Cell surface antigens of melanocytes and melanoma.
One major focus of cancer immunology is the question of tumour-specific antigens, the existence of which has yet to be proven. The prime candidates for antigens that can be considered tumour-specific are the class 1 unique antigens that have been serologically defined on human malignant melanomas by antibodies from the tumour-bearing host. In addition to these antigens, intensive immunological, biochemical and genetic analyses of melanoma have permitted a rudimentary classification of other surface antigens expressed by this tumour type. Cell-surface antigens of melanoma can be grouped into three general classes: restricted antigens (i.e. antigens which are expressed by melanomas and astrocytomas) many of which are differentiation markers characterizing cells of neuroectodermal origin; antigens with intermediate distribution (i.e. antigens which are present on some cell tumour types but not on others and which show a limited distribution on normal tissues and cells); and antigens with broad distribution (i.e. antigens expressed by most human cells either malignant or normal). The detailed knowledge of the surface antigens (i.e. differentiation antigens and class 1 unique antigens) of melanoma cells has permitted a rational and coherent approach to assessing the possibility of immunological control of malignant melanoma in the clinic.
D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy
D000906:Antibodies; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000954:Antigens, Surface