TT-stimulated TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 production by T-cells isolated from RAU patients. However, THL could also significantly decrease the TT-stimulated IL-2 production, the GtfD-stimulated IL-2, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 production, and the S. mutans-stimulated IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 production by T-cells isolated from RAU patients. These results indicate that THL can modulate the antigen-stimulated cytokine production by T-cells isolated from RAU patients. Because RAU is probably a Thl-mediated disease with elevated levels of IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in either the patient's sera or oral lesions and these increased levels of cytokines can be reduced by THL, we suggest that THL may be a potential immunoceutical agent for treatment of RAU.

Adult↗

Distribution and modulation of a human leukemia-associated antigen (CALLA).

CALLA is a 100,000-dalton surface glycoprotein expressed by malignant cells of patients with clinically important subtypes of acute leukemia. Incubation of human leukemic cells expressing CALLA with specific monoclonal antibody (J5) at 37 degrees C causes rapid and selective internalization and degradation of this antigen (antigenic modulation). In these studies we show that CALLA-specific monoclonal antibodies also identify a cell surface glycoprotein having a m. w. of approximately 100,000 on 2 to 6% of nonmyeloid nucleated cells of normal adult bone marrow, on normal fibroblasts in tissue culture, and on cells of several nonhematopoietic human tumor cell lines. J5 antibody similarly modulates the surface expression of CALLA on nonleukemic cell populations, although the extent of modulation at a given concentration of antibody varied considerably. Modulation was almost complete for CALLA on cells of normal bone marrow, but was highly variable for cells of nonhematopoietic cell lines, possibly reflecting variability in antibody access to surface antigen. Using fluoresceinated or iodinated J5 antibody to modulate expression of CALLA on cells of leukemic cell lines, we show that antibody-antigen complexes undergo a temperature-dependent redistribution on the cell surface during modulation to form microaggregates. Antibody as well as antigen is then internalized. Studies of [35S]methionine-labeled cells indicate that synthesis of CALLA continues despite modulation of its surface expression by specific antibody, implying that the presence of CALLA on the cell surface reflects a dynamic equilibrium between the processes of surface expression of newly synthesized glycoprotein and its spontaneous and antibody-mediated clearance. The implications of these observations for immunotherapy are discussed.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Antibody-induced modulation of Leishmania donovani surface membrane antigens.

The effects of specific antibodies on the surface membrane antigens of Leishmania donovani (strain 1S, clone 2D) amastigote and promastigote developmental stages was detected in vitro by using several direct and indirect immunofluorescence methods. Stage specific anti-L. donovani sera and sera from L. donovani-infected hamsters induced parasite surface membrane antigens to aggregate, move along the longitudinal cell axis, form polar cell caps, and subsequently disappear. No membrane fluorescence was observed in cells treated identically with normal sera. In amastigotes in a single anterior cell pole cap was formed after antibody treatment. However, antibody-treated promastigotes showed tripartite membrane antigen capping consisting of a major anterior cell pole cap with minor caps at the posterior cell pole and flagellar tip regions. Loss of surface fluorescence from the two latter capped cell regions was frequently concurrent with the formation of extracellular fluorescent plasmanemes. The cell-capping process was antibody concentration, temperature, time, and energy dependent. No cell caps were formed at low temperature or in the presence of several metabolic inhibitors. Cell cap formation was also selectively inhibited by certain types of antibody-induced intercellular agglutination. Parasite membrane antigens removed by capping were regenerated and detectable at the cell surface only after a 3.5 to 4-hr period. Antibody-induced membrane antigen movement in L. donovani is apparently similar to pheonmena observed with mammalian cells. Results of direct cross-staining and cross-absorption cell-capping experiments showed that the two parasite developmental forms shared some common or at least cross-reacting membrane antigens and that each form also possessed some unique stage-specific surface antigens. Cell-capping results with sera from L. donovani infected hamsters showed that this host produces some IgG which is directed specifically against certain parasite surface membrane antigens. The results suggest that host antibody-induced parasite membrane antigen modulation might have a role in the infectious process of this human pathogen.

Agglutination↗

Nonproductive, cell-associated virus exists before the appearance of antiviral antibodies in experimental measles encephalitis.

The ability of measles virus to induce a cell-associated state of infection in the central nervous system (CNS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal disease of children and young adults. The mechanism by which such an infection state is established is unknown, but several hypotheses have been proposed. One of these suggests that antiviral antibodies induce the nonproductive infection state by a process termed antigenic modulation. Results presented here demonstrate that antigenic modulation is not involved in the induction of a cell-associated CNS infection in newborn hamsters by the LEC strain of SSPE derived measles virus. This follows from the finding that nonproductive, cell-associated virus can be isolated from infected CNS tissues prior to the appearance of antiviral antibodies.

Animals↗

Small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the predominant fatal neoplasm of our time, and SCLC, which accounts for about 25% of all lung cancer, if untreated results in death in about 3 months. Currently employed aggressive combination chemotherapy has allowed a 4- to 5-fold improvement in median survival over untreated patients. Ten to 20% of patients with limited disease can be expected to have a long-term (2-yr) survival. The majority of patients, however, have extensive disease. For these patients the median survival is about 7 months. Less than 2% survive 2 yr. During the last 10 yr, experience in the treatment of thousands of patients has been reported. These trials, using a large variety of drug combinations, doses, and schedules as well as multiple modalities including radiotherapy, surgery, and bone marrow transplantation, demonstrate that a plateau has been reached with our present therapeutic approach. The development of new effective therapeutic strategies as well as prevention of SCLC require a better basic understanding of the cellular pathophysiology of the disease. A consistent chromosomal abnormality has been associated with SCLC. This may provide new insight into predisposition and pathogenesis of SCLC. How this chromosomal abnormality relates to loss of control of cell growth is under intense investigation. Similarly, during the past 3 yr, the identification of growth regulatory oncogenes has greatly improved our understanding of malignancy. The discovery that metastatic cells escape immune surveillance has led to attempts at modulating antigenic expression. The modulation of cellular antigenic expression may facilitate the destruction of tumor cells by host defense mechanisms. The understanding of the genetic basis of drug resistance may lead to approaches that prevent or delay resistance. This century has witnessed the emergence of SCLC as an important fatal neoplasm. It has also been during this time that another, formerly dominant pulmonary condition, tuberculosis, has been controlled. The reduction of tuberculosis was accomplished by a combination of scientific understanding, beginning with the discovery of Koch's bacillus, and public health measures. Perhaps a similar parallel for SCLC as well as other forms of cancer will be written. Basic cellular investigations with the new tools of molecular biology as well as measures to control exposure to predisposing environmental factors such as component of cigarette smoke may one day lead to control of SCLC.

Carcinoma, Small Cell↗

Antibody-induced modulation and intracellular transport of CD10 and CD19 antigens in human malignant B cells.

Antibody-induced antigenic modulation (AIAM) is a complex biological phenomenon closely resembling other receptor-ligand interactions. Following exposure to specific antibodies, surface antigens are usually rapidly redistributed on the cell surface and internalized. A subsequent intracellular processing results in dissociation of the antigen-antibody complexes, degradation, exocytosis and recycling. AIAM plays an important role in MoAb-targeted therapy of hematopoietic malignancies contributing to escape of tumor cells from immunodestruction. On the other hand, internalization of MoAbs used as carriers of toxins and drugs is a prerequisite of therapeutic efficacy. Even though MoAbs directed against CD10 and CD19 have been used in immunotherapy of B cell malignancies, some aspects regarding AIAM of these Ags are not yet fully understood. Both Ags are modulated by specific MoAbs and internalized through the same pathway, however, the kinetics of AIAM vary from one Ag to another and from one cell type to another. Recent studies with malignant B-cell lines show that, under certain experimental conditions, the extent and rate of surface clearing, uptake and intracellular transport are considerably higher in the case of CD19 than in CD10 and higher in less mature cells compared with more mature cells. These observations may be useful in the selection of MoAbs for immunotherapy, although they need to be confirmed with fresh malignant B cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Significance of antigen, drug, and tumor cell targets in the preclinical evaluation of doxorubicin, daunorubicin, methotrexate, and mitomycin-C monoclonal antibody immunoconjugates.

We tested drug monoclonal antibody immunoconjugates in vitro in 72 h 3H-thymidine assays and in vivo in athymic mice bearing human tumor xenografts of the same target cells. Experimental arms included control, monoclonal antibody, drug, drug + antibody, the test immunoconjugate, and a negative control immunoconjugate with an equivalent molar amount of drug for in vitro experiments, and the amount of drug conjugated to 500 micrograms of antibody in the animal experiments. Monoclonal antibodies included T101, an IgG2a that reacts with a rapidly modulating antigen, 9.2.27, an IgG2a that reacts with a slowly modulating antigen, and ME7, an IgG1 that reacts with a slowly modulating antigen. Cells used in testing included MOLT-4 (T lymphoma), 8392 (B lymphoma), and M21 (melanoma). Drugs tested were doxorubicin, daunorubicin, methotrexate, and mitomycin-C. M21 cells were resistant to daunorubicin in vitro but were inhibited by the 9.2.27 daunorubicin immunoconjugate. T101, 9.2.27, and ME7 cis-aconitate anthracycline immunoconjugates and mitomycin-C-glutarate immunoconjugates were specifically cytotoxic only for antigen positive cells in vitro and were superior to free drug in vivo. These results confirm that antigen specific-cytotoxic drug immunoconjugates can be produced that are superior to the same dose of free drug. However, each monoclonal antibody drug target system is unique and must be well-characterized for appropriate interpretation of data.

Animals↗