IMMUNOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT OF TUMOR GROWTH BY SYNGENEIC THYMUS-DERIVED LYMPHOCYTES

Abstract

The role of lymphoid cells in the development of a transplanted syngeneic Lewis lung tumor (3LL) was investigated. It was found that thymocytes or thymus-derived lymphocytes could stimulate 3LL tumor growth in the recipients. This enhancing effect was manifested by a higher number of tumor takes, acceleration of tumor growth, and an increase in metastatic incidence. Lymphocytes from tumor-bearing mice were more effective than lymphocytes from nontumor-bearing controls in the manifestation of this phenomenon. Mice partially deprived of their T cell population by adult thymectomy manifested a striking reduction in tumor development.