CLONING, EXPRESSION, PURIFICATION OF RAT-TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR AND DEMONSTRATION OF ITS ANTITUMOR-ACTIVITY IN BOMIRSKI AMELANOTIC MELANOMA

In order to analyze the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on the g rowth of Bomirski melanomas of hamster, we cloned, expressed and purif ied to homogeneity the rat tumor necrosis factor. The detailed procedu re of chromatographic purification of the cytokine is reported. Polycl onal antibodies generated against the recombinant rat preparation were able to neutralize the rat and hamster TNF We have found that the pre paration of rat TNF is active in vivo and inhibits the growth of a Bom irski (Ab) amelanotic melanoma. Thus, a novel model system has been de veloped, which should facilitate analysis of antitumor and immunomodul atory function of TNF in cancer hosts.