ISSN:
1569-8041
Keywords:
BAGE
;
MAGE
;
specific immunotherapy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background: The MAGE and BAGE genes code for distinct antigens, which arerecognized on melanoma cells as well as on other various tumor cells byautologous cytolytic T lymphocytes. These antigens may thus constitute usefultargets for specific immunotherapy, since no expression of MAGE or BAGE geneshas been recognized in normal tissue except for the testis. Patients and methods: We studied the MAGE-1, MAGE-3, and BAGE geneexpression observed in 49 Japanese breast cancers. Gene expression wasevaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Out of 49 tumor tissue specimens of primary breast cancers, theexpression of MAGE-1, -3 and BAGE was recognized in 15 (31%), 12(24%), and 4 (8%) tumors, respectively. The expression of MAGEand BAGE genes is not recognized in normal breast tissue. The expression ofthe MAGE-3 gene was frequently recognized in tumors with lymphatic and/orvascular vessel permeations. Either MAGE-1 or -3 gene expressions were inducedin 1 of 3 MAGE-1 negative breast cell lines or 1 of 3 MAGE-3 negative breastcell lines by the treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. Conclusions: These findings suggest that: 1) the identification of suchantigens coded by MAGE or BAGE genes may thus offer the possibility of usingspecific immunotherapy, and 2) the use of a demethylating agent may increasethe number of patients who might be candidates for MAGE specificimmunotherapy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008255630202
