Characterization of CTL Recognized Epitopeson Human Breast Tumors

Abstract

Studies during the last granting period have completed the analysis of identification of CTL epitopes in breast cancer. We have identified three antigenic systems: (1) HER-2, (2) folate binding protein, and (3) amino enhancer of split. These novel systems address the problem of the lack of antigenic targets for CTL in breast cancer. Furthermore, we analyzed the functional cytokine responses of CTL to these antigens. We found that stimulation of CD8(+) cells from either healthy donors or cancer patients with FBP or HER-2 CTL epitopes expressed either as peptides of as mini-genes in vaccinia virus vectors induces specific IFN-gamma secretion. IFN-gamma is an important mediation of anticancer effects. Ongoing studies focussed on enhancement of Ag presentation aim to overcome the difficulties in inducing complete activation and expansion of tumor Ag stimulated CTL, by focussing on post-translational modifications of the Ag.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA367559

Entities

People

  • Constantin G. Ioannides

Organizations

  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Culture Techniques
  • Genetics
  • Lymphocytes
  • Neoplasms
  • Oncology
  • Peptide Growth Factors
  • Peptides
  • Pleural Diseases
  • Proteins

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry