T cell receptor usage by cytotoxic T lymphocytes against autologous human melanoma.
BACKGROUND
T cell receptor (TCR) usage by tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) represents the host's response to autologous melanoma (AM). The goal of this study is it determine TCR usage by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against AM.


METHODS
CTL were generated from three patients using lymphocytes from metastatic or tumor-draining lymph nodes by repeated in vitro sensitization (IVS). Total RNA was isolated from CTL and reverse-transcribed to cDNA. TCR usage was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using TCR primers.


RESULTS
Cytolytic activity was non-specific within the first 2-4 weeks following IVS and TCR repertoire in these cultures revealed random V alpha and V beta gene usage. In contrast, by 6-10 weeks of culture, cytolysis was specifically directed against AM cells and such specific cytolysis was significantly correlated with TCR V alpha 1 (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
TCR V alpha 1 is associated with a common restricted melanoma antigen.
Leong
S P
SP
Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco/Mount Zion Cancer Center 94120, USA.
Liliental
J
J
Krams
S M
SM
Zhou
Y M
YM
Granberry
M E
ME
Martinez
O M
OM
D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology*; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell