Priming of naive T cells inside tumors leads to eradication of established tumors

Nat Immunol. 2004 Feb;5(2):141-9. doi: 10.1038/ni1029. Epub 2004 Jan 4.

Abstract

The tumor barrier comprised of nonantigenic stromal cells may contribute to the failure of tumor rejection. The tumor-necrosis factor superfamily member LIGHT (also known as TNFSF-14) is a ligand of stromal cell-expressed lymphotoxin-beta receptor and T cell-expressed herpes viral entry mediator (HVEM). Here we show that forced expression of LIGHT in the tumor environment induces a massive infiltration of naive T lymphocytes that correlates with an upregulation of both chemokine production and expression of adhesion molecules. Activation of these infiltrating T cells, possibly through HVEM, leads to the rejection of established, highly progressive tumors at local and distal sites. Our study indicates that targeting the tumor barrier may be an effective strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / biosynthesis
  • Chemokines / biosynthesis
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Graft Rejection
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Models, Immunological
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / immunology
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Member 14
  • Receptors, Virus / immunology
  • Sarcoma, Experimental / immunology*
  • Sarcoma, Experimental / therapy*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Transduction, Genetic
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 14
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology*
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Chemokines
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Member 14
  • Receptors, Virus
  • Tnfrsf14 protein, mouse
  • Tnfsf14 protein, mouse
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 14
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha