Abstract
In human tumors, several antigens recognized by autologous CTL have been identified. A first class results from the activation of genes such as MAGE-1, MAGE-3, BAGE and GAGE, which are not expressed in normal tissues with the exception of testis. MAGE-derived peptides binding to HLA-A1, Cwl6 and A2 have been identified. The MAGE family comprises genes that are expressed in tumors of several histological types. A second type of antigens identified in melanoma consists of differentiation antigens derived from proteins such as tyrosinase and Melan-A that are specific for melanocytes and melanomas. Recently, we have identified a melanoma antigen which results from a point mutation in an intron. The antigenic peptide is encoded by the end of an exon and the initial part of intron. Another antigen recognized on a large fraction of HLA-A2 melanomas involves an antigenic peptide encoded by an intron. The identification of new antigens will extend the range of patients eligible for specific immunotherapy, allowing also to immunize against several antigens borne by the same tumor. This may be a critical condition for therapeutic success.
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