Abstract
Introduction:
MAGE-A3 (Melanoma Associated Antigen-A3) is expressed in cancer cells but not in normal tissues except male germ line cells which are devoid of Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules and therefore do not present MAGE-A3 antigens.
Background:
MAGE-A3 is expressed in 30 to 60% of non-small cell lung cancers but its function is unknown. Its recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes implies its presentation on the cell surface by HLA type A1 molecules that are absent from germ cells.
Viewpoints:
MAGE-A3 represents a good target for active anticancer immunotherapy. Some trials, which used MAGE-A3 and an adjuvant showed a strong antigen-specific T-cell response with, perhaps, an improved survival.
Conclusion:
This needs to be confirmed as an adjuvent therapy by current phase III randomized controlled trials.
Copyright © 2010 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
MeSH terms
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Adjuvants, Immunologic
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Antigens, Neoplasm / analysis
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Antigens, Neoplasm / genetics
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Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology*
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Biomarkers, Tumor
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Bronchial Neoplasms / immunology
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Bronchial Neoplasms / therapy
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Cancer Vaccines / therapeutic use
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Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / immunology
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Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / therapy
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Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
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Drug Delivery Systems
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Female
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HLA-A1 Antigen / immunology
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Humans
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Immunotherapy / methods
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Lung Neoplasms / immunology*
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Lung Neoplasms / therapy
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Male
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Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
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Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
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Neoplasm Proteins / immunology*
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Predictive Value of Tests
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Prognosis
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
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RNA, Neoplasm / biosynthesis
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
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Vaccination
Substances
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Adjuvants, Immunologic
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Antigens, Neoplasm
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Biomarkers, Tumor
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Cancer Vaccines
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HLA-A1 Antigen
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MAGEA3 protein, human
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Neoplasm Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA, Neoplasm