Application of T Cell—T Cell Interaction to Enhanced Tumor-Specific Immunity Capable of Eradicating Tumor Cells in Vivo

Investigations have attempted to delineate the consequences of malignant transformation of cells by the appearance of new cell surface structures [tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or tumor-associated transplantation antigens (TATA)] that could be identified by specific antiserum or by their ability to induce a specific cellular immune response. Considerable efforts have been undertaken to establish the significance of these tumor cell surface structures by correlating their cell surface expression with changes that take place during the course of neoplastic disease. The most compelling evidence for the existence of TATA comes from the study of chemically induced tumors of inbred rodents. These tumors express neoantigens capable of immunizing syngeneic or autochthonous hosts against subsequent challenge with the same tumor.(1–4)