Activation sites involved in human lymphocyte mediated tumor cell lysis

textabstractNK cells and subsets of CTL normally lyse target cells after signal transduction via particular surface receptor(s) for target cell recognition. The cytotoxic activity of NK or CTL cells can be manipulated using mAb (either mono- or bispecific) directed against such lymphocyte receptors or against lymphocyte accessory molecules. The present study was initiated to determine 1) the requirements for selective in vitro generation and expansion of distinct cytotoxic lymphocyte subsets; 2) their proportions and cytotoxic capacities in tumor patients; 3) the requirements for activation of NK cells and CTL subsets via CD2, CD3 and CD16; and 4) the role of LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions in the cytolytic process. These in vitro studies provide information relevant to the application of such cytotoxic lymphocytes and bispecific mAb in immunotherapy of cancer