Melanoma-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes recognize human melanoma antigens processed and presented by Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells.

摘要: While much emphasis has been placed on the role of MHC class I-restricted CDS+ T cells in recognition tumor-specific antigens (Ag), evidence accumulated that CD4+ also play a critical anti-tumor immune response. However, little information exists nature II-restricted human tumor Ag. In an attempt to develop vitro systems characterize such Ag, we examined ability Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) transformed B present melanoma-associated Ag melanoma-specific cells. cultured from lymphocytes infiltrating s.c. melanoma metastasis secreted TNF-α and GM-CSF specifically response autologous expressing II molecules. These recognized II-compatible EBV-B pulsed with extracts cells, but failed recognize non-transformed or variety allogeneic tumors normal pre-fixed paraformaldehyde were incapable presentation, suggesting intracellular processing events occurring. Antibody-blocking studies defined HLA-DR as dominant if not exclusive restriction locus this T-B interaction, genocyping revealed DRBI 0404 be probable element. second patient, T-cell clone lesion presented by EBV-B; no cross-reactivity was observed other system investigated, nor specific for tetanus toxoid. findings demonstrate can processed EBV-transformed They provide model direct identification these tumor-derived antigens. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.