Tumor cell killing and cytostasis by C3H/HeJ macrophages activated in vitro by lipid A-associated protein and interferon gamma.

Experiments have been carried out to assess the ability of purified protein-free lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipid A-associated protein (LAP) containing LPS to activate macrophages from C3H/HeJ endotoxin-unresponsive mice. Assays for in vitro activation have included cytotoxic and cytostatic effects on a simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed fibroblast cell line. While neither preparation of LPS would effect C3H/HeJ macrophage activation for either cytostasis or cytolysis, the addition of murine interferon gamma to cultures of LAP-LPS stimulated C3H/HeJ macrophages resulted in cells which were both cytotoxic and cytostatic. These results suggest that LAP can provide one component of the triggering mechanism but, of itself, is insufficient to effect full activation. A second signal, which can be provided by murine interferon gamma, appears also to be required.