CD4+ T cell responses to SSX-4 in melanoma patients

J Immunol. 2005 Apr 15;174(8):5092-9. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.8.5092.

Abstract

Genes of the synovial sarcoma X breakpoint (SSX) family are expressed in different human tumors, including melanomas, but not in adult somatic tissues. Because of their specific expression at the tumor site, SSX-encoded Ags are potential targets for anticancer immunotherapy. In this study, we have analyzed CD4+ T cell responses directed against the Ag encoded by SSX-4. Upon in vitro stimulation of PBMC from four melanoma patients bearing Ag-expressing tumors with a pool of long peptides spanning the protein sequence, we detected and isolated SSX-4-specific CD4+ T cells recognizing several distinct antigenic sequences, mostly restricted by frequently expressed HLA class II alleles. The majority of the identified sequences were located within the Krüppel-associated box domain in the N-terminal region of the protein, indicating a high potential immunogenicity of this region. Together our data document the existence of CD4+ T cells specific for multiple SSX-4 derived sequences in circulating lymphocytes from melanoma patients and encourage further studies to assess the impact of SSX-4-specific T cell responses on disease evolution in cancer patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / chemistry
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / genetics*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Epitope Mapping
  • Epitopes / chemistry
  • Epitopes / genetics
  • Genes, MHC Class II
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / metabolism
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Melanoma / immunology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neoplasm Proteins / chemistry
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / immunology*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Repressor Proteins / chemistry
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Epitopes
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • synovial sarcoma X breakpoint proteins