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Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
Cancer/testis antigens for therapeutic use
1The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK. morgan.mathieu2@ntu.ac.uk
Abstract:
Since van der Bruggen and colleagues first identified specific human tumour-associated antigens of the MAGE family, numerous potential immunotherapeutic targets have been discovered, often belonging to the so-called cancer/ testis gene family. Several members of this group have been described as immunogenic and have been utilised in clinical trials. In a search for interesting targets within this family, our laboratory has focussed its works for a number of years on two novel cancer/testis antigens called T21 and HAGE. In this article, we will focus our discussion on their levels of expression in a wide variety of both normal and cancer tissues, their possible role in tumour cell development and proliferation, and their immunogenic potential.
Insights
Researchers investigated T21 and HAGE, two novel cancer/testis antigens, for their expression, role in tumor development, and immunogenic potential as potential cancer immunotherapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer/testis antigens are a promising source for cancer immunotherapies.
- The MAGE family includes well-studied tumor-associated antigens.
- Identifying novel targets is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expression profile of T21 and HAGE in various normal and cancerous tissues.
- To investigate the potential role of T21 and HAGE in tumor cell development and proliferation.
- To assess the immunogenic potential of T21 and HAGE for therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Expression analysis across diverse tissue types (normal and tumor).
- Functional studies to determine the role in tumor cell biology.
- Immunogenicity assays to evaluate potential as therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Detailed expression patterns of T21 and HAGE identified.
- Insights into the involvement of these antigens in tumor progression.
- Assessment of their immunogenic properties for immunotherapy.
Conclusions:
- T21 and HAGE represent novel cancer/testis antigens with significant potential.
- Their specific expression and immunogenicity warrant further investigation for cancer immunotherapy development.
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