In vitro upregulation of carcinoembryonic antigen expression by combinations of cytokines

Interferons are able to enhance the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on tumour cells, allowing improved tumour targeting. In this report the hypothesis is tested that combinations of cytokines may further increase the tumour antigen expression. The combination of both IFN-γ and IFN-α with interleukin-6 demonstrated a significant additive effect on the CEA-expression. This was found by quantitatively analysing the CEA-expression on human colorectal tumour cells by flow cytometry. It is concluded that combinations of cytokines show the potential of inducing tumour antigen expression for improved tumour targeting.