A strong CTL response is dependent upon a high level of expression of specific class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/peptide complexes at the cell surface. An epitope-linked β2-microglobulin (β2m) molecule could provide a simple and more efficient means to enhance the formation of defined MHC/peptide complexes. However, the ability of an epitope-linked β2m molecule to elicit primary CTL responses in vivo is still unknown. In this study, we modified the P1A tumor cell vaccine by addition of the tumor-associated epitope (TAE)-linked β2m molecule and co-stimulatory molecule CD80 to improve the efficiency in the application of the vaccine. A eukaryotic co-expression vector consisting of the P1A35-43-linked β2m molecule and the murine CD80 gene was constructed. P815 cell lines stably expressing P1A35-43-linked β2m molecule and/or CD80 were established after transfection, by selection under G418. Administration of these inactivated tumor cell vaccines allowed the TAE-specific CD8+ T cell responses to be examined in vivo. Our results indicate that immunization with P815 cells expressing both the P1A35-43-linked β2m molecule and the murine CD80 gene elicited a significantly stronger antitumor immune response than the single-modified tumor cell vaccines (expressing either P1A35-43-linked β2m or CD80 alone). These findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of developing a dual-modified tumor cell vaccine consisting of the epitope-linked β2m molecule and a co-stimulatory molecule.

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