Identification of MHC class II-restricted tumor antigens recognized by CD4+ T cells.
CD4+ T cells play a central role in orchestrating host immune responses against cancer as well as autoimmune and infectious diseases. Identification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-restricted helper T peptides is important for development of effective vaccines. The lack of effective methods to identify such T-cell peptides is a major hurdle in the use of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in cancer vaccines. Here we describe a genetic targeting expression system for cloning genes encoding for MHC class II-restricted tumor antigens recognized by tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells. Helper T peptides are subsequently identified by using synthetic peptides to test their ability to stimulate CD4+ T cells.
Department of Immunology, The Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, ALKEK Building N1120, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA. rongfuw@bcm.tmc.edu
Rong-Fu
RF
Wang
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018604:Epitope Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods*
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II