CTLA-4 blockade reverses CD8(+) T cell tolerance to tumor by a CD4(+) T cell-and IL-2-dependent mechanism

A tumor-specific CD8(+) T cell response was studied using adoptive transfer of OT-I TCR transgenic cells. Upon i.p. challenge with E.G7 tumor, OT-1 ce lls undergo CD4(+) T cell-independent expansion at the tumor site and devel op lytic function. Before tumor elimination, however, they leave the perito neal cavity (PC) and appear in the LN and spleen where they exhibit "split anergy" and cannot further proliferate to antigen. Administering anti-CTLA- 4 mAb early caused sustained OT-1 expansion in the PC, and late administrat ion caused the OT-1 cells to return to the PC and further expand; in both c ases, tumor was controlled. These effects required CD4(+) T cells and IL-2 and appear to result from reversal of the nonresponsive state of the CD8(+) T cells.