The European searchable tumour line database

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Bioinformatics
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Melanoma research requires well-characterized cell lines.
• Existing resources may lack comprehensive immunological profiling.
• A consortium of European scientists established a centralized database.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a searchable database of melanoma cell lines.
• To characterize these cell lines for over 250 immunological markers.
• To link the database to a cell bank for accessibility.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of cell lines for HLA typing (genomic and surface expression).
• Determination of surface antigens, apoptotic markers, tumor-associated antigens, and extracellular matrix proteins.
• Analysis of cytokine secretion, cytokine gene polymorphisms, cell surface glycans, and glycosyltransferase activity.

Main Results:

• Over 250 immunological markers characterized for melanoma cell lines.
• Comprehensive HLA typing and expression profiling available.
• Data on cytokine profiles, genetic polymorphisms, and glycosylation patterns.

Conclusions:

• The European Searchable Tumour line Database (ESTDAB) offers a valuable, searchable resource for melanoma research.
• The database facilitates the selection of cell lines based on specific immunological parameters.
• ESTDAB supports non-profit research by providing access to characterized melanoma cell lines and associated data.