As recent advances in the treatment of malignant melanoma, we described the experimental study of gene therapy and the clinical trials of anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody. Firstly, IFN-β gene encapsulated liposome was used for vector in our study. Cultured human melanoma cell could produce IFN-β by transfection with human IFN-β gene in vitro. Moreover, growth inhibition of subcutaneously transplanted human melanoma cells was clearly shown by transfection with human IFN-β gene. These results suggest IFN-β is a promising candidate for gene therapy of melanoma. Secondly, we described the background of idiotype network and characterization of anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody to anti-HMW-MAA mAb. Then we reviewed the clinical trials of anti-idiotypic mAb in the States. Finally, we summarized the frequency and the mechanism of HLA Class I down regulation in melanoma cells, since these results will give negative impact on the T-cell based immunotherapy.
