[Molecular biology of lung cancer series].
BACKGROUND
MAGE-A3 (Melanoma Associated Antigen-A3) is expressed in cancer cells but not in normal tissues except male germ line cells which are devoid of Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules and therefore do not present MAGE-A3 antigens.


BACKGROUND
MAGE-A3 is expressed in 30 to 60% of non-small cell lung cancers but its function is unknown. Its recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes implies its presentation on the cell surface by HLA type A1 molecules that are absent from germ cells.


RESULTS
MAGE-A3 represents a good target for active anticancer immunotherapy. Some trials, which used MAGE-A3 and an adjuvant showed a strong antigen-specific T-cell response with, perhaps, an improved survival.


CONCLUSIONS
This needs to be confirmed as an adjuvent therapy by current phase III randomized controlled trials.
Hiret
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Centre régional de lutte contre le cancer René-Gauducheau, boulevard Jacques-Monod, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France.
Senellart
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H
Bennouna
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J
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D015788:HLA-A1 Antigen / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000096:biosynthesis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology; D014611:Vaccination
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D015788:HLA-A1 Antigen; C072013:MAGEA3 protein, human; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm