title: Expression of the MAGE-1, -2, -3, -4, and -6 genes in non-squamous cell carcinoma lesions of the head and neck.
abstract: The messenger RNA level of several MAGE genes, some of which have been proven to encode tumor rejection antigens recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, were examined in 41 benign and malignant lesions of the head and neck region. By a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay and Southern blot hybridization, MAGE-1, -2, -3, -4, and -6 genes were expressed in 25%, 41.7%, 33.3%, 8.3% and 33.3% of 12 non-squamous cell carcinomas, respectively. These tumors consisted of 6 papillary adenocarcinomas, 3 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 2 adenocarcinomas, and 1 mucoepidermoid tumor. Of 7 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, one case from the oropharynx and 2 from the nasopharynx expressed for the MAGE-1 and MAGE-2 genes, respectively. In contrast, none of 12 benign tumors expressed any of these MAGE genes. Interestingly, of 10 other lesions including hyperplasia, keratosis, and ulcer, one histologically diagnosed as dysplasia expressed the MAGE-2, -3, -4, and -6 genes. These results suggest that the MAGE genes may be expressed in malignant tumors and precancerous lesions but not in benign tumors. In addition, non-squamous cell carcinomas may be suitable targets for specific immunotherapy against MAGE gene products.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan.
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eura
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ogi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nakano
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chikamatsu
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Masuyama
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ishikawa
mesh_terms: D000231:Adenocarcinoma, Papillary / Q000235:genetics; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000235:genetics; D017931:DNA Primers; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007167:Immunotherapy; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007642:Keratosis / Q000235:genetics; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000235:genetics; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D017931:DNA Primers; C072011:MAGEA1 protein, human; C072013:MAGEA3 protein, human; C095204:MAGEA4 protein, human; C095203:MAGEA6 protein, human; C072012:MAGEB2 protein, human; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger