Identification and Characterization of Tumor Antigens Associated with Breast Cancer
Abstract
The identification and characterization of novel breast tumor antigens may be important for detection and diagnostics, as well as in development of effective immunotherapy strategies. Because cancer patients exhibit both humoral and cellular immunity to tumor associated proteins, patient sera provides a valuable reagent for the identification of potentially immunogenic tumor associated antigens. We have used serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries (SEREX) for the identification of tumor antigens in a mouse model of adenocarcinoma and in human breast cancer. Studies in a mouse model identified two tumor antigens which were characterized at the molecular level and evaluated for their ability to elicit an immune response. To extend these studies to human breast cancer, cDNA expression libraries were derived from patient tumor samples and screened with autologous and allogeneic sera. A reactive clone was identified and has been characterized. To date, characterization has included analysis of DNA sequence, RNA expression in normal and tumor tissue, and studies of reactivity with sera from allogeneic cancer patients. The long term goal of this work is to develop this novel antigen as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker, and to evaluate its potential as a target for immunotherapy approaches to breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADB257208
Entities
People
- Tracy A. Hampton
Organizations
- University of Alabama