Tumor necrosis factor in human monocyte-mediated antitumor cytotoxicity.

The WEHI-164 target cells pretreated with actinomycin D can be employed in a 7-hour 51Cr release assay that exhibits exquisite susceptibility for cytotoxic monocytes without contribution by natural killer cells. The system can be used either to detect cell-mediated monocyte cytotoxicity directly or to measure cytotoxic-factor activity in cell-free supernatants. Analysis of cytotoxic factor demonstrates molecular characteristics similar to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and polyclonal as well as monoclonal antibodies specific for TNF can readily neutralize the monocyte-generated cytotoxic factor. In the cell-mediated approach, neutralization can be achieved as well, although somewhat higher amounts of antibody are required. Hence, the WEHT-164/actinomycin D system appears to detect monocyte cytotoxicity that is mediated by TNF.