Assessment of fusion cells from patient-derived ovarian carcinoma cells and dendritic cells as a vaccine for clinical use

Abstract: Purpose. : To evaluate a protocol that allowed the successful generation of DC and OVCA cells, fusion of these two cell types and assessment of stimulatory ability of the fusion cells for clinical use. Patients and methods. : Ovarian cancer (OVCA) cells and dendritic cells (DC) were isolated or generated from 22 patients with OVCA and subsequently fused with PEG. The stimulatory ability of fusion cells including T cell proliferation and induction of cytotocic T lymphocytes (CTL) was assessed. In addition, the impact of radiation, freezing and thawing of the fusion cells was evaluated. Results. : OVCA cells derived from 22 patients were successfully fused with autologous DC. The created heterokaryons expressed tumor-associated antigens, such as MUC1 and CA-125, and DC-derived MHC class II and costimulatory molecules. The fusion cells were functional in stimulating the proliferation of autologous T cells. In addition, CD4 and CD8 T cells derived from patients with ovarian cancer were stimulated by fusion cells and produced IFN-γ as demonstrated with intracellular staining. Significantly, T cells primed by fusion cells produced MHC class I-dependent lysis of autologous ovarian tumor cells. One cycle of fusion-cell stimulation can maintain the CTL activity up to 25 days. Conclusions. : The fusion of human OVCA cells and DC created immunogenic cells capable of stimulating CD4 and CD8 T cells. The effects of the processes required for preparing a vaccine for clinical use, including freezing and thawing and irradiation, do not interfere with the immunogenic properties of the fusion cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]