Immunologic character of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in ovarian carcinoma

Objective: To study immunologic character of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) on post in vitro expansion in ovarian carcinoma, and evaluate the prospects by adopting TIL treatment of ovarian carcinoma at an advanced stage. Methods: Cellular phenotype changes in TIL were analyzed by flow cytometry. By means of molecular biology and immunologic methods, ability to secrete cytokines and anti-tumor activities of in TIL was studied. Results: Difference of cellular phenotypes in TIL was probably related to the type, feature and resource of the tumor. TIL obtained from phoroplast and parenchyma was dominant in CD3⁺CD4⁺. TIL obtained from tumor tissues, around microvessels and ascitic fluid was dominant in CD3⁺CD8⁺. Concentration of rIL-2 in vitro played a significant role in immunologic character of TIL. By means of rIL-2 expansion in vitro, TIL has apparently been improved in competence of secreting some cytokines, such as IL-2, TNF- α, IFN-γ, and antitumor activities. The activated TIL was more stimulated by further adding anti-CD3 or PHA (suitable concentration), which significantly increased its ability to secrete cytokines. Treatment with TIL+CTX or TIL+ rIL-2, could apparently improve phenotypes in peripheral blood of patients, with definitive effects. Conclusion: Immunologic activities of TIL in vitro are apparently improved by rIL2 expansion. Regression of tumor, by means of infusion TIL, is not largely attributed to direct cytotoxicity to tumor cells, but indirectly and partly augmenting cellular activities and abilities of immunomodulation in patients with ovarian carcinoma being dependent on secreting multiple cytokines.