EXPRESSION OF IL-4 RECEPTORS ON HUMAN TUMORS

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In this project, we are studying the expression of IL-4R and the role of IL-4 on solid human tumors. We have observed that human tumors of different histology also express IL-4R. Human breast carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, melanoma and renal tumor lines, as well as fresh tumors obtained from the NCI, express high affinity IL-4R. The characteristics of these receptors appear to be similar to that reported on hematopoetic cells such as T cells, B cells, mast cells and macrophages. Human tumors also express a single species of IL-4R mRNA. We are currently investigating the function of IL-4 on tumor cells. Our preliminary data indicate that IL-4 is directly growth inhibitory to some IL-4R positive tumor lines as tested by MTT assay. Furthermore, IL-4 appear to upregulate HLA-DR antigen on some tumor cells. Experiments are underway which will examine the regulation of IL-4R on tumor cells. This project is currently active.