Use of xenogenized (modified) tumor cells for treatment in experimental tumor and in human neoplasia.

The need to modify tumor cells in order to render them more "immunogenic" was based on the assumption that normal, nonmodified tumor cells are non- or weakly immunogenic and as such are unable to raise an efficient protective immune response. Various methods for "xenogenization" (modification of tumor cells) were suggested: induction of new foreign antigens, treatment with either chemicals or enzymes and use of mutagens. Xenogenized tumor cells by their coupling to proteins, and use of chemicals like DTIC (5-[3,3-dimethyl- 1-triazeno]-imidazole-4-carboxamide), TZC (8-carbamoyl-3-methyl-imidazo[5, 1-d]- 1,2,3,5-tetrazin-4 [3H]-one 8-carbamoyl-3-[2-chloroethyl] imidazole [5,1 -d]- 1,2,3,5-tetrazin-4[3H]-one) and antiemetic drugs, were tested in experimental models of murine leukemia.

Rational approaches to reduce adverse reactions in man to vaccines containing tetanus and diphtheria toxoids.

Adverse reactions to routine vaccines are obstacles to the mass vaccination campaigns. Though the absolute safety of any injectable vaccine cannot be guaranteed, the adverse side effects to vaccines can be minimized by practicing existing scientific knowledge. Adverse side effects to tetanus and diphtheria toxoids have been known for many years and there have been ways to minimize these reactions.

Passive haemagglutination tests using purified antigens covalently coupled to turkey erythrocytes.

Passive haemagglutination tests have been developed by covalent coupling purified antigens to turkey red blood cells. Circulating antibodies can be assessed in 20 minutes using one drop of blood. False positive reactions are avoided by using highly purified antigens; sensitized erythrocytes are stable in the absence of freeze-drying and blood samples can be preserved on paper discs.