title: Heterogeneity in expression of human leukocyte antigens and melanoma-associated antigens in advanced melanoma.
abstract: The study of tumor immunology has led to many innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of melanoma. The strategies are primarily dependent on melanoma-associated antigen peptide vaccination or T-cell-based therapy. These immunotherapies are totally reliant on proper copresentation of human leukocyte antigen class I molecules in sufficient quantity and the presence and availability of melanoma-associated antigenic peptides. Altered expression of either HLA class I molecules or melanoma antigens is known to occur. These defects lead to altered manufacture and copresentation of HLA class I molecules with melanoma-associated antigens to T-cells. Defects in any one combination can lead to loss of recognition of melanoma cells and their subsequent destruction by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Thus, these immunotherapy strategies can be thwarted by defects or heterogeneity of expression of human leukocyte antigen class I or of melanoma-associated antigens.
authors.affiliation: Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1502, USA.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Ohnmacht
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Marincola
mesh_terms: D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000276:immunology*; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I