IN-VITRO INDUCTION OF MUC-1 PEPTIDE-SPECIFIC TYPE-1 T-LYMPHOCYTE AND CYTOTOXIC T-LYMPHOCYTE RESPONSES FROM HEALTHY MULTIPAROUS DONORS

We have recently provided evidence that there is a natural immunizatio n against human cancer-associated MUC-1 mucin epitopes during pregnanc y by studying MUC-1 Ag-specific T cell lines established from multipar ous women. Using this experimental model system, we now report that MU C-1 peptide-specific MHC class I-restricted CTLs can be generated in v itro using T cells from multiparous women stimulated with synthetic MU C-1 peptide-loaded, autologous APCs. The complexity of cytokines produ ced in response to the MUC-1 peptide by anti-MUC-1 T-cells was examine d. IFN-gamma was generated by MUC-1-specific T cell lines in long term cultures, whereas in short term cultures, both IFN-gamma and IL-4 wer e produced. The presence of MUC-1-reactive T cells in multiparous wome n is consistent with their potential role in immune surveillance and p rovides a rationale for the use of certain synthetic MUC-1 peptides fo r active specific immunotherapy of human carcinomas.