Efficacy of dendritic cell-based immunotherapy produced from cord blood in vitro and in a humanized NSG mouse cancer model

Abstract

Aim: To produce dendritic cells (DCs) from CD34+ stem cells from cord blood and explore their prophylactic and curative effect against tumors by vaccinating humanized NSG mice. Materials & methods: Separated CD34+ stem cells from cord blood were cultured for 30 days, and the resultant DCs (CD34-DCs) were collected. The basic function of the CD34-DCs and the cytotoxicity of CD34-cytotoxic-T lymphocytes (CTLs) were tested in vitro, and tumor inhibition in a humanized NSG mouse tumor model was observed. Results: The number of CD34-DCs reached approximately 9 log. These cells performed functions similar to those of DCs derived from monocytes from peripheral blood (PBMC-DCs). The CTLs of the CD34-DCs (CD34-CTLs) presented a better antitumor effect in vitro. The obvious prophylactic and therapeutic antitumor effects of the CD34-DC vaccine were observed in the humanized NSG mouse models. Conclusion: CD34-DCs from cord blood were sufficient in quantity and quality as a vaccine agent against tumors in vitro and in vivo.