title: The role of MHC class II-restricted tumor antigens and CD4+ T cells in antitumor immunity.
abstract: The identification of tumor antigens has generated a resurgence of interest in immunotherapy for cancer. However, both clinical and animal studies suggest that therapeutic strategies that have mainly focused on the use of CD8+ T cells (and MHC class I-restricted tumor antigens) are not effective in eliminating cancer cells. Recent interest has been directed towards the use of CD4+ T cells in generating antitumor immunity. To this end, the identification of MHC class II-restricted tumor antigens that can stimulate CD4+ T cells might provide opportunities for developing effective cancer vaccines.
authors.affiliation: The Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA. rongfuw@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II