We describe a method of activation of lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of patients with cutaneous melanoma and cultured in serum-free medium in the presence of IL-2 and IL-15. Viability, proliferative, cytotoxic, and functional activities of lymphocytes are evaluated. The lymphocytes actively proliferated in this nutrient medium and can be activated in vitro. The method for obtaining sufficient amount of activated lymphocytes can be recommended for adoptive cell immunotherapy of cancer patients.
Keywords: IL-15; IL-2; adoptive immunotherapy; in vitro activation of lymphocytes; melanoma.