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Traynor S, Jakobsen MK, Green TM, Komic H, Palarasah Y, Pedersen CB, Ditzel HJ, Thoren FB, Guldberg P, Gjerstorff MF. Single-cell sequencing unveils extensive intratumoral heterogeneity of cancer/testis antigen expression in melanoma and lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008759. [PMID: 38886115 PMCID: PMC11184195 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are widely expressed in melanoma and lung cancer, emerging as promising targets for vaccination strategies and T-cell-based therapies in these malignancies. Despite recognizing the essential impact of intratumoral heterogeneity on clinical responses to immunotherapy, our understanding of intratumoral heterogeneity in CTA expression has remained limited. We employed single-cell mRNA sequencing to delineate the CTA expression profiles of cancer cells in clinically derived melanoma and lung cancer samples. Our findings reveal a high degree of intratumoral transcriptional heterogeneity in CTA expression. In melanoma, every cell expressed at least one CTA. However, most individual CTAs, including the widely used therapeutic targets NY-ESO-1 and MAGE, were confined to subpopulations of cells and were uncoordinated in their expression, resulting in mosaics of cancer cells with diverse CTA profiles. Coordinated expression was observed, however, mainly among highly structurally and evolutionarily related CTA genes. Importantly, a minor subset of CTAs, including PRAME and several members of the GAGE and MAGE-A families, were homogenously expressed in melanomas, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets. Extensive heterogeneity in CTA expression was also observed in lung cancer. However, the frequency of CTA-positive cancer cells was notably lower and homogenously expressed CTAs were only identified in one of five tumors in this cancer type. Our findings underscore the need for careful CTA target selection in immunotherapy development and clinical testing and offer a rational framework for identifying the most promising candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Traynor
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mie K Jakobsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tina M Green
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Hana Komic
- TIMM Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Yaseelan Palarasah
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christina B Pedersen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik J Ditzel
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Fredrik B Thoren
- TIMM Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Per Guldberg
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Danish Cancer Institute, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Morten F Gjerstorff
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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2
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Grizzi F, Chiriva-Internati M, Miranda E, Zaharie R, Hajjar NA, Zaharie F, Del Arco CD, Fernández-Aceñero MJ, Bresalier RS, Moiş E. Sperm protein antigen 17 and Sperm flagellar 1 cancer testis antigens are expressed in a rare case of ciliated foregut cyst of the common hepatic duct. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154546. [PMID: 37224658 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ciliated foregut cysts (CFCs) are frequently described in liver, pancreas and gallbladder and generally considered benign although one case of squamous cell metaplasia and five cases of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a ciliated hepatic foregut cyst have been reported. Here we explore two cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), Sperm protein antigen 17 (SPA17) and Sperm flagellar 1 (SPEF1) expression in a rare case of CFC of the common hepatic duct MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3 µm-thick CFC sections were immunohistochemically treated with antibodies raised against human SPA17 or SPEF1. In silico Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and differential protein expression were also investigated RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry revealed SPA17 and SPEF1 in the cytoplasm of ciliated epithelium. SPA17, but not SPEF1, was also detected in cilia. The PPI networks demonstrated that other CTAs are significantly predicted functional partners with SPA17 and SPEF1. The differential protein expression demonstrated that SPA17 was higher in breast cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, cervical squamous cell carcinoma, bladder urothelial carcinoma. SPEF1 expression was higher in breast cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma and kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that further characterization of SPA17 and SPEF1 in patients with CFCs might provide significant insights to understand the mechanisms underlying their potential to malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Roxana Zaharie
- Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nadim Al Hajjar
- Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Florin Zaharie
- Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | | | - Robert S Bresalier
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emil Moiş
- Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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3
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Zhao J, Xu Z, Liu Y, Wang X, Liu X, Gao Y, Jin Y. The expression of cancer-testis antigen in ovarian cancer and the development of immunotherapy. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:681-694. [PMID: 35261795 PMCID: PMC8899981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a relatively common tumor in women with the highest mortality among female reproductive system tumors. The lack of apparent early symptoms and effective screening strategies often leads to ovarian cancer being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Immunotherapy relying on tumor-associated antigens might improve the treatment of ovarian cancer. Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are ideal tumor-associated antigens, and MAGE-A, NY-ESO-1, CT45, and Sp17 are classic CTAs highly expressed in ovarian cancer. Here, we review the research on CTAs in ovarian cancer, including prognostic value and advances in immunotherapy, all of which are essential for developing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical UniversityShenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhaoxu Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical UniversityShenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning (Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University), Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetic Medicine, National Health Commission of ChinaShenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinli Liu
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanan Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical UniversityShenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning (Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University), Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetic Medicine, National Health Commission of ChinaShenyang, Liaoning, China
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4
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Poplawska M, Dutta D, Lee Y, Lim SH. Sperm protein 17 targeting for epithelial ovarian cancer treatment in the era of modern immunoengineering. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 23:378-386. [PMID: 34853809 PMCID: PMC8604669 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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5
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Cancer-Testis Antigens in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Role and Potential Utility in Clinical Practice. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153875. [PMID: 34359776 PMCID: PMC8345750 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer cells commonly express tumour-associated antigens that can induce immune responses to eradicate the tumour. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a form of breast cancer lacking the expression of hormone receptors and cerbB2 (HER2) and tends to be more aggressive and associated with poorer prognoses due to the limited treatment options. Characterisation of biomarkers or treatment targets is thus of great significance in revealing additional therapeutic options. Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are tumour-associated antigens that have garnered strong attention as potential clinical biomarkers in targeted immunotherapy due to their cancer-restricted expressions and robust immunogenicity. Previous clinical studies reported that CTAs correlated with negative hormonal status, advanced tumour behaviour and a poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. Various studies also demonstrated the oncogenic potential of CTAs in cell proliferation by inhibiting cell death and inducing metastasis. Multiple clinical trials are in progress to evaluate the role of CTAs as treatment targets in various cancers. CTAs hold great promise as potential treatment targets and biomarkers in cancer, and further research could be conducted on elucidating the mechanism of actions of CTAs in breast cancer or combination therapy with other immune modulators. In the current review, we summarise the current understandings of CTAs in TNBC, addressing the role and utility of CTAs in TNBC, as well as discussing the potential applications and advantage of incorporating CTAs in clinical practise.
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6
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Jakobsen MK, Gjerstorff MF. CAR T-Cell Cancer Therapy Targeting Surface Cancer/Testis Antigens. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1568. [PMID: 32983080 PMCID: PMC7492268 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mie K Jakobsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten F Gjerstorff
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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7
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Li Z, Qiu Y, Lu W, Jiang Y, Wang J. Immunotherapeutic interventions of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. J Transl Med 2018; 16:147. [PMID: 29848327 PMCID: PMC5977468 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1514-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer that lacks the expression of oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Although TNBC is sensitive to chemotherapy, the overall outcomes of TNBC are worse than for other breast cancers, and TNBC is still one of the most fatal diseases for women. With the discovery of antigens specifically expressed in TNBC cells and the developing technology of monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptors and cancer vaccines, immunotherapy is emerging as a novel promising option for TNBC. This review is mainly focused on the tumour microenvironment and host immunity, Triple Negative Breast Cancer and the clinical treatment of TNBC, novel therapies for cancer and immunotherapy for TNBC, and the future outlook for the treatment for TNBC and the interplay between the therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeted treatments in TNBC, adoptive cell therapy, cancer vaccines. The review also highlights recent reports on the synergistic effects of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and exosomes, as potential multifunctional therapeutic agents in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508 People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiqi Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508 People’s Republic of China
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8
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Mirandola L, Pedretti E, Figueroa JA, Chiaramonte R, Colombo M, Chapman C, Grizzi F, Patrinicola F, Kast WM, Nguyen DD, Rahman RL, Daver N, Ruvolo P, Post SM, Bresalier RS, Chiriva-Internati M. Cancer testis antigen Sperm Protein 17 as a new target for triple negative breast cancer immunotherapy. Oncotarget 2017; 8:74378-74390. [PMID: 29088794 PMCID: PMC5650349 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast carcinoma is a major health issue for millions of women. Current therapies have serious side effects, and are only partially effective in patients with metastatic tumors. Thus, the need for novel and less toxic therapies is urgent. Moreover, hormonal and antibody therapies effective in other subtypes are not effective in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Immunotherapeutic strategies directed against specific tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and mediated by specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) have been largely underexplored in this disease. Cancer-testis antigens (CTA) are a group of TAAs displaying the ideal characteristics of promising vaccine targets, i.e. strong immunogenicity and cancer specificity. The CTA, Sperm Protein 17 (SP17), has been found to be aberrantly expressed in different neoplasms, including ovarian and esophageal cancers, nervous system tumors and multiple myeloma, and has been suggested as a candidate target for immunotherapy. Here, we evaluated SP17 expression levels in breast cancer cell lines, invasive ductal breast carcinoma, including patients with TNBC, and adjacent non-neoplastic breast tissue, and determined whether SP17 was capable of generating SP17-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vitro. We showed that SP17 is expressed in breast cancer cell lines and primary breast tumors and importantly in TNBC subtype, but not in adjacent non-tumoral breast tissue or unaffected tissues, except in male germinal cells. Furthermore, we detected specific anti-SP17 antibodies in patients’ sera and we generated SP17-specific, HLA class I-restricted, cytotoxic T lymphocytes capable of efficiently killing breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michela Colombo
- Department of Health Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Caroline Chapman
- Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, Eastern Hub Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology & Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical & Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Patrinicola
- Department of Immunology & Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical & Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - W Martin Kast
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter Ruvolo
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sean M Post
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert S Bresalier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Kiromic Inc., Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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9
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Pitcovski J, Shahar E, Aizenshtein E, Gorodetsky R. Melanoma antigens and related immunological markers. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2017; 115:36-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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10
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Membrane associated cancer-oocyte neoantigen SAS1B/ovastacin is a candidate immunotherapeutic target for uterine tumors. Oncotarget 2016; 6:30194-211. [PMID: 26327203 PMCID: PMC4745790 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The metalloproteinase SAS1B [ovastacin, ASTL, astacin-like] was immunolocalized on the oolemma of ovulated human oocytes and in normal ovaries within the pool of growing oocytes where SAS1B protein was restricted to follicular stages spanning the primary-secondary follicle transition through ovulation. Gene-specific PCR and immunohistochemical studies revealed ASTL messages and SAS1B protein in both endometrioid [74%] and malignant mixed Mullerian tumors (MMMT) [87%] of the uterus. A MMMT-derived cell line, SNU539, expressed cell surface SAS1B that, after binding polyclonal antibodies, internalized into EEA1/LAMP1-positive early and late endosomes. Treatment of SNU539 cells with anti-SAS1B polyclonal antibodies caused growth arrest in the presence of active complement. A saporin-immunotoxin directed to SAS1B induced growth arrest and cell death. The oocyte restricted expression pattern of SAS1B among adult organs, cell-surface accessibility, internalization into the endocytic pathway, and tumor cell growth arrest induced by antibody-toxin conjugates suggest therapeutic approaches that would selectively target tumors while limiting adverse drug effects in healthy cells. The SAS1B metalloproteinase is proposed as a prototype cancer-oocyte tumor surface neoantigen for development of targeted immunotherapeutics with limited on-target/off tumor effects predicted to be restricted to the population of growing oocytes.
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11
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Xiang SD, Gao Q, Wilson KL, Heyerick A, Plebanski M. Mapping T and B cell epitopes in sperm protein 17 to support the development of an ovarian cancer vaccine. Vaccine 2015; 33:5950-9. [PMID: 26263201 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.07.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the seventh most common cancer in women worldwide, and the leading cause of death from gynaecological malignancy. Immunotherapeutic strategies including cancer vaccines are considered less toxic and more specific than current treatments. Sperm surface protein (Sp17) is a protein aberrantly expressed in primary as well as in metastatic lesions in >83% of ovarian cancer patients. Vaccines based on the Sp17 protein are immunogenic and protective in animal models. To map the immunogenic regions and support the development of human Sp17 peptide based vaccines, we used 6 overlapping peptides of the human Sp17 sequence adjuvanted with CpG to immunise humanised HLA-A2.1 transgenic C57BL/6 mice, and assessed immunogenicity by ELISPOT and ELISA. No CD8 T cells were found to be induced to a comprehensive panel of 10 HLA-A2.1 or H-2K(b) binding predicted epitopes. However, one of the 6 peptides, hSp17111-142, induced high levels of antibodies and IFN-γ producing T cells (but not IL-17 or IL-4) both in C57BL/6 and in C57BL/6-HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice. C57BL/6 mice immunised with CpG adjuvanted hSp17111-142 significantly prolonged the life-span of the mice bearing the ovarian carcinoma ID8 cell line. We further mapped the immuno-dominant B and T cell epitope regions within hSp17111-142 using ELISPOT and competition ELISA. Herein, we report the identification of a single immuno-dominant B cell (134-142 aa) epitope and 2 T helper 1 (Th1) cell epitopes (111-124 aa and 124-138 aa). These result together support further exploration of hSp17111-142 peptide formulations as vaccines against ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue D Xiang
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 89 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, VIC, Australia.
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 89 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, VIC, Australia.
| | - Kirsty L Wilson
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 89 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, VIC, Australia.
| | - Arne Heyerick
- PX Biosolutions Pty Ltd, PO Box 290, South Melbourne 3205, VIC, Australia.
| | - Magdalena Plebanski
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 89 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, VIC, Australia.
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12
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Grizzi F, Mirandola L, Qehajaj D, Cobos E, Figueroa JA, Chiriva-Internati M. Cancer-Testis Antigens and Immunotherapy in the Light of Cancer Complexity. Int Rev Immunol 2015; 34:143-53. [PMID: 25901859 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2015.1018418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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13
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Grizzi F, Franceschini B, Di Biccari S, Musardo S, Pedretti E, Chiriva-Internati M, Osipov V, Fernández-Aceñero MJ. Sperm protein 17 and AKAP-associated sperm protein cancer/testis antigens are expressed in ciliated hepatic foregut cysts. Histopathology 2015; 67:398-403. [PMID: 25600306 DOI: 10.1111/his.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Ciliated hepatic foregut cysts (CHFCs) are retained benign lesions of the liver. However, a case of squamous cell metaplasia and five cases of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a CHFC have been described. The potential of malignant transformation makes the identification of new biomarkers necessary. As the cancer/testis antigen sperm protein 17 (Sp17) has been detected in oral and oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Sp17 and AKAP-associated sperm protein (ASP), which has a shared N-terminal sequence with Sp17, in four surgically resected CHFCs. METHODS AND RESULTS CHFC specimens were taken from two patients who attended the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA and two patients who attended the Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain. CHFCs were found to be immunopositive for Sp17 and ASP. Both proteins were localized to the cytoplasm of ciliated cells lining the cysts, and their cilia. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that Sp17 and ASP overlapped in the same region of the cell. CONCLUSION Sp17 and ASP cancer/testis antigens were found in ciliated cells of four CHFCs. Further characterization of Sp17 and ASP in patients with CHFCs may provide significant clues for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying their predisposition to develop squamous cell carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Franceschini
- Laboratory of Quantitative Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sonia Di Biccari
- Laboratory of Quantitative Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Stefano Musardo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pedretti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Vladimir Osipov
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Arnaboldi F, Menon A, Menegola E, Di Renzo F, Mirandola L, Grizzi F, Figueroa JA, Cobos E, Jenkins M, Barajon I, Chiriva-Internati M. Sperm protein 17 is an oncofetal antigen: a lesson from a murine model. Int Rev Immunol 2014; 33:367-74. [PMID: 24811209 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2014.911856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sperm protein 17 (Sp17) was originally identified in the flagellum of spermatozoa and subsequently included in the subfamily of tumor-associated antigens known as cancer-testes antigens (CTA). Sp17 has been associated with the motility and migratory capacity in tumor cells, representing a link between gene expression patterns in germinal and tumor cells of different histological origins. Here we review the relevance of Sp17 expression in the mouse embryo and cancerous tissues, and present additional data demonstrating Sp17 complex expression pattern in this murine model. The expression of Sp17 in embryonic as well as adult neoplastic cells, but not normal tissues, suggests this protein should be considered an "oncofetal antigen." Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms and functional significance of Sp17 aberrant expression in human adult cells and its implication in the pathobiology of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Arnaboldi
- 1Department of Human Morphology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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15
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Song JX, Li FQ, Cao WL, Jia X, Shi LN, Lu JF, Ma CF, Kong QQ. Anti-Sp17 monoclonal antibody–doxorubicin conjugates as molecularly targeted chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma. Target Oncol 2013; 9:263-72. [DOI: 10.1007/s11523-013-0293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Xia QY, Liu S, Li FQ, Huang WB, Shi LN, Zhou XJ. Sperm protein 17, MAGE-C1 and NY-ESO-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma: expression frequency and their correlation with clinical parameters. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2013; 6:1610-1616. [PMID: 23923079 PMCID: PMC3726977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study is dedicated to investigate the expression patterns of sperm protein 17 (Sp17), melanoma-specific antigen (MAGE)-C1 and New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1 (NY-ESO-1), to explore the correlation between these cancer-testis antigens and clinical parameters, and to evaluate their values in diagnosis and differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was performed in 45 paraffin-embedded hepatocellular carcinoma specimens. 45 normal peripheral hepatic tissues collected from adjacent non-cancerous areas were used as controls. RESULTS Positive results of immunohistostaining were obtained in 16 (35.6%), 7 (15.6%) and 36 (80.0%) samples using MAGE-C1, NY-ESO-1 and Sp17 antibodies, respectively. The immunoreactivity of Sp17 was also found in 7 (14.0%) control samples. A statistical correlation between the frequency of Sp17 expression and tumor differentiation grade in hepatocellular carcinoma was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS Sp17 is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The frequency of Sp17 expression is closely related to the pathologic differentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yuan Xia
- Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of MedicineNanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Song Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing UniversityNanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Fang-Qiu Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing UniversityNanjing Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Wen-Bin Huang
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing, Jiangsu 210006, China
| | - Li-Ning Shi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing UniversityNanjing Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of MedicineNanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
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17
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Rethinking immunotherapy for brain cancers in the light of cancer complexity. Indian J Med Res 2013; 137:871-3. [PMID: 23760369 PMCID: PMC3734675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Grizzi F, Chiriva-Internati M. Translating sperm protein 17 as a target for immunotherapy from the bench to the bedside in the light of cancer complexity. TISSUE ANTIGENS 2013; 81:116-118. [PMID: 23330722 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/16/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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Gjerstorff MF, Ditzel HJ. Limited SP17 expression within tumors diminishes its therapeutic potential. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 80:523-7. [DOI: 10.1111/tan.12015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. F. Gjerstorff
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine (IMM); University of Southern Denmark; Odense; Denmark
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Rousseaux S, Khochbin S. New hypotheses for large-scale epigenome alterations in somatic cancer cells: a role for male germ-cell-specific regulators. Epigenomics 2012; 1:153-61. [PMID: 22122641 DOI: 10.2217/epi.09.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic cell transformation is consistently associated with alterations of the cell epigenome leading to aberrant gene repression and activation. Some of these events, such as the DNA-methylation-based silencing of tumor suppressor genes, are considered to be oncogenic themselves. A much less-studied consequence of these epigenetic misregulations is the abnormal activation of tissue-specific genes in precancerous and transformed cells. Here, we explore the idea that the aberrant expression of germ-cell-specific genes in somatic cancer cells could contribute to malignant cell transformation and cancer progression. Indeed, a significant number of papers have reported the abnormal activation of germ cell-specific genes in various somatic cancers (known as cancer testis [C/T] antigens or factors). Although in most cases the physiological function of these genes remains unknown, functional investigations suggest that they can act as potent genome, epigenome and cellular reorganizers. Hence, in view of the existing literature, we discuss the hypothesis that C/T activation in somatic cells is not only a consequence of global epigenetic deregulation, but also a cause of further large-scale alterations of the epigenome, which themselves have direct oncogenic consequences for the affected cells. Finally, we highlight the fact that C/T factors have the potential to serve as valuable markers for cancer detection, as well as provide promising targets for developing new therapeutical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Rousseaux
- INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France.
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21
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Modarressi MH. Expression of cancer-testis genes in brain tumors: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2012; 4:59-75. [PMID: 22150001 DOI: 10.2217/imt.11.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-testis (CT) genes have a restricted expression in normal tissues except testis and a wide range of tumor types. Testis is an immune-privileged site as a result of a blood barrier and lack of HLA class I expression on the surface of germ cells. Hence, if testis-specific genes are expressed in other tissues, they can be immunogenic. Expression of some CT genes in a high percentage of brain tumors makes them potential targets for immunotherapy. In addition, expression of CT genes in cancer stem cells may provide special targets for treatment of cancer recurrences and metastasis. The presence of antibodies against different CT genes in patients with advanced tumors has raised the possibility of polyvalent antitumor vaccine application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19857-17443, Iran.
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22
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Grizzi F, Di Ieva A, Di Biccari S, Ceva-Grimaldi G, Colombo P, Tschabitscher M. Sperm Protein 17: Is It a Useful Target Antigen in Human Pituitary Adenomas? PROCEDIA IN VACCINOLOGY 2012; 6:39-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.provac.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
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23
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Chiriva-Internati M, Yu Y, Mirandola L, D'Cunha N, Hardwicke F, Cannon MJ, Cobos E, Kast WM. Identification of AKAP-4 as a new cancer/testis antigen for detection and immunotherapy of prostate cancer. Prostate 2012; 72:12-23. [PMID: 21520158 DOI: 10.1002/pros.21400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cancer in older men, after skin cancer. PC is difficult to diagnose because the prostate-specific antigen screening method is associated with many false positives. In addition there is a need to develop new and more effective treatments. Among presently available new treatments, immunotherapy is a promising approach. We investigated the expression of the cancer/testis antigen, AKAP-4, in PC patients to evaluate the possibility of exploiting AKAP-4 as a target for immunotherapy. METHODS We analyzed normal prostate tissues, 15 patients with PC and the LnCAP PC cell line by immunohistochemistry. We tested AKAP-4 immunogenicity through indirect ELISA on sera from patients and healthy subjects, and we generated in vitro AKAP-4-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RESULTS AKAP-4 was shown both at the cytoplasmic and surface levels of the LnCAP PC cell line. AKAP-4 was also highly expressed in PC cells from patients. We detected specific anti-AKAP-4 circulating immunoglobulins in AKAP-4 positive subjects. Using recombinant AKAP-4 loaded autologous dendritic cells, we generated AKAP-4-specific and HLA-I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes able to kill PC cells in vitro. Further characterization indicated a Th-1 skewing in the cytokine secretion profile of these cells. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the aberrant expression of AKAP-4 in PC, which will potentially be developed as a biomarker in PC. We provide evidence that AKAP-4 is a potential target for PC adoptive immunotherapy or anti-tumor vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and The Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, USA.
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Song JX, Cao WL, Li FQ, Shi LN, Jia X. Anti-Sp17 monoclonal antibody with antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity activities against human ovarian cancer cells. Med Oncol 2011; 29:2923-31. [PMID: 22198696 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-011-0137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Sperm protein 17 (Sp17) is a cancer testis antigen that has been shown to be overexpressed in a variety of gynecologic malignancies, in particular ovarian cancer. Emerging evidences indicate that Sp17 is involved in tumorigenesis and in the migration of malignant cells. It has been proposed as a useful target for tumor-vaccine strategies and a novel marker to define tumor subsets and predict drug response. However, the antitumor activity of anti-Sp17 monoclonal antibody (anti-Sp17 mAb) has not been investigated. In this study, the in vitro cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activities of anti-Sp17 mAb were evaluated using Sp17-positive ovarian cancer cells as targets, Sp17-negative ovarian cancer cells as the control, and healthy human peripheral blood monocytes and healthy human serum as effectors. Our preliminary results indicate that the direct cytotoxicity of anti-Sp17 mAb against the investigated ovarian cancer cells was very weak. However, the cytotoxicity of anti-Sp17 mAb, mediated by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as ADCC, or by human serum, as CDC, was relatively strong in the Sp17-positive ovarian cancer cells. This finding suggested that anti-Sp17 mAb could be a useful tool against ovarian cancer and may provide insight into the development of low side-effect targeting therapy for this malignant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-xi Song
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Cheng YH, Wong EW, Cheng CY. Cancer/testis (CT) antigens, carcinogenesis and spermatogenesis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2011; 1:209-220. [PMID: 22319669 PMCID: PMC3271663 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.1.3.17990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, spermatogonial stem cells, undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa all express specific antigens, yet the functions of many of these antigens remain unexplored. Studies in the past three decades have shown that many of these transiently expressed genes in developing germ cells are proto-oncogenes and oncogenes, which are expressed only in the testis and various types of cancers in humans and rodents. As such, these antigens are designated cancer/testis antigens (CT antigens). Since the early 1980s, about 70 families of CT antigens have been identified with over 140 members are known to date. Due to their restricted expression in the testis and in various tumors in humans, they have been used as the target of immunotherapy. Multiple clinical trials at different phases are now being conducted with some promising results. Interestingly, in a significant number of cancer patients, antibodies against some of these CT antigens were detected in their sera. However, antibodies against these CT antigens in humans under normal physiological conditions have yet to be reported even though many of these antigens are residing outside of the blood-testis barrier (BTB), such as in the basal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium and in the stem cell niche in the testis. In this review, we summarize latest findings in the field regarding several selected CT antigens which may be intimately related to spermatogenesis due to their unusual restricted expression during different discrete events of spermatogenesis, such as cell cycle progression, meiosis and spermiogenesis. This information should be helpful to investigators in the field to study the roles of these oncogenes in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ho Cheng
- Center for Biomedical Research; The Population Council; New York, NY USA
- Richmond University Medical Center; Staten Island, NY USA
| | - Elissa Wp Wong
- Center for Biomedical Research; The Population Council; New York, NY USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Center for Biomedical Research; The Population Council; New York, NY USA
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26
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Chiriva-Internati M. Sperm Protein 17: Clinical Relevance of a Cancer/Testis Antigen, from Contraception to Cancer Immunotherapy, and Beyond. Int Rev Immunol 2011; 30:138-49. [DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2011.569903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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In vivo molecular targeting effects of anti-Sp17- ICG-Der-02 on hepatocellular carcinoma evaluated by an optical imaging system. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2011; 30:25. [PMID: 21366930 PMCID: PMC3062613 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-30-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background As the expression of human sperm protein 17 (Sp17) in normal tissue is limited and the function is obscure, its aberrant expression in malignant tumors makes it to be a candidated molecular marker for tumor imaging diagnosis and targeting therapy of the diseases.The aim of this research is to evaluate the targeting effects of anti-sperm protein 17 monoclonal antibody (anti-Sp17) on cancer in vivo and investigate its usefulness as a reagent for molecular imaging diagnosis. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the expression of Sp17 in a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line and tumor xenograft specimens. A near infrared fluorescence dye, ICG-Der-02, was covalently linked to anti-Sp17 for in vivo imaging. The immuno-activity of the anti-Sp17-ICG-Der-02 complex was tested in vitro by ELISA; it was then injected into tumor-bearing nude mice through the caudal vein to evaluate its tumor targeting effect by near infrared imaging system. Results Overexpression of Sp17 on the surface of the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 was demonstrated. Anti-Sp17-ICG-Der-02 with immuno-activity was successfully synthesized. The immuno-activity and photo stability of anti-Sp17- ICG-Der-02 showed good targeting capability for Sp17 expressing tumor models (SMMC-7721) in vivo, and its accumulation in the tumor lasted for at least 7 days. Conclusions Anti-Sp17 antibody targeted and accumulated in Sp17 positive tumors in vivo, which demonstrated its capability of serving as a diagnostic reagent.
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Potential target antigens for a universal vaccine in epithelial ovarian cancer. Clin Dev Immunol 2010; 2010. [PMID: 20885926 PMCID: PMC2946591 DOI: 10.1155/2010/891505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the primary cause of death from gynaecological malignancies, has only modestly improved over the last decades. Immunotherapeutic treatment using a cocktail of antigens has been proposed as a "universal" vaccine strategy. We determined the expression of tumor antigens in the context of MHC class I expression in 270 primary tumor samples using tissue microarray. Expression of tumor antigens p53, SP17, survivin, WT1, and NY-ESO-1 was observed in 120 (48.0%), 173 (68.9%), 208 (90.0%), 129 (56.3%), and 27 (11.0%) of 270 tumor specimens, respectively. In 93.2% of EOC, at least one of the investigated tumor antigens was (over)expressed. Expression of MHC class I was observed in 78.1% of EOC. In 3 out 4 primary tumors, (over)expression of a tumor antigen combined with MHC class I was observed. These results indicate that a multiepitope vaccine, comprising these antigens, could serve as a universal therapeutic vaccine for the vast majority of ovarian cancer patients.
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29
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Li FQ, Liu Q, Han YL, Wu B, Yin HL. Sperm protein 17 is highly expressed in endometrial and cervical cancers. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:429. [PMID: 20712874 PMCID: PMC2931487 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm protein 17 (Sp17) is a highly conserved mammalian protein in the testis and spermatozoa and has been characterized as a tumor-associated antigen in a variety of human malignancies. Many studies have examined the role of Sp17 in tumorigenesis and the migration of malignant cells. It has been proposed as a useful target for tumor-vaccine strategies and a novel marker to define tumor subsets and predict drug response. This study aimed to investigate the expression of Sp17 in endometrial and cervical cancer specimens, its possible correlation with the pathological characteristics, and its value in the diagnosis and immunotherapy of the related cancers. Methods The monoclonal antibodies against human Sp17 were produced as reagents for the analysis and immunohistochemistry was used to study two major kinds of paraffin-embedded gynecological cancer specimens, including 50 cases of endometrial cancer (44 adenous and 6 adenosquamous) and 31 cases of cervical cancer (15 adenous and 16 squamous). Normal peripheral endometrial and cervical tissues were used as controls. Results Sp17 was found in 66% (33/50) of the patients with endometrial cancer and 61% (19/31) of those with cervical cancer. Its expression was found in a heterogeneous pattern in the cancer tissues. The expression was not correlated with the histological subtype and grade of malignancy, but the staining patterns were different in endometrial and cervical cancers. The hyperplastic glands were positive for Sp17 in the normal peripheral endometrial and cervical tissues in 10% (8/81) of the patients. Conclusions Sp17 is highly expressed in human endometrial and cervical cancers in a heterogeneous pattern. Although the expression frequency of Sp17 is not correlated with the histological subtype, the staining pattern may help to define endometrial and cervical cancers. Sp17 targeted immunotherapy of tumors needs more accurate validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Qiu Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China.
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Chiriva-Internati M, Yu Y, Mirandola L, Jenkins MR, Chapman C, Cannon M, Cobos E, Kast WM. Cancer testis antigen vaccination affords long-term protection in a murine model of ovarian cancer. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10471. [PMID: 20485677 PMCID: PMC2868870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm protein (Sp17) is an attractive target for ovarian cancer (OC) vaccines because of its over-expression in primary as well as in metastatic lesions, at all stages of the disease. Our studies suggest that a Sp17-based vaccine can induce an enduring defense against OC development in C57BL/6 mice with ID8 cells, following prophylactic and therapeutic treatments. This is the first time that a mouse counterpart of a cancer testis antigen (Sp17) was shown to be expressed in an OC mouse model, and that vaccination against this antigen significantly controlled tumor growth. Our study shows that the CpG-adjuvated Sp17 vaccine overcomes the issue of immunologic tolerance, the major barrier to the development of effective immunotherapy for OC. Furthermore, this study provides a better understanding of OC biology by showing that Th-17 cells activation and contemporary immunosuppressive T-reg cells inhibition is required for vaccine efficacy. Taken together, these results indicate that prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations can induce long-standing protection against OC and delay tumor growth, suggesting that this strategy may provide additional treatments of human OC and the prevention of disease onset in women with a family history of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America.
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Nielsen AA, Kjartansdóttir KR, Rasmussen MH, Sørensen AB, Wang B, Wabl M, Pedersen FS. Activation of the brain-specific neurogranin gene in murine T-cell lymphomas by proviral insertional mutagenesis. Gene 2009; 442:55-62. [PMID: 19376211 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2009.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurogranin (Nrgn) is a highly expressed brain-specific protein, which sequesters calmodulin at low Ca(2+)-levels. We report here on retroviral activation of the Nrgn gene in tumors induced by the T-cell lymphomagenic SL3-3 murine leukemia virus. We have performed a systematic expression analysis of Nrgn in various mouse tissues and SL3-3 induced T-cell tumors. This demonstrated that insertional activation of Nrgn increased RNA and protein expression levels to that observed in brain. Furthermore, elevated Nrgn expression was also observed in some T-cell tumors with no detected provirus integrations into this genomic region. The presented data demonstrate that Nrgn can be produced at high levels outside the brain, and suggest a novel oncogenic role in T-cell lymphomas in mice.
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Sperm Protein 17 is a Suitable Target for Adoptive T-cell–based Immunotherapy in Human Ovarian Cancer. J Immunother 2008; 31:693-703. [DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e31818283d5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Chiriva-Internati M, Cobos E, Da Silva DM, Kast WM. Sperm fibrous sheath proteins: a potential new class of target antigens for use in human therapeutic cancer vaccines. CANCER IMMUNITY 2008; 8:8. [PMID: 18433090 PMCID: PMC2935778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines have been demonstrated to be a promising strategy for treating human neoplastic disease, but one of the limitations of these vaccines remains the paucity of target antigens to which to direct an effective immune response. We hypothesize that sperm fibrous sheath proteins may be a new class of useful antigens for developing successful cancer vaccines. This hypothesis is supported by the expression of two sperm fibrous sheath proteins, called sperm protein 17 and calcium-binding tyrosine-phosphorylation regulated protein, in tumors of unrelated histological origin and their capability to induce T cell-based immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Southwest Cancer
Treatment and Research CenterLubbock, TXUSA
- Division of Hematology & Oncology,
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Southwest Cancer
Treatment and Research CenterLubbock, TXUSA
- Kiromic Inc.Lubbock,
TXUSA
| | - Everardo Cobos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Southwest Cancer
Treatment and Research CenterLubbock, TXUSA
- Division of Hematology & Oncology,
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Southwest Cancer
Treatment and Research CenterLubbock, TXUSA
| | - Diane M. Da Silva
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and
Departments of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Obstetrics
& Gynecology, University of Southern CaliforniaLos
Angeles, CAUSA
| | - W. Martin Kast
- Kiromic Inc.Lubbock,
TXUSA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and
Departments of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Obstetrics
& Gynecology, University of Southern CaliforniaLos
Angeles, CAUSA
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Gupta G, Sharma R, Chattopadhyay TK, Gupta SD, Ralhan R. Clinical significance of sperm protein 17 expression and immunogenicity in esophageal cancer. Int J Cancer 2007; 120:1739-47. [PMID: 17230514 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We recently identified sperm protein 17 (Sp17) transcripts in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) by differential display. This study was designed to determine the clinical significance of Sp17 protein in different stages of esophageal tumorigenesis and to test the hypothesis that aberrant localization of Sp17 protein to immunosurveillant site may lead to production of anti-Sp17 antibodies in serum, which may be of clinical relevance in ESCCs. Sp17 transcripts were detected by RT-PCR in 26 of 30 (86%) ESCCs, while no transcripts were detected in normal esophageal tissues. Rabbit polyclonal antibody was raised against an immunogenic peptide of Sp17 and used to evaluate protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Expression of Sp17 protein was observed in 60/80 (75%) of ESCCs and 27/30 (90%) dysplastic tissues, while no detectable Sp17 expression was observed in 13 distant histologically normal epithelia. Sixteen of the 60 immunopositive ESCCs showed nuclear expression in addition to cytoplasmic localization of the protein. The circulating levels of anti-Sp17 antibodies, determined by ELISA, were significantly elevated in ESCC patients when compared with normal subjects (p < 0.001). Increasing Sp17 antibody titers were observed to be associated with the progressive disease in 4 patients. In conclusion, the study demonstrates expression of Sp17 protein in esophageal tumor as well as dysplastic tissues, suggesting it to be an early event in the development of ESCC. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing elevated levels of anti-Sp17 antibodies in ESCC patients.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Antigens, Surface/genetics
- Antigens, Surface/immunology
- Antigens, Surface/metabolism
- Autoantigens/immunology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Blotting, Northern
- Blotting, Western
- Calmodulin-Binding Proteins
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/immunology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/immunology
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Nucleus/metabolism
- Cytoplasm/metabolism
- Esophageal Neoplasms/genetics
- Esophageal Neoplasms/immunology
- Esophageal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Esophagus/immunology
- Esophagus/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Male
- Membrane Proteins
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rabbits
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
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Grizzi F, Franceschini B, Hamrick C, Frezza EE, Cobos E, Chiriva-Internati M. Usefulness of cancer-testis antigens as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2007; 5:3. [PMID: 17244360 PMCID: PMC1797003 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-5-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2006] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in our cellular and molecular knowledge, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the major public health problems throughout the world. It is now known to be highly heterogeneous: it encompasses various pathological entities and a wide range of clinical behaviors, and is underpinned by a complex array of gene alterations that affect supra-molecular processes. Four families of HCC tumour markers have been recently proposed: a) onco-fetal and glycoprotein antigens; b) enzymes and iso-enzymes; c) cytokines and d) genes. A category of tumour-associated antigens called cancer-testis (CT) antigens has been identified and their encoding genes have been extensively investigated. CT antigens are expressed in a limited number of normal tissues as well as in malignant tumors of unrelated histological origin, including the liver. Given that cancers are being recognized as increasingly complex, we here review the role of CT antigens as liver tumour biomarkers and their validation process, and discuss why they may improve the effectiveness of screening HCC patients and help in determining the risk of developing HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Grizzi
- Laboratories of Quantitative Medicine, Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Franceschini
- Laboratories of Quantitative Medicine, Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cody Hamrick
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, 3601 4th St., 79430 Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, 3601 4th St., 79430 Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Eldo E Frezza
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, 3601 4th St., 79430 Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, 3601 4th St., 79430 Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Everardo Cobos
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, 3601 4th St., 79430 Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, 3601 4th St., 79430 Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, 3601 4th St., 79430 Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, 3601 4th St., 79430 Lubbock, Texas, USA
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Suri A. Cancer testis antigens--their importance in immunotherapy and in the early detection of cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2006; 6:379-89. [PMID: 16548764 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.6.4.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The development of successful immunotherapeutic strategies requires the identification and characterisation of immunogenic cancer antigens that will be recognised by the host immune system, leading to tumour rejection. The concept of immunotherapy is based on the assumption that antigenic structures expressed in tumours can be used for therapeutic approaches employing the autologous immune system or by the application of immunotherapeutic reagents. Based on this concept, there is a great need to gain profound knowledge of the actual protein/antigen expression and its distribution pattern within normal tissues and cancerous tissues. Cancer testis (CT) antigens represent a unique class of tumour antigens, which are expressed in a variety of cancerous tissues and are silent in normal tissues, except for the testis. Owing to their restricted gene expression in the testis and various malignancies, CT antigens represent potential defined targets for antigen-based vaccination and antigen-directed immunotherapy to control cancer growth. Moreover, the analysis of humoral and cellular immune responses to CT antigens has proved useful for identifying novel cancer serum biomarkers with potential implications in early diagnosis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Suri
- National Institute of Immunology, Genes and Proteins Laboratory, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India.
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