HERV-K 10 as a Target of Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer
Abstract
The human genome contains about 1% human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) sequences. Most HERVs are defective because of multiple termination codons. Of the many HERV families, only K appears to have all structural features necessary for viral replication. In the current project, HERV-K molecules that serve as novel tumor targets of human breast cancer will be evaluated. It is very critical to determine whether or not HERV-K protein is expressed in breast cancer. The expression of HERV-K env surface protein in human breast cancer tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using anti-HERV-K antibodies. We detected protein expression in breast cancer tumor epithelial cells, but not in uninvolved epithelial cells, thus providing evidence that HERV-K env gene has translational activity in breast cancer. Furthermore, we detected anti-HERV-K env protein antibody in breast cancer patients, but not in normal female controls. This data provides indirect evidence of the expression of HERV- K env protein in human breast cancer. Also, the data demonstrate that the HERV-K env protein is immunogenic in breast cancer patients. These data support the hypothesis that HERV-K env protein may be a novel molecular target for detection, diagnosis, and immunotherapy of breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA410414
Entities
People
- Feng Wang-johanning
Organizations
- University of Alabama