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PRAME
PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''PRAME'' gene. Five alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the same protein have been observed for this gene. Function This gene encodes an antigen that is predominantly expressed in human melanomas and that is recognized by cytolytic T lymphocytes. It is not expressed in normal tissues, except testis. This expression pattern is similar to that of other Cancer/testis antigens, CT antigens, such as Melanoma-associated antigen, MAGE, BAGE (gene), BAGE and GAGE (gene), GAGE. However, unlike these other CT antigens, this gene is also expressed in acute leukemias. The overexpression of PRAME in tumor tissues and relative low levels in normal somatic tissues make it an attractive target for cancer therapy. In recent years, immunotherapy has spearheaded a new era of cancer therapy resulting in the development of numerous novel antigen-specific immunotherapy approaches. Studie ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cancer/testis Antigens
Cancer/testis (CT) antigens are a group of proteins united by their importance in development and in cancer immunotherapy. In general, expression of these proteins is restricted to male germ cells in the adult animal. However, in cancer these developmental antigens are often re-expressed and can serve as a locus of immune activation. Thus, they are often classified as tumor antigens. The expression of CT antigens in various malignancies is heterogeneous and often correlates with tumor progression. CT antigens have been described in melanoma, liver cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and pediatric tumors such as neuroblastoma. Gametogenesis offers an important role for many of these antigens in the differentiation, migration, and cell division of primordial germ cells, spermatogonia spermatocytes and spermatids. Because of their tumor-restricted expression and strong in vivo immunogenicity, CT antigens are identified as ideal targets for tumor specific immunotherapeutic approaches a ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |