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. 1990 Sep 1;172(3):997–1000. doi: 10.1084/jem.172.3.997

Mouse plasmacytoma growth in vivo: enhancement by interleukin 6 (IL-6) and inhibition by antibodies directed against IL-6 or its receptor

PMCID: PMC2188547  PMID: 2388041

Abstract

Murine plasmacytomas show a striking dependence on interleukin 6 (IL-6) for their growth in vitro. Here, we present evidence suggesting that IL- 6 also plays an essential role in the in vivo development of these tumors. This conclusion is based on the finding that the tumorigenicity of an IL-6-dependent plasmacytoma cell line was increased approximately 100-fold on transfection with an IL-6 expression vector, whereas it was inhibited in animals treated with monoclonal antibodies capable of blocking the binding of IL-6 to its receptor. Injection of these antibodies 1 d before tumor challenge protected greater than 50% of the mice and retarded tumor growth in all animals. Tumors arising in antibody-treated mice retained their IL-6 dependence in vitro, suggesting that the level of protection could be improved if stronger IL-6 antagonists were available.

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Selected References

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