Alien antigens on tumour cells revisited.
New findings on the detection of alien histocompatibility antigens (AHA) on tumour cells are reviewed. Three points are discussed, namely: (1) isolation and molecular characterization of AHA; (2) frequency of expression of AHA by tumour cells, and (3) mechanisms of expression of AHA. Mechanisms of expressions of AHA are particularly discussed in the light of the recent advances in the understanding of the molecular genetic organization of H-2 antigens. Gene conversion involving coding or non-coding sequences might be responsible for the appearance of unexpected H-2 determinants on cancer cells.
D000818:Animals; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D006680:HLA Antigens; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens