[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.
Centre régional de lutte contre le cancer René-Gauducheau, boulevard Jacques-Monod, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France.
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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