Th1类细胞因子对pHCV—C重组体诱生免疫应答的增强作用

为了探索Th1类细胞因子IL 2和IL 12对含丙型肝炎病毒 (HCV)核心 (C)基因重组体诱生的免疫应答的增强作用 ,本文构建了包含HCVC基因片段的重组质粒pHCV C ,将其单独或与Th1类细胞因子表达质粒 pIL 2或pIL 12共免疫BALB/c小鼠 ,ELISA法检测免疫小鼠血清中的HCVC特异性抗体滴度 ;以pHCV C转染SP2 / 0细胞 ,经筛选稳定表达HCVC抗原者 (SP2 / 0 HCV C)为靶细胞 ,51Cr释放试验检测细胞毒T淋巴细胞 (CTLs)的体外特异性杀伤功能。结果发现 ,pIL 2能够增加 pHCV C诱导的抗体产生 ,对CTLs的杀伤作用增强却不明显 ;而 pIL 12对 pHCV C诱导的抗体和细胞免疫应答均有增强作用 (p <0 .0 5 )。由此推断 ,佐以Th1类细胞因子 ,不仅可以增强基因疫苗诱生的免疫应答强度 ,而且可能使机体对基因疫苗的免疫应答朝着有利于优先诱导CTLs免疫应答清除病原体的方向发展。     

逆转录病毒载体介导的HCV囊膜蛋白基因的表达及动物免疫试验

利用DNA重组技术将丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)H77株E1E2囊膜蛋白基因插入逆转录病毒载体pBABE-puro中构建成重组逆转录病毒载体pBABE-puro-E1E2,该重组逆转录病毒载体与pVSVg质粒经磷酸钙共转染法将其转入293T细胞中包装逆转录病毒假病毒.用包装的假病毒感染SP2/0细胞,经嘌呤霉素筛选阳性细胞后进行流式细胞技术(FACS)分析,结果表明HCV ele2基因在SP2/0细胞膜上成功表达.将表达E1E2蛋白的SP2/0细胞腹腔免疫BALB/c小鼠,经FACS分析免疫鼠血清,成功诱导小鼠产生了抗HCVE1E2蛋白的抗体,Western blot表明该抗体能与原核系统表达的E2蛋白结合.     

猪白细胞介素-2和融合抗菌肽重组酵母菌构建及其对小鼠免疫和生长的协同效应

为了开发经济实用的新型免疫调节剂,以2A自剪切技术构建重组毕赤酵母Pichiapastoris共同表达猪白细胞介素-2(IL-2)和融合抗菌肽基因,然后以重组基因工程酵母菌饲喂ICR小鼠,以实时荧光定量PCR、ELISA和流式细胞计数评估其对小鼠免疫力和生长的影响。实验结果显示,处理组(融合抗菌肽重组酵母菌、IL-2和融合抗菌肽重组酵母菌)小鼠的生长明显优于对照组(空质粒酵母菌)(P 0. 05),且血清Ig G、Ig G1和Ig G2a含量显著升高(P 0. 05); TLR1、TLR4、TLR6、TLR9、IL-7、IL-15、IL-23、CD62L、IL-2、IL-4、IL-6、IL-12、CRP4和CAMP基因的表达水平显著增加(P 0. 05)。同时,处理组小鼠血液白细胞Th和Tc细胞明显增多(P 0. 05),免疫力和存活率均明显高于对照组(P 0. 05)。重组酵母菌能有效增强小鼠的先天和获得性免疫力,促进生长,可进一步开发成安全有效的免疫调节生物制剂,改善动物的生长和免疫力。     

HIV-1复合多表位-p24嵌合基因重组鸡痘病毒疫苗的构建及小鼠免疫原性

将HIV-1 p24基因插入至人工设计的复合多表位基因MEG中, 获得嵌合基因MEGp24; 将MEGp24插入到转移载体pUTA2复合启动子ATI-P7.5×20下游, 构建出鸡痘病毒重组转移质粒; 经转染和BrdU加压筛选, 以基因组PCR和Western blot法筛选出重组病毒; 将重组病毒大量制备并纯化后, 分别于0, 14, 42天肌肉注射免疫BALB/c小鼠; 第3次免疫后一周, 采集小鼠全血与脾脏, 分离血清并无菌制备脾淋巴细胞, ELISA法检测小鼠血清HIV-1抗体、脾细胞培养上清中Th1类细胞因子IFN-α和IL-2的含量, 流式细胞仪测定CD4⁺, CD8⁺ T淋巴细胞亚类数量, 乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)释放法检测脾特异性CTL杀伤活性. 结果表明, 重组病毒刺激小鼠产生HIV-1特异性抗体, 出现T细胞亚类数量增加, 产生针对HIV-1 H-2^d限制性CTL表位的特异性靶细胞杀伤作用, 同时免疫小鼠脾细胞在HIV-1抗原肽的刺激下分泌Th1类细胞因子的水平大幅增加. 研究提示多表位嵌合基因重组FPV疫苗具有良好的免疫原性, 可诱导小鼠产生HIV-1特异性细胞和体液免疫应答.     

西方马脑炎核酸疫苗表达载体构建及免疫原性研究

为构建西方马脑炎病毒(western equine encephalomyelitis virus,WEEV)结构基因C-E3-E2-6k-E1重组真核表达载体,并研究其作为核酸疫苗的免疫原性.采用PCR方法扩增目的基因,酶切之后连接到pcDNA3.1上构建真核表达载体pcDNA3.1-C-E,用酶切和测序分析方法鉴定正确后,重组质粒被转染到293T细胞,经电镜检测和间接免疫荧光方法证明基因可以表达后,用该重组质粒免疫小鼠,免疫后检测实验组小鼠外周血中CD4+T细胞/CD8+T细胞比例和血清中细胞因子IL-2、IL-4及IFN-γ浓度,以上实验组各项免疫指标与对照组相比差异均显著(P＜ 0.05);ELISA方法检测实验组小鼠血清中WEEV的IgG抗体效价是1∶16.研究结果表明重组质粒pcDNA3.1-C-E可在细胞中获得瞬时表达,并且重组质粒作为核酸疫苗能够刺激小鼠产生免疫反应,具有较强免疫原性,为今后WEEV核酸疫苗研制奠定了良好基础.     

C3d-M28增强伪狂犬病毒gC基因体液免疫

研究补体C3d的受体结合功能区(M28)对伪狂犬病毒gC基因DNA疫苗免疫增强作用。将4拷贝的M28基因与伪狂犬病毒gC基因串联后,克隆到载体pcDNA3.1中,构建融合表达的重组质粒(sgC-M284)。BALB/c小鼠免疫试验表明,sgC-M284免疫组比单独表达伪狂犬病毒gC蛋白的重组质粒(sgC)免疫组产生的ELISA抗体高17倍,对致死剂量(316LD50)伪狂犬病毒攻毒的保护率提高了63%。gC基因与M28基因融合表达诱导产生的IL-4水平接近了伪狂犬灭活疫苗免疫组的产生的IL-4水平,显著增强了基于Th2途径的体液免疫反应。     

宫颈癌组织中Th1/Th2类细胞因子的漂移研究

目的:观察宫颈癌组织中Th1/Th2类细胞因子的漂移情况。方法:选以IL-2和IFN-γ代表Th1类细胞因子,IL-4和IL-6代表Th2类细胞因子,通过逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测25例宫颈癌癌组织中Th1/Th2类细胞因子mRNA的表达。结果:IIIB期宫颈癌组织中,Th1型细胞因子的表达显著低于IB期、IIA期、IIB期,Th2型细胞因子的表达显著高于IB期、IIA期、IIB期,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。Ⅰ期和Ⅱ期宫颈癌以Th1型细胞因子表达为主。25例宫颈癌组织中,13例呈典型的Th1类细胞因子的强势表达,7例为Th2型,5例为Th0型,随着宫颈癌分期的增高,由Th1向Th2漂移(P0.05)。结论:IB期、IIA期、IIB期宫颈癌患者组织中细胞因子呈Th1状态,IIIA期呈Th0状态,IIIB期呈Th2状态,随着宫颈癌分期的增高,由Th1向Th2漂移。     

逆转录病毒载体介导的HCV囊膜蛋白基因的表达及动物免疫试验

利用DNA重组技术将丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)H77株E1E2囊膜蛋白基因插入逆转录病毒载体pBABE-puro中构建成重组逆转录病毒载体pBABE-puro-E1E2,该重组逆转录病毒载体与pVSVg质粒经磷酸钙共转染法将其转入293T细胞中包装逆转录病毒假病毒。用包装的假病毒感染SP2／0细胞,经嘌呤霉素筛选阳性细胞后进行流式细胞技术(FACS)分析,结果表明HCV ele2基因在SP2／0细胞膜上成功表达。将表达E1E2蛋白的SP2／0细胞腹腔免疫BALB／c小鼠,经FACS分析免疫鼠血清,成功诱导小鼠产生了抗HCV E1E2蛋白的抗体,Western blot表明该抗体能与原核系统表达的E2蛋白结合。     

表达轮状病毒G2和G3型vp7基因重组腺病毒的免疫效果

为探索以非复制型腺病毒为表达载体的多价轮状病毒(Rotavirus,RV)基因工程疫苗的可行性,在前期工作的基础上,对表达我国G2和G3型RV流行毒株vp7基因的重组腺病毒的免疫效果进行了研究。分别用表达G2和G3型vp7基因的重组腺病毒rvAdG2VP7、rvAdG3VP7经滴鼻和灌胃两种途径免疫Balb/c小鼠,对免疫后小鼠的血清抗体、黏膜抗体和相关的细胞因子水平进行了检测和比较。结果表明,用表达G2和G3型vp7基因的重组腺病毒经滴鼻和灌胃两种途径免疫小鼠后,均可诱导机体产生较强的RV特异性免疫反应,包括体液免疫、细胞免疫和黏膜免疫,并能产生中和抗体。但免疫反应以Th2类为主,Th1类反应也占有相当的比例。本研究为新型RV基因工程疫苗的深入研究奠定了基础。     

RNA干扰抑制nm23-M1基因表达对骨髓瘤SP2/0细胞增殖的影响

建立RNA干扰 (RNA interference, RNAi)抑制nm23-M1基因表达的骨髓瘤SP2/0细胞株, 初步探讨nm23-M1基因对小鼠骨髓瘤细胞增殖的影响.针对 nm23-M1 mRNA序列设计3个小干扰RNA (small interfering RNA, siRNA)序列, 分别构建表达这3个序列及阴性对照序列的pGenesil-1重组质粒, 再转染小鼠骨髓瘤SP2/0细胞并经G418抗性筛选稳定表达细胞株.采用半定量RT-PCR及Western 印迹检测3个重组质粒对nm23-M1 mRNA及蛋白质表达的抑制效果, 然后用MTT法观察抑制nm23-M1表达对SP2/0细胞增殖的影响.结果显示, 设计的3条siRNA不同程度地特异抑制骨髓瘤SP2/0细胞nm23-M1 mRNA及蛋白质的表达, 其中siRNA-2抑制作用最强, 其对nm23-M1 mRNA和蛋白质的抑制率分别为74.4%和62.1%; 且siRNA-2抑制nm23-M1基因表达后SP2/0 细胞增殖受到明显抑制 (P < 0.05).本研究成功构建了pGenesil-1-nm23-M1 siRNA重组质粒, 筛选出稳定抑制nm23-M1基因表达的SP2/0细胞株, 提示抑制nm23-M1基因表达有抑制骨髓瘤细胞增殖的作用; 为进一步研究nm23基因的生物学功能及临床应用打下了基础.     

Induction of an effective anti-tumor immune response and tumor regression by combined administration of IL-18 and Apoptin

Immunization strategies using plasmid DNA can potentially improve humoral and cellular immune responses that protect against cancer and infectious diseases. The chicken anemia virus-derived Apoptin protein exhibits remarkable specificity in its ability to induce apoptosis in tumor cells, but not in normal diploid cells. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a Th1-type cytokine that has demonstrated potential as a biological adjuvant in murine tumor models. In this study, we analyzed the anti-tumor potential and mechanism of action of simultaneous Apoptin and IL-18 gene transfer in C57BL/6 mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). Here we report that the growth of established tumors in mice immunized with pAPOPTIN in conjunction with pIL-18 was significantly inhibited compared with the growth of tumors in mice immunized with the empty vector (EV) or pAPOPTIN alone. Furthermore, the immunization of mice with pAPOPTIN in conjunction with pIL-18 elicited strong natural killer activity and LLC tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in vitro. In addition, T cells from lymph nodes of mice vaccinated with pIL-18 or pAPOPTIN + pIL-18 secreted high levels of the Th1 cytokine IL-2 and IFN-γ, indicating that the regression of tumor cells is related to a Th1-type dominant immune response. These results demonstrate that vaccination with Apoptin together with IL-18 may be a novel and powerful strategy for cancer immunotherapy.     

Adjuvant activities of novel cytokines, interleukin-23 (IL-23) and IL-27, for induction of hepatitis C virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice

Searching the sequence databases has revealed two novel cytokines: interleukin-23 (IL-23) and IL-27. These cytokines are quite similar to, but clearly distinct from IL-12 in their structures and T-cell stimulatory fashions. In contrast to IL-12, however, little is known about the roles of IL-23 and IL-27 in the immune regulation. Previously, we evaluated the prime-boost immunization consisting of priming and the first boosting with the hepatitis C virus (HCV)-core expression plasmid, followed by a second boosting with recombinant adenovirus expressing HCV core for induction of HCV core-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in BALB/c mice. The present study demonstrates that HCV-specific CTL induction was greatly enhanced by coinoculation of an IL-12 expression plasmid in the prime-boost immunization, indicating the potent adjuvant activity of IL-12. We investigated whether similar adjuvant effects could be exerted by either IL-23 or IL-27 in a prime-boost immunization with HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice. Coadministration of either an IL-23 or an IL-27 expression plasmid, as well as an IL-12 expression plasmid, in a prime-boost immunization enhanced induction of HCV-specific CTLs and led to dramatic increases in the numbers of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-producing, HCV-specific CD8+ cells. Further, preinjections of IL-12, IL-23, or IL-27 expression plasmids before immunization resulted in great increases in the number of IFN-gamma-producing, HCV-specific CD8+ cells in response to immunization with recombinant adenovirus. These data revealed that both IL-23 and IL-27, as well as IL-12, are potent adjuvants for epitope-specific CTL induction. The two novel cytokines might offer new prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against infectious pathogens such as HCV.     

Suppression of immune response and protective immunity to a Japanese encephalitis virus DNA vaccine by coadministration of an IL-12-expressing plasmid

IL-12 plays a central role in both innate and acquired immunity and has been demonstrated to potentiate the protective immunity in several experimental vaccines. However, in this study, we show that IL-12 can be detrimental to the immune responses elicited by a plasmid DNA vaccine. Coadministration of the IL-12-expressing plasmid (pIL-12) significantly suppressed the protective immunity elicited by a plasmid DNA vaccine (pE) encoding the envelope protein of Japanese encephalitis virus. This suppressive effect was associated with marked reduction of specific T cell proliferation and Ab responses. A single dose of pIL-12 treatment with plasmid pE in initial priming resulted in significant immune suppression to subsequent pE booster immunization. The pIL-12-mediated immune suppression was dose dependent and evident only when the IL-12 gene was injected either before or coincident with the pE DNA vaccine. Finally, using IFN-gamma gene-disrupted mice, we showed that the suppressive activity of the IL-12 plasmid was dependent upon endogenous production of IFN-gamma. These results demonstrate that coexpression of the IL-12 gene can sometimes produce untoward effects to immune responses, and thus its application as a vaccine adjuvant should be carefully evaluated.     

Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Coexpressing the F Protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Interleukin-4 (IL-4) Does Not Inhibit the Development of RSV-Specific Memory Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes, whereas Priming Is Diminished in the Presence of High Levels of IL-2 or Gamma Interferon

In order to investigate if immune responses to the fusion (F) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could be influenced by cytokines, recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVV) carrying both the F gene of RSV and the gene for murine interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, or gamma interferon (IFN-γ) were constructed. In vitro characterization of rVV revealed that insertion of the cytokine gene into the VP37 locus of the vaccinia virus genome resulted in 100- to 1,000-fold higher expression than insertion of the same gene into the thymidine kinase (TK) locus. In comparison, only a two- to fivefold difference in the level of expression of the F protein was observed when the gene was inserted into either of these two loci. Mice vaccinated with rVV expressing the F protein and high levels of IL-2 or IFN-γ cleared rVV more rapidly than mice inoculated with a control rVV and developed only low levels of RSV-specific serum antibody. In addition, these recombinants were much less effective at priming RSV-specific memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and IFN-γ production by spleen cells than rVV expressing the F protein alone. In contrast, mice vaccinated with rVV expressing high levels of IL-4 showed signs of delayed rVV clearance. RSV-specific serum antibody responses were biased in favor of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) in these mice, as there was a significant reduction in IgG2a antibody responses compared with serum antibody responses in mice vaccinated with rVV expressing the F protein alone. However, vaccination with rVV expressing the F protein together with high levels of IL-4 did not alter the development of RSV-specific memory CTL or IFN-γ production by RSV-restimulated splenocytes.     

Different doses of adenoviral vector expressing IL-12 enhance or depress the immune response to a coadministered antigen: the role of nitric oxide

Joint immunization with two recombinant adenoviruses, one expressing hepatitis C virus (HCV) core and E1 proteins and another expressing IL-12 (RAdIL-12), strongly potentiates cellular immune response against HCV Ags in BALB/c mice when RAdIL-12 was used at doses of 1 x 105-1 x 107 plaque-forming units. However, cellular immunity against HCV Ags was abolished when higher doses (1 x 108 plaque-forming units) of RAdIL-12 were used. This immunosuppressive effect was associated with marked elevation of IFN-gamma and nitric oxide in the serum and increased cell apoptosis in the spleen. Administration of N-nitro-L -arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, to mice that received high doses of RAdIL-12 was lethal, whereas no apparent systemic toxicity by L -NAME was observed in those immunized with lower doses of the adenovirus. Interestingly, in mice immunized with recombinant adenovirus expressing core and E1 proteins of HCV in combination with RAdIL-12 at low doses (1 x 107 plaque-forming units), L -NAME inhibited T cell proliferation and CTL activity in response to HCV Ags and also production of Abs against adenoviral proteins. In conclusion, gene transfer of IL-12 can increase or abolish cell immunity against an Ag depending of the dose of the vector expressing the cytokine. IL-12 stimulates the synthesis of NO which is needed for the immunostimulating effects of IL-12, but apoptosis of T cells and immunosuppression ensues when IFN-gamma and NO are generated at very high concentrations.     

MHC class I-restricted cytotoxic lymphocyte responses induced by enterotoxin-based mucosal adjuvants

The ability of enterotoxin-based mucosal adjuvants to induce CD8+ MHC class I-restricted CTL responses to a codelivered bystander Ag was examined. Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin (LT), or derivatives of LT carrying mutations in the A subunit (LTR72, LTK63), were tested in parallel with cholera toxin (CT) or a fusion protein consisting of the A1 subunit of CT fused to the Ig binding domain of Staphylococcus aureus protein A (called CTA1-DD). Intranasal (i.n.) immunization of C57BL/6 mice with CT, CTA1-DD, LT, LTR72, LTK63, but not rLT-B, elicited MHC class I-restricted CD8+ T cell responses to coadministered OVA or the OVA CTL peptide SIINFEKL (OVA257-264). CT, LT, and LTR72 also induced CTL responses to OVA after s.c. or oral coimmunization whereas LTK63 only activated responses after s.c. coimmunization. rLT-B was unable to adjuvant CTL responses to OVA or OVA257-264 administered by any route. Mice treated with an anti-CD4 mAb to deplete CD4+ T cells mounted significant OVA-specific CTL responses after i.n. coadministration of LT with OVA or OVA257-264. Both 51Cr release assays and IFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot assays indicated that IFN-gamma-/- and IL-12 p40-/- gene knockout mice developed CTL responses equivalent to those detected in normal C57BL/6 mice. The results highlight the versatility of toxin-based adjuvants and suggest that LT potentiates CTL responses independently of IL-12 and IFN-gamma and probably by a mechanism unrelated to cross-priming.     

Interleukin-21 triggers both cellular and humoral immune responses leading to therapeutic antitumor effects against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-21 (IL-21) plays important roles in the regulation of T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells. We hypothesized that the cytokine may provide a novel immunotherapy strategy for cancer by stimulating both Th1 and Th2 immune responses. In this context, antitumor immunity induced by IL-21 was examined in mice bearing subcutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). METHODS: A plasmid vector encoding murine IL-21 was injected intravenously into mice with pre-established HNSCC tumors, either alone or in combination with a vector construct expressing IL-15. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and NK killing activities were evaluated by chrome release assays, while HNSCC-specific antibody was examined by flow cytometry and ELISA. RESULTS: Significant antitumor effects were obtained by repeated transfection with either the IL-21 or the IL-15 gene. Co-administration of both cytokine genes resulted in increased suppression of tumor growth, significantly prolonging the survival periods of the animals. Thirty percent of the tumor-bearing mice that received the combination therapy survived for more than 300 days, completely rejecting rechallenge with the tumor at a distant site. IL-21 induced significant elevation of HNSCC-specific CTL activity, while IL-21 and IL-15 augmented NK activity in an additive manner. IL-21 gene transfer also promoted the production of tumor-specific IgG. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo transduction of the IL-21 gene elicits powerful antitumor immunity, including both humoral and cellular arms of the immune response, and results in significant suppression of pre-established HNSCC. Co-transfer of the IL-15 gene further improved the therapeutic outcome, mainly by augmenting NK tumoricidal activity. The biological effects of IL-21 may be in sharp contrast to those of conventional Th1 and Th2 cytokines, suggesting intriguing implications of this cytokine for the classical concept of Th1 vs. Th2 paradigm.     

IL-2与猪细小病毒VP2基因双表达载体的构建及免疫原性的研究

将白细胞介素-2基因和猪细小病毒VP2基因主要抗原区克隆至pCI-neo真核表达载体中,构建了pCIneo-IL2-VP2重组质粒,用脂质体将其转染到PK-15细胞中,利用免疫荧光方法检测在体外表达情况。并以小鼠为动物模型,将pCIneo-IL2-VP2重组质粒、对照组pCI-neo和猪细小病毒活疫苗通过肌肉注射进行免疫,检测免疫小鼠的淋巴细胞转化功能,特异性CTL杀伤活性和血清抗体滴度。结果显示,pCIneo-IL2-VP2在体外能够诱导PK-15细胞表达VP2蛋白,小鼠注射pCIneo-IL2-VP2质粒1周后能够诱导机体产生抗体,4周时达到峰值,与活疫苗对照组产生的抗体滴度、诱导T淋巴细胞增殖和诱导强的细胞毒性基本一致。试验表明,构建的pCIneo-IL2-VP2能够有效诱导机体产生体液免疫和细胞免疫。     

Inhibition of established subcutaneous and metastatic murine tumors by intramuscular electroporation of the interleukin-12 gene

In vivo electroporation (EP) of the murine interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene in an expression plasmid (pIL-12) was evaluated for antitumor activity. EP transfer of pIL-12 into mouse quadriceps muscles elicited significant levels of serum IL-12 and interferon-gamma. Intramuscular EP of pIL-12 resulted in complete regression or substantial inhibition of 38C13 B-cell lymphoma, whereas pIL-12 delivered by gene gun or intramuscular injection without EP showed little therapeutic effect. Impressive antitumor activity by intramuscular EP was also demonstrated in animals with advanced malignant disease. At day 14 after 38C13 tumor inoculation, all animals were found to carry large tumors and to have metastases; without treatment, most died within a week. A single intramuscular EP of pIL-12 resulted in regression of 50% of large subcutaneous tumors and significantly prolonged the lifespan of these animals. Moreover, animals that were previously cured of 38C13 tumors by in vivo EP treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth when challenged 60 days later. In vivo EP of the IL-12 gene was also effective in suppressing subcutaneous and lung metastatic tumors of CT-26 colon adenocarcinoma and B16F1 melanoma cells. Together, these results show that intramuscular electrotransfer of the IL-12 gene may represent a simple and effective strategy for cancer treatment.