Behavior of lymphocyte subsets and expression of activation markers in response to immunotherapy with galactoside specific lectin from mistletoe in breast cancer patients

Journal/Book: Clinical Investigator 70, 658-661. 1992;

Abstract: Cellular aspects of the immunomodulating activity of thegalactoside-specific lectin from mistletoe (ML-1) were investigated in10 cancer patients. Regular subcutaneous injections (4 weeks) of theoptimal dosis of ML-1 (1 ng per kg body weight, twice a week) yieldednotable increases in the apparent numbers of certain lymphocyte subsets(pan T cells; helper T cells; natural killer (NK) cells) which aregenerally believed to be involved in antitumor immunity. Moreover, ML-1administration resulted in an increased level of expression ofinterleukin (IL)2 receptors on lymphatic cells, an indicator of cellularactivation. In vitro, the exposure of human lymphocytes to ML-1 resultedin an enhanced expression of receptors for IL-2 (T cells) and HLA-DQ (Bcells), which similarly substantiated the capacity of ML-1 to affectimmunological parameters within the host defense system. Thoroughclinical trials are now required to assess any impact of the applicationof the lectin on the course of the disease. Author.

Keyword(s): BIOLOGICAL-MARKERS/BL (blood)

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