SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF TGF-ß BLOCKADE AND IMMUNOGENIC AGENTS ON TUMORS

摘要

Methods are provided herein for synergistically affecting tumor growth in a subject, involving the administration to the subject of an agent that blocks the TGF- ß signaling pathway in combination with an immunogenic agent. The agent that blocks the TGF-ß signaling pathway is believed to inhibit the immunosuppressive effects of TGF-ß, while the immunogenic agent is believed to enhance an immune response. Surprisingly, the combination of such elements produces a synergistic effect. In one embodiment, the administration of the IDl 1.16 anti-TGF-ß antibody in combination with the human papilloma virus E7(49-57) peptide enhances tumor regression and tumor-specific CTL response in the subject. In another embodiment, the administration of the IDl 1.16 anti-TGF-ß antibody in combination with irradiated CT26 cells enhances tumor regression in the subject. The method of administering the combination of agents to the subject is more effective than the administration of each agent individually, or the sum of their individual effects.