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Related Concept Videos

Telomeres and Telomerase02:41

Telomeres and Telomerase

In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.
Telomeres and Telomerase02:41

Telomeres and Telomerase

In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.
Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Utilizing Murine Inducible Telomerase Alleles in the Studies of Tissue Degeneration/Regeneration and Cancer
08:34

Utilizing Murine Inducible Telomerase Alleles in the Studies of Tissue Degeneration/Regeneration and Cancer

Published on: April 13, 2015

Telomerase immunity from bench to bedside: round one.

Xochtil Cortez-Gonzalez1, Maurizio Zanetti

  • 1The Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0837, USA. xcgonza@ucsd.edu

Journal of Translational Medicine
|February 28, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Telomerase, a common tumor antigen, is overexpressed in most cancers. Researchers are developing telomerase-based cancer vaccines to stimulate CD8 T cell responses, focusing on specific HLA types like HLA-A2.

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In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase
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In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase

Published on: July 14, 2011

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Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Utilizing Murine Inducible Telomerase Alleles in the Studies of Tissue Degeneration/Regeneration and Cancer
08:34

Utilizing Murine Inducible Telomerase Alleles in the Studies of Tissue Degeneration/Regeneration and Cancer

Published on: April 13, 2015

Generation of Cancer Cell Clones to Visualize Telomeric Repeat-containing RNA TERRA Expressed from a Single Telomere in Living Cells
09:13

Generation of Cancer Cell Clones to Visualize Telomeric Repeat-containing RNA TERRA Expressed from a Single Telomere in Living Cells

Published on: January 17, 2019

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase
09:25

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase

Published on: July 14, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase crucial for telomere elongation in mammalian cells.
  • It is overexpressed in over 85% of human tumors, making it a common tumor antigen.
  • Telomerase is a promising target for cancer vaccines aimed at inducing T cell responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess telomerase as a substrate for cancer vaccination in patients.
  • To identify immunogenic telomerase peptides linked to specific Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) types.
  • To summarize efforts and Phase 1 trial results for telomerase-based cancer vaccines.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatics prediction of immunogenic peptides.
  • In vivo immunization of HLA transgenic mice.
  • In vitro immunization of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from donors and patients.
  • Analysis of peptide processing in human tumor cells.
  • Screening for peptides associated with prevalent HLA types, particularly HLA-A2.

Main Results:

  • Several telomerase peptides with immunogenic potential have been identified.
  • Putative peptides are available for five major HLA types (A2, A1, A3, A24, B7).
  • Clinical trials, including Phase 1 studies, have been conducted, with a focus on HLA-A2.

Conclusions:

  • Telomerase is a viable target for cancer immunotherapy due to its widespread tumor expression.
  • Identification of HLA-restricted telomerase peptides is critical for effective vaccine development.
  • Ongoing trials are evaluating the safety and efficacy of telomerase-based vaccination strategies.