Generation of an autologous cell system for immunotherapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Background: To date, there is no tumor antigen known to be sufficiently specific for diagnosis, therapy monitoring and immunotherapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The aim of our study was to generate an autologous immune response against SCCHN in vitro for further characterization of SCCHN-specific tumor markers and adoptive immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: As sources for tumor antigens (Ags) for the restimulation of autologous immune cells, cell lines from solid SCCHN were established and characterized. Forty-five percent of 40 tumors of different SCCHN specimens were maintained for more than 20 cell generations in culture. Results: One primary cell line, SCCHN-GHD, newly established from a hypopharynx carcinoma, was further characterized as a telomerase-positive, immortalized cell line with epithelial cell characteristics. It was found to be tumorigenic in SCID mice. Conclusion: This new SCCHN-GHD cell line is competent as a target for lysis by autologous immune cells and for the restimulation of autologous tumor-specific immune cells. Subsequent characterization of tumor antigens will be performed.