The role of extracellular chaperone HSP70 in creating antitumor immunity in rat rhabdomyosarcoma RA-2 model

Immunization of experimental animals with extract or membranes of rat rhabdomyosarcoma RA-2 in combination with pure Hsp70 did not offer any significant effect of protection from subsequent RA-2 cells-stimulated tumor growth. By contrast, immunization with preparations of pure Hsp70 led to a significant decrease in number and size of tumors as well as elevation of concentrations of antibodies against RA-2 cells. Also, enhanced blood levels of Hsp70 involved delayed tumor growth. In vitro tests Hsp70 incubation with RA-2 cells was followed by a 30-35% rise in cytotoxic lymphocytes levels. An ability of pure Hsp70 preparations to stimulate humoral and antitumor response was demonstrated. Hence, they may be used in developing vaccine formulas.