Detection of cellular immunity to tumor-associated antigen(s) in mice by the macrophage spreading inhibition test.

Soluble preparations of antigens from a methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma of C57BI mice were prepared by homogenization of tumor tissue and high-speed centrifugation of the homogenate. These preparations were able to sensitize syngeneic mice to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) of the fibrosarcoma, and to provoke a delayed hypersensitivity reaction when injected into the footpad of sensitized mice. Furthermore, the same soluble preparations could inhibit in vitro the spreading of peritoneal macrophages from mice sensitized to TAA. A similar inhibition of macrophage spreading was obtained when peritoneal cells from C57BI mice, bearing transplants of the fibrosarcoma, were incubated with the preparations. We conclude that the macrophage spreading inhibition test, like other in vitro assays, can detect cell-mediated immunity to tumor-associated antigens.