[Screening and analysis of genes encoding hepatocellular carcinoma associated tumor antigens].
OBJECTIVE
To screen and clone the genes encoding hepatocellular carcinoma associated tumor antigens.


METHODS
A hepatocellular carcinoma cDNA express library was constructed with ZAP vector and analyzed by serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression library (SEREX) with sera from autologous and allogenous patients. Monoclonalized positive phage clones were converted into pBK-CMV phagemid forms by in vivo excision. The cDNA inserts were determined by restriction endonuclease digestion with EcoR I and Xho I. The cDNA inserts were sequenced and analyzed with bioinformatics. LIMS1 insert was cut from the clone HCL5-70 and constructed into pQE 31 express vector. The recombinant LIMS1 was expressed in M15 and analyzed with SDS-PAGE and Western blot.


RESULTS
Fourteen genes were cloned from autologous screening and eleven genes were obtained with allogeneous analysis. One gene, kinectin, was identified in both autologous and allogeneous screening. Eight of the total twenty-four genes were unknown for their functions; the other sixteen genes can be classified into eight groups according to their established or putative function. Recombinant LIMS1 was expressed in M15.


CONCLUSIONS
The identification of hepatocellular carcinoma associated tumor antigens provides potential targets for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and will help in the understanding of the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Wang
Hong-cheng
HC
Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100083, China.
Yang
Mu-hua
MH
Shi
Yong-yu
YY
Pang
Xue-wen
XW
Yang
Xiao-ang
XA
Peng
Ji-run
JR
Leng
Xi-sheng
XS
Chen
Wei-feng
WF
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D018076:DNA, Complementary