In the paper the current state-of-the-art of the preclinical and clinical trials concerning GM- CSF-secreting tumor cell vaccines was presented. Cytokine gene-modified cancer vaccines are experimental immunotherapeutics applied as adjuvants or as main medications in the treatment of metastatic neoplasms. The principle of their action consists in the delivery of cancer antigens in association with GM-CSF to the patient's organism. The cytokine improves recruitment and activation of dendritic cells, leading to more efficient antigens' presentation.

Natural exogenous immunostimulators are preparations isolated from bacteria, plants or fungi that activate immunological system. Present research is aimed at understanding the exact mechanism of their action and improving their efficacy in parallel with reducing minor side effects. It appears that in the majority therapeutical effects of the bacterial and fungal preparations result from the activation of Toll- like receptors (TLR). However, biologically active substances isolated from plants can activate cells through non-specific interaction with their surface.

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a cytokine with strong impact on immunological system, that affects pathogenesis of multiple human disorders. Naturally, it participates in antiviral defence. Infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells secrete IL-15 which, via its impact on NK cells and T lymphocytes, exerts antiviral properties. IL-15 may find its application in HIV infection treatment. Stimulating proliferation of antigen- activated T cells and inhibiting their apoptosis, IL-15 may counteract AIDS-associated lymphocytopaenia.

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a cytokine that reveals multiple actions on immune system. Initially it was thought to resemble IL-2, but there is still growing evidence that IL-15 has multiple, unique properties, in some cases acting opposingly to IL-2. IL-15 influences mechanisms of both innate and acquired immunity. It induces differentiation and proliferation of NK cells, increases their cytotoxic properties and ability of IFN-γ secretion and also serves as chemoattractant for them. IL-15 acts also on macrophages/monocytes as well as on neutrophils.

Strategy for the modification of cells with cytokines is intensively developing cancer gene therapy . Numerous studies have shown that one of the most effective therapeutic approach is to introduce the gene for interleukin-12 (IL -12) produced in the tumor microenvironment . This prevents severe toxicities caused by IL- 12 administered systemically . The most numerous research papers concern the cancer cells modified to secrete IL -12 ex vivo and used as a vaccine . It was also demonstrated high efficacy fibroblasts introduced gene for IL -12.