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Heterogeneity in expression of human leukocyte antigens and melanoma‐associated antigens in advanced melanoma
Author(s) -
Ohnmacht Galen A.,
Marincola Francesco M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of cellular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.529
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1097-4652
pISSN - 0021-9541
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4652(200003)182:3<332::aid-jcp3>3.0.co;2-z
Subject(s) - melanoma , antigen , human leukocyte antigen , immunology , immunotherapy , cytotoxic t cell , biology , cancer research , pan t antigens , immune system , antibody , monoclonal antibody , in vitro , genetics
The study of tumor immunology has led to many innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of melanoma. The strategies are primarily dependent on melanoma‐associated antigen peptide vaccination or T‐cell–based therapy. These immunotherapies are totally reliant on proper copresentation of human leukocyte antigen class I molecules in sufficient quantity and the presence and availability of melanoma‐associated antigenic peptides. Altered expression of either HLA class I molecules or melanoma antigens is known to occur. These defects lead to altered manufacture and copresentation of HLA class I molecules with melanoma‐associated antigens to T‐cells. Defects in any one combination can lead to loss of recognition of melanoma cells and their subsequent destruction by cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes. Thus, these immunotherapy strategies can be thwarted by defects or heterogeneity of expression of human leukocyte antigen class I or of melanoma‐associated antigens. J. Cell. Physiol. 182:332–338, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.