The augmentative effect of a protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK) on tumoricidal activity of the soluble factor produced by a streptococcal preparation (OK-432)-activated macrophages.

The enhancement of antitumor activities of the tumoricidal soluble factor (SF) from a streptococcal preparation (OK-432)-activated macrophages by the pretreatment with a protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK) was investigated in tumor-bearing mice. Two-step stimulations with OK-432 at in vivo priming and in vitro eliciting were required for the production of the tumoricidal SF by macrophages, and the tumoricidal activity of the SF apparently correlated with the uptake of OK-432 by macrophages at priming phase. Tumoricidal activity of the SF from OK-432-activated macrophages in proteose-peptone (P-P)-pretreated mice significantly decreased with the development of the tumor, whereas in PSK-pretreated mice did not. Pretreatment of tumor-bearing mice with PSK saved a decrease in the macrophages carrying Iak or asialo GM1 antigens and an increase in wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) receptors. Furthermore, the uptake of OK-432 by macrophages at priming phase was enhanced. The tumoricidal activity of the SF from OK-432-activated macrophages was augmented. Thus, PSK may restore the depressed functions of macrophages, and the combination therapy with PSK and OK-432 may be effective to enhance the production of tumoricidal SF in tumor-bearing mice.