IL-2 transmembrane construct

Abstract

Compounds, genetic constructs, and cancer treatment methods are provided. Expression vectors were designed to express fusion genes including hIL-2 with a Fcε-γ transmembrane anchor derived from a subunit of the FC epsilon receptor. mRNA and the IL-2tm fusion protein was expressed in transfected RD995 tumor cells. Expression of the IL-2tm protein on the tumor cell surface membrane was confirmed by microscopy. RD995 cells transfected with IL-2tm or pCMV2b (empty expression vector) were implanted subcutaneously into C3H/HEN mice. Tumors of mice implanted with 106 or 105 RD995 cells transfected with IL-2tm grew slower than controls. It is believed that selective expression of cytokines such as IL-2 on the surface of tumors is likely to stimulate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes that are primed and already recognize tumor antigens, enhancing tumor recognition and killing, potentially avoiding toxicity associated with known cytokine therapies.

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