Antigenicity of carcinogen-induced and spontaneous tumours in inbred mice

Abstract

Immunity to MC-induced sarcomas could be demonstrated in mice receiving a tumour transplant which was later excised, upon challenge with the same tumour. Immunity was specific to the particular MC-induced sarcoma used for sensitisation and for challenge, with no cross-reactivity with other syngeneic MC-induced sarcomas. The tumour takes in " sensitised " mice also showing regrowth of the sensitising tumour indicates that there is a critical level of host immunity to MC-induced sarcomas which is masked if an excess of tumour cells is present. Using similar techniques, it was possible to demonstrate tumour immunity to a MC-induced mammary tumour but not to spontaneous mammary tumours. Mixing of tumour cells with spleen cells from the primary host and implanting into isologous mice was also ineffective, but mixing of tumour cells with lymphoid cells from " tumour sensitised " or untreated mice and implanting in isologous mice had an inhibitory effect upon tumour takes. The possibility that the innate host resistance to " spontaneous " tumour transplants is associated with the presence of MTV in the strain of mice used was discussed. © 1966, The British Empire Cancer Campaign for Research. All rights reserved.