engleski

Cancer/testis tumour associated antigens: immunohistochemical detection with monoclonal antibodies

Cancer/testis tumour associated antigens (C/T TAA) were the first human TAA to be molecularly characterized. Specific genes are expressed in the testis and in tumours of different histological origin. This tissue expression pattern supports the notion that they could represent attractive targets for active specific immunotherapy in different areas of clinical oncology. Specific serological reagents have been developed and have helped to clarify biochemical characteristics of C/T TAA and to assess their distribution within clinical tumour specimens. Here we review immunohistochemical evidence of the expression of C/T TAA known to be recognized by specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The emerging picture is consistent with a mostly heterogeneous expression in human cancers. These data support the concept of multiantigenic tumour vaccine preparations. Moreover, the wide array of tumours where C/T TAA have been detected urges further efforts to develop effective specific immunotherapeutic procedures.

tumor antigens; kancer/testis antigens; MAGE; NY-ESO-1

nije evidentirano