Generation of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and memory T cells by immunization with tumor-derived heat shock protein gp96.

Tumor-derived heat shock proteins have been shown previously to elicit specific prophylactic immunity to cognate tumors. Here we establish that administration of gp96 results in generation of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response in addition to protective immunity. In one instance, gp96 preparations are shown to elicit an immune response against a tumor, where intact tumor cells are unable to do so. Finally, our results indicate that gp96 preparations elicit a memory T cell response that is capable of being recalled.