In vitro upregulation of carcinoembryonic antigen expression by combinations of cytokines

Interferons are able to enhance the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on tumour cells, allowing improved tumour targeting. In this report t he hypothesis is tested that combinations of cytokines may further increase the tumour antigen expression. The combination of both IFN-gamma and IFN-a lpha with interleukin-6 demonstrated a significant additive effect on the C EA-expression. This was found by quantitatively analysing the CEA-expressio n on human colorectal tumour cells by flow cytometry. It is concluded that combinations of cytokines show the potential of inducing tumour antigen exp ression for improved tumour targeting. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.