Immunological trial in multiple myeloma treated with human fibroblast interferon (HuIFN-β)

Abstract

The influence of daily administration of interferon-β (HuIFN-β) on the NK and ADCC activities and cell surface markers of lymphocytes or monocytes in multiple myeloma were studied.NK and ADCC activities were measured against 51Cr labelled target cells (K-562 cell line, Raji cell line and autologous myeloma cells) using 4h-51Cr releasing method. Surface antigens of lymphocytes and monocytes were analysed by flow cytometry (Spectrum III, Ortho Diagnostic Systems) using monoclonal antibodies.The results are as follows:1) After administration of HuIFN-β, autologous NK activity (against autologous myeloma cells) showed a transient decrease, whereas autologous ADCC activity tended to increase within 4 days.2) Allogenic NK activity for K-562 cell line decreased transiently, followed by a period of constantly high levels, after the fourth day, whereas allogeneic ADCC activity for Raji cell line showed a similar pattern for 4 days, but thereafter recovered to pre-administration levels.3) Leu M1 and Leu M2 positive cells in the monocyte area of flow cytometry showed a substantial increase after daily administration of interferon, and the OKT4 positive rate in the lymphocyte area showed a transient increase 6 hours after administration of interferon.4) It was suggested that autologous ADCC activity, which increased after administration of interferon, is related to positive cells of Leu7 and OKM1 (in lymphocyte area), and that autologous NK and allogeneic ADCC activities, which showed a transient decrease, are related to Leull and OKM1 (in monocyte area).5) Immunological response patterns were not influenced by 4 weeks' daily administration of HuIFN-β.From the above results, it may be speculated that daily administration of interferon-β has an indirect effect on myeloma cells, through activated lymphocytes and/or monocytes.