Mucins as immunogenic targets in cancer

Abnormal mucins are overexpressed by many malignant adenocarcinomas. The variation in their expression and glycosylation makes certain immunodominant peptide core epitopes available for immunological recognition. We reviewed the structural differences between "native" mucins and those detected on malignant cells, a knowledge of which would aid in the design of better anti-mucin vaccines for use in several carcinomas. We also considered the character of inducible anti-MUC1 immune responses reported from recent animal experiments as well as the role of MUC1-transgenic animal models in understanding mucin immunoreactivity. We concluded that the provocation of an anti-MUC1 immune response may be used for the development of a vaccine strategy, which holds promise for therapeutic antineoplastic interventions.