IRX-2 is a uniform, well-defined set of natural
cytokines currently in Phase II clinical trials for
squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (
HNSCC). In preliminary clinical studies of
HNSCC patients,
IRX-2 therapy has shown promising results, increasing overall survival of patients from 32% to 61% at 48 months. Although it is known that specific
cytokines in
IRX-2 enhance T cell activity [e.g.,
interleukin-2 (IL-2),
interferon-gamma, IL-1beta], we chose to investigate the influence of
IRX-2 on monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs) isolated from human peripheral blood in an effort to further understand the clinical findings. We show here that
IRX-2 treatment of human monocyte-derived DC resulted in morphologic, phenotypic, and functional changes consistent with the development of mature activated DC. Specifically, IRX-2-treated DC increased expression of CD83 and CCR7, markers for DC maturation and migration, respectively, and increased the expression of
HLA-DR, CD54, and the costimulatory molecules CD86 and CD40, which are critical mediators of T cell activation. Functional changes in DC induced by
IRX-2 included a reduced endocytic capacity, increased ability to stimulate T cells and increased
IL-12 cytokine production. These results provide a plausible mechanistic explanation for the in vivo clinical activity of
IRX-2 and an additional rationale for the use of IRX-2-based
immunotherapy in patients.