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MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1 and SAGE mRNA expression rates and co-expression relationships in solid tumours
Mikiya Ishihara1, Shinichi Kageyama2, Yoshihiro Miyahara3
1Cancer Center, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan. mishihara@clin.medic.mie-u.ac.jp.
Background:
Cancer testis (CT) antigens are promising targets for cancer immunotherapies such as cancer vaccines and genetically modified adoptive T cell therapy. In this study, we evaluated the expression of three CT antigens, melanoma-associated antigen A4 (MAGE-A4), New York oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1) and sarcoma antigen gene (SAGE).
Methods:
MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1 and/or SAGE antigen expression in tumour samples was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Informed consent was obtained from individuals prior to study enrolment.
Results:
In total, 585 samples in 21 tumour types were evaluated between June 2009 and March 2018. The positive expression rates of these CT antigens were as follows: MAGE-A4, 34.6% (range, 30.7-38.7); NY-ESO-1, 21.0% (range, 17.2-25.1); and SAGE, 21.8% (range, 18.5-25.4). The MAGE-A4 antigen was expressed in 54.9% of oesophageal cancers, 37.5% of head and neck cancers, 35.0% of gastric cancers and 34.2% of ovarian cancers; the NY-ESO-1 antigen was expressed in 28.6% of lung cancers, 25.3% of oesophageal cancers and 22.6% of ovarian cancers; and the SAGE antigen was expressed in 35.3% of prostate cancers, 32.9% of oesophageal cancers and 26.3% of ovarian cancers. The most common tumour type in this study was oesophageal cancer. MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1 and SAGE antigen expression were assessed in 214 oesophageal cancer samples, among which 24 (11.2%) were triple-positive, 58 (27.1%) were positive for any two, 59 (27.6%) were positive for any one, and 73 (34.1%) were triple negative.
Conclusions:
Oesophageal cancer exhibited a relatively high rate of CT antigen mRNA expression positivity.
Insights
Cancer testis (CT) antigens like MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1, and SAGE are key targets for cancer immunotherapies. Oesophageal cancer shows high expression rates of these antigens, indicating their potential in targeted treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer testis (CT) antigens are recognized as promising targets for novel cancer immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines and adoptive T cell therapies.
- This study focused on evaluating the expression of three specific CT antigens: melanoma-associated antigen A4 (MAGE-A4), New York oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1), and sarcoma antigen gene (SAGE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the expression levels of MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1, and SAGE antigens across various tumor types.
- To determine the prevalence of these CT antigens, particularly in oesophageal cancer, for potential immunotherapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to evaluate antigen expression in 585 tumor samples from 21 different cancer types.
- Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to sample collection and study enrollment.
Main Results:
- Overall positive expression rates were MAGE-A4 (34.6%), NY-ESO-1 (21.0%), and SAGE (21.8%).
- MAGE-A4 showed high expression in oesophageal (54.9%), head and neck (37.5%), and gastric (35.0%) cancers. NY-ESO-1 was notably expressed in lung (28.6%) and oesophageal (25.3%) cancers. SAGE was prevalent in prostate (35.3%) and oesophageal (32.9%) cancers.
- In oesophageal cancer samples (n=214), 11.2% were triple-positive, 27.1% were positive for two antigens, and 27.6% were positive for one antigen.
Conclusions:
- Oesophageal cancer demonstrates a significant prevalence of CT antigen mRNA expression.
- The findings support the potential of MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1, and SAGE as targets for immunotherapies in specific cancer types, especially oesophageal cancer.
