Combined chemokine and cytokine gene transfer enhances antitumor immunity

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.