Combined chemokine and cytokine gene transfer enhances antitumor immunity

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Abstract
The probability of producing a specific antitumor response should be increased by multiplying the number of T lymphocytes that encounter the malignant cells. We tested this prediction in a murine model, using a recently discovered T–cell chemokine, lymphotactin (Lptn). This chemokine increased tumor cell infiltration with CD4+ lymphocytes but generated little antitumor activity. Coexpression of the T–cell growth factor interleukin–2, however, greatly expanded the T lymphocytes attracted by Lptn, affording protection from the growth of established tumor in a CD4+ and CD8+ T cell–dependent manner. Lesser synergy was seen with GM–CSF. Hence coexpression of a T–cell chemokine and T–cell growth factor potentiates antitumor responses in vivo, suggesting a general strategy to improve cancer immunotherapy.