Effect of anti-CD3-EGFR bispecific antibody-labeled DCCIK immune cells on proliferation of lung cancer cells

Purpose: To investigate the effect of DC-CIK immune cells labeled with anti-CD3-EGFR bispecific antibody (BSAB) on the proliferation of lung cancer (LC) cells in order to generate data useful for enhancing the therapy of LC. Methods: The anti-CD3 and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies were labeled on the surface of DC-CIK cells using chemical coupling method. Successful preparation of anti-CD3-EGFR BSAB was determined using SDS-PAGE. Two groups of cells were used: labeled group and a DC-CIK group. The cytotoxic effect on A549 LC cells was determined in vitro, and the tumor inhibition capacity was determined in 30 nude mice with LC. Results: The killing rate of EGFR-positive A549 cells in labeled group was more severe than the killing rate in DC-CIK cells (p < 0.05). Cellular growth rate was significantly lesser in labelled A549 LC cells than in DC-CIK group. After 2 months of treatment, nude mouse tumor size in labeled group was smaller than the tumor volume in DC-CIK group. No obvious adverse reactions (ARs) were observed in both groups. Conclusion: In vitro, CD3-EGFR BSAB-labeled DC-CIK immune cells produce cytotoxic effect and inhibit the proliferation of LC cells, while in vivo studies reveal that the cells produce good therapeutic effect on LC.