Tumour Regression Induced by Co-administration of MIP-3αand CpG in an Experimental Model of Colon Carcinoma

CCL20/macrophage inflammatory protein-3 (MIP-3) represents one of the potent chemoattractive proteins for dendritic cells (DCs). Herein, we investigated whether in vivo genetic modification of tumour cells aimed at intratumoural production of MIP-3 might lead to accumulation of DCs in tumour tissue. Mice injected with CT26, received recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vectors (AdMIP-3) expressing MIP-3 protein. This was complemented by injections of CpG. Interestingly, MIP-3 gene therapy combined with CpG injections resulted in specific cytotoxicity. This was associated with significant suppression of tumour growth rate. These findings demonstrate the potential of strategies that utilize in vivo overexpression of chemokines.