Whole cell ELISA for measuring anti-tumour effects of immunotherapies in a mouse tumour model of ALCL.

The use of whole cell vaccines to augment anti-tumour immunity has been explored throughout the last century. Using the recently established TS1G6 ALCL mouse model, we compared the ability of whole cell vaccines with different combinations of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, Diphteria-, Pertussis- and Tetanus-vaccine (DPT) to enhance the immunogenicity of tumour cells. We have therefore developed a whole cell ELISA that detects the systemic anti-tumor-cell antibody response. CpG oligodeoxy-nucleotides can induce production of different TH1-cytokines and stimulate immune effector cells. Diphteria-, Pertusis- and Tetanusvaccine, injected together with irradiated tumor cells into Diphteria-, Pertussis- and Tetanus-preimmunized mice were used to serve as a target for the host's existing memory response and thus enhance the immunogenicity of the tumour cells by induction of a local inflammation. The combined application of oligodeoxynucleotides, the vaccines and irradiated tumor cells into preimmunized mice quickly induced very high titers of tumour cell-specific antibody response. We conclude that this therapy may be a new attractive part of a tumour immunization strategy.