ANTIIDIOTYPE CANCER VACCINES - PAST AND FUTURE

Anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2) binding to the antigen-combining site of antitumor antibodies (Ab1) can induce anti-anti-idiotypic antibodie s (Ab3) that specifically bind to the tumor antigen recognized by Ab1. Furthermore, Ab2, mimicking tumor antigens, have been shown to induce anti-anti-idiotypic proliferative T lymphocytes of the helper and sup pressor type, as well as cytotoxic lymphocytes. The immunomodulatory a ctivities of Ab2 have been demonstrated both in animals and in patient s. The demonstration of tumor growth inhibition by anti-idiotypes in p reclinical and phase I clinical studies emphasizes that randomized con trol trials should be performed to demonstrate clinical efficacy of Ab 2 vaccines.