Recognition of a ubiquitous self antigen by prostate cancer-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes

Science. 2008 Jan 11;319(5860):215-20. doi: 10.1126/science.1148886.

Abstract

Substantial evidence exists that many tumors can be specifically recognized by CD8+ T lymphocytes. The definition of antigens targeted by these cells is paramount for the development of effective immunotherapeutic strategies for treating human cancers. In a screen for endogenous tumor-associated T cell responses in a primary mouse model of prostatic adenocarcinoma, we identified a naturally arising CD8+ T cell response that is reactive to a peptide derived from histone H4. Despite the ubiquitous nature of histones, T cell recognition of histone H4 peptide was specifically associated with the presence of prostate cancer in these mice. Thus, the repertoire of antigens recognized by tumor-infiltrating T cells is broader than previously thought and includes peptides derived from ubiquitous self antigens that are normally sequestered from immune detection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / immunology*
  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology*
  • Autoantigens / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Line
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology
  • Histones / immunology*
  • Hybridomas
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Peptide Fragments / immunology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Autoantigens
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
  • Histones
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta