Epitope Specific T-Cell Immunity to Breast Cancer
Abstract
Studies during the ongoing grant period demonstrated that CD4(+) cells specific for the HER-2 helper epitope G89 (777-789) are present in an activated form in healthy donors and cancer patients. G89-reactive cells, rapidly induce IL-12 from antigen presenting cells (dendritic cells). DC induces CD4O upregulation on DC. They are also necessary and required for induction of specific CTL activity to a + specific CTL epitope. However, G89-reactive CD4(+) cells show significantly weaker reactivity with G89 in the lymph nodes containing breast cancer cells. Simultaneous presentation of a HER-2 CTL epitope, and of a HER-2 helper epitope leads to higher levels of IFN-y than presentation of each epitope alone. Since IFN-y is downrnodulator of HER-2 and effector molecule in inhibiting the growth of HER-2(+) breast cancer cells, its induction in situ may have beneficial effects for controlling the disease.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA381286
Entities
People
- Constantin G. Ioannides
Organizations
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center