Eradication of adenovirus E1-induced tumors by E1A-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones against adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) early region 1 (E1)-transformed cells were generated in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. A defined peptide encoded by Ad5 E1A is the target structure for H-2Db-restricted CTLs. Upon intravenous injection into B6 nude mice bearing Ad5 E1-induced tumors, these CTLs, if combined with recombinant IL-2, destroy subcutaneous tumor masses up to 10 cm3. The in vivo action of CTLs is highly specific, and long-term "memory" persists in treated nude mice months after tumor regression. Our data show an important role for CTLs directed against a viral nuclear oncogene product in tumor eradication.